Sunday 25 September 2011

North East Open Studios

It's only been a week since our NEOS exhibition at the Waldorf School came to a close and we gave the gym back to the pupils again. What a wonderful week it was; being part of an artist collective with great talents, learning more about the Waldorf education ethos, meeting new people and friends (thank you so much for visiting my stand), receiving wonderful feedback about my artwork and even selling my paintings, cards and prints! The whole experience really has encouraged me to continue what I love most; creating abstract paintings by experimenting with all kinds of media. I don't have to wait because next week I'm starting the Intermediate painting course at Grays, Aberdeen, and it will be all about abstraction. In March 2012 it will be finished with an exhibition, so if you're interested, please subscribe to my blog with your email address or check the Exhibitions page regularly.

Here's an impression of our NEOS event:



For a 360 degree tour in our venue, please visit this link and also this link with the pupils singing. The virtual tour was created by Darren Wright from Visions Photography Club in Aberdeen.

Friday 9 September 2011

Artistic Explorations: Mixed Media (3)

For my birthday, which was a few weeks ago, I received two wonderful art workshop books from my inlaws written by artist Rolina van Vliet. Both books have already given me plenty of inspiration for making abstract paintings with texture that will keep me busy for the coming years. There was one exercise in particular I just had to do right away because of the gorgeous texture; using kitchen foil with acrylics.

The result is this piece which I've named "Co-existence" because of the very different tonal squares (like borders) but they need the "opposite" side for overall harmony and balance, just like Yin Yang. The painting is made on MDF board and in a wooden frame, size 34 x 34 cm.

Co-Existence ©Fenfolio2011

I've found a few other artists who have used (kitchen) foil in their paintings too. Aren't these corroded colours and effects just wonderful?

 
Going, Going, Gone ©Linda Stevens

Hidden Identity © DWanabe

Num,ber 4 Dream ©Rinkart

Rhapsody of Colours 31 ©Superstock

Shield ©Penelopemoon

I think I will be using this household product more with my paintings than in the kitchen!