So anyway, the canvas was in good shape and the painting was pretty smooth, not all lumpy and bumpy with paint--and being smooth is perfect for painting over! I love painting over bad paintings. I usually let elements of the original painting peek through or dictate the composition of the new painting. I feel that gives the original painting new life and some validity, a chance to escape the dumpster and hang on someone's wall. It's also a kind of secret; a layer that remains mostly unseen and unknown.
I like secrets in paintings.
That's why I'll never give the whole story away with any of my pieces, and that drives some people crazy. But I think a painting requires some audience participation and if I stuff the entire background, history, and narrative down the viewer's throat, then what does the viewer have left to bring to the table? (Other than puking up all the crammed-down art-speak nonsense)
Goodness! I seem to be veering off into a tangent. Here's the new painting in progress! There's no title yet, but it's oil on canvas. I think it's about 24 x 30 inches, sort of around there. I'm too lazy to run upstairs and measure.
detail
the whole enchilada
4 comments:
wow! this is really amazing. I LOVE how you've married the old background into the new one. The difference in painting styles also gives it a unique look. She's so thoughtful and lovely!~
She is stunning. I love using 2nd hand canvas. Sometimes you get lucky too when going to thrift stores and find a "meh" painting inside a "oh la la" frame.
Would love to see what it looks like when it is done.
One of the things I love about your work is your one sentence caption that goes with them-I smile, nod my head and think "oh yeah"... and then I try to imagine the rest of the story.
Love that you're letting a little of the old painting show through your new work- layers and layers...
Thanks guys! I wanted to work on her some more today, but mom duties trump all. Hopefully I'll get some work done soon!
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