Monday, February 9, 2009

"Flick"

Connie Kleinjans fine art
16"x20", acrylic on stretched canvas

I'm seeing patterns in my imagery. Like the one I posted on 2/5, this one has shapes that are like continents. Or maybe clouds. I'm also learning my process. What I do is, I start with an underpainting, then I work with that. When I finish, I keep expecting some of that to be visible in the final effort. I have to say, though, that I pretty much cover up all the undercoat paint. I guess sometimes some shapes remain.

So what happens? A conversation. The underpainting dries, and I go back and look at it from all four orientations. I start to find shapes in it, and I bring those out, usually applying paint with a piece of an old T-shirt (I use brushes if I want some precision). Each time I add paint, the composition shifts, and it suggests the next thing to do. Eventually, I've covered up all of layer one.

But I gotta say, the main thing I do seems to be to simplify. There's a life lesson there, somewhere.

3 comments:

  1. Connie there is a real beauty to these and this one I love. So much is happening with simple and wonderful shapes. Your composition and balance of line, color and shape is so pleasing. All the smaller elements of drip and line and caligraphy tie everything together. Love the beautiful rose red color that is seen coming through in places...I could go on. You can do these girl!

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  2. Hi Dori. You know, I keep being surprised that, for instance, my husband likes these. They're not "pretty" by the normal definition. So your "real beauty" is just astonishing. I appreciate that you mention the elements of composition, because ultimately I want these to work as visual creations.

    This sure feels right. I have no idea where this is going, and I get worried that I'll lose the fire. Maybe I shouldn't borrow trouble. Be here now and all that. :)

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  3. Hi Connie. I have to say that I am really enjoying this series! They have a wonderful depth of color that I'm sure is even more stunning in person. I agree with Dori about the strong compositions. You've done a wonderful job of leading my eye around the canvas. Beautiful!

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