Friday, February 28, 2014

Singing the Blues


A little break this week from the Masters (although I like to think that what I learn gets incorporated into my paintings!).  I had this small (5x5") canvas that I wasn't pleased with - so "do over time"!!  I painted the background in a Cadmium Red light - which is pretty much a red / orange (at least in Liquitex paints).  I had a lot of texture on the old canvas so I used a palette knife to apply a couple of layers of paint.  Thought about complementary colors and collaged this blue bird (previously unknown breed - LOL).  It came to me that a blue bird should be singing the "blues" so here he is.  Collage is relaxing for me - I often use pages from old Somerset Studio magazines for the variety of color and pattern.  I did paint over the collage (leaving some pattern showing) in various shades of blue to unify the layers of paper.  And viola! - Singing the Blues!

It's amazing how often that inner critic shows up when I look at anything I have created.  That's one reason why I don't paint realistically - I don't think I could ever finish a painting - there would be just one more change to make (did I mention I am a very detail oriented person!)  Posting to Paint Party Friday - hosted by the wonderful Eva and Kristin.  Go take a look around at all the wonderful artists who contribute/  And this is my contribution - I got to cut and glue - how much fun is that?!  Thanks for stopping by - have a blessed and art filled day.

45 comments:

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    1. Thanks Valerie - just thought I would let you know how important your encouragement has been in my art journey - thank you so much for that

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  2. I love your beautiful bird singing the blues. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. From one detail person to another....let the inner critic be quiet!! Nice work.
    Happy PPF!

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    1. Oh thank you - it's not just the details - it's that "guy" who brings all that stuff to my attention. I need to become looser about my work - I am also a "work" in progress!

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  4. Hi there. Hope all is good for you. I like your little blue bird and the singing of the blues is right on! He actually looks like he is whistling his song. Great job. I liked your comment on my post about the tenements. You said, "Our styles change because of the influences around us and the progression of our souls in the inside." Those are words that I would call food for thought. I liked it and am thinking on it. Thanks. Have a great day.

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    1. Thank you - the good thing about food for thought - only your mind gains weight by thinking on it - LOL

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  5. Gina....I LOVE this little bird so much! Wow I am so impressed with all your improvements...it's fantastic to see the wonderful changes in your work and see your own style emerge...wow..... I am leaving here with a big smile!!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. You are such an encourager!!! I recognize that - because I try to encourage the people around me too. Your comment gave my heart a lift

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  6. So sweet and beautiful!!!

    Smiles, Saskia :)

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  7. Such a sweet bluebird . Cadmium red is my favourite shade of red. It shouts loud and proud and is the perfect partner for your bluebird.

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    1. I really like it's orange tones - I am always drawn to orange and this color is the right combo of red and orange. It does shout it's name out - Thank you for stopping by and leaving a lovely comment

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  8. This painting is just darling! Love the color contrast and texture!

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    1. Thank you so much Abigail - I didn't think too much about this one - just let it happen. Sometimes my brain just needs a rest - LOL

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  9. He is precious, and his blue feathers stands out beautifully against your red background. I believe we naturally incorporate everything we observe/study into our work too. Blessings!

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    1. Embracing my artistic side has changed the way I look at the world around me. I thank God all the time that he opened my eyes in this way!

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  10. Love the blue bird! The flowers I paint are usually of the same category as the undiscovered bird you have here. Species from my brain. The color combination is beautiful.

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    1. Isn't creativity a wonderful gift? Thank you Faye for your lovely comment

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  11. Yes, it has a nice blue color, lovely bird!

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  12. God work on singin' the blues. Nice do over.

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  13. Your blue bird is stunning..full of life..enchanting..and gorgeous! also love the combo of reds and blues..pure bliss!
    victoria

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    1. what a lovely and encouraging comment - thank you so much Victoria

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  14. love how you have re-purposed this canvas! Nice red.

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  15. The color contrast here is great! So bright and singing, I love this sweet blue bird!

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  16. Sweet! Glad you let yourself go to create this fine painting, lovely outcome! HPPF on Sunday!

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    1. lynn - thanks so much for stopping by - our styles are so different - but it's all art!

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  17. I agree with you that we get so much fun in art and life when we leave the detail and the realism behind and just play with colour and shapes. Your bright, zingy colours light up the day, and I think perhaps the little blue bird is Singing the Blues to happy, jazzy music.

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    1. I agree with you - this is a happy version of the blues - I know that there are many fine realistic painters out there - that much realism just hurts my brain when I attempt it!! LOL Thanks so much for your lovely comment.

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  18. Love it!!!! Aren't we our worst critics ? I am constantly changing my paintings and often wishing I had left them be but just can' stop myself :(

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    1. Thank you Carol - yes I am indeed my worst critic. That's why I love being able to share with other artists online. Helps me see from different eyes!

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  19. Oh those colours just grab your attention, beautiful! There are so many varying hues of the same colour in different brands, these are quite lovely.

    Annabelle : )

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  20. So adorable bird! Wonderful colours! I like it!!

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  22. Looks like you had fun creating this. He might be singing the blues but I think its a happy painting.

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  24. You made it work for you! I love that you used a palette knife for depth and your finished piece just sings to me (sorry, I had to ;) Bravo, xoxo

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  25. This is a fun and happy piece that brings joy
    Nicole/Beadwright

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