Abscraptions

[Donna T]

I'm playing with leftover paint on a previously used surface. I taped off 4 in. squares and mixed cold wax in with oils so I could experiment with layering and texture. I need to be more patient with letting the layers dry so I don't get too many muddy colors. The last one doesn't work for me but I'm not getting out more paint to fix it because that would lead to more leftovers! Oil and cold wax on paper 4x4 in.

 

[Enyaw]

Hello Donna. I find 1 and 4 to hold much more interest with 4 being my choice of best. Like the subdued colourations.

 

[Donna T]

Hi Wayne- it’s good to see you here again. I need to work at keeping an abstract composition. Luckily I have more scraps for practice.

 

[Hermes2020]

That's an attention-grabbing title; I like the word Abscraptions! I also appreciate your use of leftovers and the use of cold wax. Can one apply glazes successfully of paint mixed with cold wax? I think some glazing over the last one would give lovely effects.

 

[Donna T]

The word fits, doesn’t it, Hermes? I learned from videos by Mark Russell to mix in Galkyd gel along with the wax (50/50) to increase transparency and speed up the drying time. I will try glazing that last scrap - it needs help. If I work on larger pieces I can use a brayer instead of just a palette knife to create layers. Thanks for your comment!

 

[Artyczar]

I think all of these are great! I like the second one the best because of the contrast, but they all have suck a cool look about them because of the technique you used. I can see them very large, like 40-60 inches. Really nice!

Also, I realize these are small, but you still did them quickly, yes? I have been so impatient with waiting for parts of my paintings to dry so I can finish them. It's become so frustrating.

 

[Donna T]

Thanks Ayin, I really appreciate your thoughts. I would love to do a huge abstract someday, something that makes you feel like you're experiencing it and not just looking at it. I did do these quickly and I got muddy areas when I added layers too quickly ... so I added even more on top to "fix" it, haha. I like the work you're doing on your portrait (and that awesome background!) and understand your frustration with drying times. Portraits are hard enough without colors blending that shouldn't be. Maybe you could experiment with something like Galkyd gel if only for your initial layers. Even a tacky layer is better than an outright wet oily layer when you want to keep painting.

 

[JennieJo]

Thanks Ayin, I really appreciate your thoughts. I would love to do a huge abstract someday, something that makes you feel like you're experiencing it and not just looking at it. I did do these quickly and I got muddy areas when I added layers too quickly ... so I added even more on top to "fix" it, haha. I like the work you're doing on your portrait (and that awesome background!) and understand your frustration with drying times. Portraits are hard enough without colors blending that shouldn't be. Maybe you could experiment with something like Galkyd gel if only for your initial layers. Even a tacky layer is better than an outright wet oily layer when you want to keep painting.

Thanks Dorna I going to my Art shop tomorrow, a cool (winter here) 250 km round trip. Galkyd gel is now on my list.

 

[Terri]

I'm playing with leftover paint on a previously used surface. I taped off 4 in. squares and mixed cold wax in with oils so I could experiment with layering and texture. I need to be more patient with letting the layers dry so I don't get too many muddy colors. The last one doesn't work for me but I'm not getting out more paint to fix it because that would lead to more leftovers! Oil and cold wax on paper 4x4 in.

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I was going to say, "You're channeling your inner Wayne with these," but then there he was.

I love these - beautiful texture work. My eye keeps being drawn to the third one, though they're all pretty delicious!

 

[Jo Castillo]

Donna, these are fun. Love your experiments and title! Happy to see you, too, Wayne.

 

[Artyczar]

Me three!

 

[Donna T]

Jennie Jo - I hope you find lots of goodies at the art shop!

Terri - thank you! Working on scraps and leftovers is low-stress and fun. I just want to push paint around and not worry about the outcome. I’m kind of a health wreck so any art”work” is a victory!

Hi Jo - you know that your pastels on re-used paper always inspire me. These scraps were from a hideous attempt at plein air sunflowers in pastels.