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Saturday, December 19, 2009

Illustration Friday: Undone

I've been meaning to post about my painting process, and seeings how this week's IF topic is 'undone', I thought I would post the 'undone' to the done stages of my recent 'Not to Be Trusted' piece for the Thumb Box Exhibition.

I wanted to paint with acrylics on wood, which is something I haven't done since the Holocaust Star Project. Blick didn't have the 6" x 6" size I needed for this small works show, so I bought 6" x 12" craft wood, and since Home depot said it was too small for them to cut without damaging the wood, I bought a Kobalt Fine Tooth Laminate Saw to cut the boards in half, and then sanded. I've always loved woodworking, so this was fun. :)

I gave the wood boards an acrylic base coat stain, and then transferred the 2 drawings I had completed. I could submit 3 pieces, but I only had 2 weeks, so I wasn't sure if I'd get that 3rd board, but prepped it with a blue stain just in case. (I'll post the outcome of that one later.)

I used a Pablo Caran d'Ache sepia-toned pencil to go over my drawing and add some shading. My goal was to maintain some of my linework in the final piece. (Before this step I had I scanned the drawing and the actual wood surface into the computer to work out my color plan in photoshop.)

I then started painting with my new favorite paints, the Atelier Interactive Acrylics, which enable you to re-wet them for blending, but you can also 'cure' the bottom layers with a hair dryer to glaze on top. They gave me the ultimate in flexibility. I also worked with stiffer brushes than the sables I'm used to. I liked the look of the illustration with the wood background showing, and contemplated leaving it like this. I wish I could have hit the 'duplicate' button to end up with 2 painting versions.

''Not to Be Trusted' acrylic on wood

After I had the background, and most of the rest painted, I had to scan it back into the computer to rethink her dress color. My original plan was to make it an emerald green, but that started to feel wrong. Testing out some colors in photoshop took the guesswork out. To 'cure' the painting I used a hairdryer over all of it. Some of the whites darken when they dry.

I was able to help hang the show, which was a good learning experience. The night of the opening I was surprised to find that she already sold. I was excited, but also just a touch sad as we didn't have much time together. I took lot of photos and scans, and I'll be offering a print soon.

This week I'll hit my 4th year Blog Anniversary!!! It's been quite an artistic journey, and it makes it all the better to be able to share it here with such a great art community. At first I was just so excited to meet fellow artists online, but this year I've been able start meeting some of you in person at the SCBWI conferences, and local artists here in Columbus, and it's been so inspiring.

I want to send everyone warm wishes for a very Happy Winter Solstice! I love this day as it means the days will start to become longer. I hope everyone has a safe merry holiday season!

20 comments:

anthony grajirena said...

great piece! really enjoyed following the process too... thanks!

Krista said...

Your blog is just wonderful!

Nina Seven N7 said...

great post, angela! I enjoyed seeing your process for the paintings. cool work!

RWDillustration said...

Wonderful illustration...

Eric M. Smith said...

Thanks for posting your process, Angela. You're having great success with your latest real-media paintings.

elizabeth said...

This is beautiful! I love the wood grain's influence, both in the earlier stage and even after the background's painted blue. Congratulations on the sale!

Angela Matteson said...

Thanks everyone!

donny* said...

LOVE the post and the painting. thanks for sharing the process.

Nancy Bea Miller said...

Ah, the beauty of the red dot! Congratulations on the sale and a lovely piece. Thanks for showing us how you did it...I'd like to try those interactive acrylics sometime.

Anonymous said...

It is great to see process! Thanks for sharing. I really like your work!

Food and Drugs said...

Beautiful! Great work!

fashion fucsia said...

Wow Angela! Your work is fabulous, well done!! Congrats for your 4th year Blog Anniversary!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
^_^

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh good heavens! This is absolutely stunning, dreamy. It's no surprise that it sold immediately. The colors you chose are nothing short of perfection. The reds and oranges really show well. Wow! Beautiful! Thanks for showing the process.

Happy holidays to you and your family!

illustration poetry said...

i love this post :) and it's wonderful seeing the process.
your painting is enchanting, Angela, and congratulation on your 4th year Blog Anniversary!

xox,
~mita

Kay Aker said...

Exquisite! Small wonder it sold so quickly! Happy Holidays!

valerie walsh said...

of course! how wouldn't want this treasure! I would, also I am a fishy, well 2 fishys but how is counting? :D Love this and your process is delightful, oh the fun we could have :D

Renee said...

Your piece is stunning.

Renee xoxo

Christy Croll (tiddly inks) said...

Congrats on selling the piece...she is lovely. :)

Andrew Finnie said...

thanks for the heads up, beautiful work

cassia said...

I'm so glad you found me. I absolutely love your work- it's a real treat for the eyes, particularly your little piglet- fantastic! Will definitely be back to see your future art adventures :0)