Abstract Art And Sweet Treats

With all of the activity of preparing for Christmas, it's been a little harder to find time for painting.  However, I always find a way!  I have a special fondness for abstract art, and I completed a colorful abstract painting this morning.

 

 Inner City

12" x 24"

Acrylic on Canvas

 

I did a rough sketch first on paper.  I then drew the basic framework on the canvas with a burnt sienna pastel pencil. I sprayed the canvas with matte acrylic spray to seal the drawing and prevent it from smearing.  I chose a color scheme, and that is where the planning ended.

Santa must have decided that I had been a good little artist this year, because my Christmas present arrived early in the form of Golden Fluid Acrylics.  Until this year, they were but a fond dream.  They are the most incredible paints I've ever used!  The colors are so intense - they are straight pigment with no fillers.

 

 

I wanted the tiny squares to have a contrasting texture, so I tried a new acrylic medium - glass bead gel.  There are transluscent glass beads suspended in the acrylic medium.  They create an interesting effect when the light hits them.  You can mix them with paint, or paint over them. 

 

 

 

Before I applied the glass bead gel, I painted the squares with irridescent pearl paint.  I applied the bead gel over the paint.  Because the gel dries clear, the irredescent paint showed through.  I mixed gloss glazing medium with irridescent steel paint and painted over the bead gel.  I then added a bit of micaceous iron oxide over that.

 

 

I worked the painting more by instinct than plan, adding shadows and highlights to create dimension.

 

 As I came closer to finishing, I realized that the small squares were not standing out the way I wanted them to.  I drybrushed gesso and irridescent pearl to give the impression of light emanating from them.

 

 

My painting has become my own "city of lights".

 

 

I ordered some 24" x 36" canvases from Dick Blick this week.  The paint will be flying again!  I think I'll reward myself with one of my homemade Christmas treats to celebrate my finished painting.  Would you like to join me?

 

 

I will be linking to Paint Party Friday.  If you click on the Paint Party Friday icon in my right sidebar on Friday morning, you will find the links to all sorts of wonderful painted works.  I hope you will join us. 

I pray that all of you will find peace and contentment this Christmas season.  You are in my heart and prayers.

 

Until next time,

 

Comments

[Beverly]

Wow! Love this one, Terri. Every time I look I see something I missed before.

Merry Christmas. Now, where is my cookie.

[Robin]

This abstract is awesome...love the colors and pizazz...really great..would brighten any home..!

[Christina Minasian]

Great abstract art! Even the cropped pictures work well as their own compositions! And the treats look yummy!
Happy PPF!

[EVA]

A gorgeous abstract! That glass bead gel gives a fascinating effect!

Merry Christmas, Terri and happy PPF!

[Carol King]

What a great painting. I love the organic shapes and the colors. And your Christmas treats are making my mouth water!

[Linda K]

Fantastic abstract-wow!!! I really love those Golden acrylics too. I've been wanting to try out that bead gel-very intriguing. And what a delectable plate of goodies-yum! Merry Christmas and Happy PPF!

[Anne Manda]

Awesome painting, absolutely sparkling and enchanting! Very multidimensional and solid composition. And very interesting process, too, thank you for sharing!
Yes, I sure would like one of those delicious looking cookies, thank you! :) Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

[Gloria J Zucaro]

Yum! Both your painting and cookies are super! Thank you for explaining your process. I have some glass bead gel, but never used it. If I want the beads to sparkle do I need to wipe the paint off them after applying paint to their surrounding area?

[bellalullo]

Love your work! Happy PPF e Buon Natale!
Ciao
Bellalullo

[Carolyn Dube]

I love the boldness of your colors and the flow of the composition! Happy PPF!

[molly]

this is fantastic-- those colors are so vibrant. i am in awe of people who can create abstract art that actually looks intentional and cohesive. my attempts always look so disjointed.

it looks like you are ready for the holidays! enjoy!

[Mary C. Nasser]

Love your painting!! That color triad of secondary colors is one of my most FAVORITE color schemes!
I really want one of those M&M-covered pretzels, too!! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF and Happy Holidays!!
Mary

[carlarey]

This painting is fantastic, I love all the movement and color. Those treats don;t look too shabby either!

[sandra sherman]

Beautiful abstract painting, i love the colours you have used and the gel beads add that touch of sparkle. great work :)

[annie!]

Yes! I'll be right over! The title of this piece is perfect...and reflects the peace inside. Love those shiny bits! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Nic]

Wow - I love your abstract! those colours are amazing!! And as for your home-baked treats - I don't eat dairy so couldn't indulge but man they look good!!

[Laura Moore]

Fabulous strong colours and statement pieces. Those M&M's look great too. Merry Christmas and Happy PPF.

[Debbie]

This painting came together quickly! Your colors are really beautiful. I love Golden fluid acrylics, too, and like to make lots of fun textures and layers with them. I think you're really going to love painting with them. Happy Holidays!!