This past week I was in Phoenix, AZ attending Art Unraveled, a creative week of workshops and an art retreat that takes place every year. I always like to take workshops and classes. It helps me to grow as a painter when I can be inspired by new ideas. It is an adventure for me.
I spent my time taking classes from the abstract artist Joan Fullerton. Her style was fun, interesting, and effective. It is her belief that “abstract art encourages the imagination to run free. Inner and outer worlds collide making a space for new awareness to grow.”
Joan taught several mark-making and layering techniques that were what I was hoping for. We worked in mixed media which included acrylic paint and medium, acrylic paint pens, oil pastel, charcoal and ink. Each work started with random mark-making. We then used our materials to create whatever inspired us.
Abstract 2, mixed media on canvas, 14 x 18 inches, 2015. ©Ann Hart Marquis
I worked on stretched canvas and watercolor paper. The paintings above and below are on stretched canvas. They both developed rather quickly, in about 1½ hours. They may be finished, but I never know when a painting is done until I have lived with it for a while.
Abstract 1, mixed media on canvas, 14 x 18 inches, 2015. ©Ann Hart Marquis
They seem a little busy to me. What do you think?
I love the way you are pushing the abstract side of your work.
Joni, I so much appreciate your comment. I am having a good time exploring more abstract ideas. Hope you are painting often.
I don’t think that they are too busy. I love Abstract 1. The colors in Abstract 2 seem new for you. Your creativity seems boundless. Patti
Patti, it is wonderful to get a comment from you. Thank you. My creativity come and goes, but I am enjoying myself. Thanks for the feedback.
Both paintings look complete. And neither seem to have an extra brush stroke too many. Nice color palettes and interesting variety of marks.
Kudos!
Thank you Anne for your comments. I appreciate feedback. The paintings were a relatively new area for me and I find critiques to be helpful.