Sometimes we just need to Develop Craft! It’s the Studio Habit of Mind that I like the least (because people assume that’s all we do), but it’s also about stretching and exploring. A couple months ago I got the urge to paint large and have a substantial product, something with presence. I chose to learn how to use acrylic paint and to try out painting on canvas, so I’ve been teaching myself and making these little plant paintings while on this journey.
It’s very different from watercolors or ink on paper – instead of painting from light to dark you paint from dark to light mostly, and the texture of painting and the process is different. On paper I like to finish one section at a time but on canvas and with acrylic it makes more sense to work in layers across the whole painting.
These four paintings are in the West Hartford Art League Small Works Exhibit that opens Friday, November 19, 2021, 6 – 8 pm.
“Christmas Cactus,” 2021, 8″ x 10″
“Philodendron,” 2021, 8″ x 10″
“Pilea Peperoimoides,” 2021, 8″ x 10″
“Aloe Vera,” 2021, 8″ x 10″