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| Amy the Artist |
Where my INSPIRATION comes from;
Whether it's visually seeing a subject, a thought or visual picture in my mind, my inspiration always starts from within my soul, a feeling. When I am open to that "feeling" my eyes and imagination find the way. I am susceptible to my inspirational feeling by embracing the small moments in life that make me happy, walking my dog, sitting by the lake, listening to my children laugh to name a few.
My APPROACHES to start a painting;
I love to take photo's of scenes or objects I find interesting and beautiful. I sometimes will take 50 to 100 shots. I then will take the time to sort through all picking the ones that truly jump out at me. Then narrow it down to one or a few that I combine.
At times I will sit and draw in plain air a scene or object, take it back to my home studio to get started. Often times when I do this I will write myself notes on my sketch pad to remember specific details I like of color, texture etc.
I sometimes will paint in plein air, from a live model or a still life I find interesting.
The first steps to working on my canvas vary depending on what I'm creating. If it's a landscape I normally jump right in with my paints. I will mark a line for my horizon then lay down a block or two of color to prepare my canvas. Then I will start creating from the background to the foreground. If it's a figure or still life I will draw certain blocks of negative space, or lightly paint it in like drawing, then I will start my masterpiece:)
I pay attention to the composition early on in my works of art. I want to make sure it's an interesting piece, pleasing to the eye. I adjust different elements at this point if need be. I love to put lots of depth into a large portion of my pieces. I like the sky to look deep & far or the river to look long. I keep my pieces interesting to the eye.
I like the fact my chosen medium dries quickly. This gives me great opportunity for layering, since I don't typically like waiting long periods of time for this process. When I start a painting I like to work quick. Although "quick" depends on my subject matter, what feeling I want to portray and the process it takes to get there. I decide what I want to create before I start my work. I study my subject well prior and meditate for a period of time before I begin. This allows me to foresee what needs to take place with my mind and my brush beforehand.
COLOR
I use a floating medium in place of water when I need to thin out my paint. This allows me to keep the vibrancy of color by not loosing my pigment. Although I have numerous color tubes at my disposal I feel most comfortable using a limited palette of normally 7 colors, my primaries, white, a chosen shade of brown, green & purple. This gives me the control to be more "into" my work by creating my own versions of color. I also feel my final outcome is more so connected. I don't use much black, if any, but rather mix my own version of. I feel it gives more depth, interest and realistic quality.
BRUSHES
I use brushes specifically designed for acrylic paints. My width doesn't succeed 1 & 1/2" unless I'm blocking in a large canvas or working on a mural. I like the control and detail smaller brushes allow me to gain. My most common shape is flat angled with a chiseled edge. I'll use think bristled for texture and highlighting brush. A fan brush is also handy to me for highlighting greenery, water or creating a grassy look. I always sign my signature with a script liner.
CANVAS
My choice of size has mostly been a 16x20" but recently I have broadened my options. I always used gallery wrapped and double primed with a 1 to 2" depth. I have a personal carpenter whom recently has been custom making my canvases! Some of my paintings I choose not to frame because they are already gallery wrapped and look great on the wall. I like this modern look although I do frame some of my work and thanks to my carpenter these are all custom as well. I seal my final work with a polycrylic which I brush on with a foam. I use a gloss or satin finish depending on what look I want to portray. The vibrancy of my colors really pop with this final step and also protects my final piece from fading and keeps it durable.
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