RESURRECTION!

Today I decided to photograph my gesso transfer process for the new book. While I was covering up old, ugly paintings with white gesso, I decided to try an idea I had from the Brommer workshop. I covered another painting with red gesso with the intention to proceed with a collage on top. I think I need to re-photograph the transfer process because the photos are at awkward angles. I guess I need to put things on the floor and shoot down or stand on a ladder and shoot down.

There is something so liberating about resurrecting a piece of good paper with a bad painting on it from the scrap heap and turning it into a painting I like. By the time I finished, I'm not sure the red base influenced anything, but I had a great time working on it. I kept remembering Jerry Brommer's words of keep layering until you like what happens. There are a number of layers in play here. I also finally played around with a new product that was given to me as a gift by Kathy McChesney when I was teaching in Solano Beach. These water soluble oil pastels are called Portfolio (found in Michael's) and made by the people who bring us Crayola. It is a student grade product but WHAT FUN! Kathy does the most amazing paintings with them. I never figured out how to combine them with what I was doing until today.

I went to the website at www.portfolioseries.com and found some wonderful student work, and interesting projects by art teachers. One project, (under acrylic), was wooden chairs painted in the style of a famous artist. The kids did amazing work. Makes me want to create an entire set for myself. If you are looking for a dynamite way to create something exciting on a budget, check it out. Oh well, must stay on task Kudos to the talented kids and their dedicated, inspirational art teachers.