Saturday, March 6, 2010

Miniature Painting - Carnivale Juggler

Carnivale Juggler
8cm x 10cm
Oils on Rtistx Panel
This little painting was just the antidote I needed to lift me out of my rut. After months of doing commissions in mostly pencils, it was fun to pick up my fine little brushes (20/0) and have a play with paints again. It was also wonderful to paint freely, without worrying about whether I had created a good likeness of the subject. This little painting was inspired by the mystique of Cirque du Soleil and the detail of the Carnivale masks, and I would like to do a series of paintings following this type of theme. The paint has not yet dried, giving the scan a bit of a blotchy look. so I will repost it in a few days, once it has completely dried.

13 comments:

sharon said...

A beautiful piece! I like the fantasy of it. You have certainly overcome that rut you felt you were in.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Sharon - I think the 'rut' times are really important for rejuvenation and to challenge us to think outside the square, so as frustrating as they are, they are also wonderful!!!

Unknown said...

Superb piece Karen. Love it and beautifully executed. Gorgeous colors.

Your work is truly amazing.
Great job.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Dors - with this one I wanted to focus on playing with colour, because I don't get the chance to do that often, so I'm really happy you think it looks OK - thank you!!!

Mona Diane Conner said...

This really has an air of mystery and power to it. It reminds me of the Fool in the tarot deck who is underneath it all the wisest one.

Unknown said...

What a fascinating thought Mona - I don't really know a lot about Tarot cards, (although I have had mine read) but I might go find out some more, you have me intrigued. I love all these mystical themes.

Artoholic said...

Karen, this is just wonderful - I love the swirly colours, lines and the composition is so interesting. That is also my fave colour combo - blues, greens and purples all linked togther.

So this is oils? On canvas board? How do you keep your fine brushes in good shape with oils?

Great job!

Cheers

Cindy

Autumn Leaves said...

Karen, this is gorgeous. It appeals to me on a myriad of levels - color, subject, thoughts it evokes...Beautiful!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Cindy and Sherry for your wonderful comments!!!
Cindy, I did this one on Rtistx panel, which is not a canvas but a board with a very finely textured coating on it, designed for oils, watercolours, and coloured pencils. I bought it a couple of years ago from overseas, and have done a couple of watercolours on it, but this is the first time I tried oils. I usually go through one brush per painting, and pretty much have to throw it out at the end of the painting, especially with oils.

artbyakiko said...

What a detail! Absolutely beautiful, Karen. I can tell that you had a lot of fun working on this one . :-)

Unknown said...

I sure did have fun Akiko and thank you for your lovely comments!!! :))

Maggie Mei Lewis said...

Love your artwork! They look like they're about to jump off the film into the world! =)

Unknown said...

Thank you for that lovely compliment Maggie - I appreciate your wonderful feedback very much!!! :)