Full of Mirth
8x10 inch
Gouache, coloured pencil and scratch art on Claybord
I must apologise, as I have been quite neglectful with my blogging and internet sharing of late. I have been doing a bit of experimenting, much of which has not been successful and ended up in the rubbish bin. My husband Steve and I went into town (Sydney) last week to see Mary Poppins at the theatre, and whilst in town I took the opportunity to explore one of our largest art stores and the only Australian supplier of Ampersand products and so purchased some Claybord to play with. I have only tried this board once or twice before, without a great deal of success, but it has such a wonderful smooth surface, allowing for very fine details that I wanted to explore this product again to see if I could master it. The only drawback is the slickness of the surface, which makes it a little more challenging. In the past, I tried acrylics on the claybord, and can't say I was thrilled with the results, however, I know many artists produce amazing paintings, using this combination. I like the gouche better on this surface, as it adheres quite well, although will lift off if subsequent layers are too wet, and gives a more opaque colour laydown. The coloured pencils also seemed to work well over the gouache.
11 comments:
beautiful Karen, lovely delicate detailing on this little one :) Jules
The detail in this piece is exquisite Karen! Which part is scratchboard? I would not know it was mixed media unless you told me.
Karen, I think you have been very successful with this beautiful work!! I've not had a lot of luck working on Claybord either. Having the paint lift was always my problem, but loved the smoothness of the surface. I've not tried colored pencil on it. I'm always interested in seeing the different ways you work. You are such an inspiration!
Hi Jules - thank you so much for stopping by - your artwork is always an inspiration to me!!! :)
Thank you Mona - most of the white areas have been scratched out eg. the roughness on the beak, the chest feathers and the highlights on the bark. It was really more of an experiment, but I like doing the scratchart and so hope to do a bit more of it in the future.
Aren't you lovely Barbara. I did try the coloured pencils directly on the claybord at first and found that the linear work was very similar to the drafting film, but blocked in colour was nowhere near as smooth and strong as can be achieved on the film. I probably wouldn't use this surface for coloured pencil alone, because the drafting film is much better - just wish you could buy the drafting film mounted on a board similar to claybord - that would be fantastic!!! :)
Hi Karen. Great success , a beautiful painting. I have never tried the Claybord but I can understand with the very smoothness of this surface how difficult it could be with some mediums.
I love your work and is always so inspiring. Wish I could stand over your shoulder for a day and see all the interesting techniques you use.
After our big trip this year I am definitely going to do some experimenting myself.
Keep up the fantastic work.
Been wondering where you'd gotten to, Karen. I must say that this little bird is beautiful so it would seem that you have mastered the ampersand clayboard beautifully.
Dors I feel the same about your wonderful drawings, but thank you. Since my post, I've had two unsuccessful attempts on the claybord, so have abandoned this board in favour of the Gessoboard for now.
Thank you heaps Sherry, although there is no mastering here - as I mentioned above to Dors, I think it has got the better of me - LOL :)
hi Karen. First of all thank you for the lovely coment you left on my blog. It amazes me at how much wonderful pieces you get done,,, looking through your blog is a real feast for the eyes.... this piece i magnificant. Your attention to detail is what I admire the most. I dont know an artist that experiments more than you... I think you are the Einstein of the art world...
What a lovely comment Bridie and thank you!!! I think you mean the crazy, loopy Einstein of the artworld!!! :)
Karen, 2 of my most fave things - Kookies and Clayboard.
This is just so full of the character of these cheeky birds - wonderful job!
Thank you heaps Cindy - this was just a bir of an experiment, but I have to hand it to you, I'm just not sure about the Claybord - I think it might be a bit too challenging for me. Gives me extra appreciation for your wonderful work!!! :)
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