For once I am remembering to take rough ‘n ready photos as I work through the many, often ugly duckling, stages of a mixed media painting. The photos are quick, crooked and poorly lit, but are enough to show the process I work through, and are in order.
I’m sending work to the Legato exhibition in Cassino, Italy, in 2014. I’ve been playing with ideas for a while, but nothing has worked as I wanted it to. The problem has been my head-space rather than my actual art practice. Last night I think I finally got into the right place mentally to get on with it. Fingers crossed.
Legato is now an established part of the annual WW2 Battles of Cassino commemorations held in Cassino, Italy in May each year. The 70th commemorations will be a special time with surviving veterans, international dignitaries and families of veterans participating as well as the local Italian people who are committed to remembering and honouring the people who were there during WW2.
I have some full size sheets of watercolour, a bucket of water, a couple of photos, my memories of Italy, some stencils, inks, fluid acrylics, brushes and a new roll of handytowels. Oh, and my camera. Here’s a few visuals of what’s involved.
Last year, for my presentation at the LIANZA annual conference, I made 20 mixed media slides based on chooks and was really happy with them. I decided there was a topic I felt equally passionate about that I wanted to present on this year and my proposal was accepted. In it, I said my presentation would include 20 mixed media slides – same as last year. My presentation is titled “Wear your heart on your sleeve” and I decided to make fairly plain backgrounds and decorate each one with a unique heart. I’ve made about 8 and, although they’re fine as hearts, the whole thing just isn’t grabbing me.
I’ve been really frustrated and procrastinating. Now time is relatively short, as conference is about a month away. I have decided to scrap what I’ve done and start afresh. Wish me luck!
I needed to get some art time in, so I shouted myself an online course with Carla Sonheim. I own one of her books and love it, and when I saw that she had a course on landscapes using a Gelli Plate I couldn’t resist. I’m loving the course and will be doing it all over again with a friend in a couple of week’s time. Here’s what I have done today; each piece has been back to the Gelli Plate probably 7 or 8 times. I love the process she teaches, and her calm approach. I may yet work into these a bit more, but need to really look at them first.
A few days ago I commented that since Mum died I haven’t achieved much, and have done plenty of art journaling etc but no real painting. Tony was away last night, due back late today, as he had a medical appointment in Hamilton, so it’s been just me and the furkids.
I decided to prepare some canvas and see what happened. Not push it, but just give myself the chance to really paint. I’m not sure where these are headed but I have a sense that I might be starting to paint again. That would be so cool and Mum would be pleased. No doubt she is watching me and mumbling about the mess I make 😉
Cath Sheard Art 