Return to Morro (dry pastel, 16 x 47)
The only thing even remotely close to being there is this...painting this, standing in front of this, absorbing this. Every inch of this piece is filled with the excitement of the sea as I recalled standing on the shores along the coast of Morro Bay, California, with my heart pounding faster and faster as each wave struck the rocks in front of me.
The great news is I've been painting up a storm. Well, okay not really a storm, a sea. Lots and lots of water and some mighty BIG water, too! Last night was the opening reception for my shared show at the Scott Milo Gallery in Anacortes, Washington. I love that place and it was a delightful event. I always look forward to meeting new folks and talking endlessly about art (no, not just mine :).
For the piece above I prepared a piece of Russian Birch by first applying a coat of latex to both sides (to keep it from warping). Then I prepared a mix of gesso, marble dust and just a touch of water until I got the consistency I thought would work best. I also added some acrylics to tint the mixture - I chose a warm grey. At first, I brushed the mixture on the board but I didn't feel like that gave me enough "tooth" so, for the last coat, I used a small foam roller to get a bit more texture on the surface. It worked perfectly for this large piece and I really enjoyed having the ability to create the exact surface I needed for for what I envisioned.
Cheers all.
Preciosa obra !!! Felicidades!!!... Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are absolutely worth the wait! Really, they are!
ReplyDeleteSandy, this is just beautiful, wonderful work. I couldn't say that enough. Its just magical work. Love that you told about the surface you made for this piece. Where would one get a birch board for this sort of thing. Do you frame under glass or varnish? I will check back to see your answer. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is so realistic, I feel like I need to go wash the sand off of my feet. It's stunning!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the sea - it's my favourite place to be. I can hardly believe that this isn't a photograph, as I so often think when I see your work. What an amazing talent you have :0)
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy,
ReplyDeleteGreat painting! I was at Morro Bay a number of times and your painting captures the beauty and serenity so wonderfully. The rolling waves over the rocks brings me right back there. It is a special place.
Wow! This is AWESOME! I wish I could see it in person. You captured the energy so well that my heart is pounding faster and faster. Sweet!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the show. I hope it does well for you.
-Don
Isabel, Asà que amable de su parte hacer un comentario. Muchas gracias y abrazos de vuelta!
ReplyDeleteSandra, You are so patient AND kind! I'm glad to know you are a fellow sea creature. Thank you for your very kind comment, too.
Hi Ida, Thanks so much. I really enjoyed making the surface. My hubby purchased the board at an upper-end lumber shop (vs the home improvement type stores) and then cut it to size for me. If you don't have the equipment to do it yourself, perhaps you can see if one of the lumber shops will cut-to-order. It is wonderful wood to work with. I will also be trying it for my oil paintings.
For glazing I use OP3/P99 museum grade acrylic. The OP3 indicates that the acrylic is 98% UV protective and the P99 indicates that is has a matte/non-reflective finish. I've used this for years and am quite happy with the product.
Nancy, Oh, that is such a nice compliment. Thank you!
Sue, This spot is just below the state park. How wonderful that you've been able to visit there several times. I'm very tempted to go back again and soon! Thank you for the nice compliment.
Don, So nice to "see" you - Thanks for feelin' the energy - that's my favorite part :).I'm heading your way soon to catch up...