One Moon / Two Flowers

I don't think this one is complete. It needs something more. I'm just not sure what yet.

A funky little piece.When I added the crystalline paper onto a black background it looked quite dramatic. Btw, the colors are off in this image. It couldn't be helped.

Yes, two new collages. One a concept piece, the other about color. The concept was hatched during a recent cold snap in the area. Someone predicted it would end when the cold Moon had passed. If you live in a northern region you know what that means. Those hard moons and clear night skies that herald a frost. The second collage was about color and letting go. Let the piece drive itself. I gathered bits and scraps of harmonious colored papers and started gluing them down with no plan of action beforehand. When completed it made me think of two flowers in a vase.

Abstract is an interesting way to approach art. On one hand it's freeing because nothing has to look like anything if you don't wish it. No details to fuss over unless you wish it. Sometimes I'm finding too much freedom can be quite scary.

Birthing an Abstract Collage

I'm not quite ready to deliver yet but it won't be much longer. This is basically my process...try this one, try that one...no try another NO! NOT THAT! Ah, that works better. Yes, yes...okay.

There is method to my craziness. The rules of composition still apply and thankfully can guide me until I feel more confident to try something more daring. Know the rules before you break the rules. I love a good mix of texture, form and color and one of the things I'm enjoying most working on these collages is how easy it is to experiment with color, always something I can improve upon.

Abstract Collage ~ one pass/one fail

And after aging. I love this effect when done right. It can go 'dirty' real fast. A gentle hand is required.

Before aging

This failed when I was far too aggressive with the black acrylic painting when I began toning/aging this one. I am still a little confused by the areas that seemed to grab that paint, though. I had a few coats of gel gloss medium down to protect but it wasn't entirely successful. I 'll be more cautious next time.

In the spirit of keeping myself honest I'm posting one collage I like and another which I do not. Sadly, one failed miserably. Of course every fail must be seen as a learning opportunity.

I'm realizing that there is much to learn about creating abstract art. Abstracts are from the artists' imagination for the most part. They can be informed(inspired) by something in the real world, though. Personally I need a jumping off point to get me started so this is good news. However I'm not at that point yet. I'm still trying to conquer composition. Another goal of mine is to become a better colorist, or any kind of colorist at all. I carry around Quillers' color wheel like my favorite blanket. But I digress....

Back to the Inks

Last night I cut myself a few 5" x 7" pieces of Yupo and played with my Adirondack alcohol inks. Here are some of my results. They are simple little abstracts and it felt so good to let the inks loose and let them do what they do. No plan, just play. Seems I usually wind up with a lot of tree shapes emerging or maybe I see trees in almost every abstract. I do like to add inks that have more open time like Pitch Black or one of the mixatives. Then I can manipulate them with a bamboo skewer or some other tool before they are too dry.