Weaving paintings

I had an idea to use the paintings that don't turn out so well. Cut up into uneven strips and weave them like a basket leaving space in between so background shows through. They almost look like sculptures. Interesting look. Tried pasting them down with stick glue so I wouldn't get any on the front. Kinda slow going and the ends didn't stick very well. I like the idea - will work on the glue.

Difficulty getting restarted

Have not painted much in a while. We have a beeswax candle (Jamerson's Crafts) business that takes up a good bit of time and energy over the Christmas holidays. Had difficulty getting settled and doing anything much. Played around with some old "dud" watercolor paintings-I couldn't hurt them and might even improve them. That was not the case this time. I went ahead and covered them with black acrylic paint as a base and used a feather and some old plastic cards cut into various sizes to apply metallic and pearlized paints. Scraping the paints on with the cards lets some of the black background show through and the feather paintings add a lighter, wispy touch. I enjoy working like this- very relaxing. Many of these paintings aren't that great when looked at a few days later but I do enjoy making them. I need to come up with another use for them. Maybe collage? They really do have some beautiful colors and textures. Too good to waste.

Beginings

I'm starting this blog to share my journey with painting. Hopefully others will be encouraged as I take my stumbling steps. A little about me. I've been painting and crafting in acrylic and watercolors for a number of years. I have taken some classes but much of my learning has been self taught. An advantage at times but also a disadvantage. I'm leaning towards more expessive forms and not quite so realistic. I love flowers and gardening and paint florals much of the time. At times when I'm feeling discombobulated and disconnected I'll paint complete abstracts- usually bright colors and metallics on a black background. Art is becoming more of a way to express feeling than painting a pretty picture. Although that can be fun too.