I haven’t got the love affair w/ acrylic paint that I do with oils. However, this winter I have been doing drawings that have a lot of acrylic washes and some painting on them. Some were on vellum, which has a nice translucent quality and smooth texture. This one is on paper. I had painted a rant on the paper last fall, but I knew I couldn’t make anything from it. I drew and painted over it. You can see part of the word “class” left over from the rant.
Computer Problem
I have discovered a new approach to drawing. It’s much more like my paintings. Part of this came from being forced to use acrylics thru the winter. I wasn’t thrilled w/ them for painting, but I stumbled into a winning tri-fecta of drawing, vellum, and acrylic washes. I’m using chalk and charcoal for the drawing. I sneak some color in. I’ve also added some collage after all of this, on other works. This drawing is 3′ x 28″.
Experiment
Vellum is translucent surface used primarily by architects. I don’t think it’s paper, maybe polyester? This is the opposite side. I did the initial drawing and the idea hit me to also draw on the other side. And I’m using acrylics, trying to learn more about their properties. They make lovely washes on the vellum. If I display this I may sandwich it between acrylic sheets. Since it’s 3’x3′, glass would be a problem.
My dog Callie has torn her ACL. We had to buy new tires for the tractor. Gregg’s looking for a job. My stomach hurts.
new gallery space
We are hanging our first show in Sleeping Stones Gallery. It’s a classroom next to my studio. These are huge classrooms off of the Fines Creek Gym. The windows are 8 ft. tall. Go to haywoodarts.org for a map for the HOST this Sat. and Sun.
“The Lacuna”
I’m reading this book by Barbara Kingsolver. Frida Kahlo is telling the main character that a painting needs ” a thimbleful of life”. I dragged myself into my studio once again to battle w/ acrylics, and to pour my life into this painting.
truck
I drove the truck to my studio. It’s huge and it’s old, and I’m trying not to complain. We lost a car, the O’Connors lost Paul.
This is the lower corner of Changes. I’m ready to take my oils back to the Fines Creek studio. Tho we aren’t frost and snow free for sure,
until Mother’s Day.
Round and round
Another spiral.
Insurance companies. Bless their hearts. They won’t pay for the damages to the fence. I’m worried that by the time we cover hospital expenses and damages there won’t be any money to replace my car. Oh well, at least I’m not trying to replace my husband!
Color
Colorist is a dirty word. I’ve really tried to contain the color on this, but today I realize I don’t like the top. Or the bottom. Not together anyway. Since this painting is on panel I could saw them apart. But that’s lazy, I need to work to get the whole thing working.
My car was totaled, and the ins. co. paid quickly. But the hospital is already at $8000, and the ins. will pay $2000. Maybe we’ll get me a moped. It’s all rather depressing. 
Changes
I have a book about Lee Krasner. She had an artist’s career before and after Pollock. But would anyone have known her if she hadn’t married him? How many women artists can you name?
Paper
I don’t know if it’s because the canvases I’m using are sooo old, or what. This spiral is on gessoed paper, and the acrylics didn’t bead up on it. I am pleased w/ the momentum in these new spirals. 