Monday, June 29, 2015

What I've Been Painting Recently

Here are some of my recent pieces.
Oak Tree & Lupine • Original mixed watermedia on Arched 300# cold press paper • 22" x 30" • Available

Nature's Layer • Original mixed watermedia on Arched 140# cold press paper • 11" x 15" • Available
Growing • Original mixed watermedia on Arches 140# cold press paper • 11" x 15" • Available

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Above the Ocean

"Above the Ocean" is a textural extravaganza of mixed watercolor and acrylic ink. I began by creating outlines of flying birds. If you cut them out of tracing paper, you can arrange them in a pleasing way on the paper that you're planning to paint on. It's a good idea to make some of the birds appear to be just partially on the painting. This can give a sense of movement to the piece. When I decided on the arrangement, I cut the birds out of contact paper and adhered them to my watercolor paper. This is a great way to mask big areas.
This shows the contact paper birds on my watercolor paper.
Next comes the really fun part! Just throw paint on the paper. I used watercolors and acrylic inks. I spritzed with a mixture of water and ox gall liquid to make the paint granulate and to really make the ink spread. Next I covered with saran wrap.
Here's what's happened so far!
After I let everything dry, I peeled off all of the texture as well as the contact paper.
Here's what the piece looks like under all that saran wrap!
The next step is to finish the birds and add to the background.
"Above the Ocean" • mixed watermedia on Arches 140# cold press paper
I added to the ocean and painted the birds. I really like how the texture worked out in the water.
For more information about this piece click HERE.
cMelissa Gannon 2015

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Ahead of the Wave

Last summer I took some great action photos of sanderlings. They are very difficult birds to photograph flying, for me anyway. About the time I get out the camera, turn it on and figure out where to point it the birds are gone! This is one of the first pieces that I've done using my GREAT photos! There is some iridescent russet in the wing. This is a Daniel Smith color and I'd highly recommend it of you're into sparkly colors! It catches really well in the right light.
Ahead of the Wave • Original Acrylic, painting continues on sides, ready to hang
To purchase, click HERE