Continuing with textured surfaces

Never get dictated by former plans!

I am absolutely loving this #5 canvas.  The process of construction and deconstruction thrilled me once again!  Can't help but give myself a "like" for the courage I took to deconstruct, just to find that moment of satisfaction - a guide I use to complete a painting made out of imagination.

First deconstruction happened when an overworked surface was totally ruined, no way to be revived.  I had to stretch a new canvas on the stretchers which I specifically ordered from my framer.  I was happier to use my own familiar canvas which has the durability for the mixed media.

Again, I overworked the background by putting in too much paints too carelessly.  It was quicker to give it a shower, but gosh! some gels were rubbed off which freaked me out.  To my surprise though, when it was dried overnight, some amazing marks appeared with the residual paints! 

The "circle flowers" in my mind did not come out quite right.  They were shutting one another out.  And I remembered I wanted a lighter tone for this piece.

Lightened the background, also lightened the middle patch which took on a new look.  Also gave a good wash off the green on the one at the edge under the running tap.  But still the background was not alright.  

I took the risk to construct another textured area to create a visual link, but I felt I was creating a new distance.

Added a new circle to get them closer.  But something wrong with the big circle ...

The painting continues.  

Smoothness on textures - continues

The challenge of adopting the "making big' mindset of working from a 6"x6" paper to a 3'x4' canvas continued.  To know, but not exactly knowing what I was making, I simply had to let go.  "Eliza go for it!"  Within half hour of quick layering some paints and gels, the ground work was done.  Adding in the colors gave a first definition of the painting.

... Came back to studio the morning, the WIP I did the night before caught my eyes. It's like a girl waving at me. Bliss!

I had to move fast to transfer the impression I had in mind onto the canvas, or else I would be trapped by the textures!  To opt for a balance in pictorial elements, I had to draw textures on smooth planes and smoothness on textured paints.  I finally overcame the pyschological hurdle that could've dictated the subject - yay!!

Textures to express smoothness. How far can it go?

New work finally takes its very first steps!  A continuation of the previous textured Bubbling series.

Can smooth surfaces be textured?  This thought has stayed in my mind, but the trying out of the idea at the beginning of year in small scales and watercolor led to a whole new page itself - new series, solo show & fun great sale.  No regret though, coming back to this one in bigger scales, the expressions are much enriched in layering and mark making.

Go go go ...

Completed on 12.12.12. Really happy to see that it was well received.  "Dive in #4" will be mounted on the sailing boat "Shahtoosh" in Phuket, Thailand.

I'm going to diving in Phuket too!  Gotta go deeper and see what is out there for the next one :)

... fearfully and wonderfully made

Such is the beauty of making abstract art - I plan as much on the picture plane as I can, sort of know what I am doing, but I can never expect the outcome. 

"Dive-in_4" came alive when paints and mediums were cleaned up, revealing a kind of raw and honest colors that coat the textured surface.  Nothing more, nothing less.  It was just perfect for the next step, hopefully a finishing one. 

I showed the client the work at a very early stage.  I knew she was concerned about the light tone, but I believed my eyes so I stubbornly assured her that all was good.  Mid-week I sent her a quick WIP image by phone, but there was no feedback.  Yesterday when she saw this, she smiled. 

Journey ended with thanksgiving

The exhibition fell into the week of Thanksgiving and my birthday. Really delighted to say "Journey" ended on a high note. Individual and groups of friends gave me surprise visits, emails, text messages, information exchange, flowers ... Patrons continued to visit, check my work out, appreciate our show, call to enquire about commissioned paintings. Even passers-by took their time to study my mixed-media pieces (not sure if they were tempted to touch them!) Had a big sale in the last hour on the closing evening, which was indeed a surprise birthday present - my abstract work earned a recognition. Happy Bubbling Away. "Hi-5 God!"

My heart's still overflowing with thanksgiving.

 

"Journey" Opening reception on Nov 12, 2012

It was indeed a remarkable evening.  Many invited turned up and we were all busy from the opening hour till the end.  I was certainly busy at my corner with friends, families and patrons, I had no time to rest. 

A year's work being put together. A very memorable journey for myself.

Really joyful evening, so many guests and visitors turning up which was beyond our expectation.

 

So happy to see many of my art-loving friends, buddies and families who give me unreserved support.

 

 

Meeting old friends, making new ones, sales of artwork, getting a commission work ... non-stop talking about art, but most fulfilling!

 
This gentleman was so interested in the technical details of my art. Love this "artist talk" - absolutely gratifying!

A special buyer, who always remembers me and my art, came up for me, examine my works ... that was super cool!  Wish I could take a photo with him!  May be I'll request it when he comes to collect the painting at the closing.

Eliza's exhibition with Artists Abroad

Artists Abroad 18th Annual Exhibition - "Journey" 2012

In "Journey" - the theme of this Annual Exhibition, my exhibits (mostly sculpted paintings on canvas blocks) are technical experimentation and narrative exploration using various mediums - putting 3D bubbles (an extension of the “Otherworldly” series) into the context of an existing contemporary realism series.

Happily Bubbling Away - solo show

"Happily Bubbling Away" my solo show - 27 pieces/series covering two major bodies of work will be shown at SR Gallery at 3/F Cubus, the chic area in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, for the whole month of September 2012. Will post details when ready. Stay tuned :)

Small blocks filled with textured bubbles

 

These canvas blocks have been wanting my attention, I know, but what next?   Marks and textures look quite full, but they certainly are not done.   Why the same old anxiety and puzzle when I should know once paints are put out, digital gadgets put away, solution will appear?!

Schedule for second half of 2012 is packed; I can't afford to hesitate.  Now that the exhibition was over, travel was done (oh how lovely holiday with so beautiful people!) I'd better hurry before the long trip, and another exhibition, and now may be one more, take place.

Travel ... the Shunde trip made me want to paint something Chinese, but, one thing at a time!

Bubbles in a context

Still playing, but I managed to make some constructed play with the 3D bubbles.  Really happy with the outcome so far.  Next step is to put together a meaningful body of work, fingers crossed, so bubbles are not mere effects but elements of painting.

Is it still unsightly?  If someone wants to touch it, I guess it's not too bad.

3D bubbles

After some experiments on mediums and procedures, I'm finally getting somewhere.  Not easy, but good investment of time.  Now I'll have something really fun to play with during the Easter holiday, and in my new open air studio :)

very exciting to see these appear!

"unslightly", but they're not meant to be pretty anyway.

not the right palette that I was hoping to get, but I love the marks!