So yesterday I was talking about painting over junk paintings. And it brought to mind one of my favourites that I did like that a number of years ago. This used to be a dreadful swamp/woods painting. It was one of those you stack in your studio backwards because it's so embarrassing - you know what I mean? Anyhow, one day I was going out to paint a peach tree and I sketched in the branches and then started painting in sky. To my delight, when I stood back and looked, a beautiful thing was happening. The darks from the old painting were making this cool web-like layer. *chills* (in a good way) It's one I've never been able to sell because of what it reminds me of: Keep going. I could never have achieved this had I painted fresh on a new canvas. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE new canvasses - a clean slate. I'm going to continue loving them. But I'm no longer hasty in gessoing over the bad ones. They may be the groundwork for something good.
9 comments:
Hi Kim,
I remember when you first showed this painting. I loved it (still do) and I recall it got a huge positive response from your readers. I think working over old canvases can be really freeing. I know for myself that sometimes I have work that I think I couldn't possibly hate more, so why not just go at it to see what may happen. It's a good time to experiment because you have absolutely nothing to lose. Have fun with these old canvases. You just never know...
Nicki
this is excellent!!!
I like so much!!!
Wonderful post and fabulous painting. I have not seen this one before and love that the peach tree just emerged so beautifully.
There is another blogger who does the same with failed watercolours. She washes them off and leaves them to dry, which then leaves a ghostly image which she then paints over. It gives the most wonderful effects and yet without knowing, you would wonder how she achieved it! I had no idea a similar effect could be had over old oils too :0)
FABULOUS!!!.....it speaks....the old helps the new have a voice. Bravo to layers.
Just a note on medium: these paintings are acrylic. Super easy for painting layers.
nice write up! the painting is beautiful!
This is so wonderful. I get what you're saying, you are so right.
XO Barbara
Happy Thanksgiving.
Love love love this painting! The colors and abstract shapes are terrific!
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