Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Finding Balance with a Peacock Inspired Painting



I finally have a new art piece to show you, and I'm pretty sure it's now my favorite painting that I've done so far.  Well... besides "Branching Out".  And "Don't Lose Heart".

 I gave you a little teaser photo of this one a while back, and then mentioned in a recent post that I had one ALMOST done, which just needed the final details.


 Well...here it is ...finally complete!  

I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting much art lately.  Actually I just haven't been posting much at all  lately.  I've been obsessed with getting my studio in order.  I couldn't concentrate on anything else.  And no, it's STILL not done, but I realized I started feeling a bit "icky" and empty, and I knew what needed to be done. 

 Art. 
 That's my remedy.  My refuge.
  I tend to go go go on a project (in this case my studio) and burn myself out.  And I don't allow "play time". 

 I felt out of whack. 

 Off balance.

 So back into the studio I went, but not to clean.  I turned on some music, lit a yummy candle and started to play.  
Ahh....much better.


This painting was done on a 9" x 12" x 1.5" canvas.  I started it by slathering on a very thick coat of Golden's   heavy gel (matte) and then drew and dabbed patterns into it while it was still wet.  I let it dry overnight then painted it with Golden's fluid acrylics.  I then mixed those same paints with glaze and started to add layers of glazing to add more depth and bring out the texture more.

I didn't originally plan on adding an embellishment to this when I was working on it.  I figured the wonderful texture, pattern and luscious peacock colors would be enough, but once it was "finished" I knew it needed that little extra touch to make it truly special. The top half seemed a bit boring and "light" compared to the heavier bottom, but I didn't want to overdo it.  I new just what it needed. 

 It needed balance. 


I loved the bead and wire detail that I added to my "Wish" painting, so I  decided to do something like that again.  I wire-wrapped beads with copper wire and then made two long links out of wire to to connect it to the sides with copper tacks.

Ahh.  Balance.


So do you sense a theme here? 

 I noticed that a lot of artist bloggers pick a word to represent the new year for them.  Something they want or need in their life.  Something to strive for and focus on in that year.  I wondered if I were to pick a word, what would it be?  I started to write a list but nothing hit home. 

 So I let it go.  

A few days later this word kept on popping in my head.  Balance.  What did this painting need?  Balance.  More importantly...what do I need?  Balance.  I really do.  I need to find balance in all areas right now.  Art.  Family.  Health.  etc...

So folks, I'm going to give this word of the year thing a shot.  Why not? 
 I feel better already just writing it and putting it out there.
So that's my word for 2011. 
 Balance.

 

OOPS!!!  I just noticed that it's now 1am!!  Well....not off to the best start with this whole balance thing, but baby steps.  

Baby Steps.  

15 comments:

Carin said...

Esther, this is just gorgeous!!! It's definitely one of my favourites of yours too! Well done!

And good luck with finding and keeping balance in your life this year! It's such a great word. I love the whole word thing and wrote a post on why the other day when I was in a reflective mood.

Diane said...

Oh yes, you most definitely found the balance for this--the bead and wire are the perfect touch to finish it--the whole piece is gorgeous!
Good luck with your studio--I've been trying to do this with my entire house--it's gotten way out of control, but I am for sure taking baby steps :)

Brigitte aka Scrappassie said...

That is just one amazing piece of art, I love it !! Loved your blogpost too, I could have written it myself if I wasn't such a bad writer ;-) I started painting again this week and it does make me feel complete, happier and yes, more balanced. You've picked a perfect word for 2011 !

Two Dog Pond said...

I Love this painting, Esther. Beautiful colors and textures. Balance. Good word. (My word verification is "unmus" - isn't that what you're doing to your studio? Unmussing it?

Nelly said...

This is really gorgeous. These shades of blue and green are my favorite color combinations.

Ah balance, great word for 2011. We could all use balance in our lives.

Wonderful!

Geri said...

Esther, I can see why it is your favorite and inspires me too!

Unknown said...

I love your new piece! And I think balance is a great word to choose, I know what you mean about the tendency to go overboard with something:) Happy new year!

JessiVille said...

I love the colors and textures of your painting. My favorites right now! Balance as a title and word of inspiration are perfect!

Anonymous said...

Esther this is beautiful!! Absolutely, gobsmackingly beautiful! I love everything about it, the colour, the wire and bead!

Balance is a great word to have for the year!

And so is opening an Etsy shop.....just sayin....

Kelly said...

Esther;
This is one of my favorites for sure! I LOVE the embellishments and the beautiful texture! Gorgeous!

Beverley Baird said...

What a gorgeous piece! I love the colours and the texture and the design. and the added beads!
My word of intention is balance as well. May we both achieve balance this year!

Liz-Anna said...

Beautiful design...beautiful colours! My word is "order"...closely related to balance.

Donna said...

What a BEAUTIFUL piece of art!!! I enjoy your blog!

Kristin said...

How did I miss this!? OH - I reallyreallyloveit!!! Those are my favorite colors (and pink too) and I love all the beautiful patterns and textures. BEAUTIFUl job!
Okay, so we both need to show our studios at some point. Can't wait to see what you've been up to.
AND I too noticed that bloggers are sharing words - I love this concept - mine for the year is "Relax" xoxoxo

Sada said...

Amazing work as always, perfectly named and a wonderful way to start the year. With an inspirational piece that reminds us of the importance of all things in moderation. With maybe a bit more of the good stuff!!! Beautiful work E! Keep it etsy...I mean, keep it up!!

love ya!