First up . . . Tempera!
This course started with a focus on working with tempera paint -- not my 1st choice for my painting style -- but it was a fun challenge that led to some interesting discoveries!
Stretch and Explore
The exploration began with a series of six mini-paintings. Using both tempera cakes and liquid tempera I explored what is possible . . . pushing the medium around, scraping away, sponging on, adding oil pastels, using colored pencils for more precise lines, and mixing up some interesting colors. My palette consisted solely of the primary colors and white, and I was pleasantly surprised by the range of colors and tones that I was able to achieve.
Engage and Persist
Click on the image for some insight into my process.
Reflect and Share
I refer often to Paul Gardner's quotation: "a painting is never finished -- it simply stops in interesting places." It speaks simply to the struggle artists face in deciding when to say when.
This seemed like a happy place to leave this painting! Tempera proved to be much more versatile than I have ever given it credit for. Would I choose it over acrylics for my own work . . . probably not. However, it is great to know I can incorporate some painterly techniques with the young artists I work with. I see a lot of potential in approaching color mixing, layering, and brushwork with a range of grade levels while finding inspiration from impressionists, color field painters, and Alma Thomas . . . who was a key player in my decision to apply the paint with a mosaic feel to it. |
Memory of Long Pine Tempera 12 x 20
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