Textural Beauty

Part of the appeal of abstract art for me is the beautiful textures that artists can create either by using thickly applied paint or modeling paste. I have done some work with knives and thick tube paint and have been pleasantly surprised by the complex feel that results.


Complexity is a first attempt at using modeling paste to create a textured background on stretched canvas. I then followed up with successive layers of paint using stiff bristle brushes and knives. The initial layers were the darkest hues (pthalocyanine blue, violet, alizarin crimson, burnt sienna) followed by the light (cadmium orange, Hansa yellow light, light blue). The brightest highlights were iridescent copper paint applied with a knife dragged lightly over the surface. It took 5-6 applications to get the right contrast between the dark background and the reflective lights.


Complexity, Acrylic on stretched canvas, 16"x20", $100