Posts Tagged ‘Painting’

Homemade Gesso Paint!

Saturday, November 18th, 2017

I love Gesso paint and use heaps of it in my work. It’s gritty, chalky and can be applied to artwork to give a translucent or opaque look. It’s also very expensive so I decided to make my own.

 

Gesso is used for many things such as a primer for canvas or on paper to give a good base for painting, drawing or mixed media work.  When making collage I use it as a gluing medium to stick on papers, in-between, painting and drawing layers.

The recipe below makes 2 litres of Gesso paint

( If not using straight away, this Gesso will last approx. 4-6 weeks)

Homemade Gesso

PLASTER MIX

1 cup Plaster of Paris or fine white plaster powder

1 cup of PVA or white glue

1 cup hot water

PAINT

3 cups white acrylic paint

UTENSILS

Container, cup and mixing stick or spoon

RATIO: 1-3

Plaster Mix 1 – Acrylic paint 3

Method

To make the plaster mix. Add the plaster to the hot water and stir ( Safety purposes: always add the plaster powder to the liquid, not liquid to plaster, as it will blow up into your face and always wear a dust mask)

Dust Mask

“Plaster of Paris” and cup

Hot water and mix

Next add the PVA or white glue, stir.

Finally add the white acrylic paint and mix. ( I used some acrylic powder paint I had and made it up with water) You can use any kind of acrylic paint or colour .

 

Result

I was very happy with the result. The gesso is translucent with the gritty bits I like. You can also do several layers of gesso to give a more opaque appearance. It covered my canvas very well with only 1 coat. When adding more than 1 coat you can sand in- between to give a really smooth surface for detailed work .

2 litres of Gesso

Gesso on stretched canvas

Gesso on paper

 

 

To see this and more of my free tutorials, please go to  Tutorials I even show you how to make my large studio easel.

 

The Life of a Painting. Changing Back to Oil Paints.

Sunday, November 5th, 2017

A few years ago, I changed from oil paints, to acrylics, after I became allergic to the turps. I’m still not used to painting with acrylics as, I just love the lushness, depth and movement of oil paints. Something, I haven’t been able to achieve with acrylics. So, recently I bought some oil painting supplies, eco friendly turps, to see, if I’m still allergic to it.

 

The life of a Painting.

Oil paint , medium, wax on canvas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I think, I should stop earlier, when its fresh and spontaneous, but usually keep going. I  just have to trust the process and know, that eventually, I will end up with something I’m happy with.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will revisit the painting, in a few days time to decide, whether I will take it further. At the moment, I’m feeling, times long past.

In the studio this week.

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

I hurt my leg a few days ago so I haven’t been in the studio this week. Hopefully, next week, I’ll be back on track .

 

 

 

Recent paintings. Some are finished, others are paintings, still in progress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, while resting my leg, I’ve been sorting through my many art journals. Below are some images from my art college journal in 1994.  I noticed the colours I was using back then, are similar to what I’m working with now.

 

 

 

What did you do in your studio this week?

 

 

 

BOAA – Biennale of Australian Art 2018.

Thursday, June 15th, 2017

I am happy to announce I have been selected from 800 artists across Australia, to be part of BOAA-Biennale of Australian Art  in 2018.

 

 

BOAA is a multi layered art festival with various opportunities for artistic engagement. My work will be part of the ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ project, which will be BOAA’s largest installation. Supported by the City of Ballarat, this installation will form an impressive sea of images representing artists Australia wide and it will be displayed in Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange building.

 

New Paintings. Overland Nomadic Wandering.

Sunday, April 23rd, 2017

In the media we are bombarded with images relating to the massive global refugee problem. Links to the landscape, tracing the inhuman, nomadic chaos of the exiled, wandering the earth at this time in history. Each painting has been created, using acrylic paints and oil pigment on stretched canvas. Varies sizes.

 

 

Title –  Deep Blue Walking

 

 

 

 

Title –  Blue on Ochre on Cream

 

 

 

 

Title –  Blue on Ochre on Grey

 

 

 

 

Title –  Yellow Walking

 

 

 

 

Title –  White Trail Walking

 

 

 

 

 

Small Abstract Oil Paintings. Still & Interruption.

Sunday, November 20th, 2016

Small Abstract Oil Paintings. Still & Interruption.

 

 

 

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I spent a lot of time trying to get the surface just right, on these 3 paintings, as I wanted each piece to stand on its own, as well as, together as a whole. I also wanted to convey a feeling of stillness. A space to sit awhile.

 

 

 

 

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The 3 below have colour and movement. I feel they are not yet resolved and will probably work back in with more layers.

 

 

 

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I’m enjoying, the smaller scale paintings at the moment, especially after all the large ones I did over the past year for my “Wallmatter” exhibition.

 

 

 

 

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Its a whole different way of working. Large paintings have huge sweeping strokes, where the whole body is involved. Smaller artworks allow me to come in close and are not so hard on my body. I can work longer on them, without too much pain to my back and neck.

Bluethumb Melbourne, Article.

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

Bluethumb Melbourne, Article.

Many thanks to Bek at Bluethumb  in Melbourne, for the recent feature article about my exhibition, Wallmatter.

 

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Wallmatter Exhibition update! In addition to the recent Bluethumb article, I was recently interviewed to be included in a book project about female artist’s for release next year. More details on that coming soon!

I would also like to remind any visitors to my latest exhibition, Wallmatter, to not forget to check out the collection of smaller artworks in the foyer and the reception desk, with prices ranging $50 – $150. Thank you to all who have visited Wallmatter! The Memo, Healesville Victoria. Until Tues. 16th. August 2016

Wallmatter Exhibition Photos – Jenny Davis – 2016

Thursday, July 14th, 2016

Wallmatter Exhibition Photos – Jenny Davis – 2016

A huge thank you to everybody who attended the opening of my new exhibition Wallmatter last Saturday. A special thank you to all the people who helped me pull it altogether and make it a special day.  I feel so blessed and encouraged with all the support shown for my artwork and the new friendships I made.

Wallmatter continues until Tuesday August 16th at The Memo, Healesville Victoria. Free Entry. All artworks are for sale.

A few photos I took the next day as I forgot my camera on opening night.

Wallmatter

An installation of paint, concrete, rust and
textiles, inspired by imperfections and
weathered surfaces, linking to the abandoned
and neglected spaces found in urban and rural
environments.

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“Surfaces and objects touched by time tell a
story and are a raw reflection of their environment.
I want to highlight the significance of a random
mark, or the crumbling texture of a wall in an
underground space. They are evidence to a
previous time in history. My abstractions are
investigations into marks and traces left behind
in the urban and rural environment.”
– Jenny Davis, Artist

 

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Crut. New Paintings. Cradled Boards.

Saturday, June 25th, 2016

Crut. New Paintings. Cradled Boards.

Jenny Davis_Crut_Acrylic paint oil paint on birch cradled Board under 2rgb

 

3 new paintings, well, it’s actually one painting, a triptych, I did for a recent art prize. Each painting was made with acrylic paint and small areas of oil paint on birch cradled boards.

 

Jenny Davis_2016_Crut_Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint on Birch Cradled Board 1

 

I love using boards for painting. The surface is much more forgiving than canvas. Perfect for the spontaneous, mark-making and material layering I tend to do.  I can scratch, sand, scrape back, engrave and it won’t tear, or break like canvas.

 

Jenny Davis_2016_Crut_Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint on Birch Cradled Board

 

If I could get larger cradled boards and still be able to lift them, I would be very happy. The size of these boards are 50 x 50cm. each. Overall size 150cm. x 50cm.

 

Jenny Davis_2016_Crut_Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint on Birch Cradled Board 2

 

About Crut

Communication to the masses. Text in the environment can mark territory, give control and can validate those, who don’t have a voice in the mainstream order. Through mark-making in the environment everybody can be heard. I see beauty and at times, desperation in the messages, found in the streets, and in the abandoned, underground and derelict spaces. Layers of tagging, graffiti and found marks on weathered surfaces tell stories about the past, present and future. Aesthetically they can be beautiful, even though they may have been painted illicitly on a wall, or other surface’s. My abstractions are investigations into, marks, traces and messages, left behind, in the urban and rural environment.

 

Jenny Davis_Crut_Acrylic paint oil paint on birch cradled Board under 2rgb

You are Invited to “Wallmatter”. An exhibition by Jenny Davis.

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

You are Invited to “Wallmatter”. An exhibition by Jenny Davis.

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Please see more here!

Experimental Painting. Industrial Materials and Methods.

Friday, April 22nd, 2016

Experimental Painting. Industrial Materials and Methods.

Its been almost a year since I started this group of paintings using traditional, non traditional, industrial, materials and processes. There are 20 paintings altogether.

After several months of research and practical experiments, I finally discovered how to make my textural, gritty surfaces, stable and permanent for a flexible base.

 

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Limited Edition Fine Art Prints – Jenny Davis

Monday, November 30th, 2015

Limited Edition Fine Art Prints – Jenny Davis

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Paper Cartel recently curated a selection of my artworks to sell to a global audience as Limited Edition Fine Art Prints  on archival paper. Express shipping is also available, worldwide, for just $19! with custom framing available on any print.

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About the Print & Paper

Permanent light-fast inks are printed into Fine Art Paper, which is a 100% cotton heavyweight paper that is engineered to give you the highest resolution and colour saturation possible in an art print that will not fade or degenerate over time. The paper is Moab Entrada Natural, A Cotton Rag Art Paper, 290. It is an award-winning art paper made of 100% cotton and is the choice of fine artists worldwide.

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Browse more of my colourful abstract art in the online print gallery.

 

Experimentation & New Free Tutorials Page.

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

Experimentation & New Free Tutorials Page.

My blog updates have been scarce lately, as, Ive been studying a couple of arts business and creative courses. This week I created a new “Free Tutorials”  page, where I share some of my favorite, creative ideas and things to do.

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I’ve also, been experimenting with shellac and acrylic paints in the studio

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and plan to create some textile and sculpture pieces too.

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After working on many creative projects and group exhibitions, here and overseas, the past couple of years

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I really think it’s time, to get back into a gallery and start exhibiting again in 2016.

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So, I’m looking for suitable spaces in Melbourne or Sydney, that aren’t too expensive.

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My favourite thing to make, at  Free Tutorials  is my large studio easel. I created it when I built my studio in 2000. I wanted something big, so I could work on many paintings at once. It’s a bit slap happy, (I’m no carpenter) but, works perfectly for me.

Gestural Acrylic Paintings. Mixed Media on Canvas.

Friday, June 26th, 2015

Gestural Acrylic Paintings. Mixed Media on Canvas.

Mixed media on gallery stretched canvas.

Acrylic paint & oil pigments.

 

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Spontaneous gestural marks

 

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with a play of colour

 

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and forgotten marks

 

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on gallery stretched canvas.

 

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Landscapes of traces

 

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left behind

 

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in the environment

 

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and mind.

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Each painting measures, 40cm. x 30cm. x 4cm.

 

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Year completed, 2015

 

 

Orange and Pink Paintings. Work in Progress.

Saturday, May 23rd, 2015

Orange and Pink Paintings. Work in Progress.

4 Large paintings

Jenny Davis_ Orange Lot

making first marks

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adding colour

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sploshing pink

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and orange paint

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adding layers

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& texture

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Pink me up abstractions!

Thursday, May 14th, 2015

Pink me up abstractions!

4 new abstract paintings

 

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“Winsor & Newton” acrylic paints on gallery stretched canvas

 

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Each artwork measures Size 30 x 30 x 3.5cm.

 

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Still untitled.

 

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When is a painting finished ?

Saturday, November 22nd, 2014

This painting was started about 6 weeks ago and is still morphing…

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Beginning with large areas of loose colour. I lived with it and watched

 


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I tightened it up with more colour, dribbles and abstract geometric forms. For the next week I watched again…

 

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Still not satisfied, I threw it on the floor and used, bucket and broom, to scrub, pour & glaze with puddles of watery acrylic paint and Gesso to muddy it up

 

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Once dry, I worked into the forms to bring them back again

 

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Recently, I scrubbed away more areas, added several paint glazes and played across the surface with oil pastel for days

 

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When is a painting finished?

It will tell me…

Purple Haze in Yellow. Procrastination.

Thursday, November 13th, 2014

Two new paintings from the studio!

  Procrastination

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Sitting on a line at the cusp of making a decision enjoying the moment before.
Acrylic paint, Oil pastel and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)

See more here…

 

Purple Haze in Yellow

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Colour field abstract painting
Acrylic paint, Oil pastel and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)

See more here…

In the Studio. Work in Progress.

Sunday, October 12th, 2014

Started this painting at Jane’s studio

 

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Sat and watched it today

 

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Still a way to go with colour oil pastel & paint

 

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It’s been good getting back to larger paintings… 140x120cm.

 

 

 

 

 

5 New Paintings. Gaudi. Tuileries.

Friday, October 10th, 2014

Fresh from the studio…

Gaudi’s Catalan

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Touching Gaudi’s curves in Barcelona.
Acrylic paint, ink and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)
Signed by the artist
Ready to Hang

Buy Here

 

Sitting with Catherine at Tuileries

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Little wooden chairs dotted around .Sitting enjoying the Tuileries garden after the Louvre.
Acrylic paint, Oil pastel and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)
Signed by the artist
Ready to Hang

Buy Here

 

Gaudi’s Play

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Touching Gaudi’s curves in Barcelona.
Acrylic paint, Ink and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)
Signed by the artist
Ready to Hang

Buy Here

 

Playing at Tuileries

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Playing under the arch in the Tuileries garden after the Louvre.
Acrylic paint, Oil pastel and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)
Signed by the artist
Ready to Hang

Buy Here

 

Red Orange Float

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ABOUT THE ART – Red Orange Float.
Pure abstraction. A play with color, movement and line.

Acrylic paint, Oil pastel and sealer on gallery wrapped canvas
12″x 16″ X 1-3/4″ (30x40x4cm)
Signed by the artist
Ready to Hang

Buy Here