Saturday, November 7, 2009

Luxuriating in Color

Before I fell for encaustic, I used to paint with oil. I still love the gooey mess of oil paint and the aphrodisical smell of it. So I dug out the oil paint to rework three paintings to submit them for jurying into the MassArt auction. (See my earlier post about it.)





"Sticky Situation", 24"x24", oil, cold wax and oilstick on panel






"Conjunction", 24"x24", oil, cold wax and oilstick on panel








"Glory Passed", 36"x36", oil, cold wax and oilstick on canvas




I did have fun playing around and obliterating the (failed) work underneath. It was a treat to see red and yellow again after all the somber browns and blacks I've been surrounded with. But it did make me appreciate all over again how easy cleanup is with encaustic.


Which one do you think they should pick?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love them all! Having to pick only one would be quite difficult. I believe I would cast a BIG vote for the larger piece - Number 3.

The Artist Within Us said...

They are all very strong with there rich colours and thought it is a tight race between number one and three, it comes down to the energy level of each painting.

The first one has considerable energies, while the third canvas is more peaceful and passive.

Now the decision is up to you and based on what type of auction this, decide what painting would best compliment the environment and their clients.

Have a great weekend,
Egmont

Leslie Avon Miller said...

I like them all too Nancy. I like the shapes in Sticky Situation, as well as that lovely red, but I like the calm and serenity of Glory Passed. Conjunction is pleasing. Any of them would be juicy hanging on my wall!

Anonymous said...

Love the work! My favor is number 3, Glory Passed.

Carolyn

ArtPropelled said...

I love them all but no.3 is definitely my favourite.

Mary Buek said...

Nancy, I'm glad I don't have to decide on just one. They are absolutely gorgeous. I love color, too. And, here's a question: what is "cold wax" and how do you use it? Is it only for oil painting? I have heard of it, but I've never had anyone explain the methods.

Nancy Natale said...

Thank you all for your comments. It looks like #3 is the winner. We'll see what the jury at MassArt says.

Mary, cold wax is also known as wax medium. It's a blend of beeswax, alkyd resin and odorless mineral spirits. It's a solid consistency rather than a liquid. You buy it in a can and mix it with oil paint. You can then apply the paint with brushes, spatulas or palette knives. It spreads like soft butter. When it hardens, it gives a matte finish and texture to the work. If you use it with brushes, you will see the brushmarks when it dries. My favorite brand is Gamblin although Dorland's is better known and has been around a long time.

Alicia Tormey said...

I love the vibrant red in Sticky Situation, the radiant oranges in Conjunction and the intense blues in Glory Passed. I like what you said about the smell of oils too. I think it’s a toss-up between Sticky Situation and Conjunction for my auction pick – Sticky has more punch – good luck!

Barb Cone said...

Would choose #3.
Like your blog, the pictures of your work-in-progress and how you approach things.
El Anatsui is one of my heroes too. Have seen quite a bit of his work.