It’s always exciting to start a new canvas. But it’s also scary. Especially when I paint abstract works of expressive or intuitive style. I don’t really know what I want to paint. The only thing I feel is this need to create. Some would say, no problem since it is an expressive work. But no. Some writers have white page syndrome, I have white canvas syndrome.
Step 1
Since we have to start somewhere, let’s go. I deposit the paint directly from the tubes on the white canvas. I choose two or three colors that I spread and mix on the canvas using brushes, paint knives and rubber spatulas. I work on colors and textures until my canvas is fully covered. While the paint is still fresh, I make marks in it with a bamboo point, then I take a break. These first colors sometimes disappear almost entirely in the further steps.
Colors used in step 1.
- prussian blue
- titanium white
- cerulean blue
- brilliant purple
Step 2
Let’s clear this up now. I add warm colors. I really like the warm colors. I use them in all my paintings. I regularly spray water on the canvas to create gradients. It’s another thing that I like. As we can see, there is not much left of the blue from step 1. Another pause while the paint dries.
Colors used in step 2.
- permanent rose
- deep cadmium yellow
Step 3
It lacks white and green. Pale green, and warm too. I leave the white flow on the canvas. I work with diluted colors because I regularly spray the canvas. That leaves as showing the colors of lower layers. I use a brush with stiff bristles to achieve the gradients. And my fingers too.
Colors used in step 3.
- titanium white
- green gold
- permanent rose
- deep cadmium yellow
Step 4
I really like those colors that have emerged during the last stage. I don’t want to hide them. I add only a few details: a little contrast in certain places, projected droplets and scribbled lines. And there you go!
List of all the colors used.
- titanium white
- prussian blue
- cerulean blue
- brilliant purple
- permanent rose
- deep cadmium yellow
- green gold
