Crossroads, 9043, mixed media abstract



This painting has stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and copper leaf embedded onto the canvas with acrylic modeling compound. In spite of the abundance of "cold metal" - the aluminum and stainless - it has a warm feeling because of the copper and the bronze and green acrylic metallic paints.

This painting did not evolve quickly. I spent the better part of last week working on it. As usual, there was a point when I was ready to trash it. I have learned not to despair or give up when all seems lost. That large bottom left section was blue at one time. And the vertical copper line was black. It was really cold looking then! In searching for a color that would warm up the blue area, I ended up with this "breen" - a combo of brown and green.

If you look carefully, you can see where I painted over the edges of the metal pieces with burnt umber. Two reasons I did that are (1) it softens a very hard edge a bit, and (2) it's difficult to get the glue and modeling compound completely off the surface of the metals so I cover up the imperfections. Maybe I should call it "Painted Lady."

Will someone call Grand Timber Lodge (where we have a timeshare) in Breckenridge, CO, and tell them this painting would look really good in their reception area? LOL (I wish.)
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7 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! I like the burnt umber on the edges of the metal. Gives it more of the worn, earthy look versus the straight out of the factory newness. I love all of these!

Elizabeth Seaver said...

What a strong painting--great composition.

L.Holm said...

Very dramatic, and I like the earth tones with the metals. Gorgeous piece. I think a week's pretty quick for such a large work!

Carol Nelson said...

Thank you all. I'm pleased with the contrast between the metals and the earth tones. It took me a while to get there, but, you're right about the dramatic quality. Of course, the bigger you get, the more impact.

Carolina said...

Hi Carol, I've been visiting your blog and I like it very much, you really have no issues with creativity :)
And btw, your abstract paintings rule!

Dean Grey said...

Another winner here, Carol!

Nice earth tones in the painting. The reddish-oranges stand out the most in this one.

I bet all the metal looks awesome when the light hits it from certain angles.

Neat!

-Dean

Alkemilla said...

Beautiful!!