CAROL NELSON FINE ART BLOG: "FOREST ELEMENTS" 11062, daily painter textured forest collage © Carol Nelson Fine Art

"FOREST ELEMENTS"

Yesterday I brought the previous version of this painting upstairs to show to my husband. I told him it was the worst painting I had ever done. He agreed. This morning, knowing I couldn't make it any worse, I attacked it mercilessly.

detail - you can see remants I couldn't tear off

I tore off all the collaged papers that WOULD come off (some wouldn't.) Originally, it was all in neutral tones of black, beige, gold, white. When in distress, I often retreat to the sanctity of my Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold.

I should tell you that the whole panel was primed with Daniel Smith's gold gesso. I first learned about that product when teaching a workshop in Texas. Lovely stuff - you can see it on the right hand side of the painting.

When I'm in the palace of Nickel Azo Gold, as you might imagine, Dioxazine Purple is just around the corner, as is Indian Yellow and Quin Magenta. These are Golden Fluid acrylics I use all the time.

So, after messing around all morning, it eventually came out of the "ugly duckling" stage, and now I'm very happy with it. So happy, in fact, I think this is the start of a new series. After about 30 paintings in my Geologic Abstract series, I'm ready to try a Forest Abstract series.

For more information on this 12x40 inch painting, click here to go to my website.

14 comments:

Carol BlackburnAugust 20, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Carol, I truly don't know how you can ever think anything of yours is not good enough.......I would have liked to see the before if this is the after. Fabulous!
Deb AmmermanAugust 20, 2011 at 9:07 PM
I just stumbled across your blog and saved it to my blog List. I wish I still lived in Colorado, so I could take one of your workshops... (I lived in Lakewood 25 years ago.) I am a graphic designer who recently came back to my love of art (getting away from the computer and back to basics). I am really drawn to abstract art and want to learn different methods and techniques. Do you offer on-line workshops?
Bren Graham ThebeauAugust 21, 2011 at 7:12 AM
I love what you've done here. This is one stunning piece. Love the wavy texture of the large trees and your use of cardboard for the smaller trees, brilliant. You are speaking my language when it comes to paint and colour choices.
Fantastic piece and what a start for a new series!
Pat SharpAugust 21, 2011 at 9:38 AM
You work is incredible. How about a workshop/vacation in the Bahamas? Don't think I could make Colorado any time soon.
Ruth AndreAugust 21, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Carol, I would love to know the size of this piece? It is lovely and I like the idea of the new tree series.
Myrna WacknovAugust 21, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Carol, this one is SPECTACULAR! Can't wait to see more of your new series!
DeborahAugust 21, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Wow. Wow. Your BEST work. Yeah for you.
Deborah
Carol NelsonAugust 21, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Thanks, everyone. I had a feeling this one would go over well.

Pat, do you live in the Bahamas?? I'd love to do a workshop there. I've never been to those islands.
Pat SharpAugust 21, 2011 at 4:15 PM
Yes, I do live in the Bahamas. And we have a very active strong artist community. You can check it out online, Artists of the Bahamas and the National Art Gallery to start. Might be fun.
Carol NelsonAugust 21, 2011 at 6:39 PM
Pat,
Feel free to give them my name and website for a possible workshop.
Pat SharpAugust 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM
Okay. I'll get on it. You won't want to come now, hotter than blazes,Jan Feb is better. Can I give you my email, but don't put it on your blog please?
I want to know how you do what you do. I can't figure it out. It's truly beautiful.
Carol NelsonAugust 21, 2011 at 9:54 PM
Pat - My email address is
carolnelsonfineart@comcast.net
Melody ClearyAugust 23, 2011 at 2:08 PM
I can't wait to see the next ones in this series. This is gorgeous! I'm a tree person.
Art EpicureanAugust 28, 2011 at 9:00 AM
You certainly made this work - Beautiful.