Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Oh My Darling, Clementines!


8x10 inches, monotype with added colored pencil

This month's Virtual Sketch Date (see the side link) challenge is a photograph of a peeled clementine.  It looked so delicious I had to remind myself there are still oranges and grapefruit left from the case of fruit we bought from the FFA at Christmas.  I like trying these challenges different ways.  The top picture is my first try, a monotype.  These are great fun to do.  I coat an acrylic plate with a base medium, then use Createx water based paints to paint directly on the prepared plate.  Then I take a dampened sheet of Masa (rice) paper, and lay it on the plate, and use my hand and an old wooden door knob to apply pressure.  Then I lift the image, and dry it between sheets of newsprint.  I liked the result well enough, but then felt compelled to go back into the picture with colored pencils. I discovered I darkened one are too much, and so then I went back in with a little bit of acrylic paint to fix it.  My morning project ended up taking most of the day.



8x10 inches, paper collage with added watercolor

Here is my second version of the clementine.  This one was done very differently.  The image is made of cut and torn paper, adhered with acrylic gel medium.  It's a messy process.  My work table and floor was full of paper snips, and my hands are still peeling adhesive.  Then I tried something I had never done before.  Once the paper was all applied and the image coated with gel medium, I went back in with some light watercolor washes to add a little delicate color to the top of the fruit, and around the shadows on the counter.  I was afraid; I didn't want to spoil what was already done, but was pleased with the effect and plan to try more collages that incorporate either watercolor or acrylic paint.

I'd still like to try a painting of the clementine on Yupo, a synthetic paper I've been playing with this month.  The rich colors might work out well on that surface.  We shall see if that actually happens.  I'm curious what readers of this blog think about the two approaches, which one appeals to you more.  Do some of you like to approach a subject in more than one medium?  I'd love to hear from you.

26 comments:

Ann said...

I looked at both of these close up and it is impossible for me to say which I like more - they are both fantastic! The monotype has such a rich, painterly feel yet the collage is visually so interesting in its graphic qualities. Do I have to choose? :)

JoAnn said...

I like the collage better - the sharpness and brightness of it appeal to me. But what do I know?

I would love to see it on Yupo....your rooster was GREAT!

E-J said...

Both versions are fantastic, but the monotype/CP version has a richness of colour that I really love. It's funny how when we start to twiddle, a project can end up taking so much longer than planned ...!

Kim said...

Both are wonderful. And my favorite is the collage. So bright and modern. Your work is an inspiration.

laura said...

Beautiful work. I love them both; it's interesting to see how the medium affects your interpretation! These really are stellar!

Robyn Sinclair said...

I thought your monotype was great until I saw your collage. Beautiful and so fresh. Inspiring indeed!

Anonymous said...

I couldn't stop humming "Clementine" the entire time I was drawing. You, too!

I am impressed with the monotype. Love the fact that you use the wooden doorknob as the press.

Anonymous said...

I saw your comment on Lindsay's blog (about art in the police station) and tracked across. And I recognise Robyn!
I like both pieces, but I'm an inveterate fiddler and often use "mistakes" as grounds for new play.
I'll come back.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Both pieces are inspired. I don't know if I could choose. The monotype is so rich and lovely, yet the collage is so unique. Fabulous work.

Ramana KV said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ramana KV said...

I liked the first one for it's vibrant mix of colors.. When i moved on to the second, i liked the second one even more..

Nothing to See said...

You know, I like them both! I tried to decide but both have dynamic qualities that just make it impossible to choose a preference. They are both dynamic, vibrant, and beautiful.

Thanks for explaining the processes. That was fascinating to read.

I know about morning projects ending up being all day affairs. Time flies when your having fun...or frustrated to heck.

LOL.

Well done.

Nithya Swaminathan said...

Though both are great, I LOVE the collage. Its awesome how you have even managed to bring out the veins in the top right peel. Superb!

Rhonda Bartoe Tucker said...

Both of these pieces are intriguing and beautiful. Great style. Great process. Great style.

Noemí González said...

I like the first better, more expressive. Good job!

"JeanneG" said...

Two very different looks but both equally striking.

Jennifer Lawson said...

Fantastic! I love your collages.

Nancy Eaton said...

How creative you are! I used to paint with oils, but mainly do watercolors now. Maybe the VDS will tease me into trying both mediums sometime!

Debbie Later said...

I agree with everyone else. I love both. Both must take a serious amount of time, but you we were rewarded with the results. I love the uniqueness of the collage.

M J Muir said...

I like both pieces equally. The blues against the orange is especially pleasing.

Gail Bartel said...

Both pieces are very unique. When I checked out the paper collage up close it blew me away..unbelievable! I can imagine the cleanup with the little paper pieces from that one. Great interpretation of the shadows.
Thanks for the view.

ego2005 said...

Double contratulations! both of them are amazing!

Brenda Yarborough said...

Well. . . it was an art DAY well spent! Both are fabulous and I can't choose a fav.

MILLY said...

Both are fantastic, very well done and so interesting to read your techniques. I like the textures of the monotype and the rich colours. My favourite is the collage, so clever, art and recycling, it is a fascinating piece.

MD said...

Gosh...difficult to choose which one I prefer...both are fabulous. I love the texture on the collage one, but I love the deep vibrant colour of the first one.
MD

Sharon said...

You've been so busy. I'm impressed. The collage is crisp, with great colors.