Trying Something Different

I put a thin layer of wax on a 36 x 48 canvas (I have used wax before), used few colors and liberally,​ and outlined the shapes with my fingernail​s in the wax. The result was pretty cool:

http://www​.cjhabstra​cts.com/Pa​intingsFor​Sale6.html

I was focused on the process, not the end result or whether or not it would sell. Big progress for me.

I am hoping to get refills for free on my paint soon so I felt free to use them liberally.​ I am hooked on Golden paints.

I’d be interested​ to hear about your latest project.

cjh.

Using House Paint for Art

I have been experimenting with house paint to explore new techniques.  I put an ad on craigslist and on freecycle asking for paint, and got several colors.  Then I asked for dark red house paint and got 5 gallons of blood red paint.  Before I got the blood red paint, I got a 30 x 30 canvas, put it on a table, and used the house paint to make “swirls” of color.  It has a psychedelic effect.  I am going to name it “A River Ran Through Me” because there is blue paint in the middle that looks like a river.  There are about 3 layers of paint so it is going to take a long time to dry (it’s already been 4 days.)  I didn’t focus on the end result, I focused on the process, which is hard for me to do.  Also, I am used to painting on a wall.  My next project will be to paint a 48 x 48 on the floor.  I have some Golden paints a successful friend has given me, and he is going to give me refills, so I need to use up the jars!  Some are near empty anyway.  Should be an interesting project.  I will use my hands.  Not sure if I will use latex gloves or my hands.  I like feeling the paint, but it does cause a lot of problems with getting it out from under my fingernails.

What project(s) are you working on?  I would love to hear about them.  My roommate is picking up a new creative outlet – silk roving.  She is awesome at mixed media so I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.

I am working on Issue 1 of my newsletter, to come out next week, I hope.

Peace,

cjh.

www.cjhabstracts.com

Just Do It

I decided to schedule in some painting yesterday.  I used house paint and a totally different technique than I have used before.  I have needed to step outside of the box for some time.  I have a few times, and the results have been better than using my same old formula.  I am happy with the results – I think – but I have to wait until it dries and it has lots of layers.  House paint can be hard to use.  I have tried the wet-on-wet technique and came up with a clusterfuck.  Excuse my language.

Do any of you have the dilemma of not getting the right exposure?  I can’t afford “rental” galleries right now and am going to try to get an agent who just takes commission and does not charge to evaluate your work.  I have participated in “art shows” where people are more focused on getting drunk and listening to music than buying art.  LOL.

Do any of you get wrapped up in needing validation and attention before you think you are doing the right thing?  I struggle with wanting a calling and whether this is just meant to be a hobby.  You can read a feature about me in the publication Out in Asheville.

I welcome constructive criticism.  My art web site, to beat a dead horse, is www.cjhabstracts.com.  I welcome your opinion or anything else you have to say.  Thanks for considering it, in advance.  I also wish more people would sign up for my newsletter.  [You can sign up at the bottom of my art site home page.]  I am about to finish it and would love to share my experience as well as features such as Abstract Artist of the Month – including contemporary as well as past artists of the movement.

Oh, I also have a web site where you can learn more about me as a person:  www.celestejheery.com.

Well, thanks for reading.  Peace.

cjh.

Struggling for My Motivation

I have been struggling to get motivated as of recent months.  I think it’s a combination of getting caught up in Facebook, email, a tiny bit of work, and to dos.  I used to be compelled to paint, now I schedule it in now and then.  Online activity is probably the greatest offender, though I do schedule to dos every day.  I wish I had a day to just paint and do nothing else.  I need more fun in my life.  I need to get active in a group or something.  I have one in mind – an Art Advocay group.  They meet once a month.  I also need to step up my work a notch and get an agent.  That’s something I haven’t tried before.

Have you ever had a grape cigar?  I love them.  I quit smoking 3.5 months ago.  Now when I get the urge, I smoke a cigar.  What does this have to do with painting?  Nothing.

I started a newsletter.  Please sign up on the home page of my art web site at www.cjhabstracts.com if you are interested.

Ciao for now.

cjh.