After I was given an Epson R1800 {yes it was given to me!} ok, I did exchange a little graphic work -- let me say it was well worth it, anyway I was twinkling with happiness for a week. I wanted it so I could print wedding invites and cards from home but also so I could make prints of my work. I thought I would test it out on a couple old pieces I have. One is a monoprint, one a painting. Both have attracted attention over the years so I thought I'd put it in print form using the wonderful archival inks and luscious papers available that make prints from these cool printers so nice to have, frame and decorate with. They both have new owners but I was able to garner them to get them put into a more current digital format.
All this gives me an excuse to paint again, so I can make prints to sell in my shop. I know I don't need and excuse... I was a painting major at one time. So I began deliberation on whether I should transfer to acrylic paint. It dries faster, it is less toxic and easier to clean up. But oil is so much more editable and blend-able conversely, it takes forever to dry. If is switch to acrylic am I sacrificing true art for convenience? I suppose many people would think so. Will I never use oils again? I doubt it. But I am trying to make a living as an artist and in doing so I must make decisions that are best for the business, yep this is a business like anything else and I do have to make compromises that are best for me and my livelihood.
So it was a fateful coincidence that just as I was deliberating in agony over my paint decisions I got an e-mail from one of the local art stores announcing a demonstration and hands-on trial of a new acrylic paint by Chroma. It is called Interactive. It stays open longer so you can blend and lift layers of paint longer than traditional acrylics. I tried it. I liked it and I bought some to start my transition with. It was a bit scary for me, picking up the brushes again. It took me a week to actually do it.
But I did it. I am very excited about a series of images I am planning on painting with my new painty arms. I can't wait to show them off. I have been contemplating and sketching these ideas for over a month now. They are inspired by a lesson my husband teaches. Dinner time conversation is great! In the meantime I will be updating with some of my older work.
