Art Process - Be Made New

Here is a summary on my latest work. Clicking on an image will go to the post about the individual sections with commentary. Similar pages are available for my other paintings at artprocess.blogspot.com. Take a look!

I have started a new sketch based on Hebrews. I was working through 13:5 on a request and came upon an idea instead for 4:12. It is one of my favorite verses as I believe the bible is not a collection of stories, but a living guide to the character of God:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

As I really enjoyed the result of this work over Ephesians, I plan to take a multi-paneled approach to this verse to see what may come. I should have the sketch done in a few days.



Be Made New, December 2005

Click on an image to go to the relevant post:

Completed Work On Ephesians 4

Be Made New, 2005

After washing over the entire work with a matte finish, I added multiple high-gloss glazes to the panels to give a glass effect. The thick gloss adds great depth to the colors. I am satisfied with how this work turned out, and plan to use a similar method for some future work.

So what is next? I have a few ideas rolling around that I may pursue. Perhaps something over Hebrews.

Adding Drop Shadows

I decided to go with the drop shadow effect on the panels (completed on the right) to bring out the individual sections. To start, I outline each panel in burnt umber, then blend it with a mix made to match the background. In itself, the technique is nothing special, but I think it serves the purpose nicely.

On a side note, I just purchased a better digital camera which will hopefully give a more accurate view of what these works really look like as I paint them. Previously, I had relied on the camera in my cell phone and tried to "fix" the colors and lighting in Photoshop. The process is tedious at best, and gave mixed results. I use scans of slide film for most of my online work, but with a process blog, I cannot wait for the entire roll to be developed. The difference in color depth is astounding.

A Good Rest

I have been having a good rest with my family for the past week, and look forward to another. Painting has been slow, but intentional. I finished the final panels, and have only to clean up the background and complete the glazing. It is time to look to another subject.

For these panels, I changed from the muted colors to introduce a revised, brighter pallet. The dark left to lighter right moves the image across a linear storyline. I plan to work the panel edges to bring them out from the background; perhaps some subtle shading to give an impression of depth.

Small Steps

Although not greatly visible, more work has been done to the side and center panels. I have been glazing the panels and adding light color. Hopefully the glazed layers will give the suggestion of thin glass while the main body retains its matte finish. It should provide a fun effect when complete.

The right panels have just begun. Although mildly different, the three panels are basically the same stick, waiting for the details that bring out the story. Whereas the left panels show a decline, these will emphasize growth.

Put Off Your Old Self

The left three panels are in. The progression moves from top to bottom; like time-lapse photography, but in paint. The falling leaves represent the first part of the verse from Ephesians 4:

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; (Ephesians 4:22 NIV)

In fall, a tree will shed its leaves in preparation for new growth in spring. In the same way, we must shed our old ways to make room for the new.

Before moving to the next group of panels, I intend to work more in the middle section; experimenting with some texture to create the feel of rain.

Underpainting for the Center Panel

Here is the underpainting for the rainy section. The idea is a rain shower falling on a lone autumn leaf.

Unlike my previous work where the underpainting was done purely in brown and white, this needed color as the glazes will be very subtle. I plan to add some light texture to the surface to suggesting a rain shower, and add some thin color washes to increase the effect. To provide a focal point for the work, this will be the only area using texture.

Starting Work on Ephesians 4

The canvas is blocked into sections and the lettering is in.



I started with the scripture as it was potentially the most difficult part. My handwriting is bad enough without having the extra distraction of loading paint on a brush. Fortunately, the process was not too hard and I am pleased with the result. I found comfort in the words themselves, and was able to spend some time in reflection.

I was reminded of the post I am an Ephesian, by Mr. Standfast. He has spent some time here, and it was good to read again.

Preparing the Canvas

I prepared the canvas for my next work this weekend. I prefer to stretch my own supports rather than buy them as it gives me greater freedom to choose sizes and shapes to fit my work. I have been doing this for years, and really enjoy the process.

I start with building a frame. Again, I could buy stretcher bars, but find I can build a better frame suited to the size of the painting. I then cut the canvas with a few inches of overlap and staple the sides in place.



Pulling the canvas tight, I work out to the corners, trying to keep a consistent tension. Before folding the sides, the canvas is trimmed, then tucked.



On My easel, I apply the Gesso. Gesso is an amazing thing. It has the consistency of housepaint and paste combined. The gesso provides a final bit of stretch to the canvas, and help the paint adhere to the surface without soaking through.



I start at the edges and go around the entire panel, applying the gesso with a large brush. Finally, the center is done, starting at one corner and moving to the next. The entire canvas will get a second coat before it is ready to use. After allowing it to dry for a day, it is ready for paint. All said, the process takes about one to three hours depending on the size of the canvas.

In the Middle

After some thought, I really liked Jeff's idea of showing some rain in the center panel. (see the comments on this post) I plan to use a loose approach, possibly with texture and glazes, to bring a focal point.

I should be able to prepare the canvas this weekend, and start the work soon after.

Storytelling

Here are the beginnings of a new idea. I am working on my storytelling; conveying ideas through words and paint.



The text in the sketch is from Ephesians.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV)

I have the preliminary layout set, but the question I face currently is what to place in the center panel. I have not decided whether to stay symbolic, or to try something more abstract. Any ideas?