Saturday 14 November 2015

2015 #21 Cloudy With A Chance of Colour {by Seth Apter}

2015 Topic 21: Abstract Art

Hi gang.Seth here,  I am happy to be back on the PaperArtsy blog today with a post on the theme of Abstract Art. I love abstract artwork, both as a maker and a viewer. Without specific visual references, one piece of abstract art can be many things to different people.




I decided to work in my journal, a spiral-bound book with 140lb watercolor pages. I start every page with a coat of black gesso and keep my journal next to me when I create so that I can add random bits of paint and other materials that are left on my brush and palette along the way. 


For this page, I wanted to start with opaque paints, they would create a light background, while still allowing some of the black gesso to show through. I loosely painted the surface of the page with PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylic Paints, first with a combination of Chalk and Antarctic and then with Lake Wanaka and Lavender. 


I wanted to add some texture to the surface so next I added a thin layer of Crackle Glaze using a palette knife. I hit it with a heat gun to dry it and followed this layer with a combination of Teresa Green and Granny Smith, both from the September 2015 Limited Edition Paint Set release.


Using a series of textured materials, I added some darker design elements to the surface using Squid Ink, Space Cadet and Professor Plum, the later also from the September 2015 Limited Edition Paint Set release. I didn't want the design elements to be representational so I made sure to keep them grungy.

One element that elevates an abstract artwork is a focal point that draws the viewer's eye. I decided that since my project was a journal page, I would use text as one of the focal images. I added words using rub-ons.


Now that my background was complete, I moved on to use translucent paints to add color and interest to the surface and to integrate the background. Using wet fingers, I blended in the following colors: Inky Pool, Beach Hut, South Pacific, Yellow Submarine, Autumn Fire and Pumpkin Soup.


The final process was to add surface details. I used gel pens, markers, pencils, wax and oil pastels, ink pads, my line of rubber stamps from Impression Obsession, and rub-ons for making marks and adding design elements. I used my Starburst rubber stamp to add a series of stars across the center of the page so that there would also be a design-based focal element.




I hope that has inspired and encouraged. if you are coming to one of my workshops this weekend at Art From The Heart then I will see you there. 
Until next time. 
Seth. 
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Oh I could lose myself in those colours and layers. It is always magical when a piece comes to life just by adding the translucent colours. Such vibrancy, thanks Seth. ~Darcy

We would love you to join in with Challenge #21: Abstract Art

If you would like to join us in some abstract experimentation, then link what you make HERE.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Abstract link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Nov 22nd winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

15 comments:

Helen said...

Fabulous abstract journal page, Seth. Always good to see you here for Paperartsy.

Ruth said...

What fabulous layers and texture in this wonderful page. Very inspirational! Ruth x

elle said...

Great show and tell and a fantastic title!!! :)

Kirsten said...

This is one of those projects that I would love to touch, the texture must be amazing. Fantastic page, I love the layers of colour too.

Unknown said...

Ahhh - always love your art Seth. This is just WONDERFUL. Love the colors and textures....but mostly just enjoy the impression it gives me... makes me feel like "all is right with the world" - just a lazy cloudy day of yummy color! Thanks bunches for super inspiration. j.

PaperArtsy said...

Fabulous layers. Live your details Seth. Just need to reach out and touch it!! Thankyou! ~Leandra

Artmadnana said...

Love the build up of layers. Fabulous result. Such depth.

craftytrog said...

Wonderful art Seth, & so happy to have seen this in the flesh at AFTH this weekend, & to learn from you! You're a great guy & teacher!
Alison xx

Lucy Edmondson said...

This is gorgeous, Seth, it just glows off the page!

Lucy x

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of keeping the Gesso prepared journal at hand ready for any paint or stamping.
Stunning textures. It is one of those pieces that you want to be able to touch it.
Wishes
Lynne

Pilgrim said...

Seth, I really like the use of black gesso on the page instead of white. Your addition of color is easy and at the same time complex. I am going to have to try the acrylic glaze. Thanks so much for this great tutorial.

Julie Lee said...

Wonderful textures and layers - a great cover for a journal. xx

Unknown said...

Gorgeous layers and textures! X

Hazel Agnew said...

So inspiring...must have a play!

Sarah B said...

the amount of detail in these layers is wonderful xx