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.