Saturday 2 October 2010

Acrylic Collage Canvas - Family

I made a collage on canvas around two years ago for a forum swap, but it was using distress inks.
This is my very first acrylic paint collage. My chosen design, family, was based on my main image, it is my Father & Grandfather. I also wanted to use earthy colours as my Grandfather was a farmer. I read books by Ann Baldwin & Claudine Hellmuth on glazing paints for backgrounds & decided this was for me. My support being a canvas board 5x7".
I began by selecting my background images & stamping these onto tissue. These were then "glued" to the canvas using Matte Golden Regular Gel Medium. I then tore two strips of patterned paper in designs I thought worked well with the colours I had in mind. I then began my glazing thinning the acrylic paint slightly with water just to get the right consistency. I used an overall colour of Cadmium Yellow Deep, as my first layer. I didn't want to cover the background completely as I felt the stamps were important to the piece. My Grandfather always wore a waistcoat & in the pocket he always had a pocket watch. The receipt type stamp is probably similar to the receipts my Grandfather received for buying goods for the farm.
Once I was happy with my layers of paint, I "glued" on my two pieces of text, both of which are open to interpretation. I thought "Life is a stage" quite apt because everyone has several stages in their lives. The single word "Life" supports the main image showing them both living their Life at that moment the camera captured them. Finally I added my main image & then cut my Father seperate from a second image & added him over the top of the original which gives a very nice 3D look ( which you probably can't pick up in the picture) but it represents him as the main part of this piece. Finally I took the Burnt Umber & applied in areas using my fingers to edge the piece & add shadow & depth around the base & side of the image.
Stamps; Prima/ Stampers Anonymous/ Artistic Stamper
Papers; 7Gypsies
Paint; Cadmium Yellow Deep/ Yellow Ochre/Burnt Sienna/ Red Ochre/Burnt Umber
Image; my own photo printed onto ordinary copy paper.
I am happy with how this first attempt turned out and am burning with ideas for a second!

12 comments:

joanne wardle said...

ooo that's gorgeous!

Paper Paradise said...

Well I absolutely love this, the texture, colours and layout all go perfect together. x

penny4thoughts said...

This is fantastic Paula and this is your first canvas? Love the depth of colours - you have to do more!!

Susan Hurley-Luke said...

It looks fabulous, Paula! I love how many new techniques you used and how well you described what you did so others can try. It does look rather 3d from here too. Love it!!

Carol Q said...

gorgeous Paula. great family pics too.

lisa said...

This is just gorgeous, Paula. That background is so full of texture and detail and the colours are beautiful. I love how you've included all the things that are so approriate to your family.
That piece in your last post is amazing too. I love the colour and texture in that one as well. Can't wait to see the finished result.
Hope you are feeling better now.
Hugs Lisax

Karin said...

Love the depth of this piece Paula, it's a gorgeous canvas

penibear said...

Beautiful, Paula. You've inspired me to dig out some old family photos!

Audrey said...

gorgeous vintage look Paula

Micayla said...

Oh my gosh Paula, this is fantastic. You really do have a special talent my dear. I cannot use paint at all, maybe just splatters or a line or two but nothing like this!!
Hope you are well and have a fantastic weekend.
xx

Hermine said...

Absolutley gorgeous, love the warm colour

Pearl said...

lovely background here ! such a work of heart,hun !

So sorry to hear about your pc freezing when you're at my blog - hope my recent blog reno has helped then ?!