Coat Hanger

 So my friends have always asked me how I come up with what I want to paint. Do I always know what it's going to look like? Do I have a series in mind at the get go? My answer is yes and no to all those questions. Though there is never a set algorithm to creating art, there definitely is a little idea of where the paint is going to fall. I get inspiration from any place that holds my attention long enough for me to think about it later.

Here's how my mind worked last night:

My husband made this 3'X4' wooden canvas for me that has been sitting in the garage for more than 3 months now. Compulsion struck last night. To me it is a compulsion because it feels like my head would explode if I didn't paint as soon as the colors come to mind.

Step one:

Creating a base. I applied diluted gesso(opaque white semi liquid that can create texture) on the surface of the entire wooden canvas and made it stand so the gesso would drip and create a mild texture. I don't have a picture of this, sorry....will be more thorough next time:)

Step two:

I wanted to divide the canvas into quarters and play with colors. And this time I wanted to stray away from my favorite red and test myself. I chose to go with earth colors. I mixed Bright Yellow with Burnt Umber(darker hue of brown) for the first quarter, Chromium Green with Burnt Umber for the second quarter, Cadmium Yellow with Burnt Umber for the third one and decided to leave the gesso show in the fourth quarter.


Step three:

There has to be some kind of connection between all the colors right? So, I draw a white  X and Y axis. The colors still seem too absolute to me. I distress them and give them a run down look with more white on every section.

Step 4:

I left the last section white so I could play around with some materials other than paint. I had some old Raffia(straw like texture made from the leaves of raffia palm), made concentric circles in different sizes and lined them up at an angle on this quarter. Of course, I was kidding when I said I wouldn't use red. I have to, it's a need. I used red colored raffia for smaller circles to bring in some brightness. Placement is everything. I play around with where to put the circles before deciding on this pattern.


Step 5:

It didn't look finished to me. How do I know? I am not satisfied and want to tinker a little more. That's it. Nothing specific. I somehow want to make this piece a bit functional with a slight sense of humor. I have this old coat hook that never matched my style and sat in my closet for 7 years. The best thing about having a wooden base? You can nail most anything to it and it will hold. Now there is a balance to both sides of the piece.


And that's how my 'Coat Hanger' Mixed Media came about.
I figure there is no need for a Coat Hanger to be just that :)