A couple of years ago, I was invited by curator Chandra Cerrito to create a piece for the exhibition she was curating at the di Rosa called Altered States: The Collection in Context of artworks related to the mystical, the transcendent and the transformative.
I was given a large wall in the gallery space overlooking a small lake. Inspired by a meditative state I had been studying and experiencing call the Sea of Connections, I decided to make a link between this state, the lake outside and the piece.
My intention was to create a piece that would reflect light, shimmer and glow. Based on my in-depth knowledge of acrylic mediums, I innovated a brand new material using acrylics over aluminum foil.
The finished pieced measured was over 6 ½ feet tall by 11 feet wide (198 cm x 348 cm).
Here’s I video I made for you showing exactly how I made the sheets:
And here is a video showing how I connected all those sheets to make the whole piece.
Hi Michele
thanks for sharing that technique ..
I live near the ocean so I am going to experiment with that on a seascape painting..the light on the sea creates that shimmer effect and so that technique would work perfectly for that. thanks again.
peace
Kris
Kris – Hope you have fun with this and would love to see what you come up with! Michele
Thanks, Michele! Fun to see how you created that–great idea. I hope to get to one of your demonstrations in the bay area!
Christine – Thanks! The next free demo in the Bay Area will be Saturday, October 29 in Seaside, CA. If you are getting my newsletter, I will keep you updated that way in the “Where’s Michele?” section. If you are not on the newsletter yet, fill in the boxes to the right and that will automatically subscribe you.
Thanks for sharing that info. Always great to see what you are up to. Where is the gallery the piece is in? Love to see it in person!
Hi Marge. The show is no longer up it was at the di Rosa museum in Napa, California. Great place to visit if you haven’t already!
http://www.dirosaart.org/
Thanks Michele! What a great tip and clear explanation!
I appreciate that, Gabrielle. You are so welcome!
Hi Michele,
I love this idea. What is the ratio between the pouring medium and the string gel? And if you were then adhering the foil to a canvas or cradle board, what did you use?
I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
HI Eileen, I used about 50/50 pouring to string gel. I did not adhere the foil to another surface. But I’ll post the other video here below the first so you can see how I connected it! Let me know what you think!
Thank you Michele. Do you have any videos on how to create light in a painting? I so appreciate your kindness in sharing your knowledge and experiences Michele. Many Blessings for the New Year.
When you say light do you mean the illusion of light and shadow? In a landscape or still life or figurative work?
Hi Michele,
I just watched the video with you using the string gel to adhere the pieces together. What a wonderful idea! There is so much to learn about the various uses of the mediums…I feel like a kid in a candy store! Also, I appreciate how you had the camera zoom in while you were working so we could get a close up. Great. Do you use ordinary soft kind of brushes when applying varnishes and the mediums? Of is there a brand you like that is good for varnish applying etc?
Hi Michele,
Thank you for getting back to me . I’m thinking of abstract paintings, where light comes through the layering is probably the best way I can describe it. There is an artist who captures light in a way that appeals to me. His name is Blu Smith and he lives in Victoria BC.
I think this is a bit too abstract to try to teach this way. Perhaps contact the artist?
Hello Michele,
Your piece is so beautiful! I think it will be a wonderful new technique to try in my mixed media. I’m brand new to art PERIOD, always thinking if I couldn’t draw or paint realistically then there was no place for me in the art world. Then I recently came across mixed media on YouTube and fell in love! I saw your live Q&A on YouTube today!
I doubt I can go back and get a degree in art but I am a person who likes to understand the “how’s” and “why’s” of things and I had never even heard of a color wheel a month ago! I’d really like to have a better understanding of the basics so I don’t waste my time and valuable products. I am disabled and on a limited income so I have to be mindful.
Do you have any suggestions for someone at this stage of life whose basically at the kindergarten level of art knowledge but is really loving it and wanting to learn all she can? Lol
Sorry for the long message. 🙂
Thanks for your wonderful videos! I’m just discovering them.
Warm regards,
Catrina Byrge
Hi Catrina,
I’m so glad you have found something you enjoy! The great news is mixed media can be anything! You don’t have to have expensive materials to make art. Often the best art comes from inventing with what can be found around us. I recommend looking at materials you find around your house – old magazines, cardboard, markers, glue, even pencils. If you are looking for teachers, look for art classes in your community or online and pick one that calls to you. Nothing will be a waste of your time if it brings you joy and sparks your interest. I wish you the best on your continued journey!