This is one of the first works for the parallel project – a lot of experimenting with techniques and overall idea, colours/shapes and intuitively figuring out the composition during the process. My mum really likes this work and it means a lot to me.
In this painting i used for the first time techniques as : using alcohol (dripping over wet paint) , layering various mixes over one another.
As I started my research into intuitive painting and finding images i have found quite a few abstract artists that combine techniques in order to create interesting textures, that’s how I’ve learned about dripping alcohol over wet paint to create textures. One of the artists that really inspired me and in a way directed with the process below is Gerda Lipski – she is an abstract artist that experiments a great deal , her imagination is just fantastic and i have learned quite a few new ways for application from her.
https://gerdalipski.com/.cm4all/uproc.php/0/.DSC03165_1.JPG/picture-2600?_=1694eb45920
Another artist that i found very helpful and inspirational is Pavel Tchelitchew – his works sometimes are quite dark but they allow us to look for more within the painting. He combines techniques and images to create a labyrinth that has to be examined longer in order to see everything that artist portrayed within. Below is one of the works that resonate with my parallel project “HIde and Seek” where artist incorporated imagery in a way that only by looking closely one can find more.
image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hide-and-Seek_(painting)
In the references below i have inserted a link to the video where the painting is examined by the host , it is called : Finding Hide and Seek with Hamilton Morris”.
The process:
- Canvas was covered with light colours using various tools and left to dry
- Using darker mix diluted with water the first layer was overpainted and while moist alcohol was dripped over the surface – i must say that i had to practice on separate pieces before i have figured out the right combination of water+paint. I’m using white spirit and i feel that it might not be the best strenghth ( alcohol %) as a lot of artists mention it has to be almost pure spirit. But i feel it worked for the purposes that i intended here.
- Later another layer of darker mix was applied and I also used plastic wrap to add some texture.
- Where to start was quite a long process of staring at the canvass, turning it around and so on.. Using acrylic paints i just went for it finding images as the process took over.
- I must say i really enjoyed the process and surprised with the result – no way i was expecting what was happening, i feel that texture and engagement with the process helped to unlock possibilities and uncovered the image directed by intuition.
I’m quite happy with the result – i might add more to the bottom left corner but i feel that it helpes to balance out the darker top of the piece as a whole.
It turned out as a mix between space/water/forest and i believe it works. ( i need to make a higher resolution photo)
References and inspirational artists:
https://gerdalipski.com/Bildergalerie/
Drawing 2 Natalya Griffin 
