Yet more progress!

More progress continues.   In fact most of the canvas is now covered!  I'm using acrylics and including interference paints.  This is still mostly the underpainting... additional work will be added. 

At this time, it is still unstretched.  I began it that way purposefully, but now am wondering why... and how I will attach it to a panel or stretch it.  I haven't decided yet -
but I think it needs that stability, being 30x 30". 

I don't entirely know where this is going, which makes its creation interesting - fun - and a little scary!  I'm letting it dictate to me while I work... I like the poetic colors that are coming together. 

I'll continue to post my progress!  

The newest thing ... still in progress

Newest abstract --  Acrylic on canvas - 30 x 30" 

Well, I'm working larger and on something a lot different than much of my work.  First, I'm working on an unstretched canvas.   I probably will stretch it... later - after the work is complete. 

I'm also working with both pouring paint and with painting w/a brush. 

I'm also working with a lot of transparent paint.  So layer upon layer is building up. 

And, finally - I've added texture in the form of some cheese cloth adhered with clear gesso. 

So.... things are developing.  But it is a larger painting and its taking time!  

I'm interested to see what it will become.  In some ways, it will dictate to me what it must be. 
The mystery continues!  Keep watching!  

Quite possibly done!?

Light and Reflections,  approx 8x 12" colored pencil on black paper 

©2011, Helen Read 

It seems this may be (for all intents and purposes) finished.  My goal here was to portray the transparency and yet, the solidity of these glass marbles. I was also quite intrigued with the complexity of the shadows and the reflected light within them. 

I may have a few more touch ups to work on, but basically - its done! 

Repost - Rose

Rose,  8x8" graphite on clayboard
©2010, Helen Read 

Reposting today--- just finished a VERY busy month with school finishing up.  And today, I start a graduate class for a couple weeks.  Whoever thought teachers just sit around during the summer are sadly misinformed!  This summer will be very busy -- I'm taking 2 classes, developing a curriculum for the fall for a class I've never taught, working on some other curriculum plans for the fall, and then fitting in some travel to see family.  Of course ... I'll also be trying to incorporate studio time through all of this.    Well, I won't be "sitting around"!! 

Progress continues

The progress on this continues! 

Marbles, 9x12" colored pencil on black paper. 

Even though its been busy, I've found a little time to continue working on this.  Just by posting it and seeing it here, I see a few things that need some alteration, but I'm happy to be progressing with it.  

I'll keep you posted with new postings!! 

Storms!

After the Storm, 9 x 12" Oil on canvas 

©2009, Helen Read 

We've had so many storms this spring!  Thankfully, not the destruction that other parts of the nation have experienced.  The occasional sunny day has become quite a novelty of late!