Lace works

I've been working on a new concept, inspired some diagrams of needlelace found in antique books. It appeared that various elements are used to fill a square, and the squares are arranged in pretty patterns. You know how much I love squares, patterns, and symmetry,

The diagrams look along the lines of this:

My first drawing was done in pen and ink, making a mandala of sorts. I used some blocks from the diagrams and invented some of my own.

The next experimental step was to add some color and a few more elements that deviated from a strict grid. I started by painting a grid of squares and triangles in different colors, then I drew some design lines on top. The background square were done in Turner Acryl Gouache, so they have a matte finish, but unlike regular gouache, I can paint more on top of them without rewetting and disturbing the base layer.

I used darker iridescent colors to fill in some of the design areas. 

And more:

The last step (and the scariest, since there is no going back once started) was to paint on fine black lines everywhere. I think it came out pretty cool looking, although it is tough to capture the colors and the pearlescence in a photo. I have no idea how to finish it. It's on 12 x 16" canvas, and the design goes all the way out to the edge, so I think I'll have to mount it onto a box frame... so I can hang it on the wall space I don't have. :-P

Let the experiments continue!

Bugs and Blooms

A small painting. I was trying to not be so controlled and tight as I am in my ink work. It is a Goliath beetle.

And in unrelated news, the Sansevierias (aka Mother in Law's Tongue) is blooming. It is incredibly smelly and can be smelled three rooms away. I kind of like the smell, but it is a bit overpowering. Some people's never bloom. We must be providing the perfect level of neglect. And if you can see those beads of liquid, I've learned recently from the font that is all knowledge called the internet that this phenomenon is called guttation. And also that this plant is toxic to cats. We no longer have a cat, but this plant had nothing to do with it.

Coffee Break

Finished this today: ink and gouache, 6" square.

Coffee Break

The ink came out a bit heavier than I had originally envisioned, particularly on the orange border. But it didn't look finished with just the paint. In the top photo, you can't see the gold is metallic and the red looks a touch more gaudy than real life.

Here is the initial sketch, for anyone who cares.