Monday, May 19, 2008

Seeking Advice

Here is a little posy to get your week off on a lovely path!

This is the painting I finally completed this weekend. I have been working on this for quite some time as it has probably between 50 to 75 layers of glazing. It will go into my Contemplation Series and is acrylic on 30 x 40 gallery wrapped canvas. I am still toying with names for this one. If you have ideas, I am listening. Some of the ones which have come to me are Into the Depths, Soul Seeking, and Into the Spirit. But I have not settled on anything at this point.

What do you think would be a good name for this painting? Do you ever have trouble with naming your works? Did you have a good weekend of art making or art seeking?

I have received a book shipment, so tomorrow I will share with you some of my thoughts on what I received.

18 comments:

~Babs said...

Gorgeous blue, Kim!
I wish we could see/feel all those layers, I'm sure the depth must be incredible!
This painting is very calming to me,,,serene,,,tranquil,,,so I like "Into The Spirit",,,,
or maybe "Peace Abundant"
Something like that.

Yes, I often have a hard time coming up with titles for my own stuff,,,but usually something 'jumps' at me from the work of others, as it did with this one.
My week-end was spent in a "spring cleaning frenzy",,,no art. I have wonderfully clean ceiling fans and a lot of cat and dog hair removed, although by no means is housework ever finished.
Also had a new fridge delivered,
so it's been a really busy time. Maybe some art this afternoon,,,,,one can always hope.
#:-D

Andrea and Kim said...

Thanks Babs!

You know it does have a calming effect. I think that is why I kept adding layers and layers...it was a pleasure to have it in the studio! :)

Those are great ideas for names! Thanks so much...I am having a hard time with this one since I was only feeling it and not connecting words with the feelings.

Argh! Cleaning...my worst nightmare. The results are incredible, though, I have to admit. My mother has a friend who will not do anything in her house...not even cook a meal...because she doesn't want to mess it up. But here is the thing, she cleans every day! Go figure!

A new fridge sounds nice...I know you lamented having to let the old one go, though. Does this one have bells and whistles?

I wish for you an afternoon filled with art. That is said selfishly since I always hope to enjoy the fruits of your time int eh studio!

Thanks Babs!

Peace

Katiejane said...

How about "I'm so Blue", haha.

Thanks for the posey, I needed that.

Thank you too, for the lovely comments about the art fair. I hope you had a good time. I did.

Serena said...

Hi! Just flicking through and the blue really caught my eye- real depth and hue, lovely.
Thought I'd join in too! How about 'what lays beneath?' Take care, Serena ;)

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Kate,

Tee Hee....maybe I am over looking the obvious with this name business :)

I had a great time at the art fair in your town! You are so good at that!

You are very welcome for the posy! It just seemed like the right thing to do...nothing like intuition, right?

Thanks Kate!

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Serena and Welcome to commenting here!

"What Lays Beneath" That is great, isn't it? Should it be with a "?" or not? :) It does feel special that the blue caught your eye...thanks for saying so.

I am eager to explore where you post, now!

Please do come and post again!

Serena said...

Thank you for your kind words on my blog, Kim! "I'll be back!" as they say!! 'Til later, S ;)

Andrea and Kim said...

Great! This is fabulous!

Yes, 'til later.

Unknown said...

I plunged in this blue for some minutes, it is wonderful.
Universe, came to my mind, it was as if I was starring from the windowscreen of a spaceship into the universe, seeking souls. Are there souls out there?
Soulseeking I like.
What a blue, thank you for it. So many layers, so much depth.
Love
Andrea

sukipoet said...

Kim, 50-75 layers. Amazing. So to make glazes with acrylic do you mix paint with lots of matte or gloss medium?

Into the blue or just Blue though I guess that has connotations of sadness. Peace now.

I like your titles too. I seldom title my paintings although with abstract paintings a title gives the viewer a pointer in a way. I also don't sign my paintings, Odd.

Thanks for the cheery flower. Take care, Suki

Andrea and Kim said...

Thank you, Andrea!

Universe...that is good, it is that in a way, I think. And Soulseeking is also wonderful...because that has dual meaning, doesn't it?

I am glad you like the blue...I know it appears to be only blue there, but among those layers there are reds, purples and greens, too! They are deeper down, but clearly there.

Thanks So Much, Andrea! It is lovely to have you home!

Love...

Paula In Pinetop said...

Oh the blue is captivating !

Names. Oh gosh, sometimes it is really easy and other times miserable. I don't like to be too explicit because I'd like to viewer to formulate their own thoughts about what they are seeing.

I have this week of work to get through and then will be off for 9 whole days. I intend to use the entire time in my studio. Sure wish you were near and could come by for some creative fun, I know we'd have a great time.

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Suki,

I make glazes with watered down soft gel medium mixed with paint. I mix the medium and water ahead...and let it set for at least two hours (I keep a mixture of this going all the time). Then I mix the paint with that mixture and allow that to set for at least two hours. What happens when it sets is the air bubbles rise to the top, so you hopefully do not get bubbles trapped in the layers. I am sure there are other ways to do it, but this is what I do. I usually also use gloss, because I like that glass like clarity.

You know I think the word "blue" has different feelings to different people in various places. Many of my paintings are heavy on blue. The paintings I did when we lived in England were almost totally blue and the interesting thing is that the people who currently live in the UK are more attracted to those paintings I did when there than people outside the UK. I find that so very interesting.

I was just giving my paintings titles of particular numbers relating to the series they would belong to like: Contemplation 1, Contemplation 2, etc. But I realized it was probably important to non-artist viewers they be given a hint of my intentions. Also, when I paint on a canvas, my signature goes along the edge so the painting can be hung in the way most appealing to those who own it. I suppose I am big-headed enough to want people to know who painted this thing! LOL

Thanks So Much Suki!

Anonymous said...

I think of the words 'Blue Depth' when I see this. It must have been lovely and satisfying to work on. I saw a painting at the Affordable Art Fair that was made by alternate layers of varnish,then paint. The outcome was stunning and I stood there staring at it for ages. It was a very simple composition with no more than a suggestion of a horizon, but the subtle colours that came through had me transfixed!

Andrea and Kim said...

Hi Paula, I also don't like to tell my viewers what to think or feel, but I also realize that some who appreciate a title more than others. So I struggle often with the right thing.

Ohhh, that would be fun to come and play during your time off! Yeah! There is a bit of distance between us, right now, though, isn't it? Although one never knows with me what will happen on a dime! LOL You enjoy your time over the very special 9 days! I can't wait to see what happens over at your blog during that time.

Peace!

Andrea and Kim said...

Ohh that is a good one, Jess..."Blue Depth". I wish I had the words to express the satisfaction in doing this piece. My muse is whispering to me about this type of painting, so we will see what comes from it. :)

The painting you saw at the Affordable Art Fair sounds tremendous! So alternate layers of varnish and paint...so the paint is isolated. As you know, I am very interested in horizon lines. I have not added to my series, but I continue to play with that idea all the time. Do you happen to remember the artist who did this particular painting? I just wonder if they have done more. Simplicity is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

Thank you so much, Jess. As always, you find a way to inspire me AGAIN!

sukipoet said...

Kim thanks for describing your glaze making method. This is something I've never heard of but would like to try. I haven't had much success with acrylic glazes. So I appreciate your taking the time to give this process.

I do think most artists sign their paintings and I think people buying them want them signed too.

Andrea and Kim said...

Suki, you are very welcome. I don't know if this is the right way to do it, but it is what I do. I will be eager to know how you get along with it. Most likely, you will find a way that works best for you.

Maybe so with the signing. The thing with me is I don't sign it right when I have finished...it is the boring part for me. LOL But I do it! :)

Thanks Again!