Reading today's submission by Robert made me think of how I use glaze. I have shown you examples here on this blog and continue to glaze away. Robert, a realistic landscape artist, uses glazes to add depth while making subtle changes in color and I used clear glazes to give a depth and glass like appearance to my overall work. I have tried to photograph the results of my glazing technique, but it is difficult. Here I am showing the edge of the same painting in hopes you can get an idea of what I am doing.
Now many of you might wonder what in the world takes me so long to paint these very minimal works I create. The answer to that - the application of the glaze. Sometimes it takes me a long time to get the painting the way I want it, but more often than not it is the glazing which takes forever. In the case of the painting I am showing you the application of clear glaze took 4 to 6 weeks after I had the base painting done. But the build up of thin layers of clear acrylic brought a depth I can't show or even describe. I do urge you to try this sometime. Here is the recipe I use:2 parts distilled water
3 parts soft gel (gloss)
Blend this together until smooth and allow it to sit for 24 hours (some may feel this is overkill, but it gives me peace of mind) to allow the bubbles to come to the surface and dissipate. Brush on prepared painting allowing each layer to completely dry before applying the next layer.
This is also a good recipe to use to embed things between layers of glaze. I have actually seen paintings where items and paint appeared to float above the surface of the canvas when it was embedded in enough layers of clear glaze. Maybe I will try that next. :)
Normally, I have to have at least one painting going and be glazing others. Right now I have a real back up of those needing glaze, but that is the way it goes sometimes. So now you know what takes me so long to accomplish these paintings. The good side to it is I can have glazing going all the time and do not need a lot of time to slip in there and apply some glazes, nor do I have to "get in the groove" to do this.
So do you have techniques which take you a long time to accomplish? Do you find speed is important in your work? Do you obsess with details?
Have a Beautiful Day!
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8 comments:
Hiya Kim, I've tagged you! See my blog :)x
Hi Jess! Well, I must say I have never been tagged before! Look out though, because I am thinking about those 7 things!
Thanks Jess!
(heh heh,,,can't wait to see this taggin' thing)
Glazing,,,I always glaze,,not always with gloss, but always glaze. It just SO brings out the colors and adds depth. Acrylic looks very flat and dull to me without it.
Sometimes I glaze in color,,,a thin, bright yellow glaze is sooooo beautiful over a deep magenta. Color glaze can make colors POP right off the canvas,,or knock them back in the far recesses,,,,depending on the colors.
I need to try your method of many many coats of glaze,,,I don't think I've ever used more than 3,,,and I've seen the 'floating' impression that you speak of with objects imbedded. Don't know why I haven't done it before now,,,,,but this minute I'm itching to do it,,,,thanks Kim!
(but I first have to go get some rx sunglasses,,,my eyes have become so sensitive to bright sunshine.I've been putting it off, but today is THE day!)
Babs, you better watch out or you are going to be next! Tee Hee!
Now you have me going with the colored glaze! Mmmmm, girl what are ya' doin' to me?
Now if you do some of this embedding...don't hesitate to show it! I know it takes a long time, but I think in the end it is well worth it.
Prescription sunglasses...I can't say enough about them. I have worn them for many years and am glad you are on your way to get a cool pair! Show us a new photo in your cool shades!
Thanks Babs!
Hi Kim. Great post. I dont think i knew abt this newsletter. Yes, please send me the one on glazing. I have looked at his site and think I will subscribe.
I have used your glaze recipe several times although I havent yet had the patience to do much more thatn 3-4 coats of glaze. I also have mixed up some matte glaze. I think these well paintings, as Babs suggested on my blog, might take well to some glazing and esp the one with pine needles. Right, do some layers of glaze first and then the pine needles and then more glaze.
Well I can see why it takes you a long time.!! A few mintues to lay on the glaze, and then hours for it to dry. I wish i could see some of yr work in person. That'd be so great as it is sublte and the photos do not do it justice I am sure.
Have a happy day glazing. And then toward the end of the month you can glaze the holiday turkey.
my secred verification word is:rebegin.
Hi Suki,
I have just sent you the newsletter. I hope you enjoy it.
Yes, the pine needles would be great embedded in a glaze. A good idea. I suppose we will keep that Babs around, uh? :)
Oh I would love for you to see some of these glazes applied in person. When you put lots and lots of layers of gloss glaze over them, it is as though a sheet of crystal clear glass has been poured over the canvas. I love the effect a lot and it just brings such an intensity to the colors.
Tee Hee, glazing the turkey. Well, I don't really do that, but it is an idea. Who knows, I might like doing it. :) I just don't like messing with meat and such (but I do it for my family members who eat it). :)
Thanks Suki!
Hi Kim, thanks for the recipe! I love multiple glazes, but have always used a bit of colour - I am dying to try your method of clear glazing. My paintings also take forever to paint, using layer upon layer of acrylic paint! I recently visited an amazing exhibition of paintings by a local artist, Michael Petit. His abstract oil paintings are contructed with multiple glazes - these must take forever to paint, considering the drying time of oils. I spent ages gazing at his work. Unfortunately, I can't find any internet presence of his work to give you a link.
Thanks for sharing one of your techniques, we benefit so much from this kind of sharing!
Hi Dianne,
Sure, you are welcome for the recipe. I can imagine your paintings do take a very long time to complete, but that sure shows, too.
Now you have me eager to try the multiple layers of softly colored glazes. I can just imagine the depth and how those must just pull you into the work.
If you ever find a web site for Michael Petit's work, I would love to see it!
Thanks so much, Dianne!
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