"Photo book of contemporary abstract paintings by Lynne Taetzsch. Thirty-six full color images as well as biographical information and artist's statement."
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Still struggling with a vertical frame for a non-objective abstract painting, I sought a sense of curving or whirling movement in this piece. Working on it for the second time in my studio, not sure whether I'd have to abandon it completely, I finally stopped at this point. I love its sense of energy, if nothing else.
Carnival, 18" x 24"
I had some trouble with this painting, working on it over two days. I find it easier to make non-objective abstract paintings in a square format. Vertical is my least favorite, and it always takes me a while to get used to it. This is where I ended up:
Syncopation, 18" x 24"
Today I worked on another vertical abstract painting on paper. I was looking for looseness and subtlety, which I think I see in this. But did I stop too soon?
Tracking Hope, 18" x 24"
After completing ten new abstract paintings on paper recently, I added them to the Contemporary Art Gallery page on my website. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Summer Traveler, 24" x 18"
Visionary Paths, 24" x 18"
I worked on my current abstract painting on paper over several days, but can only photograph paper paintings when they are finished and completely dry. The watercolor block paper cannot be removed until the painting is dry. I use handitack reusable adhesive to temporarily attach the paper to the wall so I can photograph it. The handitack feels like clay and is more malleable the more you work it.
Whim Win Situation, 18" x 24"
I've been trying to decide which image would best represent my abstract art in a small ad, where the image ends up about 2" x 2". I've been using the same one for ages, Culmination, but I'm thinking it's time for a change.
I have tried Splash, but it comes out too dark. I also tried Earth Songs Three, but again, it came out too dark. So now I'm thinking about these possibilities:
Abstract Expressionism One, 30" x 30"
Abstract Expressionism Two, 30" x 30"
Fruitful, 48" x 48"
However, I'm worried that Fruitful might look too dark also.
In my previous post I described the process of using watercolor blocks. Often, when painting on paper with acrylics, I use more watercolor effects such as thin washes of color which allow the paper to show through, and "dry brush," which also allows the paper (or whatever color is underneath) to show through with a mottled effect.
Acrylic paint on paper dries so much faster than when used on canvas, so I can paint for a longer period of time on the same piece. With canvases, I have to allow them to dry in between sessions. Today I worked and re-worked this abstract painting on paper:
Sweet Tooth, 18" x 24"
I used up all my 22" x 30" watercolor paper, so today I started painting on Arches watercolor blocks. The important thing, when you're painting on paper, is that the paper not curl up. When using sheets, I tape them to pegboard, removing the tape only when the paintings are completely dry. With watercolor blocks, the sheets of paper are attached to a heavy board on the edges, and you remove them one by one after a completed painting dries. The blocks are stiff enough to set on an easel, which is how I paint.
I paint on these blocks "to the edge," which means they end up with no white space around them like my paintings on paper sheets (when the tape is removed, it leaves a white border). That's why I now prefer the sheets, but in these economic times I can't afford to buy more supplies before I use up the ones I have.
One of the 18 x 24 blocks I have is "hot-pressed" which gives the paper a smooth flat surface. The other is "cold-pressed" which means it has a rough texture. The paint has a slightly different effect on each surface.
My first effort on the watercolor block is very loose:
Nave of Hearts, 18" x 24"
Today I finished the last of this group of ten abstract paintings on paper. I am now out of the Arches Watercolor paper that I was using to make these.
Tender Heart, 24" x 18"
On my walks in the woods this week, I am greeted by early spring colors: lime to darker greens, the white of trilliums, and multicolored wild flowers with names unknown to me. Perhaps these walks have led me to name this current abstract painting on paper, "Visionary Paths."
24" x 18"
