One thing leads to another, everything is connected…
split second images flash by – embed
opening cracks
rough
rust
decay
rubble
dirt
paint
crumble
torn
scratchy
weathered
worn
unseen
forgotten
abandoned beauty…
Posts Tagged ‘abstract art’
View of Urban Paris.
Friday, April 6th, 2018Small Ideas. An installation of abstract paintings and found images.
Friday, March 30th, 2018My next exhibition,”Spaces Below” is an installation of new & older paintings, linking to found, instantaneous marks, surfaces and fragments. Subconscious notes and messages, snatched from urban and rustic environments when passing through. Also includes, a series of framed images, shot in the city and outer suburbs of Paris, France.
(Please see details of “Spaces Below” exhibition in the sidebar)
I’m still amused and amazed, how one little idea can consume, inspire and provide enough fodder, leading to many forms of expression.
Spaces Below. Bubble – Wrap. Gaffa Tape.
Wednesday, March 28th, 2018The countdown is on… only 14 days until I install my exhibition, “Spaces Below” at Yering Station Gallery, which means, 14 days of bubble-wrap and gaffa tape tangles, labeling, organizing transport, invites, and the opening.
The artworks in the house are all ready to go and still lots more in the studio to wrap, but for now, I think its time to grab some lunch and veg out for awhile….
“Spaces Below” Jenny Davis
Saturday, March 17th, 2018
Jenny Davis
Spaces Below
11th – April – 20th May
Official Opening: Friday April 13th – 6.00 – 7.30 pm
Dear Friends
Jenny Davis would like to invite you to her new exhibition, “Spaces Below”
in the beautiful Yarra Valley, at the historical Yering Station at Yarra Glen in Victoria.
Exhibition runs – April 11th – May 20th
Address – Yering Station Art Gallery
38 Melba Highway Yarra Glen
Opening Times – Monday-Friday
10:00am – 5:00pm
Weekends & Public Holidays (including Anzac Long weekend)
10:00am – 6:00 pm
Commission from all sales will be donated to… L.A.R.C.H.
(Leukaemia Auxiliary Royal Children’s Hospital)
For more information please contact
Dr Ewen Jarvis
Curator
Yering Station Gallery
PO Box 390
Yarra Glen Vic 3775
P + 61 3 9730 0100
M + 0400 894 646
Yering Station is located at 38 Melba Hwy Yering 3770 Victoria, Australia. Directions.
Pure Abstract Painting. Abstract Art. New Course.
Sunday, March 4th, 2018Abstract art strips away the narrative, the real and expected visual story. It requires us to resolve a problem. We want to impose a rational explanation – or see something in abstract art so we feel comfortable. It makes our brains work harder and in a different way – at a subconscious level.
Maybe that’s why some people find abstract art more intimidating and are quick to dismiss it.
If you are interested in learning more about abstract art and how to create abstract paintings, I am in the process of creating my first online course. “Pure Abstract Painting”
This is something I have been wanting to do for many years and will let you know when my course is ready for enrollment.
A few abstract paintings I’ve been working on today. I love the continual changes when working this way.
Spaces Below. New Exhibition. Yering Station Gallery.
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018A small glimpse of paintings in progress for my next exhibition, in April at Yering Station Gallery. I will be showing, new and older paintings and will include an installation of framed photographs, “Spaces Below”, shot in France. The gallery is large and raw with an industrial feel. A perfect space for larger abstracts. All commissions taken from my sold artworks at Yering Station Gallery will be donated to…
Affordable Art. Framed Art. Art Prints.
Monday, February 19th, 2018Ever wish you could buy that original piece of art but it was just too expensive and out of reach? I know I have.
Have you ever considered prints of your favourite originals?
Even if you can’t afford an original piece of art, purchasing prints can be more affordable and if the original artwork is sold, there may be prints available. It not only brings art into your home but, it also supports the artist community too.
I have recently been setting up my online print shop, where you can now purchase prints of my original artworks.
Please see my Gallery page or, click the headings below. There you can browse my selection of framed prints, canvas prints, art prints, acrylic block prints and metal prints.
ABOUT MY PRINTS
The source, for all my art prints, are created in my studio by hand, in (Australia) using my original artworks and photographs. Hand drawing, painting, photography and making collage, is all part of the creative process. Then, the prints are ethically produced by my digital printing partners in Melbourne, Australia, USA and London,England. My prints come in many sizes and prices, to suit your budget. All prints are created from the best, fine artist grade, papers, canvas and materials. Each print is clear and vibrant using specialists inks that will last. Your purchase is wrapped carefully then, packaged in sturdy custom- made boxes, so they make it safely to your door. Please see … Worldwide Delivery plus 100% Returns and Exchanges
I am still in the process of creating my online print shop and will gradually add more prints over time. Enjoy your browse!
Framed Prints
Custom-made box or flat frame styles. High-quality timber frame finishes to suit your decor. Premium Perspex – clearer and lighter than glass. Exhibition quality box or flat frame styles.
Canvas Prints
Each custom artwork is hand stretched and printed for your order. Vibrant colors printed on artist grade canvas. Printed image wraps 0.25 inch (0.6 cm) over the edges; the sides are white. Hanging hardware is included.
Art Prints
Custom sized prints (with various border widths). Gallery quality vibrant colours.
Lightly textured 100% cotton paper.
Refer to size chart for dimensions if self framing.
Acrylic Blocks
Vibrant back mounted photographic prints 1″ (2.5 cm) thick. Solid free-standing acrylic block for desk, table top or shelves. Diamond cut sides provide a sharp image from any angle. Hand polished for a crystal clear finish.
Metal Prints
Available in both High Gloss and Satin. Gently rounded corners. Cleanable surface. Lightweight aluminium is literally infused with the chosen artwork.
Happy New Year ! New Work. New Exhibition.
Saturday, January 13th, 2018After, a much needed break it’s back to work for 2018. I’m getting all geared up for my next solo exhibition, in April. I’m just waiting on a paint delivery and sorting out the studio, before I start the new work.
During my break, I worked on my website and listed more paintings in my Gallery.
I will also be adding more paintings, mixed media and textile pieces shortly.
“Silver Cad Connections” 1 & 2
A static flow through and within .
“Lemon Under Cad”
It just is…
“Moment 3”
One fleeting moment. A thought caught in a fraction of time.
“Fleeting Moment 4”
One fleeting moment. A thought caught in a fraction of time.
“Fleeting Moment 5”
One fleeting moment. A thought caught in a fraction of time.
How to Stretch a Canvas for Painting
Monday, December 4th, 2017
When I first started painting, the thought of stretching my own canvas was frightening, but after a few attempts of stretching a canvas it came to me automatically. I was able to make canvases for half the price of store bought ones. Also, stretching your own canvas can trigger off the beginning of the creation through the hands on process of doing it yourself. Hope this helps.
Materials and equipment
Pre- made stretcher frame/ or self-made
Canvas material cut 10cm approx larger than your stretcher frame
Canvas staple gun
How to Stretch a Canvas
Lay your canvas on a flat surface wrong side up then lay your stretcher right side down on top of canvas. Pull the sides of your canvas up and round to the top of the stretcher.
DIAGRAM 1 Secure the 4 points with staples or tacks to create a diamond shaped wrinkle in the canvas. Check diagonals and adjust the stretcher for squareness before going further.
DIAGRAM 2– Secure the canvas to the stretcher with staples approx. every 6 cm. around the edge, working from the center points outwards. Pulling the canvas as you go. Continue working out to the corners in this pattern. Do not overstretch the canvas. When applying tension, the canvas pliers should not be forced to pull the canvas in place. The tension of course will become greater as you work towards the corners.
FOLD– the corners under; as neatly as you can, leaving no exposed tab that maybe caught and damaged. Staple or tack excess canvas that wraps around to the back of the frame.
HINT– Once finished and your canvas and is not as tight as you would like, fill a small spray bottle with luke-warm water and spray the canvas on the back. Once dry your canvas will be as tight as a drum. Happy painting!
Back to Outlook8studio Tutorials
Rust & Decay. Experiments with Rust Paint.
Sunday, November 19th, 2017Everybody who knows me, knows, how much, I love metal, rust and decay. Many years ago, I collected old rusty, metal objects from the roadsides and turned them into sculptures. I also gained my certificates in welding. At the time, with myself and 3 children to support, I welded in factories to make a living and in between, I made sculptures from the rusty found objects. I don’t weld much anymore, as it’s a problem for me to move around the heavy metal, but I still have a large collection of smaller bits, I use, to rust up, paper, objects and textiles for my projects. Lately, I have been playing around with some commercial rust paints.
Clay, Botanics Rust Paint, IOD Décor Moulds
Today, I tried out, Botanic’s rust paint, from L’essential in Australia. I love the fact they are all environmentally-conscious products, free from nasty additives and are preservative-free where possible. They smell good too. I’m very pleased with the result and it does, really look like rust.
Clay, Botanics Rust Paint, IOD Décor Moulds
The problem I have is, I need large amounts of rust paint for my projects and now looking for a brand with reasonable prices.
Maybe I could even make my own…
Homemade Gesso Paint!
Saturday, November 18th, 2017I love Gesso paint and use heaps of it in my work. It’s gritty, chalky and can be applied to artwork to give a translucent or opaque look. It’s also very expensive so I decided to make my own.
Gesso is used for many things such as a primer for canvas or on paper to give a good base for painting, drawing or mixed media work. When making collage I use it as a gluing medium to stick on papers, in-between, painting and drawing layers.
The recipe below makes 2 litres of Gesso paint
( If not using straight away, this Gesso will last approx. 4-6 weeks)
Homemade Gesso
PLASTER MIX
1 cup Plaster of Paris or fine white plaster powder
1 cup of PVA or white glue
1 cup hot water
PAINT
3 cups white acrylic paint
UTENSILS
Container, cup and mixing stick or spoon
RATIO: 1-3
Plaster Mix 1 – Acrylic paint 3
Method
To make the plaster mix. Add the plaster to the hot water and stir ( Safety purposes: always add the plaster powder to the liquid, not liquid to plaster, as it will blow up into your face and always wear a dust mask)
Dust Mask
“Plaster of Paris” and cup
Hot water and mix
Next add the PVA or white glue, stir.
Finally add the white acrylic paint and mix. ( I used some acrylic powder paint I had and made it up with water) You can use any kind of acrylic paint or colour .
Result
I was very happy with the result. The gesso is translucent with the gritty bits I like. You can also do several layers of gesso to give a more opaque appearance. It covered my canvas very well with only 1 coat. When adding more than 1 coat you can sand in- between to give a really smooth surface for detailed work .
2 litres of Gesso
Gesso on stretched canvas
Gesso on paper
To see this and more of my free tutorials, please go to Tutorials I even show you how to make my large studio easel.
The Life of a Painting. Changing Back to Oil Paints.
Sunday, November 5th, 2017A few years ago, I changed from oil paints, to acrylics, after I became allergic to the turps. I’m still not used to painting with acrylics as, I just love the lushness, depth and movement of oil paints. Something, I haven’t been able to achieve with acrylics. So, recently I bought some oil painting supplies, eco friendly turps, to see, if I’m still allergic to it.
The life of a Painting.
Oil paint , medium, wax on canvas
Sometimes I think, I should stop earlier, when its fresh and spontaneous, but usually keep going. I just have to trust the process and know, that eventually, I will end up with something I’m happy with.
I will revisit the painting, in a few days time to decide, whether I will take it further. At the moment, I’m feeling, times long past.
The Old School House & Friends.
Thursday, September 7th, 2017For the past decade or so, I have worked with an amazing group of women artists at the old schoolhouse in Badger Crk. Victoria. We meet up weekly to paint, throw around ideas, experiment and play with new, unusual, materials and techniques. This time is invaluable to me, as it, gives me a break from the usual, business side of making art and gets me out of the studio. We chat about our work, share ideas and discuss what’s happening in the world and our lives. Mostly, it’s just a whole lot of fun, mucking around with good friends who happen to love making art.
Lately at the schoolhouse I have been working on some mixed media pieces with paint paper, cloth and thread.
I use thread and needle to make marks through the artwork.
Each stitch leads onto the next, weaving over the painting.
Found papers intermingle with rotted and rusted cloth.
I like to use off- cuts of textile, paper and patterns and throw it against slabs of paint and marks.
In the above artwork I am enjoying the contrast of the piece of vintage cross stitch, I found in an op shop once.
The stitches wander around and find their own place in their own time. I’m not in control and use the thread, as another tool to make marks.
I don want to make embroidery’s and my mistakes can be my jewels.
All these artworks are in progress and not yet finished. Some may just be experiments for fun and to learn from.
In the studio this week.
Wednesday, July 19th, 2017I hurt my leg a few days ago so I haven’t been in the studio this week. Hopefully, next week, I’ll be back on track .
Recent paintings. Some are finished, others are paintings, still in progress.
Also, while resting my leg, I’ve been sorting through my many art journals. Below are some images from my art college journal in 1994. I noticed the colours I was using back then, are similar to what I’m working with now.
What did you do in your studio this week?
BOAA – Biennale of Australian Art 2018.
Thursday, June 15th, 2017I am happy to announce I have been selected from 800 artists across Australia, to be part of BOAA-Biennale of Australian Art in 2018.
BOAA is a multi layered art festival with various opportunities for artistic engagement. My work will be part of the ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ project, which will be BOAA’s largest installation. Supported by the City of Ballarat, this installation will form an impressive sea of images representing artists Australia wide and it will be displayed in Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange building.
Art Blog Diaries. Reminiscing & Evolving as an Artist.
Saturday, May 13th, 2017I started this blog back in the early 2000’s as a sort of diary, to document my work and creative life and to give something back to others.
Going through some of my old posts recently, I was able to pin point, some pivotal moments in my life, of where my ideas and artworks originally came from, why my work and arts practice has changed and how, it’s evolved over the years, to where it is today.
After visits to Europe, UK and an arts residency in Spain, in 2005, I especially noticed some changes in the way I was working. Though I have always worked between disciplines, painting was always my main form of expression. I was becoming more dissatisfied with just painting and found it hard to do any creative work for awhile. Then, after a 3 month stay in France 2007, I realized I could no longer, only use paint, to express my ideas.
This led to a series of experimental installations, videos and a book of photographs. Touched by Dada and Surrealist ideas, I had to re-access what I was doing as an artist.
The installation and video below “Parisgrit” was shown at Tilt Gallery, in Melbourne in 2006. I can see quite a few interesting elements in it, but it’s way too long and very noisy. Maybe someday, I will get around to re-working it and revamping it into something else.
By looking back over my old blog posts or (diary entries) I find it helpful, to reflect on the areas, where I can make improvements and expand on previous ideas. I can also see where, my ideas have come from. I get a glimpse of how & why, my artwork, techniques and materials have changed over time and maybe where I could be heading in my arts practice.
The Venice Biennale 57. Wallmatter 17.
Saturday, May 6th, 2017I just found out my painting “Wallmatter 17” has selected to be presented as a digital display at, The Biennial Project’s extravagant, event in Venice, Italy, during the opening/press week of The Venice Biennale 57. “La Biennale di Venezia”
Thank you The Biennial Project!
TITLE Wallmatter 17
MED Acrylic paint, lime, sand, cement, sealer on canvas. (Contemporary washed veneer wooden frame)
New Paintings. Overland Nomadic Wandering.
Sunday, April 23rd, 2017In the media we are bombarded with images relating to the massive global refugee problem. Links to the landscape, tracing the inhuman, nomadic chaos of the exiled, wandering the earth at this time in history. Each painting has been created, using acrylic paints and oil pigment on stretched canvas. Varies sizes.
Title – Deep Blue Walking
Title – Blue on Ochre on Cream
Title – Blue on Ochre on Grey
Title – Yellow Walking
Title – White Trail Walking
Old Army Blanket and Collage.
Friday, April 21st, 2017Still working on small textile collages.
I found an old army blanket from my childhood and couldn’t resist it’s raggedy worn, loveliness and further rusted it. Leaving it in the elements outside for a few weeks.
It can take ages moving pieces around to get the right composition.
then sometimes it just happens straight away.
Adding more marks…
The good thing about using a stretched canvas as a base, I can stitch right into it.
Just like using a embroidery hoop.
Working with Textiles. Textile Collage & Drawing.
Tuesday, April 11th, 2017I am a visual artist who works with a range of mediums and my process varies.
I use which ever vehicle helps me to express my ideas. Each work informs the other and leads onto the next idea.
The collages I’m working on at the moment are a follow on from my hand sewn fabric pieces and with more experiments I can see 3d objects creeping in
