Friday, October 29, 2010

New Painting!


Breaking Open 
acrylics and paper on canvas
2 x 4 ft

These photos really doesn't do the painting justice at all and it doesn't truly show it's size properly. This is the biggest painting I have painted so far - 2 ft x 4 ft (61 cm x 122 cm).

I got to use Daniel's easel, which I had set up in my studio and really enjoyed the process of painting standing up and with big brushes and long strokes. It really involves your whole body, which is such a new experience for me. I love it!
(You can click on any of these photos to see a larger version.)

So, my plan for this painting was to paint many layers of luminous paints to experiment with color a little more and to use interesting papers to create an abstract painting. Well, that didn't go as planned. I did paint many layers (at least 25 I'd say) and loved the effect, especially where I added a little iridescent paint, I added gorgeous papers, but then I saw the first flower the background and the plan for an abstract painting went out the window.
Although I have to admit that painting flowers was never something I wanted to do. Ever!  But then, two more flowers were added and when I stepped back to survey the painting, I saw the face. It was right there in the background - they eyes and the mouth just needed a little more definition, but it was all right there.
And when I began to paint the face, my heart started beating faster and that was the moment I knew I was connecting with my painting. Right then you know that you are not just putting paint on a canvas, but that the painting is speaking back to you and changing you. I think that feeling is why I love painting so much!
Now with it finished (I think), I just keep starting at the painting and marveling that I actually created this. It still amazes me!!

Well, friends, it's been a busy week here and I haven't been able to check with you as much as I wanted to. I really miss you!! Hopefully this weekend...

29 comments:

  1. I like the flowers in the picture. They look like tulips...

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  2. Du solltest mehr Blumen malen. Die sind einfach nur großartig. Gefällt mir sehr!

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  3. Silke, it is marvelous, so rich in colors, and I love the flowers,too-and the effects are fantastic,dear.What a wonderfull result for your first very big painting.
    Happy week-end- and hugs,
    Dorthe

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  4. You tell a story like no other with your paints. This is sooo wondrous! I really sit is awe and congratulate you friend. Keep up the magic. Blessings.

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  5. Silke this is AMAZING!!! WOW! I love, love, love it!!! I have been wanting to try something abstract myself and am playing a little with it but am finding it hard to let the painting do the talking! Hopefully I can keep going with it and not give in to my frustration!

    You are on quite a journey my friend! Good for you! This is fabulous! :)

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  6. Silke this is beautiful! Love the story that goes with it; how you released the subjects from the 25 layers of paint. Awesome!

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  7. Silke...wow...GORGEOUS..and exciting! I love this one..and the whole feeling and energy vibing from it is wondrous and powerful!! I love the deep atmospheric colors..the soulful face and the flowers add that mystical touch! It is so exciting isnt it..I am happy you are enjoying the easel..it really does heighten that physical action!!
    I loved hearing and reading the joy you felt and your heart racing in your post! Shine on!I love working on a large scale too..I feel at home there!
    This was such a fun post...and your work is always a joy to witness!!
    Beautifull stunning work!
    Kiki~

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  8. Wow, that really is an amazing painting Silke. It looks to me as though you put a face to the wind. The colors are incredible....really nice work.

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  9. Isn't it amazing when a painting grabs hold of the brush and just pushes you in the right direction? That is being in the zone---that's when it is not only fun, but the most creative.
    I would love to see it full size, as I know reducing items can sometimes change the whole feel---I love that flower that popped up too!
    Large format is good for you Silke!

    XXOO~~♥
    Anne

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  10. goooorgeous Silke!
    the face... oh it's haunting me, LIKE IT A LOT!!!!

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  11. This turned out just fabulous Silke! The big ones can be intimidating but fun too!
    Hope to see more of this style, love it!

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  12. I love your painting and your story of how it came to be. These are the best kinds, when something from your soul comes out and appears on/in your work, you merely free it. Love that mysterious face. What do you suppose it is saying? What is it trying to tell you or tell us, the viewers?

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  13. I love it when the painting comes directly from the unconscious (although it sounds strange written in English - I like "das Unbewusste" better)- when you are not consciously trying to put an image on your canvas, and then you find it there, looking out at you.
    Wonderful wonderful painting, Silke! Very different from your previous work. I love how you are developing; it is a pleasure and an honour to watch.

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  14. Silke, tolle Farben. Das Bild gefällt mir sehr. Dir ein schönes Wochenende und liebe Grüße aus Germany, Inge

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  15. Love those colors! That is a great one.

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  16. It works! The colors grab you right in and seem to thrust your right back out. I love feeling the connection with the paintings. When the connections is painting the brush just seems to want to go where it wants to go, good feeling. Beautiful amiga. Take care and have a great weekend.

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  17. how very exciting. I love your passion and amazement. I love your bravery to try new things and go big. Your colors are gorgeous. Your post is so wonderful that I felt like I was there watching you paint.

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  18. A painting that definitely calls out to you. Good job!

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  19. Wow, Silke. You did such a amazing job with this painting. I LOVE the flowers and the flow of colors and sense of movement. And the face emerging from the shadows - like she's leaving darkness for the light. Wonderful work, dear friend. Theresa

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  20. Hi Silke,
    This is a beautiful painting. I love the wild colours shooting across the canvas. You are painting with a passion and it is so wonderful to see the transition in your work! :-)
    Lovely to catch up with you.
    Hugs,
    Jo. x
    P.S.
    Be careful that a certain someone does not steal this new painting idea of yours! ;-)

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  21. I think that of all the women you've painted, this face is the most haunting. I can feel a lot of emotion in this piece. And I love the contrast of the abstract with some realistic elements. Thank you for trusting us to share your journey!

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  22. I just love the power in the swirls of strong color Silke!

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  23. Love the feeling of being swept away! The colors are so dramatic and fiery, which is a nice contrast to the gentle flowers. Beautiful! Wow, 2x4 is big!

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  24. WOW das ist ja megamässig toll!So geeheimnisvoll aus dem Dunkel leuchten die Figuren hervor, kann man direkt ein Märchen zu erfinden. Ich bin begeistert. I'm excited für deine amer. blogleser.
    Wünsche Dir noch einen schönen Sonntag,
    LG Anja

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  25. Wow Silke, talk about metamorphosis! Your paintings just keep evolving. Beautiful colors, texture and lots of feeling.

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  26. Now THIS is beautiful! I love the movement and the colors. It's mysterious to me, yet peaceful. Dearest Silke, you are most definitely an artist.
    **blows kisses** Deb

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  27. This is beautiful! I really love the depth and the flowers are perfect! Thanks so much for sharing it.

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  28. Silke - this is an amazing artistic creation. The colors are mesmerizing - I love the flowers as they "whoosh" against her face - this is stunning!

    vicki

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  29. Love what you said about your painting speaking to you and your connecting to it.. powerful stuff.. I love all the layers and the face coming through.

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