Orange Bayou

Acrylic, tempera, plaster and oats for texture on low profile canvas (40" W x 30" H x 3/4" D)    

This painting was inspired by nature. When I look at it I see trees standing in brackish water, and the rough texture of the canvas adds turbulence to the landscape where a river runs past a vivid fire or sunrise. In any case there is a lot going on here.

The paints I used on the piece were bright temperas and acrylics. The bold colors commingle and play off one another. Before I put down any paint though, I applied a plaster texture to the canvas. I also added oats to this texture to increase its roughness. Oats may seem like a strange thing to add to an artwork, but I find that they can give a piece an interesting look that is hard to duplicate. The final step was to give the painting several coats of non-toxic polyurethane to protect the paint and bring out the rich colors.

I think a bright painting like this one can make a bold statement in a room. It can add color where color is wanted. I hope this painting can bring something to your space that you have been looking to find. Perhaps a boldness or complexity that will complement your sanctuary.

Colors: Orange, magenta, yellow, lime green, black, royal blue

Click this link to see a video on the creation of this painting.