Another attitude adjustment

I have fancy plein air equipment that I have collected over the years. It is in nearly new condition because though I've used it occasionally with pastel, oil, and even watercolor, I have not become a fan of painting plein air. Or, at least I wasn't until today.

This morning I took my Open Box M (recently converted to hold a State-Wet palette for acrylic) outside the Studio to the flower garden. There isn't much left out there except the sunflower sentinels with their bowed heads.  

After painting the small floral still life set-ups in my studio for the past couple months, this open-air experience was unexpectedly freeing. Wheee! What fun. Big brush, big strokes. Surprisingly, by the time I  had had enough (about 15 minutes) I was happy with the result and was feeling I may have found the plein air medium that suits me. A couple things contributed to success: 

1. The goal was to paint an image that will inform a larger, Studio work. 

2. I like to paint fast and acrylic dries quickly so I can make corrections and adjustments. And, I don't have to stand at my easel outdoors very long (I'd rather be weeding).

On the Edge of Summer: Sunflowers

acrylic, 10 x 8 inches

If you have tried acrylic and/or plein air painting and aren't a fan, consider giving them another try. 

Wax and Buff

Upon completion of an acrylic painting, I let it cure for several days. An isolation coat of 2:1 Golden Soft Gel Gloss and water is applied. Several days after that I apply a thin layer of Gamblin wax, wait 24 hours and then buff to a shine that appears more organic to me than synthetic gloss varnish.

 

The end of the Acrylic Project.

Thanks everyone for your support of my 30-painting Acrylic Project. Here are the paintings that went to new homes. A couple went into the trash and a few more have an undecided fate.

I think I've become addicted to acrylic.  Since the project ended a few days ago, I have painted five more. 

"Love Story"

"Love Is A Choice"

"Balancing Act"

"Be Joyful"

"Simple Pleasures"

I had no idea these little florals would sell within 24 hours of me posting them so they were not ready to ship for about a week. The acrylic must cure, then an isolation coat applied, then wax and then buff. All with time in between. I still have four paintings waiting wax and buffing. If one of them is yours, it will ship Monday, September 20th Priority Mail.

I won't post the new paintings until they are ready to ship so new purchases should ship out the next day. Watch for them around October 1.  I will be happy to ship to another US address if the painting you purchase is a gift.

The Acrylic Project #18 - #24 and FAQs

I'm still working on The Acrylic Project and have 6 paintings to go to reach my goal of 30. I've learned so much about this medium! I post these paintings on my website and on Instagram and I am so appreciative of the warm response they have received. I think I have gained a new group of acquaintances:  Acrylic Artists. 

FAQ: The palette I'm using is a Masterson Sta-Wet - the new model with the little cups for paint. My old Sta-Wet was a mess. I posted both on my Instagram page bbnewtonartstudio.

FAQ: After the acrylic paint cures for several days, I apply an isolation barrier. A few days after that, I wax and buff the painting. I like the organic look of the wax more than the synthetic look of varnish. See instructions on bbnewtonartstudio.

FAQ: The little vase I'm using was a gift from one of my co-workers when I "retired" after 16 years at K2 Skis on Vashon Island, WA.

If you work in acrylic and have any tips for me, please comment below. Thanks! 

#24 "Together" 🎈

#23 "I Do"  🎈

#22 "Only You"  🎈

#21 "Sweet Nothings" 🎈

#20 "Endearments" 🎈

#19 "We Got This" 🎈

#18 "Best Friends Forever" 🎈