New Abstract Painting: The Sum of the Parts

The Sum of the Parts, 41.75 x 37.75 x 0 inches, Mixed Media Collage on Paper

"The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts" - Aristotle 

 Original mixed media painting by artist Mary Rush. Collage paper pieces, acrylic paint, and acrylic mediums combine to create a unique work of art. The color scheme of yellow and turquoise is warm and pleasing. The large original artwork is approximately 42 x 38 inches. Hang from hooks as shown or frame it. 

 Separate collage pieces stayed separate during the entire painting process. The overall golden color of yellow ochre and cadmium yellow gives a warm glow. The warmth is offset by light and dark turquoise. 

The collage pieces were painted, cut, and then adhered to the painting before painting began. You can see the collage pieces before they became part of this painting.

The painted and cut collage pieces.

The in-process video takes you through the parts of this painting before its completion.

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The Light and Dark - Two New Small Works on Paper

The Light and Dark - new works on paper.

It's hard to believe that I worked on these two simultaneously; both received collage pieces from the same painting source. 

 

I finished the second one (The Dark) a day later. What a difference a day makes, as they say. Every day is a new vibe. I like to finish a painting on the same day, although this rarely happens.

 

I was afraid that I had pushed The Dark too far. But, hahaha, that's what the dark is all about, I guess. 

The Light, 14.875 x 20.8125 inches, Mixed Media Collage on Paper

 

Paper - Love/Hate?

I've had a love/hate relationship working with this paper. It's drawing paper, not meant for water media. I reinforced the front and back with gesso and other mediums before and during painting to prevent buckling of the surface. 

 

The previous painting, Painting 154, felt like I didn't get the mix right, although it looks fine. These two paintings ended up thick with a textured, bulky hand to them. You can't get the feeling of the quality in this digital format. In-person, they emanate the grit of the working process behind the scenes. 

 

I haven't worked in a collage technique for a long time. I found it enjoyable. Cutting paper dolls was my all-time favorite activity as a child. Cutting the paper and gluing it onto the paintings was fun for my inner girl.

The Dark, 14.75 x 20.75 inches, Mixed Media Collage on Paper

 

Thoughts?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. They are available. They might be up on my Artwork Archive website by the time you read this. My trackpad and keyboard batteries are going dead; I'm wrapping up this blog article before I upload them to the website. If you are interested, you know how to reach me - email mary@wildfeatherfineart.com.

Sedona Wilderness Oil Painting - Plein Air

Sedona Wilderness Area, 12 x 9 inches (artwork 11.5 x 8.5 inches), Oil on Paper.