Category: Experimental design

Watercolor Play

Posted on by Faith

As I said, I’ve been exploring watercolor. I haven’t done that well with proper techniques but I have played a lot. Here are some abstracts created in watercolor after a session of trying to do stuff right. Play is important. 🙂

Color Rush and Deep Purple Paper are my favorites. In a few of these I dipped stamps in watercolor and stained the paper then began to pile color until I was satisfied. I used a pallet knife to create texture and one had alcohol sprayed on it. That was fun. Three of these have an acrylic finish but two do not. They feel like they could be a small framed painting or even the background for an encaustic art piece.

All are roughly 4 x 6 and are on cardstock, watercolor postcard paper and sketchbook paper.

Faith

DIY Encaustic Tools and Painting

Posted on by Faith

Awhile ago I did an encaustic mixed media piece created with Crayola and acrylic paint. Though I liked the way it turned out I thought it might be even better toned down a bit. I decided to go back and make it less abstract. The first step was to gather all my tools.

DIY Encaustic Art Tools

All you need is above and they are easy to acquire, household tools I used to melt wax and crayons for encaustic art. Since these are household used in encaustic painting, you will have to be careful to monitor the heat.

  1. Small glass jar or empty aluminum tea candle
  2. Coffee mug warmer or tea candle oil warmer
  3. Crafting iron
  4. Toothpick or small scraper such as clay tools
  5. Wax paper or Parchment paper

With those basics I was able to warm blues and greens then smooth them over the crafted canvas.

.Dollar Tree oil/wax burner .Small glass bottle of Crayola melted crayon

I mentioned in the original entry that the painting is on Viva Paper towels. Let me explain; the paper towels were layered with wax then gesso and Mod Podge until I had a nice surface. Continue reading “DIY Encaustic Tools and Painting”

Fun with Scribbles and Watercolor

Posted on by Faith

I started by drawing lines with my eyes closed, later I added watercolor.

Get the Tom - available

Title: Get the Tom
Art by: Faith M. Austin
Size: 5.5 x 8.5
Media: watercolor, ink
Finish: unsealed, not mounted
Style: Abstract

You may ask yourself why the title is “Get the Tom.” Well, the answer is simple. I was watching a detective show where a criminal couple stole diamonds. The man thought the woman lost the diamonds but nope, she held up her hand full and, “I’ve got the tom.” I couldn’t call the painting ‘tomfoolery” now cold I? What kind of title is that? ……. As you can see, I struggle to come up with titles for my work.

Titles don’t come easily but fun art does. The fun thing about “Get the Tom”  is that I took an art therapy project and turned it in to art for the sake of art. There is no back story, no profound meaning, it’s just enjoyable art using watercolor and ink.

“Get the Tom” is listed as a Pay it Forward item in the Community Grabs and PIF section in my Etsy shop. In its listing you will see close up shots showing details.

Thank you,

Faith

Hummingbird Abstract. Rich. Watercolor.

Posted on by Faith

IHummingbird - available‘m still working with different types of abstract. I did this while watching a video. I like the loose colors.

I’ve also been working with my palette knives but I thought it best to work in gesso for texture then add color over it later if desired. I’ve got a full gallon on gesso which I love working with.

Art Title: Abstract Hummingbird
Art by: Faith Magdalene Austin
Media: Watercolor on 98lb artists paper
Size: 5.5 x 8.5
Finish: unsealed, signed on the front and back, unmounted
Style: Abstract, Nature

I’ve got an art sale going on for the Fang Fund, for Mary Jane’s much needed dental work. Use the following code at check out. If you desire to use PayPal instead of Etsy please let me know and I’ll create an invoice with the discount. All contact information is on the sidebar.

*** SALE ——— FangFund16 coupon code 35% off ——— SALE ***

Funds needed for her dental work started off at $250. The need is now $159.00. Thank you for your donations and purchases that stay in PayPal until all is raised to meet her need, then I’ll stop begging. You can fully expect more intense begging as March draws near. I’m watching my baby in pain and it’s difficult. I swear that’s not a guilt trip, it’s just the truth, I’m watching this girl hurt and there’s not a darn thing I can do about it….other than paint and paint is what I’m doing. Continue reading “Hummingbird Abstract. Rich. Watercolor.”

High like the waves

Posted on by Faith

I’ve found that dripping watercolor at night, in bed with my easel, is relaxing. I’m not trying to create a masterpiece, I’m just accepting the way the paint lulls me as it catches up to falling water trails, then leaves it mark. I’ve been doing this nightly for a while and thoughts I’d share a second piece called “High Like the Waves”. The piece at the bottom has been seen on my site before, but it fits in with the theme of waves and peaceful nights.

High like the waves - Available

You’re broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry go round
And you can’t find the fighter

Continue reading “High like the waves”

Risk in Art. The Comfort Zone.

Posted on by Faith
Fall Tree - available
Fall Tree – available

There’s an art piece I labored over posting but that piece got the strongest reaction and ‘sold’ very quickly. The reason sold is in quotes is explained in a separate entry.

When I looked at the piece I liked it, a lot. I like the texture in the turquoise, I like the way the colors at the bottom came together. I like that painting, but I didn’t think others would. I questioned my abilities because I was viewing other blogs and felt so inferior. I posted it though, and I was surprised by the response both public and through email.

I don’t know if I’ll be the type of artist that puts her work on the net with full confidence, but I will keep taking risks in my art, keep trying new things and keep to the styles and media that I am most comfortable with. I can risk and keep my comfort zone. There’s nothing wrong with a comfort zone, it’s not a bad thing to be comfortable. Continue reading “Risk in Art. The Comfort Zone.”

The Courage to be Authentic

Posted on by Faith

How cool. This just happened. A person who purchased art from me a few years ago contacted me to be part of a group of artists she knows. I love it when my art isn’t just a passing fancy. I want it to touch people. I want them to enjoy the art or be moved by it.

A person going through tough times purchased a piece because it gave her hope that she could pull through. That was amazing to me. Another lady purchased my absolute favorite piece I’ve ever done. She wanted a large print of it to put in her bedroom, her own private space.

It makes me smile and I want even more to keep slapping paint on canvas in the most authentic, heart felt way possible. The lady who asked me to join the group made my day. 🙂

I worry, ya know. Is my art too raw, too wild, too emotional? What if I scaled back on the surreal or tried to stick with one specific style? What if I tried to be more tame to appeal to a wider audience, maybe I’d get more sales? But I can’t fake this. It wouldn’t work. Art is the language where I am most honest, most vulnerable, truthful, uninhibited. Continue reading “The Courage to be Authentic”

Encaustic Abstract Art

Posted on by Faith

Now we’re having fun!

The Constant - available
The Constant – SOLD 

I titled this piece “The Constant” because the wax I used is by a company that I’ve been familiar with since the time I could hold a crayon and color on paper. Crayola is a sure, stable and brilliant wax that performs beautifully with encaustic work.

When you visit these listings on Etsy you will see close ups to show details and texture. Please find my Etsy link on the sidebar. Please contact me with any questions including payment alternatives and arrangements.

Title: “The Constant”
Art by: Faith Magdalene Austin
Media: Wax on repurposed wooden board piece
Size: 7 x 6 inches
Finish: signed on the back, sealed, unmounted
Style: Encaustic, Abstract

“The Constant” would look beautiful sitting on a table easel, and is a stunner framed.

I’m addicted to abstract. It’s relaxing. I never thought I’d say that. This piece is a first, a true Sundrip original as I’ve never offered a 100% wax painting. My usual ‘paint outside the lines’ self used a piece of board that was closest to me. I just let go. I arranged the colors where I wanted them and watched them melt. I moved the board around, used my palette knife, a toothpick and cardboard to create the illusions in color. Continue reading “Encaustic Abstract Art”