Sunday, July 08, 2007

Not blue Blueberries


69 cent acrylics on 1950s encyclopedia page

I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I've begun experimenting with painting. Even more than drawing, I want to paint. Like Katlynn, who says when she comes over, "I paint." Not "I want to paint," mind you, but rather the commanding and firm, "I paint."

So to play with painting without having to think too hard to draw, I did this experiment. I started with a random encyclopedia page. I began by painting over the image of the blueberries there in the bottom right corner. I enjoyed them so much, I moved over to the left and painted another batch. And then another above. I could have stayed up all night painting blueberries, but decided I liked leaving some of the encyclopedia showing. (My grandmother used to do the same thing -- staying up all night painting. The older I get, the more like her I find myself becoming. Just call me Polly.)

The blueberries actually turned out to be yaupon holly berries, which makes more sense since we have plenty of those growing around here, but no blueberries. I dig how it says "blueberry" on the page, but it's not blue. That's me and my weird taste.

I do like the way this turned out, on the encyclopedia page, something about its collage-y, post-modern, raw recycled-look that appeals to me. What do you guys think? I'm trying to figure out where to go next with this look.

5 comments:

Hannah's Mom said...

That is sooo cool! Gives me a great idea... I have dictionaries and my dad is an awesome artist, this might keep him busy for a while. :) Beautiful work Debi!!

Debi said...

That's a great idea, Windy. Are the dictionaries you are talking about part of your 1500-for-$2 bargain? Perfect use for them, then!

I would LOVE to see what your dad comes up with; hope you'll post them.

Rima said...

I love the red (pink?) blueberries! I like all 3. Since you asked for opinions, here's mine:
1. cover the large type "Blowtorch" with something in a smaller scale (maybe not paint, if you want to go with a mixed media approach, but I'm not good with that myself). Make sure to keep the "blowtorch" paragraph mostly intact - the top especially.
2. Fade out or cover most of the next definition ("blubber") keeping the scale in mind
3. Leave the Prussian prince entry untouched, especially the crotchety portrait - quel tombeur!
4. Don't forget to sign!!
It's a very lovely piece - I love your paintings, so vigorous and happy.

Bobbie said...

I love the look of paint over newsprint or like here your dictionary print. Don't know why, but it appeals. Nice "blueberries"!

Audrey said...

I too, adore the idea. In fact you've inspired me. I'll bring home the result, if I ever get a free moment to actually do anything crafty this summer.