Because time was an issue with me, isn’t it always?, I decided to give myself two parameters before trying this out. 1. I chose to paint small….really small, 4″ by 4″ on canvas board. 2. I only allowed myself 20 minutes from start to finish (after the background was dry.)
With that in mind I went at it, slinging paint on my little canvas in hues that appealed to me being careful not to ‘mix’ the paint but rather fill in with it. Once I was happy, which was didn’t take long, I let the background dry. Once it was dry, I set the timer and began covering the background with layers to reveal the vase and table. I did use a Derwent Watercolor Pencil just to add some contrast but I simply painted quickly and loose. Once the dinger went off I stopped.
(second painting)
This process was a ton of fun. I could see working like this in large format with reckless abandon! After my little ‘mini-shot’ was done, I went ahead and did some research about negative acrylic painting and found several videos by Robert Burridge using this technique. Below is one showing his method of making a vase with flowers. He paints much bigger and looser than I do, but viewing the video showed me how I could change my approach, especially when I move up to a larger paper. I am really intrigued by him, his teaching style, and plan to spend some time tinkering with some ideas he shares.
I do hope you consider trying out negative acrylic painting for yourself! Of all the processes I have learned to date, it is was one of the most fun and rewarding! I also am planning on sharing this in a Google+ hangout soon!
How cool!! And what a lovely finished painting! The background has such depth and texture to it!
How cool!! And what a lovely finished painting! The background has such depth and texture to it!