Painting Experiments – Part 1

Hi and welcome back to the Chrissie Murphy Designs Blog. Today I’d like to share about some Painting Experiments I’ve been performing. As you know, I am currently studying for a Diploma in Visual Arts, and I have chosen to specialise in painting.

I have been encouraged to experiment with different painting techniques and tools to help me gain an understanding of how these things could be used in my work. Today’s post will run through the first of my experiments (Part 1). The remainder of my painting experiments (Part 2) will be released in a couple of weeks.

Painting Experiments – Part 1 – Texture Paste

The next two paintings I create will be of more buildings for my Buildings of the Cassowary Coast Collection. In these painting experiments, I wanted to see what kinds of textures I could create with texture paste using different tools. I am exploring the possibility of using texture paste in my next two paintings.

Using a Palette Knife

I began by applying some texture paste with a palette knife (a traditional method). I used the palette knife to smooth and blend the texture paste to create a texture I liked. This was then over painted. I think this method created a texture that could be used in a background to achieve some wonderful luminosity.

Using a palette knife and stencil

In my next experiment, I continued to apply the texture paste with a palette knife, but I used a stencil to intentionally create texture. The results are clear and well defined. In my experiment, I used one coat of flat colour over painting. However I noted the pattern of the stencil provides opportunity for different painting techniques to be explored.

Using a toothbrush

Next up I used a toothbrush to blend the texture paste. This created some very organic and rough texturing that I found quite interesting. However some of this raw texture was lost with the subsequent over painting.

Using a credit card

Using a credit card to apply and blend the texture paste was very similar to using the palette knife in my first experiment. The credit card allowed for wider areas of application though, so the luminosity I was attracted to in my first experiment appears to have greater potential with this method.

Using sandpaper

In this next experiment, I used some coarse sandpaper like a stamp, pushing it into the texture paste and then lifting it. It created some great texture that was very rough to the touch. It also took a little extra time to overpaint to ensure I achieved a solid coverage.

Using a bamboo stick

In my last experiment, I laid down some texture paste and then rolled over the top of it with a bamboo stick. This created some great texture that reflected light beautifully. Some wonderful ridging was achieved with this method.

Overall, these were great experiments. I gained a much deeper understanding of how texture paste performs. I also learned how I can utilise texture paste to achieve some great texture effects in my work.

Painting Experiments – Part 1 – Coloured Underpainting

In this next experiment I wanted to see what effect different coloured underpaintings would have on finished artwork. On the left I used two vibrant tones in green and red, and on the right two neutral coloured tones. I painted the same leaf motif over all four, and then treated them all with the same background colour.

The results produced some subtle differences that I liked. My preference from these experiments is for vibrancy over neutrals, the colour tint is beautiful.

I should also note that as I was aware of the colours I would be using in my final painting, this allowed for appropriate underpainting colour choices to be made. In reality, this is not always going to be the case for me.

Painting Experiments – Part 2 is next

Over the next few weeks I will share Part 2 of my painting experiments. In Part 2 I will be focusing on using different mediums over oil-based paint, as well as practicing some glazing techniques. I will also experiment with using impasto in a couple of different ways.

I’m keen to share the results of these experiments with you.

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Until my next blog post, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” 
Ephesians 4:1.

In peace always
Chrissie xx