"Open the Door"

($40.00....6" x 6" mounted on a 1/8" depth clayboard panel)

"Open the door and give the gift of a smile." Old and interesting doors have long captured my heart. The design of this one is full of character and I can just imagine someone opening up that door with a smile. It's such a small gesture, but has the power to lift the heart of many who might have a hidden hurt. So open up the door with a smile today whether it's at home or where you work.

I am quite anxious to see how the acrylic paint added to these photographs is going to continue to morph. It is all very exciting and my desire is to share enough details so that you will be inspired to try. In previous postings, I have detailed the process of preparing the printed photograph to receive wet media.

Today I want to continue to discuss the addition of acrylic paint. After the photograph (printed on Arches Text Wove through your printer) has been sprayed (3x) with Spray Acrylic Coating (outside), your next layer could be acrylic paint. Even after cropping an image before printing, there is often extraneous stuff in the photo that you don't want to emphasize or even include. Choose a color in those areas mixed with a bit of white or black gesso to insure complete block out. Use a sponge brush to apply the paint and then immediately use a clean sponge brush dipped in water to soften the edge, followed by blotting or removing excess water / paint with the brush or kleenex. You can plainly see in this image that the turquoise edge by the door is thinned out and softened a bit. Because I added white gesso to the paint, I got complete coverage of wall sconces and other bits of stuff that did not pertain to my main idea.

So let me run through the techniques that are involved. First, you need to view your photography as an integral part of your piece and keep that in mind when you take pictures. Second, you need the ability to block out extraneous details with paint, gesso, or pouring medium. Third, you will often need to beef up the image with soft pastels. Fourth, if you plan to add lettering, you will need to know how to prepare the surface for writing. Lastly, you will need to finish your piece with spray acrylic coating followed by spray varnish suitable for acrylic paint. Just a few loose ends to think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.