Colour!

On Instagram, I took part in the ten day challenge.  That is an opportunity to post older work for ten consecutivve days. I don't often look back, and the task of choosing was interesting.  One thing that I noticed was that, in general, my work (of late) is much bolder and brighter, not to mention more detailed than what I was doing before. People liked my older work, and so do I, but what I'm doing now makes me happy, now.

Today I finished a piece that reminds me of a hawaiian shirt. That is an after-thought, but if I were shopping, it would be the shirt I would choose.

Self Portrait in Eden, egg tempera on panel, 30 x 22 cm, March 2021

Last week was about romance and the cliche of red of pink (Bridgerton style). It turns out painting all that red is tough, though.

Me and My Duke, egg tempera on panel, 30 x 25cm, Feb 2021

The week before was about colour and pattern and the hope of warm weather and would the pandemic be over enough for a trip to Maine.

egg tempera on panel, 30 x 22 cm, Feb 2021

                                         

And before that I wanted to bring the sunshine inside and painted a tribute to some beautiful golden apples.

Golden Apple Days, egg tempera on panel, 26 x 26 cm, Feb 2021

Choosing a Support

 

The difference between working with egg tempera on paper versus a panel. My first painting of 2021 was an egg tempera on paper primed on both sides repeatedly with Sintopia then I used PVA to attach it to a piece of thick, acid free, mountboard. I pioneered this support (for me) last January and sort of enjoyed working on the surface.  I liked the outcome. One of my friends wondered why the pieces painted on paper were brighter than my panels. 

Weekend Garden, egg tempera on panel, 25 x 27 cm, Jan 2021

 

Foo Dog and Flowers, egg tempera on paper primed with Sintopia, laid on board 21 x 15 cm, Jan 2021

II’m not sure if it is the material or the way I work with it. Last year I found the sintopia was very absorbent and dried instantly.  This year I didn’t find it as dry. Painting on a panel is more satisfying.  The surface builds up evenly and it is a gorgeously smooth. The paper is more resistant. Also, the product feels more substantial. I’d be curious to hear what you think!