Expressive, abstract mixed media art by Rachel James
I created this painting in September when the rose bush was in full bloom. I tried a new technique, dribbling ink across the canvas to create a web of rose stems, which looks very ‘climbing’ rose. I really like the end result, it has a dark, gothic feel.
This was an exciting experiment in discordant colours, which are colour combinations that contrast, clash, or “fight” rather than harmonize. Yep, got that! I also wanted it to be a simple multi-directional composition. I used painted newsprint for the stems which is surprisingly difficult to control. I love the unexpected result.
Who doesn’t love purple and blue pansies? The rich colours and velvety texture; nature is wonderful. I love how this has come together. I did a lot of work studying the distinctive foliage ‘clusters’ and feel happy with the form and how the leaves have blended into the inky, textured background to give depth. The colours are so fresh and bright.
This is a view of looking down at newly fallen hawthorn leaves on the ground, the incredible surface pattern with pops of red, orange and yellow. I went to town on a dark, moody Turner-esque inky background to give depth, and because the actual ground was the tarmac of a kids’ playground. Creativity strikes anytime!
Lavender III describes a scene from the front of the Old School House, the railings and flowering lavender hedge create a strong line and perspective, drawing you into the scene. The colours are vibrant purple, lilac, green, lime and turquoise.
Lavender II is a experiment with abstract and scale. The marks describe the lines and movement of the lavender hedge which fronts the Old School House. Deep blue, purple and lilac flowing across blues, greens and pops of lime green. It is painted on a large, deep edge canvas.
Sunflowers I was a spontaneous wild ride into discordant colours influenced by the colours in a children’s story book my daughter loves called Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne. Colour doesn’t get much more hot and sizzling than this. I love it!
