Freedom

Freedom was painted around the time of the Winter Solstice. I moved while I imagined flowing rivers and looking through woodland into the sun, inky dark sky and stars are seen. There is an ending and a beginning. There is lightness and darkness. I’m proud of its luminous light. I love the movement and energy I captured.

Abstract painting by Rachel James in circular movement of reds, greys, orange.

Invigorate

I took forward ideas and brushmarks from my previous paintings and mixed a dark grey again. I began with a circle form. I worked out colour by colour while the acrylic paint is wet, layering, spontaneously merging and mixing on the canvas, moving the brush slowly and purposefully to connect the paint with the canvas.

Pale Pink Roses

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.

Winter Pansies Acrylic Mixed-Media Painting ©RachelJames2020

Winter Pansies

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.

Autumn Leaves

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!