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.
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!
