Expressive, abstract mixed media art by Rachel James
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.
Lavender I was inspired by the lavender hedge I planted along the old school railings fronting the house; the smell is divine and the bees adore it. I experimented with different backgrounds with this series. Lavender I is harmonious pinks and purples with unexpected pops of lime green.
Sunflowers II is another sizzling juxtaposition of cool and warm colours inspired by a favourite summer bloom. This piece was an experiment with a smaller composition.
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!
This painting was inspired by the early spring garden at Old School House Art; that first peek of colour indicating spring is around the corner. The colour palette is a sizzling juxtaposition of cool blues and purples and warm oranges and pinks.
