A few years ago I glued some patterned papers to a board with the intention of using it as the basis of a painting at some point..I really liked the newspaper print and texture of the different papers
And immediately after doing the last collage painting I thought I’d actually create something with it.
I had a good look at it at all angles, as there was no right way up for the board, just whatever felt right regarding creating an image.. and I always say that 90% of creating artwork is the thinking process.
The obvious thing to me was to use the hint of a full moon and exaggerate it with the acrylic paint, but also letting the paper and shapes below it show through.
I knew that I wanted to paint a tree, with twisted branches facing one way, so it looked like it was wind swept.
The only part of the painting that is painted is the moon, tree and hints of grass in the foreground, as well as darkening the edges of the sky at the sides to make the moon stand out more itself. I used acrylic paint as it was ideal for light washes and also thick layers (as in the tree). Only 40% of the painting is in paint, the rest is the collage of papers…
I adore the atmosphere of the painting, and the way the collage has added to the creative process, its knowing when to stop and not overwork the painting.
The painting is a mixed media collage (24 x 17 inches) and is called ‘Full moon tonight’.. which I think is ideal for it…
I love it… What do you think?
