Across the street from the main barn at Willow Tree Equestrian Center is this cute little barn where Roz keeps her horses. I shot this last fall with my crappy little pocket camera, then came back later to get better shots. But I liked this composition best, so I’ll be getting only some details from my better pics.
Here’s the first poured wash on the canvas. This canvas is kind of interesting because most of the time I use a much lighter type with not as much tooth. But I had part of a roll left over from a very large (both in size and money) commission from a few years ago, and the commission required only the best. So I used a really heavy grade with a very textured surface. When the paint is poured on this heavier material, it behaves more randomly than what I’m used to, which in this case is a good thing.
Multi-colored poured wash on canvas. There are some dots on it where stuff fell out of the air while I was pouring. Also some of my fingerprints near the bottom. No need to remove any of this, it will just add to the mix!
So, you say, how can this abstract wash have anything to do with the barn that is supposed to be the subject matter? Simple answer is, I don’t know yet. More complicated answer is that the wash is meant to suggest a feeling, if that’s at all possible. It will set the mood for inspiration without me having to try very hard to come up with something. The undercoat always influences the finished product whether I want it to go a certain way or not. Since I don’t know yet exactly what effect that will have, I’m ready to surrender myself to the adventure.
Alli Farkas Artist Adventures 