Enjoy life now... it has an expiration date.



Sunday, February 1, 2009

Mini Mural - Complete!


Unless I do some last minute tweaking, the mural is finished. Sorry the photo isn't very good... it has a pinkish cast to it... probably because I took the photo this evening as the sun was going down. It's actually not pink. I do have to put a protective coat of sealant on it, but I'll let it sit overnight to make sure it's completely dry.

Some observations along the mural way:

1. I love acrylic paint because it dries so fast.

2. I hate acrylic paint because it dries so fast.

3. It's nice that it dries fast because you can move on quickly without extended periods of drying time. It's a pain that it dries so fast because if you've painted something and then later on decide you want to go back and softly blend an area .... well..... good luck!

4. I'm looking forward to using my new set of Chroma Acrylics (a surprise gift I received) - which perform like oils but don't have the yucky scent. They can dry as fast as acrylics... or as slow as oils - the artist's choice. Plus, if days later - after your painting is thoroughly dry - you decide to want to blend an area, or even change a color - you can. Included with the set is a type of "rewetting" medium that allows you to go back and make changes to previously dry paint.

5. I sorely missed my colored pencils and my regular "art space". I've used mostly colored pencil for months now and didn't realize how much I'd adapted to using this clean, convenient, dry media. Oh, the fine detail you can achieve with pencils! And, no brushes to wash, no paint that dries up in the tube. Plus, it's as dry as it will ever be the moment you apply it.... yet at the same time it's as blendable two days later as it was when first applied.

Woo Hoo for colored pencils! :-)


16 comments:

Laure Ferlita said...

Bravo! Excellent finish! I'm sure your "commissioner' will be thrilled! There's nothing like switching mediums to remind you of why your favorite is your favorite.

I've not heard of the Chroma Acrylics - they sound like a lot of fun!

But like you with colored pencils, I think I'll stay with my watercolors for a while longer. They feel like, well, home, I guess.

Teresa Mallen said...

I am so glad you are feeling better. I hope you enjoy your Chroma Acrylics. And I wholeheartedly agree, woo hoo for coloured pencils!!! :-)

Lin said...

ABSOLUTELY GLORIOUS! I love the soft aged look, the colors, the writing, the elements!! OUTSTANDING work, Teresa! OUTSTANDING!

twincedar said...

Hi Teresa! Your mural is great! I too love colored pencils and graphite. I am longing to get into acrylics but haven't taken the plunge yet so kudos to you!

Michelle said...

Great mural Teresa! I like how you showed the progression. I have not heard of Chroma acrylics either but they sound nice - especially as a gift! I'm not quick enough for regular acrylics.

"JeanneG" said...

Turned out just great. Woohoo for colored pencils. Big woohoo.

Grahame Butler said...

Hi Teresa, this looks great, and what a fantastic idea on how to cover an electricle box. News from back home, we have had about 2 inches of snow so the country has ground to a halt!!

laura said...

This turned out wonderful, Teresa, a result of all the thought you put into it. I'm amazed at the different objects you've arranged in the space--I never would have thought of them!
I'll have to give colored pencils a try; Poeple who use them seem to like them so much.

Lynne said...

Wow, it's lovely. How talented you are. I expect your daughter will be pleased. I've loved seeing your work in progress. I'm just sorry it's taken me so long to call back!

James Parker said...

So nice Teresa. You arranged the elements so very well. I scanned back down your postings and read and commented on the January Newspaper article. Powerful. I invite you to visit my site and take the link to Windows to the Words. I would be honored to have you participate in the writing/artwork but would certainly appreciate your comments.

James Parker said...

And, Teresa, forgot to tell you that you have been chosen for an Art Blog Award..drop by and pick it up.

Jan said...

This turned out beautifully! It's difficult to switch mediums, isn't it? I got the Open acrylics from Golden but have only done a very quick trial painting. However, I really liked the way they go on and dry so slowly - but not as slowly as oils.

You'll have to keep us posted on the Chroma's as I've also heard good things about them.

Glad you got your snow! We just had a dusting this time.

Michael said...

Hello Teresa, you are painting a very good, I like it very much.

Cathy Gatland said...

Beautiful mural Teresa (I thought I had left a comment here, but not!) Great to see the progression on it. I'm so tempted to go and buy some of the new acrylics and try them out, but am resolved this year to 'focus' more... I'm pretty sure I don't have the patience for coloured pencils, so I've scratched that off my 'to do' list - but love to see yours and others.

Jo Castillo said...

This turned out great and I can comment on your blog now! Yahoo.

Teri said...

This is really a wonderful painting !

I saw your name and had to come and look because my (legal) name is Theresa!

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