Artwork ... 'Metallics I'

'Metallics I'

This was really more of an experiment than what I think of as true artwork, even abstract art, meaning there was little intent behind it as far as content. I have some gold, bronze and silver paints which are fairly useless to me. I've been wondering what to do with these paints. Sometimes I can use them as filler, to stretch other colors a little, but the shine from these paints often disagrees with whatever I'm doing on the canvas. I find these metallic paints limiting in their use, and they don't really work as well as one might think for painting images of metal objects because their gloss tends to push the light in directions unwanted.

I've also been meaning to try painting with a palette or painting knife, something I had never done before. So, I figured I've got all these metal paints and I've got a painting knife I've never used. Walahh! What I came up with is the image you see above.

The reason this piece is titled "Metallics I" is because I have another idea for an image that will likely be called "Metallics II," whenever I get around to it. I still have quite a bit of these metal-colored paints, and while I don't necessarily want to deplete my complete supply in case I should ever need them (the bronze in particular comes in handy with darkening or browning of other paints), I still would like to use up more of what I've got.

As for using my painting knife, I found it an interesting experience, but I'm not sure it's something I actually want to try to paint with on a regular basis. It does really bring out some texture, and I hope that shows up in the image.

Also, now that I think about it, the randomness of this creation of mine might make it truly more abstract than any work I've ever done. Or maybe not. Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. Either way, it was a fun experiment.