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Synergy Gallery Exhibition 2009 Painting Nos. 26A and 26B Title ‘Green Peace and Human Nature’ Sept-Oct 2008 151cms Length x 61cms Wide x 3cms Deep by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Images protected copyright .JPG
INTRODUCTION
This pair of abstract paintings Nos. 26A and 26B – titled ‘Green Peace and Human Nature’ as shown above and below, is part of my abstract painting portfolio. I had completed them in the year that I had decided to take some time out from work, for the first time in my life to recharge my batteries, so to speak! During this period of time, the plan was to work out what I wanted to do with myself, being that the children were all grown up now and living their lives independently of their parents, as adult children should do. It was truly a luxury for sure, to take time out, but a very necessary one for me, as I had been suffering a lot of anxiety and panic attacks during the course of my work. So to rebuild myself and regain a sense of quiet control of my life, I took up my childhood love of painting and creative writing.
PAINTING DETAILS – ‘Green Peace and Human Nature’
- Painting Nos. 26 A&B Titled: ‘Green Peace & Human Nature’
- Acrylic on Canvas
- 151cms Length x 61cms Wide x 3cms Deep (Each Painting)
- Sept/Oct 2008
- Abstract Artist – Karen Robinson
PAINTING STORY – ‘Green Peace & Human Nature’
Writing the painting story is always, an important part of my art for therapy journey.
This two-part painting is about the impact we have on our earth. How the health of our planet is all in our control. How the choices we make on marking its surfaces; and using its resources holds an incredible responsibility. How there is many parts of our planet suffering from our human intervention. And how there are other parts which are sustaining great beauty. My mother said to me once ‘Life is like a path of snow, be careful how you tread it, for every mark will show’. My painting shows our human marks and the question …… are our marks benefiting our earth or making it sick. Hope is expressed in these paintings via the use of bright colours which is representative of our youth of the future! Hopefully our youth of the future will find better ways to preserve our planet…so that it will sustain us for many more future generations of people, plants and animals…
Written by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 2014
PAINTING PROCESS
My painting process starts with a conception as described above. With this concept, I pencil sketch onto my canvas, the outline. Then I paint, one colour at a time on the canvas, allowing each colour to dry throughly, before starting with another colour. Once the entire sketch on the canvas has been painted, with a single layer of Matisse acrylic paint, I repeat the process another two times, to obtain a richness of each colour.
After allowing the painting to throughly dry, I then sign and date the painting on the bottom righthand corner. I also turn my painting over and put all the relevant details on the back of the canvas. I then spray varnish it three times which gives it a nice shine. In order to keep track of my work – I photograph the painting; write the painting story; print it off and put a hard copy in my art portfolio folder; and then write the blog. Quiet a process!
This particular painting was the very first painting where I started using Matisse Structure ‘Metallic Copper and Metallic Silver’ colours. They are not easy to work with and I found it hard to get an even coating, but in the end, I just accepted the look I had achieved. I also found these colours hard to photograph. Whilst they look lovely in reality, in the photos they lack the luster and the colours look dull and flat. I do love of the look of them with the naked eye though!
SYNERGY GALLERY EXHIBITION 2009
In June 2009, I had to opportunity to exhibit this pair of paintings in an Exhibition called “Ways Out – Journeys through Recovery” at Synergy Gallery, 253 High Street, Northcote. The exhibition was part of Northcote’s Visual Arts Festival 2009. It was my very first experience in exhibiting, and a great opportunity to be part of a community event. It gave me the chance to meet other artists where we were able to exchange ideas and chat about our own art work experiences. We also had the chance to interact with the general public during the exhibition opening night which turned out to be a very enriching experience!
CONCLUSION
Since 2008, I have been using art therapy along with creative writing processes as a means of improving my sense of wellbeing. Whilst I paint for myself – it is wonderful to share with others my art for therapy journey by taking up small opportunities to exhibit. It has given me the opportunity to talk directly with viewers about their thoughts, impressions of my work. It has also allowed me to understand more fully how art is a powerful way of being able to communicate with others. It can get people to stop, think and question, it can give them something to mull over long after they have viewed the art work its self. For detailed accounts of some of my other paintings please click here
NB: To view my Abstract Painting Gallery, please click here. Whilst you are here – please check out my home page!
My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist/Blogger/Story-teller/Photo-taker