vanessa kary | fine artist
Calgary, Alberta
Step 1 - Choosing the colours; this time it’s pewter, silver, copper and gold
Step 2 - Mix in my Liquitex Pouring Medium to each cup of colour; stirring thoroughly
Step 3 – Pour the coloured mixture over the canvas; then tilt it back and forth
Step 4 - Transfer the canvas to completely air dry on my horizontal easel
Step 5 – Remove the tape and plastic, then paint the edges black
“Free Spirit” : 8″ x 24″ triptych – mixed media on canvas; framed
People have been asking me how I start my paintings. The very first thing I do is choose the colour palette. I absolutely love the colour blue, so I’ll usually choose a different shade with each painting and then choose a few other colours that will all work well together.
The colours I choose are always based on my mood. Sometimes I’m in the mood for metallic’s, other times I’m in the mood to paint with bright colours. I’ve painted with 3 different paint colours and I’ve also painted with 7 different paint colours; it depends on how I’m feeling at that moment. I gravitate towards certain colour combinations.
Once I walk into my home studio, I completely forget about everything else that’s going on and remain focused on the painting. After I’ve chosen the colours and mixed in my pouring medium it’s time to paint! Yay! The fun part! I get to play, create, experiment and let loose!
I never have a preconceived idea of what I’m about to paint. I’ve become inspired by landscape photography and the beautiful colour palette I’ve seen flipping through the pages. With that in mind, I’m not trying to re-create anything I see. I just like to be inspired by the colour and let the rest just happen. I’m trying to create my own vision of beauty.
With the canvas laying flat, I pour each cup of paint over the canvas. The cups of colour I choose to pour are chosen at random. There is no rhyme or reason behind it. To me, it just has to feel right where it is I pour the paint on the canvas. I tend to lose myself in the moment creating each piece, this is why none of these paintings can be re-created.
Once all the paint is poured, I begin to manipulate the canvas by tilting it; back and forth, side to side. I don’t use a tool to paint; no paint brush, no palette knife. Just my hands maneuvering the canvas is all I need. How do I know when to stop? When it feels like it’s finished. It’s difficult to explain that feeling to people but it’s something I just know.
Creating original abstract paintings is my passion; I love what I do and hopefully it shows.
