Show and Tell: Breaking Free


 
Breaking Free by Kathryn M. Bennett

In the beginning... I began this blog to promote and sell my artwork and eventually, by the grace of God and the universe, quit my day job. Well, yes that was a bit of a stretch for a dream and no, it hasn't happened quite yet, but I have sold a few pieces and that makes me happy. Confession: I usually just turn around and buy more art supplies. 


Also, since I am very process oriented, I really enjoy writing posts that share the design and creating steps I use for my work. See Mud Pies and Oak Gall Soup. The fact that you the reader enjoy them is just icing on the cake.


I have a lot of paintings, prints, drawings, and other projects that all have stories behind them that I would like to share. So... about every week I am going to write a “Show and Tell” featuring a special piece. I will begin with works for sale, most are listed in my Etsy shop, this way perhaps my work might sell more and I get one more step to my maybe-not-so-unrealistic dream.


Please help me by sharing these blog posts with your friends and in advance... thank you! Please feel free to browse through my Etsy shop any time and if you see something you would like to see featured, just leave a comment and I will bump it up on my list.




For my first 'Show and Tell', I present Breaking Free a painting I made a few years ago using both oil and acrylic 18" x 24" on gallery wrapped canvas. 

 

It was shown in the Oregon Art Annual juried exhibit at the 2010 Oregon State Fair and now hangs on my wall for me to enjoy while it waits for a new home. 

 

 If you are interested, but cannot afford the price of the original in my Etsy shop, I have the image available to purchase as a print at FineArtAmerica.




Here I show the steps I documented along the way. 

 

I used a photograph I took at an earlier state fair. I have many great images from the fairs and this one worked nicely for a painting. 

 



Thank you for letting me share this with you!

Comments

  1. I grew up in Coney Island and weekly we went on the carousel. We did this as a group well into our high teens as tradition for a Sunday outing. So I was eager to read about the painting and pleased to see the progressive steps. Pinned to my Art as Inspiration board for others to discover as well.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing! I can see it now. I have lots of photos of carousels, probably because it was the least frightening ride. I still like them. thanks for pinning!

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  2. Count me amongst those who enjoy seeing how you got to the final result! This piece is wonderful - love the title, very evocative.

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    1. Cool Thanks Donna! Sometimes,as in this instance, the writing decides the title. I left it blank and when I typed the text I knew I had it. Also, my first choice must have been subconscious as after I posted I realized 'Breaking Free' was fitting.

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  3. It's great to see the process you go through to get to the finished work. At Arscura - School for Living Art, we work in a much different process and when using watercolour paints, we use a wet on wet process which allows the painting to emerge from the process and lets the artist see what the painting is asking for. I haven't worked in pencil and oils to start in a very long time and admire the dedication you have to complete such a wonderful work of art. Lovely!

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    1. Thank you! Yes, every media is different.Most artists refuse to believe oil and acrylic can work together. But it will if used this way, The oil acts as a resist with the acrylic wash. I learned this technique at community college in a workshop taught by Jane Lieber Mays http://www.janeliebermays.com/

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  4. The steps it takes to create these works of art are incredible to me. What incredible talent you have.

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    1. Thank you so much! I see it as a gift that I was given and I cherish it and try not ever to take for granted .

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  5. You are so talented!! Breaking Free is beautiful!!

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  6. Your artwork is beautiful. You have such talent.

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  7. I love the colours in this picture. It immediately makes me think of the carousel in Mary Poppins. Your horses look so beautiful. I can only dream of having your talent. The children in my class would tell you even my stick men look a bit dodgy.
    I take such enjoyment from looking at your art. It sparks my imagination. Bring on the next show and tell!

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    1. Thank you, wonderful praise indeed! I plan to do this weekly, I have plenty of material and I get pleasure in sharing.

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  8. I love the process end to end the way you shared it, Kathryn! I would have loved the one in sepia colors too but the idea you chose to make it colourful is wonderful as well :)

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    1. Thank you Delia! Yes, I love that stage also. There have been several paintings I had that much done and wanted to stop but worked on because of a plan. Because of this, I have done a couple with just the browns. I am sure I will do more.

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