RED!

 

I found RED!

 

 

A strong vein... the 'mother-lode' in my very own back yard! A few days ago, I was walking about and found it. The most beautiful concentration of RED earth I have seen yet. In reality, it is a result of bonfires during the last few years. Fire and heat has baked the minerals into a perfect cache of nearly scarlet red ochre earth. I fetched my pail and digging tools and set to harvesting. 

 

A lovely little Spotted Towhee that lives in the pear tree watched and serenaded me as I dug. He has feathers the same colour as my newfound dirt!

 

 

 

 

As I have written before (see Mud Pies and My Prince!), I am fascinated with using natural materials as art supplies. So I was quite excited to have such a beautiful colour of pigment to add to my studio palette.

Some chunks were redder and purer than others so I kept them a bit separate from the rest. I am processing some of the dirt with levigation method using water. The two jars on the left are with the more concentrated chunks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was so anxious to try my new pigment I powdered a little with my mortar and pestle and mixed with a bit of acrylic medium. I then painted 2” high letters on Strathmore 140lb watercolour paper. Because I was impatient and skipped mulling it, the letters have a rough, raised texture. I like it as it has an embossed effect. 

 

 

I like the simplicity and I think I will mat and frame the piece. 

 

 

With summer coming on I look forward to getting out more and I can't wait to see what I find next. Every walk is an adventure!