(Warning: I overused, by far, the world “many” tonight.) Another day of getting things in order with this new blog – but that is OK. Because it is close to where I want it. The people in the WordPress (the software that runs this blog) community are so generous. As are so many, many people on the web! 8 days ago I never even heard of WordPress and certainly never did anything with a blog.

Freedom, Acrylic © Diane Clancy

I am constantly impressed how often help is there from unknown people who are on the web. They take time to look at my problems (and others) and give their advice. Of course, I do that for different people and groups in my life – but it is always so gratifying to see so many people make the time and effort – and seem to enjoy it! It is uplifting so see so much good in so many people when the world is full of contrary examples.

This painting is part of a series I have done with acrylics in hard edge painting style. It is many, many layers on top of each other. Most of the layers are thinned with some kind of transparent medium to make the acrylic more translucent so one can see the multiple layers below. There are many different kind of gel mediums for different effects.

The hard edge part is taking a straight edge – like masking tape – and gently but firmly – putting it on the canvas on each side of the area I want to paint. Then painting that area with the thin acrylic paint. Take off the tape fairly soon. You can see that the layer you put down shouldn’t be too runny so it doesn’t go below the tape – unless you want a softer edge.

Take the tape off soon so it doesn’t stick to the canvas and wreck your painting. I have been meaning to get back to painting like this again. Maybe now that the site is more finished, I can get the studio together again. You may remember I pulled it apart for weatherizing 2 weeks ago.

Looking at “Freedom” tonight, I am entralled with the sense of movement – especially of movement upward. I can see why I named it “Freedom.” I go deeply into the picture and keep moving from one plane and place to another. I enjoy going inside it and feeling the results of my creative process. Enjoy Spring – or Fall – depending on where you are!

– Diane Clancy

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