In my figure study group yesterday afternoon I worked on a piece of raw canvas tacked to the wall and drew with my usual mad mix of media: in this case, charcoal, charcoal powder, turp and oil, tempera, acylics, ink, and pastels. I had to fight to get some of the wet stuff onto/into the canvas, scrubbing with rags, using my hands (not with the oil!) and generally using firm pressure to make the marks. The ink, charcoal, and pastels breezed on, so it wasn't all rigorous activity. I love being physically involved with my drawings, so this did not feel like a frustrating struggle, but more like a satisfying wrestling match! I suppose the canvas will rot away eventually, not being primed, but I like the idea of seeing the open weave of the fabric...
4 comments:
I agree--I like the weave showing through!
so i'll weave it as is...
Such power in those dark marks moving across and beneath the figures! These multiple images feel alive and existing in time--not frozen. The central figure reminds me of Francesco Clemente.
A suggestion: you might try grounding your canvas the next time with a coat or two of acrylic matte medium, to isolate the fibers from paint, etc. You'll still have the color and the weave, but maybe a little easier to work on.
Thanks so much, Don! And I will try that mat medium next time!
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