Textural Abstract (Untitled)

Textural Abstract --Untitled (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

In my continuing exploration of mixed media, this is definitely a new direction -- abstract.  There are layers and layers of all sorts of interesting things to create texture and dimension.  The painting is 16" x 20" -- which makes it a bit tricky to photograph.  That plus the metallic elements which create shine (and appear white in the photo) add to the fun!   But I definitely want to try more of this technique.  I've included some photos that show details of different areas of the canvas, each exposing different elements of the painting.  I hope you enjoy it.

(Detail)

(Detail)

(Detail)

(Detail)

Let Your Dreams Take Flight

"Let Your Dreams Take Flight"  (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

As explained in the post about "Big Engines,"  this is the 8" x 8" mixed media painting for Maddie, Andrew's big sister, who turned three this Spring.  Maddie has an abundance of energy which her very wise mother is letting her burn off in dance and gymnastics.  I believe it's important for every child to dream and pretend, so I wanted to do a painting that showed these two activities carried out to the next level.  Whether Maddie stays with dancing or gymnastics in the future, the message will always be the same -- to let her dreams take flight and carry her to new heights of discovery and joy.

Big Engines

"Big Engines"  (Mixed Media) © C. Eastwood, 20121

Having just returned from a trip to visit family in Chicago, I was determined to do paintings for two of the youngest members of the "fam."  Andrew is rapidly approaching two years and is all boy.  We had a brief discussion about trains and he most enthusiastically informed me that they go, "Woo-woo" (that demonstration being accompanied by pulling the imaginary whistle chain).  I understand from his grandmother that he likes trucks and trains...so this little 8" x 8" mixed media painting is dedicated to Andrew and his love of things with big engines.

Daisy Gazing (SOLD)

"Daisy Gazing"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

If this little girl looks vaguely familiar, there's a reason.  (And it means you've been reading this blog!!)  The original painting, "Daisy Dreaming," which was donated for the Daisy Miracle charity auction held earlier this month, generated a commission to do another "Daisy" painting.  So how cool is that!  Yay!

Girl With a White Collar

"Girl With a White Collar"  (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

Okay, here she is.  This is the end result of one of the lessons I just completed in my online class I'm taking from Jane DesRosier.  I've actually got a series of photos I took as this one was built layer by layer and the starting point and ending result couldn't be more surprising (and I was there!). She's painted in acrylic over a collaged background and then distressed and stained and all kinds of good stuff.  It's hard to see in the photo, but if you look carefully, you can see the layers peeking through.  Look for the post entitled, "Making of a Portrait" for a view of what this looked like in some of the earlier stages.  I think you'll be surprised, too.

The Making of a Portrait

These are a few of the very early stages that the final painting, "Girl With a White Collar" went through during the painting process.  I'm not going to into detail, because it's a class taught by someone else.  Suffice it say, I was excited by the whole process and pleased with the end result.  Be sure to check out the finished product!

3 Peas in a Pod

"3 Peas in a Pod" (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

This piece was done in celebration of Joni and Dean's newest addition to their family.  They now have three sweet boys and a house full of love.  Congratulations to them all!