Tuesday, March 14, 2017

New Work and New Columns

Western Skies 4
16" x 16" Collage Landscape/Painted Papers
libbyfifefineart.com

Contemplation Columns Set 2
14" x 1.5"; 12" x 1.5"; 10" x 1.5"
painted papers on dimensional wood board

Contemplation Columns Set 2
14" x 1.5"; 12" x 1.5"; 10" x 1.5" 
painted papers on dimensional wood board
The collage shown in the first pic has been done for several days. I have been busy screwing around with goodness knows what though and so I am late in posting. I wanted to use a greater proportion of the painted papers this time and I am pleased with the results. Also, I have included both an interior and exterior shot of the "contemplation columns" this time as well as providing their size. My friend, who saw these and liked them, didn't realize that they were smaller in size. 

When actually completed, these columns will have a small base, maybe about 1" tall, and hopefully covered in the same papers as the columns.  I looked into acrylic bases which I thought would give the columns a wonderful contemporary look. Since I don't sell much of my work, the cost for the bases is prohibitive. The wooden bases covered in my papers is a better alternative and will still look consistent. The painted white bases that I was going to use really detracted from the columns and ended up being their own design element. They took away from the columns, in my opinion. 

I'll mention this too. I love the idea of these columns. I have seen some other examples now and I have liked all of them. They are obviously dimensional but they have a different presence than the collage paintings, if that makes sense. My friend, whom I mentioned above, has been helping me to think through doing some larger columns that would go in a garden. Rather than using paper however, the columns would be painted directly and finished appropriately for the outdoors. They would be what I think is termed "functional" art. 

Anyway, I hope to start on a new piece shortly and to finish up these columns. The weather is quite nice this week but we are expecting some clouds for the weekend. No big deal. I have learned over the winter and into Spring that clouds, rain and cooler weather in general are the friends of the avid hikers here in my area. Pretty soon it is going to be quite warm, more than I can stand to be out in hiking. And please, if you are reading and have some thoughts about these columns, let me know.

Thanks for the visit and comments,
Libby
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6 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 14, 2017 at 5:33 PM

    woohoo! These columns are fantastic! AND the collage piece! I can see why your friend is encouraging you to go bigger and more permanent (garden size, and weather proof) but there is something tender, too, about the fragility of these particular works. They are definitely an evolution from your first ones. Great work, Libby!

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  2. Libby FifeMarch 16, 2017 at 3:34 AM

    Carol,

    Thank you so much! I haven't any idea why but the reaction to these columns has been very positive.

    And evolution is good right? For these three columns, I worked each side as one unit and at one time. I think it gave a better cohesiveness to things both in the look and also in my thinking. so, good news.

    I bought some more wood yesterday and will make some more columns along with the collages. We are going on vacation soon too so I hope to have more color ideas. Who knows?

    Thank you as always for the visit and comments. I hope you are doing well.
    Libby

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  3. Debbie NolanMarch 21, 2017 at 10:04 AM

    My goodness Libby I think you are really onto something special here. I am so excited for you. This looks like such a super creative endeavor. Hope you will go bigger and choose something that will work outdoors. I love the colors you have chosen too. Keep on keeping on friend. Will be looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the base. Hugs!

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  4. Libby FifeMarch 22, 2017 at 4:35 AM

    Thanks Debbie! I have really enjoyed doing these so far. I am still using the first set I made to test out the bugs in the process. I am checking out different varnishes and found a solution for the bases. I just move so slowly with things though. Just need to be patient and apply myself to the task.

    Hope you are well. I always appreciate your perspective. Thanks!
    Libby

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  5. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMarch 24, 2017 at 9:53 PM

    I was just reading your reply to Debbie and I agree wholeheartedly not to rush but take your time. The doing/planning is the enjoyment isn't it?
    Once again I love your color and placement choices, both on the collage as well as the wood columns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby FifeMarch 26, 2017 at 2:40 PM

      Thanks Julie! These columns sort of demand a bit of patience. There is no rushing the process, especially considering that I am learning what to do as I go. The collages too take time. I know people say to churn through ideas to learn more quickly. I am sure that is true. But learning to move through processes is worthwhile too.

      I have some more columns in the works. Started them today in fact and also am finishing up the bases for the set above. Hopefully things will come together:)

      Thanks for your visit and comments. I appreciate them.
      Libby

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! I reply back in an email if you are signed in and I can see your address. Otherwise I will post the reply here under your comment. I tend to cut and paste my emails too so that others can experience the back and forth which I think is integral to blogging.
Libby

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