As I progress in this series about my small pond, Mother Nature sends me more messages. When I began, I used a kimono shape for two reasons. First, the plant life in the pond often creates a kimono shape. Secondly, I have always been drawn to Japanese designs, so the kimono shape is a great start for some of this series.
Many people expected I'd be painting water lillies and gold fish. And so I am, but they are swimming on and off the kimono as these natural images inspire fabrics. But then the other day a new critter entered the pond ideas.
A kingfisher discovered the easy pickings our 2 back ponds provide.
The first painting I included our kingfisher in is a wide skinny one.
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| 11" x 30" |
So I'm wondering if it should be divided up.
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| A diptych version |
In the next piece, I included the birds, making this painting mixed media. I discovered a black gessoed (a matte primer) full sheet of watercolor paper. From that discovery I pulled out my collage materials and the imagination flew. How about a yellow kimono?
I cut zig-zags on the edge of an old credit card pulling it through the yellow paint. That put some texture on the kimono fabric. Then I started sampling different bird shapes with different collage papers.
Chalk and Tape to start the kimono shape
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| Trying colors and positions of the birds |
I liked the gold fish swimming up the arms and the black and white collage birds. Ultimately I decided against a color other than the kimono and fish. For the water below the kimono I chose a gray and included some ripples and gold fish. The realistic birds were painted on watercolor paper, cut out, and glued on to add to the story. I felt quite clever adding the shadows of the realistic birds giving the painting a 3-dimensional appearance.
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| I'm inclined to use the Japanese word for kingfisher and title this one Kawasemi Kimono 30" x 22" Mixed Medium |
Happy New Year!!
