Colours and Contours with Jenny Muncaster at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh

On 26th March, 2014 I attended a fantastic Specilaist Crafts workshop called, ‘Colours and Contours’, run by Jenny Muncaster and learned for the first time about layering acrylic paint, splashing water onto the surface to change and lift the colour to reveal the colour beneath. I was advised to begin with warm, light colours as a base, dry, then cover with a darker colour, manipulate in some way then wash the paint off. A speckled, mottled effect was created. I also learned how to add modelling relief paste to add texture, or draw onto the surface of the canvas, then work on top of it. Masking tape was used to section off areas of colour or build colour and so the process continued. Gold leaf, stencilling and other effects were also demonstrated and made for a more interesting piece of artwork. The effects created were definitely what I wanted, but just the start of things and I have continued experimenting with layering, washing and relief to produce some very interesting pieces of artwork. Things happen by chance, some control, but are allowed to ‘happen’. However I want to learn more! I purchased a book by Nancy Reyner, entitled ‘Acrylic Illuminations’ which demonstrates a range of techniques and possible effects, suggesting materials to achieve these effects.

As my continued focus is landscape and rich colour, with the exploration of surface texture, I feel this experimental work has helped me progress towards what is included in my Statement of Intent for year 2 and on into year 3 of my Masters study.