Monday, August 25, 2008

Old paintings, new life!

I started painting one of my favourite animals, the gorilla, a few days ago and its keeping me quite busy. While the layers were drying, I tidied up my studio and came across a few old paintings that I did a long time ago!

"Somewhere in Ireland" was done in acrylics - not my favourite medium as you really have to add dollops of retarder to prevent if from drying too fast and thus getting that flat, dull look that I dislike about acrylics. You also have to add medium to the paint in order to give it a sheen as acrylics is water-based.

But the painting is quite beautiful, despite all the additions. "Somewhere in Ireland" is a place that I imagined I would like to be... a quiet, tranquil little spot, 'far from the madding crowd' and possibly a great fishing getaway too!

The foreground and more colourful areas were eventually touched up with oil paints to give it a more brilliant and softer look.

My paintings are also available as cards, matted prints, laminates, posters, mounted prints, framed prints and canvas prints from one of my gallery websites: Paintings by Avril Brand

9 comments:

Baker Watson said...

You say you painted this 'a long time ago.' I'm just curious. By chance did you actually paint it before you came to Ireland?

Avril Brand said...

Hi Baker!!!

No, my friend! I painted this about 3 or 4 years ago! We were still living in a big town and this painting represents my idea of rural Ireland!

:-)

Baker Watson said...

Ahh. Thanks.

Avril Brand said...

:-) Baker!

Sandy said...

It is a beautiful painting!

Avril Brand said...

Oh thanks, Sandy... you are very sweet! :-)

Avril Brand said...

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Sadia said...

Peaceful,serene and beautifully captured.

Avril Brand said...

Thank you Sadia... I appreciate the comment and the visit!!