Abstract Mixed Media

I have now completed over 30 of these mixed media paintings.  I matted 24 of the best ones and left the others in pile as "lessons learned".  

I am really enjoying this process (and most of the outcome) so I will continue working on this series.  I am using a very limited palette so I'm starting to mix my own colors and find this very exciting.  So far, I've only made "mud" a couple of times but also find adding white to mud makes for some very subtle colors.  

Today, I went to see a friend's fiber art exhibit at Next Gallery in Lakewood.  There were 3 other co-op galleries in the same building so I saw a lot of art from a lot of artists.  I have never been a big fan of co-op galleries since almost all of them require that members "sit" the gallery and attend monthly meetings.  

But what I came away with today is that my current work in Mixed Media is as good, if not better than many artists in these galleries.  So that gives me confidence to move ahead.  Sometimes, it's good to get out and see what other artists are doing and while I try not to compare my art with others, after owning an art gallery for 5 years, I have developed an eye for seeing quality.  I'm happy to say my friend's work was of superior quality, well themed, well presented, and several pieces sold (always a compliment to good work!).  And, IMO, she was the most accomplished artist in all three galleries.

​Some day, I will try to figure out how to show my Abstract Mixed Media paintings to the general public.  In the meantime, I will just continue to make them!