With Art in Motion, I share the visual journey through the life of one of my paintings — from the blank canvas, to the first splash of inspiration, all the way to the finished piece. Enjoy to the fullest!
Click here to see all the posts in this ongoing project series.
I don’t have photos of the VERY beginning layers of this painting, but safe to say that there were several layers of painterly mess-making here – no papers or collage in the above layer, just lots and lots of layers of paints inspired by all that I learned earlier this year taking Flora’s workshop in Bali.
At first I followed the urge to create boats and glued some beginning shapes down with Gel Medium (links below)
And then I decided that I wanted to paint a figure, so simply removed the big boat form and drew a figure form instead and decided she’d have a boat on her head (why not). Face is painted with gesso (link below) at this stage.
Used Shiva paintstiks (link below) to begin to fill in her face.
She starts to emerge…
More emerging with hair painted in (used Golden Fluid Acrylics here).
Considering boat placement…
First boat, complete!
Decided to go for it with lots and lots of boats – all collaged with papers and gel medium.
Painted her dress a bit with some white fluid paint.
Began to stamp in her sentiment….
Finished her sentiment….
And then she was done. Ahhh, finally. It took a few weeks to finish her – but she was worth the wait. This piece speaks very personally to me right now. And I’m loving how she came out.
She was on a voyage toward truth, love, and profound transformation. She found courage amidst the storms, and faith in her sails as she left the safety of the harbor for freedom, dreams, and possiblity.
I get so many questions about which art supplies I use and love. You can check out my favorite supplies for making art (with descriptions) over here or if it’s easier, I’ve put some easy links below for you 🙂
Thank you guys. I hope you enjoyed a peek into the process!
XO,
Kelly Rae
Hi, I'm Kelly Rae Roberts!
Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my whispers and started playing with paint and everything changed. Now I’m a full-time artist, author and Possibilitarian, who helps women explore their creativity, nourish their souls and build a thriving creative business.
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Kelly Rae, I have been following your art for a while now, and simply had to comment – I LOVE this painting!! As a trying-to-be-an-artist on the side from my day-job, I appreciate you sharing the steps and tools you use. Everything you do is gorgeous! I do have one question, when you do the stamp lettering, what sort of ink do you use? I've found regular inks smudge too much, or perhaps I'm not being patient enough! Thanks so much!! Loriann
you have changed my art forever! you have given me a voice …love your work and am inspired by you daily..I have your art hanging in my room!!!! hugs Cathee
I continue to be awed by your generosity–showing us your process–it's wonderful! I want to do this. All of it–the painting, the energy, the giving. You are such an example to me in my life. Thank you! 😀
just dropping in with big love for you…(another GORGEOUS painting of raeness) XOXO
Love your "works in progress" – fun. I also still refer to the Flying Lessons PDF as I journey forward – thought you'd like to hear that {smile}.