Learning to play with earth pigments

I’m currently in a learning process, trying to figure out the next step in my art practice, and that includes getting to know how earth pigments works. You see, I have always suffer from sensitive skin, I can’t even use things with perfume, none natural soaps are bad for me, and let’s not talk about harsh chemicals.

When I was in College I developed this skin reaction to some paints and inks in my silkscreen printing class. It began in one finger and then spread a little. Now and then I get skin irritation in the same finger, but since I began painting again full time a couple of years back, my hand irritation just got out of control. I use gloves the majority of the time, but sometimes I forget if I get in zone of if I’m giving a workshop.

Last year was the worst it has ever been, It even spread to my other hand. So a couple of months back, I decide to go to the doctor, and he told me I’m having contact with something that is aggravating the situation, and the only thing I thought, was acrylic paint. So he prescribe a fungus cream and some oral antibiotic. I took the medicine and I haven’t touch my acrylics in a long time, just some gauche now and then for some art journaling. And let me tell you, the skin is almost 80% better. This is something good and sad at the same time, because I know it will affect my art practice if I want to improve the skin condition.

I began researching methods for creating art that did not include touching paint. I did an art piece with found textiles, and it really sparked my curiosity, so I planned to do more of it. I also discovered natural earth pigments, and in a resent trip to Mexico (which I will blog soon) I went to a textile artist studio that dyed his wool with 100% natural pigments, and I was blown away. Is what I want to continue to study and learn, painting with something that will not harm my skin.

I know the process of experimenting will take time. I know it wont be the same as painting with acrylics. But I’m exited to see what will come out of my home studio. It’s a new process, the unknown, getting to understand what plants works better for ink and dyes, what minerals I can collect locally for some pigments. How to work with the right mordants and binders so the pieces last, etc etc.

So stay close, I will keep you posted of my discoveries!!!!! Have a great weekend!!

Creating Art with texture

After creating artwork with figurative portraits, I’m back again at painting abstracts. This time playing with textures. I really liked doing this pieces, playing around with acrylic skins and textile.

After I finishes the first piece, I noticed it had the same color scheme as the previous portrait I did. My mind is a sponge for sure.

The second piece I did, I decided to add strips of fabric I had from another multimedia piece I will share with you soon. I have a time-lapse vide that I did so you can se my process. You can watch it below.

Mix Media art process created with acrylic, acrylic skins, textile, and wax crayons

This last piece reminds me of Las Salinas in Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico, a salt flat that forms a pretty pink lake. Is a great visit if you are in the island.

Can’t wait to create a bigger body of work with skins!!