Experimenting with Plaster

I get excited when I create with mixed media. There are always the elements of surprise for me especially when I begin to experiment. Sometimes what I think I'll end up with doesn't always happen. I purge through those times when it appears the experiment goes wrong and keep exploring what might work and what I end up with always is a keeper.

I got a great deal on a gallon can of Venetian Plaster at the paint store. They discontinued the product and had one can left so at a good price I snatched it up for my studio play time.  Using a 4 x 4 inch wood cradle I applied gesso over the top and sides. Once dry I thined some of the plaster and let it float on the top of the cradle. Thinning it made the plaster crack quite a bit so after sanding a few more thin layers of plaster were applied with sanding in between each layer. 

This gave me a smoother surface with the tiniest of hairline cracks that resembled age so to enhance this feature I antiqued the surface and sides before applying a transfer with film. The faint transfer of a vintage postcard can be seen above the Poppy. The Poppy was painted with acrylics in loose painterly form. I had to tell myself not to get to detailed just look at form and light. I love the look the plaster gave to this piece so you will be seeing more like this as I paint and create this year.

Postal Poppy

4 x 4 inches
mixed media on wood cradle
ready to hang or sit on a shelf

$68
Contact if you are interested in purchasing.

Thank you and please share with anyone you think might be interested.

​Enjoy,