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The Big Brown Smear

by Allesha Martinson
(BC, Canada)

The Big Brown Smear

The Big Brown Smear

It started with a slightly damaged canvas that a friend had given me. My thought was to try something I wouldn't ordinarily try as this would not become a gallery piece.

So I grabbed paint in all the earth colours and a palette knife, and dragged, pushed and scraped away. My thought was to practise technique and pressure.

Happy with the muddy mess, I left it to return the next day. As I sat there with coffee in hand I started to see shapes and forms appear. Intrigued as I was, I got out the good brushes and started working on detail.

Not something I had planned for with this painting, but I became engrossed with creating a story as I worked.

Forgotten statue here, crumbled stairs there...something buried beneath the rubble. Next thing I know it's several days later and a full painting done with no real thought placed into it.

I had the best time with this painting and it all started with a big brown smear.

Comments for The Big Brown Smear

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Jul 04, 2018
 Keep doing it ! NEW
by: Russ

Excellent result. Loved the way you approached it - sort of piecemeal. I'll have to try that - think I'm getting too "stiff" and need to relax and play. As Mark says - THROW SOME PAINT !
Jul 03, 2018
 teachers blob NEW
by: Judy Detrick( Texas)

1st class I ever went too, I and every one was afraid to start, so the teacher went around with a pallet knife scooped up paint and smeared it across the canvass and said make a painting. we did, was fun and learned a lot about mistakes and how to use them. Your painting is beautiful, Thanks for sharing.
Jul 01, 2018
 Interesting shapes NEW
by: Marybeth

Amazing what happens when you just turn loose and let the painting tell you what to do. I am seeing interesting almost ghostlike shapes, two towards the left and a light value one almost dead (Lol) center. The grass looks so soft. I'd love to be there walking in it. Beautiful piece!!

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