Splash and Dash!

"Splash and Dash" 24"x30" acrylic on canvas

Splash: To strike and dash about.

Under paintings can change the look and feel of an entire painting. The choices for under paintings are infinite. Many artists use a solid color to create the "first layer" of  their paintings. Another style that can be used as the first layer is what I call the "splash and dash."

Some of the most fun to be had as a painter is letting loose and splashing around with paint. Get wild with it! Splash that paint - then dash! Keep moving. Sometimes an under painting becomes a finished piece. If it looks exciting and finished, then stop and start on another.

The first layer of color(s) the painting surface is made up of can peep through the finished piece, giving it a more dimensional look. Often viewers are not aware of all the color and layers the eye is actually picking up. They just know they "like it." That is because color and combinations of colors have the ability to set a mood or moods. We have all seen the dark "doom and gloom" art as opposed to the bright "happy and uplifting" art. It is all wonderful art, but is clearly expressing a mood with the colors used.

Sooo . . . Go wild! Splash it up! Dash, dart and allow yourself to have fun!