Linda Chaves Feature Artist - Part 2

Today on the Altered Pages Blog

Linda Chaves

shares some of her AMAZING ART!!! 

 

If you missed the post yesterday read Linda's bio HERE! 

 

 

Sunset over the Western Ghats, India 

This was done on A4 Yupo paper, using Indian ink and fluid acrylics with a lot of texture work and a little collage. The script is in Malayalam, the language of Kerala, which I am trying to learn as I spend a month there every year. This was a spectacular sunset, the light turning from bright gold to lilac and purple, forming deep shadows over the tea plantation. Writing done with a metal tipped bottle and white acrylic ink.

Wisdom

Canvas, 40 x 30 cm using acrylics, fluid acrylics, charcoal, Pitt pen and oil pastel. There is quite a lot of collage in the initial layers, which I then worked over with colour and more texture. Inspired by the many Hindu festivals I have attended in Kerala, where the elephants are the stars!

 

Pink Dreams

 

A simple piece using acrylic inks, Indian inks and fluid acrylics over Yupo, A4 size. Graffiti in white acrylic ink. A piece in my trademark neon pink!

 

The Pout

 

Watercolour paper, 30 x 20 cm I started with Indian inks, rolling them about the paper to form a very energetic first layer. I added swathes of more ink with a wipe. I then found an inspiring photo online (this one a portrait by the artists Malcolm Liepke, and interpreted it in my own way, using inks and fluid acrylics.

Gracie

 One of my two gorgeous cats. I painted the background in fluid acrylics and inks, paying attention to a ‘fluffed out’ look around her head – as she often struts around the house making herself look queen-like! I used a grid system to transfer the placement of the main features, then added some hand painted collage, before working layer by layer,  stroke by stroke to build up both the density of her fur, and the complexity of her colouring. This took considerable time, but I love the result. The final flourish with white acrylic ink and a very small brush for her whiskers!

 

Buddha Protects

 

On canvas 60 x 60 cm, this began by outlining the main features, then slowly building up the form and colour, beginning around the eyes and working outwards. There is quite a lot of collage, both found paper and hand painted. The warmth of the look comes from many layers of glazing with fluid and heavier bodied acrylics. This hangs over my bed,

guarding over me.

Pyjama Days

 

A self portrait on Watercolour paper, I used a wide range of materials – from fluid acrylics, pastels, crayons, pens and Gelatos., to try to get the right skin tone – and that ‘ageing” look!!!!

 

Eyes

 

Canvas 60 x 40 cm. I first collaged my own given symbol of the triple spiral which I collaged on from bought paper, then I drew in the eyes. I wanted a simple yet very bright, saturated look, which, however, still had great feeling and soul. Painted mainly with acrylics and fluid acrylics. 

 

Fifteen Minutes after Sunset at the Grand Canyon

 

This was one of the defining moments of my life, and I just had to find a way to paint the lasting image which this breathtaking moment has etched in my memory. I knew that colour had to be the most important element, but that also the contrast between the brilliance of the sky, with the ever darkening structures of the canyon. Our gazes had shifted from down into the depths towards this miraculous sky in just a few minutes. I used many layers of acrylics and fluid acrylic paint, using a lot of texturizing techniques to avoid too much monotone and black in the lower half. I used a lot of both bought and home-made spray acrylics, too, to add texture and movement, as well as line work and mark making, both adding and subtracting layers to add interest and to lead the eye around the paged.

 

Linda Chaves linthepinkjournals@blogspot.pt

 

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Now Linda has one more piece of advice...

I find it much better to begin work when I have cleaned up and organized the studio after work the previous day. Washed up and cleared up. Ideally, knowing what I am going to do, I leave out everything I’ll need to make a start in the morning. I start the day uncluttered, not worrying about the mess which is inevitable during the day - then clean it all up at night. I make lists too.  Lists of what I plan to do for the next day/week/month, etc. Lists of my ideas and inspirations. Lists of my intentions etc. These lists are my friends, I couldn’t live without them! It all helps me deal with the inner gremlins which sometimes conspire to ensure you do not want to get started. Some days it’s an all out war. But gremlins hate neatness, and loathe lists! Most days I win……

Hope you are inspired!!!