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‘Perchance To Fly’ lands in Painting On The Edge show!

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I’m pleased to say that my painting, ‘Perchance To Fly,’ has been accepted into the Federation of Canadian Artist’s annual open international juried exhibition, “Painting On The Edge.”  Click here to read more about this show.

 

As you may know, I have been working on a series of paintings called, “On The Edge.” It all started with ‘If By Chance,’ the painting I created for Gallery 8’s ‘Symbolically 8’ show in April 2014. (You can read about how that painting developed by clicking here.) After that, I began to imagine all sorts of possibilities. ‘Perchance To Fly’ came into being as the 2nd in the series. Let’s have a look at how it emerged.

 

1. Thumbnail in pencil. The germination of an idea. The main mass is irregular, unlike the rectangular shape in "If By Chance." I had indicated a sense of where I imagined figures would be grouped.
1. Thumbnail in pencil, 1.5 x 1.5 in. The germination of an idea. The main mass is irregular, unlike the rectangular shape in “If By Chance.” I had indicated a sense of where I imagined figures would be grouped.

 

1. The beginnings. I followed the basic placement of figures and with charcoal, let them come as they may. All of a sudden, there was a figure with arms outstretched. I think at that point, I knew the title would be "Perchance To Fly"! I then took sheet music (chosen for the pattern created by the many notes) and collaged on pieces
2. The beginnings. I followed the thumbnail’s basic placement of figures and with charcoal, let them evolve as they might. All of a sudden, there appeared a figure on the edge with arms outstretched. I think at that point, I knew the title would be “Perchance To Fly”! I then collaged torn pieces of sheet music chosen for the pattern created by the many many notes.

 

3. A first layer of acrylic paint was applied after spraying the charcoal lines with fixative. A few scrapes were made in the paint
3. A first layer of acrylic paint (hansa yellow and napthol red) was applied after spraying the charcoal lines with fixative. A few scrapes were made in the paint.

 

4. Regular gel medium was added to the area of the cliff. Then I scraped and pushed the gel about with a paint scraper, the end of my brush, and a palette knife (all seen at the lower left edge).
4. Regular gel medium was added to the area of the cliff. Then I scraped and pushed the gel about with an adhesive spreader, the end of my brush, and a palette knife (all seen at the lower left edge). This would give the land mass some great textured qualities.

 

5. More red and yellow acrylic paint applied. I added a glaze of yellow to the sky area but felt it was all becoming too dark. Even though the paint was dry, I was surprised to find that when I rubbed it with a paper towel, the paint began to come off and reveal the gesso layer! It was a shock but then I realized I liked the effect and continued. I then applied a thin glaze of yellow over the whiter areas. The charcoal figures were further defined.
5. More red and yellow acrylic paint was applied to the land mass and to the lower left of the painting. I added a glaze of yellow to the sky area but felt it was all becoming too dark. Even though the paint was dry, I was surprised to find that when I rubbed it with a paper towel, the paint began to come off and reveal the gesso layer! It was a shock but then I realized I liked the effect and continued. I then applied a thin glaze of yellow over the whiter areas. The charcoal figures were further defined.

 

6. Glazed on some blues (anthraquinone blue and ultramarine). Then dry brushed some red and yellow over the darkened areas to bring back some warmth. Added some graphite scribbles over all.
6. I glazed on some blues (anthraquinone blue and ultramarine), then dry brushed some red and yellow over the darkened areas to bring back some warmth. Then I added some graphite scribbles over all. The music sheets are now mostly hidden, evident only to a viewer who takes time to look closely at the piece.

 

7. Added more charcoal to the figures and sprayed them. Then applied a mix of yellow, red and white gouache around the figures.
7. I added more charcoal to the figures and then sprayed with fixative. Then I applied a mix of yellow, red, and white gouache around the figures.

 

8. As gouache is water soluble, it has to be sealed somehow. I do this with a layer of acrylic polymer medium. I pour it on and spread it with a palette knife. I try to make as little cross movement as possible as it will pick up the gouache and move it as well. You can see this happened in the striding figure who now, serendipitously, has a scarf flowing behind!
8. As gouache is water soluble, it has to be sealed somehow. I did this with a layer of acrylic polymer medium. I poured it on and spread it with a palette knife. I tried to make as little cross movement as possible as it doing so would pick up the gouache and move it as well. You can see this happened to the striding figure who now, serendipitously, has a scarf flowing behind! I then glazed on some more yellow acrylic paint.

 

9. Gail Sibley, "Perchance To Fly," 16 x 16 in, mixed media (acrylic, charcoal, paper, gouache, graphite) on wood panel.
9. Gail Sibley, “Perchance To Fly” (On The Edge series), 16 x 16 in, mixed media (acrylic, charcoal, paper, gouache, graphite) on wood panel.

 

And what is this painting about? I have a sense of it representing the possibility of us being close to a metaphorical edge at some time in our lives. The question is, what will we do when we get there?

 

What are your interpretations around the painting? Please send me your ideas. I would really love to hear them!

 

It’s a wonderful journey we’re on and I’m so glad you are here for a part of mine.

 

Until next time,

~ Gail

6 thoughts on “‘Perchance To Fly’ lands in Painting On The Edge show!”

  1. linda heller

    I LOVE IT, AND THE WAY YOU BUILT THE LAYERS OF THE MONOLITH AND THE COLORS OF THE ENTIRE WORK- LIKE LIFE, ONE EXPERIENCE, ONE LAYER AT A TIME.
    LINDA

    Reply
    1. Gail Sibley

      Thanks Linda 🙂
      I love the relationship you have made between the painting and the layers of life!

      Reply
  2. Sandy Gordon

    Gail congratulations! More signs that you are coming into your own. Must be an exhilarating experience and give you more confidence in taking those very necessary chances. What a great piece of work. Was particularly taken by the two figures having a discussion before moving to the edge – reminded me of how I feel on the edge. Do look forward to the future. S

    Reply
    1. Gail Sibley

      Thanks Sandy. I feel pretty good about what’s happening and the direction I am going. And yes, more confidence comes with the doing. I laughed when I read about your reaction and relationship to the two figures having a discussion 😀

      I’m looking forward to the future too!!

      Reply

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