Blossoming

Este MacLeod

Este’s Tips

• Try a different colored background to start from to avoid the blank canvas to work from.
• Think of negative and positive space. Make a negative paper cutout/stencil of a shape you would like to use in the painting, and move this around over areas painted already, blocking out some areas.
• Work with colors that you have an affinity for, and see how this works in combination with others, even ones you do not like as much. I hardly ever paint with a color straight from the tube. I like to mix it up—when colors are too pure it can be a bit jarring on the eye. Experiment with toning down, combining and mixing small amounts of color together. It is wonderful to see what develops when you do this and is the best way to learn. Happy accidents are very much part of the way I work.
• Be careful painting with black. I use a deep Payne’s Grey, Burnt Umber, brown or blue for outlines, shading or blending.

Midsummer’s Day

by Este MacLeod

How do you start your paintings?

I often start my paintings on a black gesso background. I add dabs of color spontaneously. I will have a basic idea as to what is to be painted, but the outcome is mostly led by the process and discovering options. Painting in this way creates a level of surprise and opportunity.

How do you create depth and interest in your paintings?

I often use printing techniques, such as textured polystyrene sheets, embossed wallpapers, a potato stamp or tissue paper, to soften shapes and break down colors or to add subtle color texture. I also layer colors, scrape back, sculpt and define shapes to create fine lines. I use palette knives and thicker paint also.

I always work with painting mediums, creating various effects. I might create an impasto effect by using thick gel or use very thin glazed layers that have a longer “open time” by adding a slow-dry medium. This creates an oil-like feeling to paintings.

How has painting with your child influenced your process?

When my son was younger, he used to paint with me. I learned quite a lot from his spontaneous, unreserved attitude toward color and application. The beautiful lines he applied so freely and his use of colors (that I would not have chosen) opened up new ideas. There is an energy in marks made in such an uncontrolled and specified way, and I’ve adapted this in the way I work.

Summer’s Day

by Este MacLeod

To create a bit of interest and variation, I make marks with my eyes closed, turn the painting upside down midway through making marks and randomly splash my brush after cleaning it off on the canvas. One can always eliminate what does not work, but it is a brilliant way to get started and remove the trepidation felt when confronted with a blank canvas.

Reflection

Este learned a lot about spontaneous playfulness from her son. Make a list of ways you incorporate play into your life. What are some playful practices you would like to embrace?

Using colors that are in harmony, and by highlighting and building up layers, a simple pattern or shape can become rich and evolve into a visual feast.

—Este MacLeod—