Narelle McInnes
Romantic by Nature evokes a multitude of images, words, forms, shapes and emotions. To be romantic by nature can be a bit of a nuisance sometimes when practicality intrudes on this wonderful, mystical state of being. I find the elements in nature that evoke my most profound romantic responses are light and colour.
A sunrise, sunset, a walk on the beach, the sound of running water in a stream, the view over the valley or the fragility of the flowers is best shared with a person with whom you have the strongest emotional bonds. How can you be a romantic without great memories filled with strong positive emotions? I think it is a bit sad when I hear people say that wet or cold days are a waste of time, how unromantic.
My current works are the outcome of my study of the glazing techniques originating in the 16th and 17th centuries and I have found a process that provides me with a more timely result than waiting for oil paints to dry. The process of being able to use modern materials to achieve a glaze technique on paper has been an innovation and a wonderful experience for a person who prefers to be busy and productive. I guess I was seduced by the experimental painting and drawing techniques some of which are used in the mono-printing process although; the basics of drawing, shape, colour and composition are ever present in my planning. The mixed media process allows me to use multiple mediums to compile the layered image. I also keep canvas and panels around for those times when I feel the need for oils or the acrylics and to use the traditional brush.
Although my works take on a life of their own, I do have a planning phase in which I determine if an image is necessary to begin the underpainting or random experiments with marks, mediums of image transfers are required. Not all the initial marks will necessarily be highlighted in the completed work. The inspiration for the final image comes from working back through the layers of colour or adding additional marks or subtracting medium to define a final form or image. Working in the negative spaces gives the impression of texture without adding thick mediums. By using the robust cast coated paper as a support, this allows me more flexibility in the selection of mediums and solvents when compiling the image. I am an avid photographer and I also have some graphic art skills so I am never without inspiration even if I have no rock solid goals or aspirations that will see me conquer the world. I feel the joy in nature's beauty, in a smile or in the eureka moment of creation in each piece of artwork.
You can contact this artist through the gallery