CREATING ART MATERIALS AT HOME-CANADIAN ROCKIES

With my paints ready, I sketch in some lines of Mt. Rundle on each piece.

Rundle on parchment paper

Rundle on watercolour paper

Rundle on wet paper towel

CREATING ART MATERIALS AT HOME-CANADIAN ROCKIES

I used a comb, q-tips, electric razor cleaning brushes and a toothbrush as my painting tools

I cut back bristles on the toothbrush to have more of a point.

I then microwaved some frozen blueberries.

Next, I blended the berries in a small processor.

My green was made with blended spinach and water.

My red was made with blended strawberries, and mustard was used for yellow. In each colour I added an egg yolk and vinegar for bonding.

CREATING ART MATERIALS AT HOME-CANADIAN ROCKIES

I decided to make my own paper for painting, even though I have lots of watercolour paper. This is for those at home who want to create but do not have the tools. I used a cookie sheet as my template and layered in the paper towel. I would put one layer down, then wet with a spray bottle with water. After each layer, I would flatten with my hand and then roll with a water bottle. I then baked in the oven at 350 for a couple of minutes, then poured a layer of water again over the paper, an ounce or so. In the oven again for 2 minutes, then I let sit wet on the counter as I prepared my colours.

CREATING ART MATERIALS AT HOME-CANADIAN ROCKIES

"Creativity is contagious, pass it on". Albert Einstein

I have lots of art supplies in the house, but what if you want to create, you have no supplies, and stores are closed? I decided to make my own.

The painting above was painted on layers of paper towels. The colours were created from blueberries, spinach, mustard, strawberries.........each blended separately then I added an egg yolk and vinegar. In the next few days, I will post images of 3 paintings, one on watercolour paper, one on parchment paper and one on paper towels. I will walk thru the process of how colours were created and what I used to paint with.

Enjoy the journey.

Robert Krysak

RUNDLE REVIVAL-CANADIAN ROCKIES

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" Vincent van Gogh

I am a watercolour artist....have been for as long as I remember. A few years ago I bought an Acrylic starter kit, wanting to learn how to paint acrylic. The kit has sat in my art cupboard for years. Many times I have looked at it, touched it, then put it back. I don't know how to paint with acrylics! What will people think if I fail?! (What people?)

Today I pulled out the acrylic kit, unwrapped everything, and painted Rundle Revival. The painting is 12" x 16", and I'd like to sell it for $150. All proceeds to the Banff YWCA who desperately need funds right now to help them in this Global Crisis we are in.

If interested, text me at 403-760-9922.

What have you been afraid to try?

Robert Krysak

AN OUNCE OF PRACTICE-CANADIAN ROCKIES

"An ounce of practice is worth a thousand words" Gandhi
With the world practicing social distancing in the midst of the Covid-19 virus, I have been spending some time in my studio going thru supplies, sorting images, and planning some new pieces.

On one of the walls is a painting that is made of many images. It initially started as a painting of my son who was a youngster playing hockey with the Banff Bears. After failing a few times to get the image "right", I decided to use the canvas as a practice piece to test color, design and brush strokes. Many paintings have been created and sold who's colour and concept began on this canvas. What hobbies/skills do you want to dust off, put some time into and improve? You have the time now.
Enjoy the journey.

SAME BUT DIFFERENT-CANADIAN ROCKIES

Same but different.
I have been putting brush to paper for a long time......it's interesting to see the similarity/difference in my work as I progress over the years. The top image is of the Matterhorn, created in 1994. I had been in Zermatt, Switzerland in 1983, and hiked in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

The bottom image is of Mt. Assiniboine, the "Matterhorn of the Rockies". I have hiked and skied many times in the shadow of Assiniboine, and always feel humbled in the mountains presence.
The paintings were created 20 years apart.

Same but different.