Evolving Paintings and My Cushions

 Here's the latest page from my sketchbook. I didn't have a plan for this image, I let it happen and evolve as I was painting. It started with layers of collage and acrylic paint, putting clingfilm onto the wet paint to create texture, (removing it when the paint's dry.) I drew the fish with a silver pen and had at first, a wishy washy watery scene. I felt as though it needed a person in the picture and before I knew it, this lady appeared under my brush! I wasn't sure what to do with her other hand so I tucked it behind her back. 
When we work in this way, letting the image evolve, perhaps our unconconscious is revealed and looking at it now, several hours after I painted it, I'm quite suprised by her expression. At the moment, even  I'm not sure what she was thinking! What does it say to you?
Click on the image of the painting if you'd like to see more of the detail.
~~~~~~~~

I've finished my granny-square cushion! (middle one below)

 I love doing the crochet part but I do get bored when sewing the squares together, so I tried a new method (to me) of crocheting them with a 'single crochet' stitch. It took no time at all and quite satisfying to do. I'm tempted to do more now....

but no!
Do you remember the fabric I bought a while ago? It's waited very patiently for me and now it's time for it to see the limelight at last.
I shall keep you posted :)

Comments

CraveCute said…
Very pretty Jessica. What is that saying, "A Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."? Or.....

She is releasing the bird into the wild (she is standing by the lake) and she has her fingers crossed behind her back, hoping for the best. The bird is content and not sure it wants to go.
Clare said…
Ah your painting says to me - I want to be free, to explore that which is unknown - to fly into adventure, not to hold too tight. I love using birds in art work - they have so much symbolism. I also have been bitten by the crochet bug - I've made cushions and slippers recently. I remember the little boy next door to us taught me how to crochet when I was about six years old - lol - I wonder if he still crochets?
Mary Kilvert said…
Lovely cushions :) I love granny squares :)
Jess said…
Thanks Cravecute, That's a very interesting take on it, given me food for thought...
Thanks Clare, I love to use birds too, I love the shape of them and the sound they make. So perfect for painting! Tha't amazing about being taught by a little boy next door. Glad to hear it was when you were also small ;) I've never crocheted slippers but I made some out of an old piece of carpet when I was about 7! They looked good but were very uncomfortable. :)
Jess said…
Thanks Mary, they're fun to do aren't they?
Carol said…
I think she is wondering about the fish nibbling her fingers and hoping they are little ones.
Lovely cushion, I'm knitting (socks) at the moment as too much crochet has given me a problem with my elbow, tut.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
Carol xx
p.s. I've now got my own little blog, scary!!
love that painting.. it seems like there is a gentle friendship between the girl and the bird. my kind of story :)
Gosh you are so good with the crochet!! i don’t think i could even think of making a cushion- maybe draw one :)
xo sandra
Jess said…
Thanks Carol, I find these comments so interesting, the things people discover in my painting! You've got me thinking now! A blog? How exciting, I'll pop over to have a peep. :)

Hi Sandra, Yes they do don't they? The bird is loved and cared for and feels so comfortable it closes its eyes.
rachel awes said…
i am of the sea and sky.
it all bubbles up from within me.
birds become my jewelry and my
hair sings the whole song.
***
lovely to rest in
your colorful cushions.
XOX
Jess said…
Thankyou Rachel, you make me smile with your wonderful poem to go with my picture :))
Victoria said…
Gorgeous art..always serene and ...enchanting..and lovely creations..such a color explosion..i love it!
victoria
Annie Lightbulb said…
There gorgeous Jessie, both your painting and your crochet! Remind's me of my nana, all warm and cosy!
:) Have a great weekend!
Robin Larkspur said…
Your girl's expression is enigmatic to me. Great colors on the pillow, what a delight.
Jess said…
Thankyou Victoria, she is serene on the surface and tries to be serene inside! ;)
Thanks Julie, my blanket does keep me cosy in the evenings!
Thankyou Robin, I feel the enigma too!
:)
Anonymous said…
I love your textures and design! Your attention to detail is wonderful. Also, Loving the granny cushions--reminds me of the blanket my grandmother crochet made me as a child. Yes, these are the textures children love from their grandmothers--they can wrap the blankets around them like a warm hug.
Tammie Lee said…
I love when art unfolds naturally, this piece is quite sweet, i love her holding this bird.
your squares are OH so fun!
Jess said…
Thanks Auroran, I wrap my blamket around me in the evenigns when I'm cold!
Thanks Tammie, It's interesting when it reveals itself to you isn't it? Yes I do enjoy making my squares. :)
Priti Lisa said…
Those pillows are B-U-T-Full!
I think your girl is surprised she caught a bird, now she is afraid to put out her other hand...
Jess said…
Thanks Lisa :) So that's what she's doing! ;)
Kat W said…
Gorgeous painting - magical. And I love love love the your brightly coloured crotchet creations! As a child I learnt to crotchet but now I've forgotten how. I really would like to learn how again. Your funky creations make me want to try again.

Kat :-) X
John Nicoll said…
It's a privilege to have a peek into your sketch book. So much talent!
Jess said…
Thankyou Kat! :) Oh you must do sone crochet, I'm sure you'll pick it up easily again, I think it's much easier than knitting.
Thanks John, that's very kind of you. :)
Interesting story about that painting. She does look like she is looking out at you the artist and wondering about what will happen next!

Great blog and I love your work it does seem to be all about interation and I love your color sense.

HUGS from your newest follower.
Lorraine :-}
morikomidori said…
this is a wonderful, wonderful post

i enjoy that your imagination flies like fishes and swims in the sky. the colours you use are lovely and you have brought this talent into your crochet too :) your little cushion is so sweet and unique... i love it!

thank you so much Jess for your kind words.

i love the little hedgehog in the fog too :) i wish there were more films of his adventures, but i think there is just the one.

i am not sure who owns the cottage in the picture, but i belive it is rented out to people for holidays. i think it is lovely that the magic is shared that way :)

your pictures are sooooooo beautiful! and i am happy, happy, happy to have one gracing my home.. it brings twinkles and sparkles into our day :)

warmest wishes xxx

moriko
Unknown said…
i did a crochet blankie for a friend of mine, for her new baby and wanted to kill myself after the last square was in. lol

what's the single stitch method? i think i googled so many methods and went for the easiest but it still wasn't that easy.

yours s huge too!
Jess said…
Thanks very much Lorraine! :)

Thankyou Moriko, your blog brings sparkles to mine!

Hi Monica, I left a comment on yours, with a brief description. :)

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