Stevie Mack (Day 2)

Description of the Event
I will welcome visitors to my studio and invite them to view my work which will be displayed in my studio and my garden. They can expect to see a range of pieces, some early paintings as well as my latest pieces. I will also have my drawings available on display. Some pieces will be framed, and others will be ready for framing. I will also have the materials I use on display in the studio. The space is small, but the sky-lit ceiling creates a space full of beautiful desert light.
During the day I will be available to demonstrate Gelli printing for those that are interested in showing how original collage materials can be created and later used in paintings.

About the Process

My Artistic Process I begin a series of paintings by selecting the palette of 5 to 8 colors in a range of dark, medium and light. I create a color chart that explores the many different possibilities for mixing colors within the chosen palette, while exploring and emphasizing the differences. With an established palette, I enter a playful stage, where I paint freely without judgement. This process gets paint on the canvas and allows for lots of experimentation with color and value. I use a variety of tools, like wedges, palette knives, drawing materials, different size brushes, etc. This part of the process allows for the buildup of layers of paint and the discovery of different effects. I enjoy creating areas of interesting textures, overlapping shapes, layers of transparent paint and more. This is often the stage where I layer with collage papers that I have printed using a Gelli plate. My process includes periods of time where I step back from the work for analysis of what has transpired. Now is the time to look at the work upside down or look at its reflection in a mirror. At this point I also photograph the work to further analyze the composition. After a break, I am back at work making changes and adding layers of transparent colors. I work on each painting in the series and try to take each one to the same stage of development. That allows me to work on a variety of canvases at a time and creates open space for ideas to develop. As I get close to the resolution of each piece I add final details. When the work is completed, I add final layers of gel, varnish or wax to create a beautiful and protected finish.