Acrylic paintings that combine color and texture in unconventional methods

As a mixed media artist, I create textural pieces, sometimes abstract and contemporary, and other times – usually my florals – very detailed and specific. My passion is combining color and texture in unconventional methods to arrive at a pleasing, yet thought-provoking presentation of my subject.

My paintings have been inspired by simple things like falling leaves to the soothing waves of the oceans. I work with several mediums including water-based acrylic paints, alcohol inks, heavy-bodied acrylic paint and several glaze mediums for transparent soft renderings. Composition gold leaf, copper flakes, crushed glass, and mica are several of my favorite add-ins.

Time, patience and technique

A lot of time and patience goes into each and every one of my paintings. It has taken me years to develop the best techniques for layering color and texture to the right consistency and ton. Fortunately, I am blessed to have a large studio that can accommodate multiple canvas projects that are all in process at the same time.

Tips for hanging your acrylic paintings

My acrylic paintings* are typically created on stretched canvases. Depending upon the size of the finished painting, the depth of the canvas is between 3/4″ for smaller canvas and 2-3″ for the large canvases (stability). Unless intended to be framed, the painting continues around the edge of the canvas. This type of canvas may be hung without a frame for a more contemporary look in your home. Occasionally, cradled wood panels are used when the painting will support heavier gemstones and crystals.

Your canvas will arrive pre-wired and ready to hang. To help your painting hang level, I recommend using a pair of picture hanging hooks spaced an appropriate distance apart on the wall. A small amount of museum wax on the back corners will keep your painting firmly fixed to the wall without damaging the wall surface.

*Alcohol Ink paintings are created on heavy polystyrene surfaces and are best displayed in an acrylic floating frame.

Framing

Although my art pieces are priced unframed, I am happy to help you find the perfect frame for your new painting.

Smaller canvases typically look best with traditional framing. The large, stretched canvases with 2-3″ depth look smashing in floater frames. Floater frames are designed to cradle deep canvases. The frame screws into the back of the canvas, which allows the canvas to float in the frame leaving a small gap around the painting. Floater frames can be made in a variety of finishes, including black, white, gold, silver and other metallics, as well as any type of hardwood stain.

Lighting

Lighting is a big deal. Your painting will look different throughout the day and night. It will also look different depending upon the changing quality of the surrounding light. Throughout the day, natural light will create a soft genuine feel of the painting. However, at night you will be reliant upon artificial lighting to illuminate the piece.

Think about art galleries, the pieces look fantastic because of warm or cool spot lighting to accentuate the colors. My pieces that have the added mica and shimmery effects will benefit from this. Even without a picture light on your painting, your artwork will still present well with nearby incandescent lighting. A light that is angled from above or to the side will allow you to see the texture and shimmer of my more contemporary pieces. Let me know if you need help purchasing the right picture light for your painting.

All my best,
Gina Wolfrum, Artist