Painting with sponges....

[Mike Finn]

I haven't posted in some time, but I have been trying new things.... like using a sponge for the majority of the painting..... brushes begone

Critical comments would be appreciated

Mike Finn

[Bertoni]

Mike:
Would like to see more of your work here in the Acrylic Forum!!!
This look you've been able to achieve with sponges is a breakthrough!!!
I think it's terrific and love the way you create textural effects with them.
Could you describe the way you painted it with the sponges!

[Mark Newton]

Hi Mike. This is really quite neat. I must admit, I have never used sponges, but have always considered I should and will one day. I know they are commonly used for rocks to create the texture necessary. Dont think I have ever seen a work done entirely with sponges, very interesting.

I'm wondering what is the significance of the electrical cord, other than a visual lead out?


Cheers

[Mike Finn]

Hello Bertoni and Mark..

Betoni thank you, The method is very simple, just place some colour on the palette, I used Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Yellow Oxide and White. Wet the sponge and squeeze dry. Pick up all the colours with the sponge so that the colour is spread over the sponge in blobs. Then just dab the canvas, rotating the sponge for colour changes. Then when the sponge is all messy and the colour has spread over it keep dabbing the canvas to blend the blotches Then let it all dry and start blocking in the various pictorial elements. Squeezing the sponge will create a sharp edge for lines and some details. I need to practice that cause I did have to use the brush for things like face details and the electric cord ..... Keep a bucket of water handy for rinsing as it gets quite messy

This was my first attempt but I am definitely going to pursue the technique and will post more as I go, along with any tips I discover.

Mark...

Thank you and the cord is there for exactly the reason you picked. Now what is she looking at, maybe the TV, maybe an Ironing board, or is it the electric blanket on the bed

Mike Finn

[Bertoni]

Mike:
Thanks much for the description of the technique. I'm going to have to give it a try!!! It's innovative! I like to experiment and this will be next on my list!! Is it on canvas, paper, board or ?

[PAKI]

Pretty unique and innovative for sure. First sponge painting that I have ever seen. At least, I do not think I have ever seen one before. The more I think about it, "why not?"
Thanks for introducing this to us.

[Mike Finn]

Originally Posted by Bertoni

Mike:
Is it on canvas, paper, board or ?

Ah!! good point Bertoni... It's on canvas with a good "key". Too smooth and you get too much smearing, unless you are very careful and apply the sponge lightly.

Mike Finn

[PAKI]

I forgot to ask you ..... How large is this painting?

[Mike Finn]

Originally Posted by PAKI

I forgot to ask you ..... How large is this painting?

Hello Paki... It's 20" x 16".

Mike Finn

[Bertoni]

Thanks a lot Mike. I'm ready for a little experimentation today!!!!!
Hope you'll be posting more paintings of this technique!

[Lady Carol]

This is very intriguing. The sponge concept has worked very well for this nude. I like it a lot and think it is very clever. My only crit is the power cord leading you eye out of the painting. This is emphasized by the woman also looking in that direction. Apart from that excellent

[Mike Finn]

Thanks Carol..

Yes I know it's probably against the norm but I tend to be like that I wanted the mind to wander out of the painting, sort of "I wonder what she's looking at". Whether it works or not I guess is down the viewer. I guess my background in Photography has enhanced my desire to break the rules.... but you are the second one to mention it so maybe it's time to come back to the fold

So far I have learned:
1. For brighter sharper images let each colour dry before applying the next.
2. A rough surface is better although a smeared effect on smooth is kinda cool.
3. A LARGE palette is helpful.
4. Mixing sand with your paint gives a nice effect (worth experimenting more)
(Gritty sand gives nice streaks when the sponge is dragged)
5. One thing I just thought about but haven't tried is using a straight edge and dabbing the sponge up to it... should give nice straight lines.


Apart from that here is a landscape done totally with the sponge. This was wet in wet so some definition is lost... I kinda like it though.

Mike Finn

[pameladallaire]

That was my question as soon as I looked at your painting. I wonder what she is looking at? My only problem with the painting is that everything is soft and slightly blurred and all of a sudden you see detail on the face which looks very much out of place. I was expecting a blurred soft face to match the body. Other than that, great work. Pam

[lensman]

Originally Posted by pameladallaire

My only problem with the painting is that everything is soft and slightly blurred and all of a sudden you see detail on the face which looks very much out of place. I was expecting a blurred soft face to match the body.

That was my thought exactly. I don't think you should have gone into that detail in the face. Nice technique though... have only ever tried that when painting walls ! Gives it a kind of pointillist/impressionistic feel...




Glenn

[Mike Finn]

Originally Posted by pameladallaire

My only problem with the painting is that everything is soft and slightly blurred and all of a sudden you see detail on the face which looks very much out of place. I was expecting a blurred soft face to match the body. Other than that, great work. Pam

Yes Pam... Very good point.

I haven't figured out how to get fine details with just a sponge...so I cheated there and used the brush. Likewise on the cord. I may try making a fine sponge brush, so it blends better, for just that purpose.

Mike Finn