Thursday, March 24, 2011

We Weren't Expecting This

I FINALLY completed the first mixed-media portrait from an on-line class that I signed up for.  This one may go in my 3-ring journal or I may actually frame it.  Which do you like better, the red just behind the portrait with the white outer mat, or the white behind the portrait with the red outer mat?  As usual, the color is more vibrant in real life than in the photo and the red is actually the same red in both pictures, but you'll get the idea.

I wasn't expecting the "blood" effect when I did the drippy step towards the end.  It completely changed what I originally had in mind and reminded me of the part in "Queen of the South" where they talk about the drug lords prostituting Russian immigrant farm workers in Spain.  Anyway, the whole idea of dressing up pretty and then having violence done to you made my husband think of the title "We Weren't Expecting This."


9 comments:

MaryO said...

Hmmm, of the two I think maybe the white one. If you have a grey beige matt, see if one of those might even look look better.

Unknown said...

Wow, Barbara! This is really cool! I love the high design quality of piece. Looking at both matting options, I would say on red, matted in white, as in the bottom example. To me, it makes the piece seem larger and also edgier in a way.

Melissa said...

For me, the red really pops, the white doesn't. The white is colder, and that could be a valid artistic decision for the subject matter. But I prefer the red.

Anonymous said...

Great work Barbara - funny how that final stage added the 'unexpected' element. Think you may have to go with your feelings on the matting - everyone will have a different view!
Sue

Unknown said...

I think both are good, in different ways, but I have a slight preference for the top one (white on red).

Dan Kent said...

Definitely the red on the outside with the white on the inside. I think the red, so close to the drawing, distracts. Love all the textures in the painting and the "country" charm for a tough subject. Well done.

Anonymous said...

I like the first one best - but I can see that opinion is split!
I just love that title...

Unknown said...

Love the piece itself; it is just wonderful! As for the matting, I have a difficult time deciding which one to pick. They each have a different effect which might also depend on what the room looks like where it will be hung. At least, that's my excuse for not making the decision! :D

Alex said...

Lovely =)