I am driven to use powdered charcoal when I paint. Can’t help it. I am always curious about the effects it will create. This curiosity began when I attended an art gallery in Edmonds and viewed some work entirely driven by adding water to powdered charcoal and allowing it to dry, leaving designs on the canvas.
I lived on the ocean and wondered what would happen if salt water was used. So, I gave it a try. Watching what nature does when it takes an arty charge was a fun experiment. I started with a raw canvas. Placed it at the sea wall and held it down with rocks. Then, the fun part! I dumped copious quantities of powdered charcoal on it. I chose the day because it was windy, and the waves hit the seawall and saturated the canvas.
At the end of the day, I dragged the canvas to the lawn and let it completely dry. I was fascinated by the design and depth of interest resulting from the saltwater bath. The next day, I sat on the canvas and randomly moved my way with acrylic paints, following the nature-made lines.
It was exciting to see the results. Now, I can't complete a painting without charcoal being a component.
Where did this painting go? It was rolled up, shipped, framed, and displayed in a Minneapolis home and will always be one of my favorites.
