Succulence! A Painting That Reaches Out to Be Touched

Succulence! 30x30 acrylic ©Sandi Whetzel

Succulence! 30x30 Acrylic
Originally uploaded by sandiwhetzel
This is the most recent addition to my succulent series. This acrylic painting has an added element of three-dimensional texture that literally reaches out to be touched. Near the center right of the painting the succulent leaf is actually physically bent and extends outward from the two dimensional surface of the painting. Yes, if you closely examine the photo, you can see the real shadow that is being cast from the outward bent leaf.

I accomplished this third dimension by first pouring a co-polymer shape of the leaf in its flattened dimension onto glass. When it dried into a plastic-like shape, I peeled it off the glass and glued it to the canvas, leaving the right edge free to bend forward. Then I glued the bottom leaf edge to itself in the folded position. I applied molding paste with a palette knife to it and several other leaves.

The central leaf in the middle of the plant was built up in its rod-like shape with mounds of molding paste that was sculpted with a palette knife. This is the first time I've tried anything quite so three-dimensional. The painting measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Its vibrant chromas, impressive size and dimensional qualities called for an in your face title. It is a succulent after all, and Succulence not only means juicy but highly interesting or enjoyable, delectable, luscious. I hope the painting lives up to its title. 
Succulence! 30X30 Acrylic

This is the most recent addition to my succulent series. This acrylic painting has an added element of three-dimensional texture that literally reaches out to be touched. Near the center right of the painting the succulent leaf is actually physically bent and extends outward from the two dimensional surface of the painting. Yes, if you closely examine the photo, you can see the real shadow that is being cast from the outward bent leaf.

I accomplished this third dimension by first pouring a co-polymer shape of the leaf in its flattened dimension onto glass. When it dried into a plastic-like shape, I peeled it off the glass and glued it to the canvas, leaving the right edge free to bend forward. Then I glued the bottom leaf edge to itself in the folded position. I applied molding paste with a palette knife to it and several other leaves.

The central leaf in the middle of the plant was built up in its rod-like shape with mounds of molding paste that was sculpted with a palette knife. This is the first time I've tried anything quite so three-dimensional. The painting measures 30 inches by 30 inches. Its vibrant chromas, impressive size and dimensional qualities called for an in your face title. It is a succulent after all, and Succulence not only means juicy but highly interesting or enjoyable, delectable, luscious. I hope the painting lives up to its title.