Rachael Grad

Mommy Mayhem: Toy Elephant Cross-Legged

TOY ELEPHANT CROSS-LEGGED, ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, 2021, 18" X 24"My abstracted elephant paintings are based on loose, gestural sketches of the same stuffed toy elephant in different positions. I have painted and sketched this particular stuffed animal from life on many occasions so am familiar with its shapes and forms. I initially paint the forms of the toy elephant, then push the image further into abstraction. In the painting process. I work to alter the forms, light, colour saturation, and depth of space in the paintings. This abstract painting of a seated toy elephant has red yellow, purple, green, black, white, and blue multicolours. The fast-drying acrylic paint allowed me to build up thin layers and texture, and make adjustments more quickly than I would be able to with oils. Over multiple painting sessions I worked to create variety in the shapes, lines, planes and spatial depth. The bright and fun colours come from the overwhelming children’s toys that fill my home.

“See a Quick Video of this Abstracted Cross-Legged Toy Elephant Painting on my Art Blog: https://rachaelgrad.com/collections/original-paintings/products/painting-toy-elephant-cross-legged”