Rachael Grad

Mommy Mayhem: Tired Toy Elephant

TIRED TOY ELEPHANT, ACRYLIC ON CRADLED GESSOBORD PANEL, 12" X 16", 2021.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. 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.The original painting is signed on the back and was painted in 2021.

“The original Tired Toy Elephant painting is signed on the back and was painted in 2021. This abstracted painting of a reclining tired toy elephant has orange, blue, green, yellow, black, white, and brown multicolours.”