Rachael Grad

Mommy Mayhem: Elephant and Doll (Diptych)

ELEPHANT AND DOLL (DIPTYCH), ACRYLIC AND OIL ON CANVAS, 2021, 36" X 48" This abstract painting of a toy elephant and floppy doll has pink, black, yellow, purple, green, white, and blue multicolors. My abstracted elephant and toy paintings are based on loose, gestural sketches of the same stuffed elephant and doll in different positions. I have painted and sketched these particular toys and stuffed animals from life on many occasions so am familiar with their shapes and forms. I initially paint the forms of the toys, 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.