Rainy Night Scene Series

"Shopping in the Rain"
by Jane McElvany Coonce

Sometimes I take a break from oil painting and work in acrylics.  My style is totally different in acrylics than they are are in oils.  First of all, in oils, I probably use at least 15 different colors.  In acrylics, I only use 3 colors plus white.
The acrylic paintings have a much more contemporary look.  They are looser, and I also stray from the photo I am using.  I use the photo as a suggestion and let my creativity take over.  In an oil, I always have in mind what the painting will look like.  In acrylics, it's always a surprise!

"Midnight Stroll in the Rain"
by Jane McElvany Coonce

I did three acrylic paintings this weekend.  I needed some shrinkwrap for the gallery.  Shrinkwraps are paintings that are matted but not framed.  It helps keep the cost down to the buyers.  Generally, shrinkwraps are either watercolor or acrylic.  Oil paintings aren't usually matted and are usually on stretcher bars so they don't lend themselves to the shrinkwrap format.

I've done quite a few of these rainy night scenes in acrylic.  I have put them at The Art League at the Torpedo Factory in the past and they have sold like hot cakes.  So I have decided to try them out in the new gallery, The Northern Virginia Art Center, located in Crystal City in Arlington.  I'll let you know how it goes.

"Night Reflections"
by Jane McElvany Coonce