Some of her artwork that I took inspiration from below:
Above Joan Mitchell, on the left Untitled, 1954. Oil on canvas (1). In the middle Untitled, 1969. Oil on canvas (2). On the right "Weeds", 1976. Oil on canvas(3)
The images below are of my first two experiments, here I tried focusing on the positioning of lines in various directions the same way Mitchell used to do. The only difference was that my lines were thicker, whereas Mitchell painted hers with marks of various sizes. In terms of colour I tried to focus on subtler colours similar to what shell colours would be like hence I first applied a brighter layer of acrylic paint and then once it dried I applied a thin layer of white paint to tone down the background as well as combine it all together for a more solid piece.
After focusing on backgrounds as such, I moved on to painting swatches of different colours in the same style as before however this time with smaller paintbrushes. I also wanted to make it more relatable to my theme, hence I drew out some shell sketches onto the surface which made it look like the acrylic paint is a part of the shell. However I personally do not think this experiment was successful as it seems to lack definition of the shells and it does not look like the sketch and the background compliment each other, although the idea is good, I think it is better to apply colour onto shell sketches in small sections only as it gently add hints of highlight that does not overpower the shell drawing.
I then wanted to try out painting so that there is only one intense subject matter in the background and it is not all bright of filled with colours. To do so I firstly glued down small pieced of book pages and brown paper ad then painted a generous layer of white acrylic paint in specific areas so that the paper is still visible I also added hints of black pen which I sprayed with hairspray for bolder hints of detail, once it all dried I poured some blue ink over the page and let it drip naturally this created a defined free flow organic lines that compliment the subtler background under it. I think this could be an effective technique for adding colour for shells as it is subtle yet bold and does not overwhelm with detail.
For the image bellow I combined black paper with a coat of acrylic paint which has been mixed up to create a multi coloured effect. I tried to create more texture by applying paint unevenly and then closing my sketchbook so that the colour combing together better. Overall I think the outcome was effective as the paint stands out stronger on the darker areas and makes the image more defined, this could be a good idea for adding hints of colour into black acrylic paint backgrounds like the ones I have created whilst working in Malono Millares style, as it would add depth and more detail into the backgrounds.
Lastly the two images bellow were experimentations with oil paint as Mitchell mostly used oil paint for her paintings. I once again applied a brighter layer of various colour oil paint onto the paper, and once it dried I applied white acrylic paint to tone it all down. In comparison to acrylic paint, I didn't find oil paint to apply better or create a better result, personally acrylic paint is easier to blend and apply onto a surface, although oil paint does create a creamier background and a matte surface, I does not allow me to end up with the desired outcomes as the acrylic paint does, hence in my further work I am more likely to paint with acrylic paint.
Overall working in Mitchell's style has made me think about ways I could collaborate this new style with my shell sketches as well as ways I can use all the skills I learnt from my artist influences together to create my final piece. I will now begin refining these styles and putting them together as I begin planing my final piece.
Reference
1) http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/work/artwork/cat/paintings/early-career-ny-1948-1958/untitled20
2) http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/work/artwork/cat/paintings/early-career-france-1958-1968/untitled13
3) http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/work/artwork/cat/paintings/mid-career-1968-1980/weeds
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