‘Bright Idea’ by Alison C. Dibbles is an original mixed media composition. It is abstract, more about an atmosphere than representing a recognizable scene. I made it with acrylic paint in the underpainting, then ArtGraf pencil, oil paint, cold wax medium, paper, and glue. It is on a gessoed wooden panel, 4 x 5 inches.

I worked quickly; I wanted to capture an exhuberant energy and intensify it. I was convinced that even in a small format, oil and cold wax can be a compelling inspiration for a wall or a table top. I applied Artgraf first, just a brief, definitive stroke of matte black across the panel. Then I applied vivid colors, acrylic paint, and when that was completely dry, then cold wax medium mixed into the oil paint. I tempered the electric greens with black and white, this is one of my favorite combinations. Diagonal lines, torn edges, maybe there’s even a little jazz melody in there! This design is one-of-a-kind and at the same time it’s on its way somewhere. It’s an unmapped road.

Thank you to Lori Roll, who helped me get started with cold wax medium. The textures provide an added dimension in the oil paint, and so much enjoyment!