Saturday 16 July 2016

Summertime Dream


This was an art journal page I  created as part of a  Summer themed page swap... It was actually my second attempt because initially I had wanted to make a summer meadow scene with butterflies rising up out of the flower-filled summer grass ... but there was a real problem transferring what was in my head onto the page ... it ended up being a hot mess. As with every hot mess project there comes a time to admit defeat and start over and so that was what I did... I wrote on my hot mess page acknowledging defeat and I flipped it over  and set to work on what I hoped would be a sunnier side.. and I was right!

This is one of those pages that just grew  and grew until I decide okay that's it, I'm done!  As with all good pages, it starts with gesso... followed by layers of blended acrylics,... I  drew the flowers and leaves freehand - something I need to work on - and then followed it with some colouring, shading, stamping, paint splashing., sponge edging and in this case a little Wink of Stella too...

And this is it. All Grown...

Until next time
Cxx

Stamps used:
Labeler Alphabet  and Butterfly stamps are by Stampin' Up!
Dream is one of a set of Artistic Expressions by Chocolate Baroque
Scribbly swirls in background are by Viva Las Vegas Stamps


Wednesday 13 July 2016

I Dared to Create... the final workshop



Day two and the final workshop... a collaborative piece from Tracy and Andy combing their ideas and styles.

There were several points in the making of this piece when I thought what the heck...and once or twice I referred to my piece as "a hot mess!" but as the session progressed and we added more layers and used more techniques I grew to love it.

It has loads of texture and a little whimsy from the hand drawn imperfect heart (which by the time I was done with it, I loved!)  When searching for the perfect word stencil I knew I had found it when I saw one with SERENDIPITY...I just had to place it at an angle to be sure of not losing any off the edge.  This piece is very personal to me and is going to hang on my wall right where I sit and can see it.

This was my very first retreat and I loved it. It most certainly will not be my last.

Until next time
Cxx

Monday 11 July 2016

Dared to Create on Day two (part one...the morning)



The second day of the Dare to Create adventure began bright an early with a workshop with Andy Skinner and this wonderful notebook was the project we made that morning.

This was all new stuff to me and a few times I could be heard saying "what did he say?" or "what colour?"...  and despite using it several times throughout the weekend, I still can't quite get my mouth round Quinachridone Gold. In fact a lot of colours have names that leave me totally tongue tied.  I do know my primary colours though! 

We started out with a notebook and set too preparing the covers for the Andy treatment. Once this was done we started on all the elements that go to make this a mini work of art.
I particularly loved the way we arrived at the bolts and I loved the aged and distressed appearance of the bookplate once we had finished it.

I chose to put mine on the back of the book but on reflection I think I may have preferred it on the front... its not a problem I can always add to the front if I still feel this way in a few days...I know I want to add a little something to the back anyway...

But for a first foray into this style of things I was very pleased with how it all came out and I loved every second of the workshop. Cheers Andy!

I also was surprised (or should I say stunned,  as I never win anything) to be the lucky recipient of a prize giveaway in Andy's class ... and my prize was this fabulous set of Chocolate Baroque Stamps.

I love the winged heart image and can see myself using every single one of the wording stamps in the coming weeks. I couldn't have hoped for a better prize.


The session ended in time for lunch after which we all met for our final workshop of the day and of the weekend... but more about that next time.
Cxx

Wednesday 6 July 2016

I did Dare to Create




I spent the past weekend in some fabulous company at the first Dare to Create event , which was held in Coventry. It was a weekend of artyness and fun and at the end we each took away three completed pieces, a ton of inspiration  and some new friendships. 

Day one was an all day workshop with our chosen artist...and what a choice we had to make between the lovely Tracy Weinzapfel  from San Diego USA with her  bright cheery colours and  whimsical flowers and swirls ... or homegrown Andy Skinner with his darker grungier style - complete with skulls and eyeballs. 


I chose Tracy (actually mainly on the basis that she was from overseas and I might never get the chance to work with her again) and our group spent a fabulous day creating pretty artwork.                                                                                    It was a base and four squares that we painted and layered and painted some more and stamped and painted and painted some more until we each ended up with a unique piece and something we could be proud of...


 Tracy was very inspirational and sweet and very funny and encouraged us all to enjoy the process.
There is no wrong way to do this she said... and set us free.

It was amazing to see the whole range of art produced that day...each one unique.

This style was a complete first for me and I loved it. I came away energised and inspired and hoping to take what I learned forward into my own arty journey

At the end of day one I was happy... and also looking forward to day two...which I will tell you about next time.

Until then, take care
Cxx







Mysterious (AJP)

Back to basics with this simple art journal page offering. A mop up page, some finger painting, stamps and mark making added and I was pl...