Heads or Tails?

 One of the choices for this month's ATC exchange was Mermaids.  I used 7 individual images to create this illustration in Photoshop and then decided to experiment with a reversal  of the "parts."

The second card design is sort of a "reverse mermaid."   I find it both amusing and a little disturbing to see the fish head in this context, and this one is actually my favorite of the two.

Another Set of Three

The fun experimentation with sets of three continues.  This time, inspired by the colors in my garden and a summer sunset.   

Working on three collage paintings simultaneously is a great way to keep the energy flowing, challenge yourself to work intuitively and not linger too long in the decision making process.  

Choosing the basic elements you intend to work with prior to beginning, allows you to work without having to stop and look for things.   Of course, as the process goes on, allow plenty of room for spontaneous inspiration.  

The possibilities are endless.   The important thing is, let this be your own expression.  Don't copy something that someone else has already done.   Work from your own intuition and be genuine.  It's just so much more fun that way anyhow.   

Sets of Three

I have been working with sets of three collages simultaneously.   Here's how it works….. I begin by making 3 background pieces using a mono printing process on my Gelli printing plate, and the same colors on all 3.   Then a layer of painting is added to start building the composition.  Next collage elements are applied using paper and matte medium.   Finally, mark making, paint or detail work.   The rules I am applying to this process are simple…. whatever I use on one, whether it is a specific paper, color of paint or type of mark making, I must use on all 3.  So there is a continuity in the materials and colors as they relate to each other, but all 3 are still unique expressions.  

I am also working very intuitively on these, trying not to "over think" the whole process.  These may or may not be finished.

There are several options for the finished pages…. they could be bound into journal form, or mounted as individual pieces, or as a triptych.  

Freedom

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

                                              ~Nelson Mandela

This piece was composed of four individual images arranged and altered unsing Photoshop CC.

Annie Oakley

   The theme of this months Artist Trading Card is Cowgirls and Cowboys.   I chose to portray one of my childhood heros, Annie Oakley.  
 

Journal Page

"We must walk consciously only part way to our goal, and then leap into the darkness to our success"
                                                                                                                       --Henry David Thoreau

vintage photograph, acrylic paint, paper, ink, vintage sheet music, antique map

Notebooks !!!

I was recently given a large roll of heavy vinyl used in the manufacturing of commercial banners and signs.  One side has a nice texture for painting and the other side is smooth. 

It didn't take long to discover that this material was perfect for making durable little notebook covers that could be easily painted and embellished with acrylic paints.

Pictured here are some of the results.

 

This one was painted with a background color and then I used circular stencils in various sizes to layer pattern on the surface.   A simple pamphlet stitch binds the single signature book.

 Similar techniques were used here, but I also used a patterned roller to remove paint in areas for additional texture.

This one was painted and then a sheet of bubble wrap was pressed into the wet paint for effect. 

Alcohol Ink and Sea Salt

   Fun with alcohol ink continues.  Here is a picture of one of my recent journals using the papers to cover my book boards.
  In this example, I saturated the surface of heavy watercolor paper with alcohol ink, sprinkled on sea salt and walked away.   The next day, after brushing off all the salt, this is what the paper looked like.   Alchemy !
   Each time I use this process I am amazed at the beautiful results.

 I have also recently discovered a wonderful binding product to use for the spine....
it is called Eco Leather.  This product is not actual leather, but has the durability and feel of leather.

Alcohol Inks

 A while back I experimented with making my own alcohol inks using dye and alcohol.   I used the inks to saturate some heavy watercolor paper and really liked the resulting mottled appearance.  
Here is one of my handmade visual journals using that paper to cover the bookboards.

If you use alcohol inks, be very careful and wear protective gloves as it is staining and permanent on your hands and everything else.   All surfaces should be protected.

Zentangle Mandalas

 I am teaching my drawing students how to design mandalas and fill them with zentangle patterns.  As usual, I enjoy making examples of the project too.  Here are some that I have completed using pen and graphite.

 With the exception of the circle, which is traced from a cut paper template, everything else is drawn freehand.   The beauty of this method is that you learn to use spatial judgement as you map out the pattern areas, turning the paper and repeating elements as you develop the symmetrical design.

Anything is possible, one pen stroke at a time.

Welcome to the Machine

 The Theme for our Artist Trading Card (ATC) group this month is Machine.  
Having recently returned from Valley Ridge Art Studio where I took a class from artist Michael deMeng, my machine themed ATCs are a tribute to this artist and his wonderful teaching style.

  Both of these ATC designs are created digitally on Photoshop using 8-10 individual images.
The advantage of working digitally is that individual elements can be altered and arranged in layers and there are virtually unlimited possibilities for composition.
Almost anything you imagine is possible to illustrate.

Pale Writer

  Pun intended... I just couldn't help it.
  This journal started with the hand painted cover paper.   I used a durable heavy weight stock, and rolled it out onto my work table.  Layers of paint were applied in the chosen colors, and when dry, that was randomly printed with stamps and stencils.  
  This is my favorite method for producing unique looking cover papers, which are then cut and applied to book board.

    The spine on this particular book is made from heavy artist quality canvas that has been painted and distressed.  I like the way it reminds me of weathered wood.
    Next, the spine is attached to the book covers, and the signatures of pages are bound in place.
    After the binding, which in this case is exposed longstitch,  holes are drilled into the heavy covers for the centipede stitch embellishments.  I think of them as the guardians of whatever content the new owner chooses to add to the book.... I promise they won't bite.
 

Nature's Architects

  This month the theme for our ATCs was "Architecture."  My thoughts turned immediately to the architects of nature, and in particular, insects.   

  One side of my card shows the outside of the nest and it's architects, while the other side features the elaborate interior with it's rows and layers of little chambers.  

Although we would not want these nests in or near our own living spaces, I would hope that we honor and give space to them in their natural surroundings.  

  My "architecture" card was designed using Photoshop.  

The Peace of Wild Things

Centipedes Again

Centipedes are once again making an appearance on my journal covers.

They are so fun to make that sometimes I just can't resist.  

I use waxed linen to stitch them into pre-drilled holes in the book covers.

This book and others (with and without centipedes) are available online in my Etsy shop.