Thursday, June 15, 2017

Adornment and bling

My SiStars in the color of Woman teacher training are working on their Artist Archetype paintings, their TalisWomen, and such beauty is arising!! Two years ago, as I painted Songs of Light, I was drawn to experiment with materials, as Artists love Bling!

I was already drawn to interference paint, which looked so fun and shimmery on the little bottles. What was it? How could I use it? I watched tutorials, and began painting orbs, streaks in my lady's hair, eye shadow, ... rather than paint, interference consists of fine mica flakes, suspended in medium. It refracts light, adding mystique and mystery! I love it! Shimmer and shine! 

Icaricia Butterfly Queen has blue and violet eye shadow, 
Icaricia
and in her fringe, plus copper metallic paint. She has more interference on her wings and orbs. It tends to be thick, so just use a drop or two, and experiment with adding it to paint or mixing with medium. Remember to wait till you're almost finished to use it.


My TalisWoman wanted even more bling, and I turned to "gold" metallic leaf. I'd used this on canvas the summer before (Sekhmet) and was eager to try it on the smooth wood. I enjoyed This tutorial by Star Wars artist Terese Nielsen, both the content, and seeing her amazing studio! And I loved watching her save the little scraps of leaf she brushed off! 


Songs of Light
The leaf takes time and a steady hand, but the effect is well worth it! For her veil, I mixed titanium white with satin medium, and applied with a sponge brush. This is a great technique for veils, steam, smoke... you can wipe off a bit for a more sheer look, or add faint lines for folds and swirls. 

What are some of your favorite tips for adornment?
Happy Paint Party Friday & 3 Muses Challenge: A touch of Red (in the lips!)



18 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Beautiful painting. I, too, am a big fan of interference paint, it gives wonderful effect. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

BrownPaperBunny said...

You can never go wrong by adding gold! I haven't tried gold leaf yet, but I really want to give it a go soon!

Nadya said...

Got to love that bling!!

sirkkis said...

Your Butterfly Queen is magical. Love her eyes.
Thank you for your comment. Be patience, summer must come! It came here yesterday after very long cold period.
Happy weekend ❤

Ozstuff said...

I love everything about this and most of all the metallic golds.

Susan said...

Beautiful use of the shimmery metallics. Your Butterfly Queen is quite elegant. Happy PPF

Linda Kunsman said...

gorgeous art with the touches of gold! Happy PPF!

Julie said...

I've never tried adding metallics to any of my paintings yet, but I love the effect it has here. Great job! So beautiful. Hope you have a great weekend!

Taluula said...

An amazing piece.

DVArtist said...

This is truly stunning. I love the effect of interference paint.

A Colorful World said...

Just wonderful! Love the whimsical nature and the coloring.

Sue (this n that) said...

Oh yes, I can see the beautiful effects in your fantasy works - so lovely. I had never heard of that method before.

Neesie said...

interference paint is completely new to me... it looks amazing.
Thanks for sharing and Happy PPF to you

Michele said...

this is so very gorgeous! xo

Viola said...

A beautiful painting, I do love it!

Sim said...

Big effects, lively painting and beautiful achievement!

Anonymous said...

Oh beautiful color effects I agree with others.

JKW said...

What a great treat. I haven't even thought of anything like that, but it sure turned out exciting for your painting. Blessings, Janet