T'is the busy holiday season, in the USA, we've shared the gratitude of Thanksgiving, and are quickly approaching Solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas, turning of the wheel toward the New Year, 2018! What a year it has been, natural disasters and those caused by humans abound, as does mulch Grace and joy.
The gallery where I exhibit my paintings is hosting a holiday showcase of the represented
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| Muse of Creative Fire |
artists, and I have been competing a painting which began as the demo for last summer's Muse of Creative Fire class. I have been intrigued with round canvases, so choose one for that class.
We had a lovely group of five students at an art Center about two hours away, and spent the day bringing our Muses into the canvas. Like many of my demo paintings, she has been waiting for the next step for awhile, then began whispering. Two of my granddaughters are rehearsing for our basket studio's annual Nutcracker, which gave the inspiration for the transformation from summer muse to Snow Queen!
The color theme shifted from the reds of summer to winery blues and silver. I darkened her background, and used plastic wrap in the wet paint for patterns, as I brought new life into her havue and halo. Both silver and interference play in the highlights, and I got silver leaf for her crown and earrings. I'm am pleased with the transformation, she's ready for the holiday show.
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| Snow Queen |
What transformations does this turn of the wheel bring you? What treasures are nestled beneath the snow?
Posting to Paint Party Friday
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,
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| 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!
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| 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!)
