Sunday, January 3, 2010

What I've Been Working On, Some of My Favorite Products, & a New Class

Wow, I'm really getting into the swing of things now that the festivities are behind us, and the dark gloomy months are ahead in this part of the world.  I actually had been working on this piece way before Christmas.


It was one of those pieces that you start out with, and it ends up completely different than what you  had in mind.  I just wasn't happy with the background, so there are many different layers on this, which actually makes it end up better. Tara over at Aquamarine asked that question. If you're not struggling with your artwork, does that mean it's not good?  I like it the other way--when your muse takes over, and you just let her tell you when it's finished.

I also wanted to tell you of the some of the products I used on it.  My favorite one that I like to use is Golden's Crackle Paste



I  like to apply it right out of the container, but you can mix it with colors.  And depending on how thick you apply it, is how the cracks will appear when it dries.  I applied it pretty thick, so I would have the bigger cracks. It usually takes overnight to dry.  I love to paint over it, because the paint just goes into the cracks, and you can wipe over it, and add more--it's a forgiving surface.

I hand-painted papers again for the flowers and vase. I have SO much patterned paper here already that I should be using, but I really like the look and texture of the hand-painted papers.

 


After I collaged the papers, I added detail with Derwent Inktense Pencils--I had these for a while, but never used them . These are cool!  They go on like colored pencils, but when you add water, they spread like paint, and the colors are very intense just like  the name says. They say that even though they are water soluble, that once dry, they become permanent, but I noticed that the next day when I rewet them, they ran, so I just sprayed a workable fixative on them.

Another one of my favorites are the Faber-Castell Pitt pens.  I like to use these for outlining, and they are permanent (India Ink), but when they're still wet, you can smudge them to soften them up a little. I really like these, and they come in every color imaginable.

And the class I'm starting is Suzi Blu's Goddess and Poet class.  I love Suzi's art, and especially her faces, but this is fairly new for me.  I'm definitely a beginner, and this class is for beginners.  I started watching her videos and downloaded the pdf file that comes with  them--she's a very good teacher. Short of her standing right behind me, I couldn't get  a more thorough lesson--so I'm hoping I can get this.  I'm hoping to keep you posted on this.

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooooohhh..I love the sunflower...the style, the crackle, the color, the texture...alll awesome...!!I better watch out..you are inspiring me...I havent had the creative edge for quite a while...Thats Ok though..Ive been having a little creative inspiration with my blog..Im having it redone by Krizzy designs..with a piece of my art...Ill get this altogether and then..Ill be off..like you..soaring with the most delicious creations..you go girl..!!PS..you really are an inspiration..!!

Janet said...

OMG! Another incredibly gorgeous piece of art! Love love love that vase of flowers.

SHAWN said...

I love this picture,Diane! I'm a new comer to the Golden products but I love them. I thank you for sharing the products and techniques you have used. I'm always excited to learn something new, and thank you for the nice comments on my blog. I hope 2010 is a blessed year for you.

thekathrynwheel said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm glad you did because it led me right back to yours! Love this painting and thanks for sharing the process with us all. Golden products are not readily available in the UK bu I'm looking into it 'cos I think I NEED some, especially when I see what you have done here. God luck with the Suzi Blu class :-) Kate

Buffy said...

This is so Beautiful,how big is it? Love how you explained it too,that golden crackle looks cool,I'll have to order some soon,when I get alittle money.I'm adding it to my list.There's so much that I need and want. I'm glad you like Suzi's class,don't forget to post some pictures of your progress. Have fun.

pammyjo said...

OMGosh ... fabulous! This is an awesome piece. I love it! Thanks for dropping by my blog, you are such an inspiration when you share your techniques and products, something I want to do better at this year. Soar on girl!!!!

Tina said...

Wow, that piece is amazing. Yep, you hve to go right through Sugarcreek on rt 39 to get to Berlin. If ya ever go again, let me know.
Thanks to meeting you through blogging, I've joined up with some mixed media groups and I've started this New Year with new inspiration.
Blessings
T

Sandy said...

Diane. I like the colors and all the dimension you got with the textures. You have to be very happy with how it turned out. I think you might have to consider yourself past the beginner stage. This piece is wonderful.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Oh! Diane, I Love this piece so much! I can't tell you how much I admire your talent. It's so nice of you to share your favorite products because it helps all of us to know what works. I am much more comfortable with yarn and a crochet hook or knitting needles, but I have a great desire to paint. Maybe some day. Have a great week! Twyla

Unknown said...

I love the paintings! great textures!Thanks for visiting my blog and your nice comments!

Terri Kahrs said...

Ohhhhh, Diane! This is gorgeous!!! Your hand made papers are so yummy, and I wish I could feel all of that luscious texture.

Thanks so much for your visit, lovely comments and congrats. Somerset didn't let me know that I was going to be in the issue, so it opening the new copy was a real nail biter! LOL! I'm just sooooo happy that I took a chance and submitted! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Mary said...

Wow!
Diane, this is fabulous!!!
I love the colors you chose for it, and the texture is amazing!!
Great job!!

SusanB-knits said...

I saw your comment on Collectin Texas Gal... it is so cool we have the same birthday! (a year apart)
Love your blog!

WrightStuff said...

I love the intensity of this and was just wondering how you did that amazing texture when you went and told me - thanks! I like it when pictures turn out differently than you hoped. That's why I always keep the stuff that doesn't work with a view to turning it into something else at a later stage.

Tara @ Aquamarine Art said...

I really love your paintings! Especially the textures and your colour palette which is much more mysterious than mine - I need to get away from being so clean! I'm going to check out that crackle glaze too. And thanks for the mention! I agree that sometimes the best thing is to let the old muse take over - it's like a trance and hours go by in what seem to be minutes!

Tara @ Aquamarine Art said...

PS. I did the Goddess and the Poet class and loved it! I'm sure you will get loads out of it. And everyone's really supportive.

Celestial Charms said...

Such a very beautiful piece. I love the flow of color here.
Maureen

Janny said...

What a gorgeous piece of work!

Art by Darla Kay said...

This is gorgeous Diane! Great work!
I've got to paint up something for a charity auction and was planning to try an abstract floral of some kind. You've inspired me so much!
Happy New Year!
Thanks for visiting my blog today♥

Lori Saul said...

This is so beautiful and those sunflowers -how wonderful ! The crackle paste is sublime for creating texture and depth. Absoutely stunning Diane!

Dapoppins said...

your art does not strike me as a beginner :) The crackle paint gives your picture such a "pottery" feel, and on the blog, it looks almost like a tile...and then all the details in your layers. I love that.

Did you start out with a plan and change it, or did you start out with a vague idea of what you wanted and just pick things from your stash to use?

Adrian said...

Oh, how very pretty! The colors are so meant for each other. This is just another beautiful piece of work that shows how very talented you are. There is such warmth here! Wonderful. Wonderful

CountryDreaming said...

Do you have a name for this piece yet? I love the deep blue and gold tones. The whole thing is wonderful!

Thanks for your encouraging words about heavy texturing in a painting when you're not happy with your first efforts.

Took my first ever abstract acrylic class last year ... let's just say it would be far safer for me to stick with what I know, which is fine art photography. But maybe one day just for fun, I'll have another crack at painting.

Megan Hoover said...

I LOVE THIS PAINTING!!! and your supplies are things I love also (pitt pens, wc pencils, etc.) Have fun with Suzi blu...she seems fun!

jonny j petros said...

Hi Diane I really love your sunflowers painting the colors just pop!!! Beautiful, Those pencils sound interesting, I love vivid colors and paints. Have fun with your new class, best wishes, Jonny

Unknown said...

ABsolutely amazing...
I love these and love that I have found your blog. I will definitely check back often...definitely.

Carol said...

Love the colours and texture of your sunflowers, and your generosity in explaining what you used. I especially like your hand decorated papers, they have to be more special than bought ones and give your painting a wonderfully original look. Carol

Unknown said...

Gorgeous piece. I love all the texture. Sometimes the best paintings start out totally different than planned. Very beautiful. Thanks for being my first follower!

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