First off, I was inspired again by Jane DesRosier (Grittyjane). Her portrait paintings are exceptional, but I also love her series of folk art trees that she's been offering in her shop lately, and I was inspired by her to create my own version with my own little spin on it--
I did it on metal! This is a good size piece--it's on one of the wood panels that I purchased at Lowes. The size ended up being 12 x 22.
I just love the texture that the embossed metal gives. And I cannot tell you how easy this is to do and how fun. And I'll mention again that I have 2 tutorials on this technique HERE and HERE. On this piece I tried something just a little bit different and more revised than I've done before.
I made another piece the same as this one, and I took step-by-step photos to show anyone who's interested. I'm really happy with the way this next one turned out also. The first thing I did was cut my piece of metal (for a 6 x 12 gallery canvas), and then applied different colors of alcohol inks, and when it was dry I stamped all over it with a text stamp using a Staz on ink pad--
Then I flipped it over to sketch my design with a regular pencil lightly--
I sketched with the pencil first, because it will erase if you make a mistake. You can see at the nose and mouth that I erased--this doesn't come through on the front. So when I was happy with my sketch I outlined everything with a pitt pen (or marker). This was something I've never done before, and I don't know why. It makes the embossing part so much easier. Another little tip---sometimes the metal is wrinkled before you even start. You can just take an old credit card or brayer and smooth it right back down.
So after I put my initial sketch in--I embossed it--
and here's the right side--
(I embossed the word imagine on the front--I really can't spell backwards : )
So another new little thing that I did was add no more embossing Usually, I emboss the entire piece of metal, but I just wanted the main image to pop out. Then I got out my regular acrylic paints (I really recommend the artist grade acrylics for this step) and started painting--
....lots and lots of layers on her face. I wanted to completely block out the background color. But then for her dress, I just painted in the daisies (I wanted to tie this in with my tree piece) At first, if you try this, it seems like that the paint will never cover the metal, but it does, and I love the texture the acrylics bring with all of the layers.
It's a little tricky trying to get a good photo with this metal, because it's so reflective. I always add a gloss varnish to it after I spray a workable fixative on it. The color REALLY pops. I'm very happy with these pieces!
And now I'm off to do some Christmas shopping--I like to go Christmas shopping with all the crowds--I really mean that too!
48 comments:
Wow Di, they look amazing. I've never seen this done before. What type of metal are you using? Was it hard to emboss? Thanks for sharing. :D
i love these deep deep.
i think she + the tree are one.
XOX
They are beautiful, I have no idea what type of metal you use either. I might want to try this. thanks for the inspiration.
I really like these two pieces. They are so rich looking and beautiful. I like shopping with the crowds too as long as I don't go all day. I can't take that many people all day.
Wow what fabulous pieces, I love the rich colours and lived reading the instructions. Tracy x
Beautiful, beautiful results! Oh, if only I had the time to try all of the ideas you give me.
Have fun shopping brave girl!
Wow Diane, these pieces are so beautiful and the colors are so deep and rich. Thanks for sharing your technique. That looks fun! What are you going to do with these pieces?
Thank you for your words of congratulations for my son too! It was an exciting week for all of us!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
These pieces are so rich with texture and color, beautiful, and one does want to rach out and touch them, you watch at your show people will do that.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Beautiful!
I love the depth and colour you've achieved here.I wouldn't have thought it possible! Such inspired work. And thank you for showing us how. penny
They are both gorgeous, Diane- So love to see the before, and the after- of the woman piece- she is so very beautiful after you painted her ,and I love to see all the special tecknics you are using.
Hope you found some gifts in the crowded shops, here one monthe before christmas :)
Hugs,Dorthe
Wow Diane!! These are incredible, and I never get over your wealth of knowledge of techniques! Your colors and designs are always gorgeous and happy!
Hugs!
The tree is sensational as is the angel!!
It's so much fun working with soft metal/tin. My Copper Woman that's on my sidebar was done similar to what you did. I love the work you did. Just beautiful. Excellent work! Have fun.
WOW...I'm gobsmacked! These pieces are SO beautiful, Diane! I've never embossed and painted metal before but seeing your stunning creations makes me want to try.
Have a lovely weekend,
Serena :)
Stunning and no other words necessary! Happy Thanksgiving!
Oh my gosh Diane, these are lovely! Will your girl with the bird be for sale in your Etsy shop? I would love to buy this piece for my new art room. :-)
Amazing works Diane, I like it!!!
Beautiful inspiration.
Kisses and greetings:)
What an awesome piece! I really love your art and the embossing is a great compliment to your style. So wonderful!
You never cease to amaze me with your ideas and creativity! AND you are one of the most prolific art bloggers I know! YOU are incredible. Love everything you do! Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season.
Hugs,
Holly
Diane this is gorgeous and as always I am so impressed by the different things you try and succeed at!
bowing to you~
I just want to say you are amazing! I am new to mixed media and I am still getting my feet wet. I think your metal embossing is so awesome and I can't wait to try it sometime (once I figure out what all I need and gather it all!) Your blogs are one of my favorites to read, your works are always such an inspiration.
You are crazy! To shop with the crowds, I mean!! Haha!
Your metal embossing...fantastic!!
Thanks for the re-introduction to this technique...it really is soooo cool....and beautiful, too!
Just love the way the colors are so bold :)
I'm impressed! What a fun new (to me)medium to explore. No Lynn not know you have knitting and fabric pieces to do...okay but a new year is coming!!! YOU INSPIRE!
Beautiful work as always! And a very cool technique :) love love love it!
you should be delighted with these pieces. They are wonderful, so rich. I expect you won't have these for long :-)
very beautiful, diane....i would love to try this technique some day.....so many things i want to do...my head is spinning...i keep telling myself to "focus"....lol
Both pieces are truly stunning! Thanks for taking the pictures in between. :)
your metal pieces are so beautiful! you really inspired me today!
Oh, these are just beautiful. I LOVE the way they look and all that yummy texture. That tree is just divine. Jane is so inspiring...and so are YOU!! :) Have fun shopping.
well this is superb and I am dying to have a go soon..thanks very much for sharing the technique
Your metal pieces always hit the mark in my book. I always love seeing the pieces and how they change so much between the alcohol ink stage and the acrylic paint stage. Lovely completed pieces, too. And I think you really CAN spell backward.
Diane you always amaze me with your work!! Love the tree and Love your girl even more!! WOW!! the metal makes everything pop!! Just beautiful!! Great to see the process! I too love Gritty Jane's folk art trees! :)
Wow! These pieces are gorgeous Diane! You may have outdone yourself for the metal embossing. I am so inspired every time I visit your blog. Thank you for being so generous by sharing your knowledge, experience and techniques. I was able to get your instructions perfectly.
xx Jaime
Diane, you are amazing...did you know this? :) Thanks for much for sharing and giving of yourself and your talents the way you do!
Thanks so much for showing how you created these spectacular pieces. I'm amazed you can get such great results with metal! Bravo.
Oh my goodness woman!!! These are incredible!!! I really LOVE them both!!! Amazing!!
xoE
OMG! What a beautiful piece, Diane! And your tutorial is amazing - you've covered every luscious detail to perfection!!! Hope you "scored" with your Christmas shopping and the crowds. I've got a roomful of stuff waiting for elves (and fairies) to wrap. (Hopefully they'll make an appearance soon!) ♥ Hugs, Terri xoxo
WOW! This is just truly stunning, Diane. The technique looks so difficult to do. Absolutely gorgeous!!!! My mouth literally dropped open when I saw the finished piece!
That tree is absolutely amazing, I love it!!!
I know what you mean - I love to get out there in the Christmas hustle and bustle too!
I can't even tell you how much I love this. It is brilliant, unique, absolutely beautiful and so YOU. Bravo!
And thank you for your sweet congratulations - how funny that you knew! I was thrilled, thank you! xoxo
These are Stunning! thank you for sharing, I will need to follow the links provided and really study before I would dare try this. Your pieces are BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for stopping over and entering my Art Card Contest. ~Alicia♥
Wow these are just beautiful and rich looking. I wish I could touch them. I especially the tree. I don't know how I missed this post so sorry my comment is alittle late!
wow this is fabulous!!! and thanks for the "how to!" Hugs Juls
Thanks so much for sharing your step by step process. I am in awe of your creativity. I just love the way the metal looks. I though the paint would not stick but it looks fantastic.
Lee:)
Wow!!! I am dazzled by your art. This embossing is wonderful!!! I love, love the tree! The lady is beautiful too!!!
Mary
I really love the texture of the flowers and how they pop out. Very awesome work.
Awesome artwork. This looks attractive. we offer custom embossing die sets and custom metal stamps. contact Devore Engraving for more details.
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