Quick painted sketch papers

The last few weeks I've been preoccupied with responsibilities that didn't leave the time or mindset to focus on creating new labor intensive artwork. Like most artists, I started to feel out of sorts because I didn't have a creative outlet. I decided that I had to make time (10-20 minutes depending on the day) to paint. Nothing fancy or thought out. Just a quick painted sketch. I'm using inexpensive paper and acrylic paint. So I wasn't overwhelmed with thoughts of what color to use, I decided to limit my palette to black, white and shades of grey. Lots of stress-relieving painted papers were created.

pile of all the papers

I decided to organize the painted papers into groups to see what was created.

Doing this step gave me the idea to create collages. Then next posts will show the resulting collages. Stay tuned!

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Wonky Checkerboard

I'm continuing to play around. What I need to remember while playing around is to take process photos. Like with "Rainbow Sherbet" series, I only took a photo of the finished artwork. Hopefully, my explanation below is clear. Please let me know if you have any questions.

This piece was made by weaving papers that were loosely cut in a wavy line using 98 lb. mix media paper. The warp paper is mustard yellow and Celadon. The weft paper is bright blue and black. I have to admit the weight of the paper made it challenging to weave paper with wavy edges. I like the look of wavy checkerboard so I will probably create more artwork in the future using lighter weight paper. Originally, this piece didn't have any stitching. The design reminded me of Day 10 of my "Rolodex Project" so, I went back and stitched with embroidery thread. Adding thread makes the design more interesting.

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Woven artwork - "Rainbow Sherbet" series

After completely my "Rolodex Project", l decided to play around a bit before starting a new project. Well, my playing around turned into a series!

I pulled out some paper that was marked using bleeding tissue paper and painted some solid papers with acrylic paints. The size is the same as my recent collages (9" x 12") for consistency. I used Canson XL Mixed Media paper, which is pretty heavy at 98 lbs. My intention was to make collages but I thought the contrast of the solid colored papers vs. the stained paper would work well as woven papers. 

The result is a series called "Rainbow Sherbet".

"Rainbow Sherbet #1"

"Rainbow Sherbet #2"

"Rainbow Sherbet #3"

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Woven Grounds

My art is evolving towards mixed media. So, I'm still playing around with different techniques and exercises from books that I've bought recently. The other day, fellow artist and friend, Deborah Stanley, recommend "Drawn to Stitch" by Gwen Hedley to me. At the beginning of the book, Gwen suggests making woven grounds as the starting point for designing.

The first ground I used used teabag paper and pages from a book. I know that some artist are strongly against tearing up books but these books aren't valuable. I bought them at a used book store for less than a dollar.

Then next ground used again pages from a book and envelopes that contained invoices from UPS. UPS is using recycled paper for their envelopes so they have a nice brown color and are heavy weight.

I really liked how the grounds were turning out so I decided to take it a step further. This next one used watercolor purple commerical fabric and screen fabric that I made. This one almost stands on it's own but I will probably add a few more elements to it.

Then I thought why not use the therapy strips that I made a few weeks ago that I posted here. Okay, I know I'm taking a detour from the exercise from the book. It can happen when the wheels in the minds start turning with the possible of creating. 



More Playing Around

The last couple of weeks I didn't have any imminent deadlines. In my previous posts, I started to paint a large canvas. I'm still working on that project but I was inspired by reading the latest issue of Quilting Arts magazine. Rayna Gillman's article on Stitch Therapy peaked my interest. So I cut up some strips of fabric and started sewing without any plan. It was so freeing. I'm at the stage to put the fabric away. (Also, I now have some imminent deadlines.) I'll revisited the fabric at a later time.

Play Around continued

I had an interruption last week so, I didn't get much done on my "Playing Around" project. It's pouring down rain today so, it's perfect weather to be creative.

Usually, I make quick sketches or notes of ideas that I have for projects in my sketchbook. With this project, I had didn't have a clear direction on what I wanted to do. I took a picture of the project so far and edited the size so I could fit 4 images on a word document.

Then I played around with different ideas using a black pen. I intentionally stayed away from abstract designs because most of my artwork lately has been in that style.

I really liked the shape of the single flower in the lower left. Next step is to draw it out on the actual artwork. To be continued....

Playing Around

Okay, I have to admit that I planned to Spring clean my place this weekend but the dust bunnies will have to wait.  

I don't have any immediate deadlines so, I thought I would play this weekend. Besides making 10 pieces for my graffiti inspirations blog, I was inspired paint a large (for me) canvas.



Graffiti Inspirations artwork

 I have this 30" x 40" canvas lying around from a project that didn't go anywhere. Newspaper was adhered to the canvas using white acrylic paint and matte medium.

I started by painting a wash of aqua and blue then drybrushed some yellow accents on top.

Now that I have the base of the painting, it's time to add some contrast. Cobalt Blue circles were added using a stencil I made from medium weight cardboard.

I think I have a good start. This coming week I will add layers to it and see what develops.