Brave Girl Canvas

I have been a long time fan of Melody Ross and her various online classes.  I love her style and the meaningful messages she sends through her art.  I set out a few weeks back to create a canvas that embraced a little bit of her style and some of her teachings and this is what I created. 

 

 

 

 

I loved using a different color palate than I usually do.  This took me outside of my typical artistic output right away, but it was perfect for the project. I used lots of embellishments I had on hand, and I created my own with the use of letters, tissue paper and scraps. 

 

 

 

 

There are many layers in the background that made for lots of texture.  I used stencils along with gel medium and gesso to create lots of interest.  To bring some of my layers back out and outline my collage elements, I used pencil and even permanent marker to color the raised parts and make marks around certain shapes. 

 

 

 

Here is a close up of one corners of the piece so you can see all the wonderful layers. It is not perfect!  There are some things that I would have considered mistakes or issues in the past.  I have learned to embrace these imperfections as that is what makes it my own.

 

I hope you liked what I shared today!  It is so nice to be back in the land of inspiration again!

 

Cheers,

 

Rhea

 



 











More Finnabair Inspiration

Hello folks!  Sorry it has been a bit quiet on the blog this month!  It has been a wonderful summer filled with vacation days, long weekends, and a little bit of art respite for me.  Sometimes it is best to embrace the quiet times as when my mojo returns, it usually does so with fervor.

I am here today to show off some more work that incorporates a ton of Finnabair products and some of her techniques.  I have decided to also take a creative risk and try out for her design team. I long for deadlines, project constraints and a creative clan that designs and inspires a community of like minded people. When I am doing this, I am so happy!

I created this canvas piece specifically for this entry.  It shows my hidden dream in the corner.  There are layers and layers of mediums on top of a burlap panel.  This provided for great texture in the background.  Some of the mediums used include Black Gesso, Clear Texture Paste, 3D Gloss Gel and silver micro beads. 

As you can see I used a ton of Finnabair's metal embellishments, along with the mediums.  Her pieces are perfectly made for layering to create interest.  I wanted to cover up the place where I tied on the hanger, so combined some of Finn's pieces to some coveted buttons.  I love when a treasure finds the perfect home.  

Now this book I made straight away after taking several of Finnabair's classes.  I was so inspired from her teachings as well as a recent trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see the Frida and Diego art exhibit, that I decided to make a book blending these ideas.  The book is actually for a round robin, so it will travel and many people will work in it.

I am happy to report that it is quite sturdy due to the use of the 3D Gloss Gel.  I also layered on lots of micro beads and mica further cementing down my dimensional elements.  This gives me some piece of mind as it makes it's way around my art circle.  

The texture that was created by the Black Gesso base is amazing.  I think it has to do with the book I used.  It was puffy and leathery and perfect for this project.  Before adding the layer of gesso, I primed the book with a layer of 3D Gloss stenciling to make a background.  Then I sanded the 3D Gloss circles which made them appear to have a shaded effect.  

It has been so refreshing coming back to my blog with new knowledge and inspiration!  Thank you so much for following along!  I appreciate your readership as always!

Cheers, 

Rhea

  

Finnabair classes!

I was so excited when I discovered that a scrapbook shop called Scrappy Chic in Livonia, Michigan was going to be hosting Finnabair in July. I decided to have a little art binge and take all the classes and I am so glad I did.  So here I am fresh from two full days of fun, with four classes total and I am here to show off my work.

First up was "Daydreamer."  This was a collage on canvas using darker effects, which I absolutely loved.

As you can see Frida Kahlo was my focal.  I recently went and saw the Frida and Diego exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, so I took lots of inspiration from there. I thought she was the perfect subject for the large headdressess that are signature Finnabair sytle.

The next course was called Over Emotional.  I liked having the chance to stretch myself a bit with an alternate color palate and style. While I don't think it is something I would repeat in terms of color, I am pleased with the outcome.

On of my favorite tricks used in lots of classes lately is adding some pencil at the end.  It is amazing how this small element can really change the level of detail on a piece. You can see some of my doodling at the bottom here.

So much rich and fun texture.  There is so much for the eye to take in on every one of these projects.

The start of day two was a Rich and Textured Layout class (gasp).  I don't think that there has ever been a layout on my blog, because this is just not my thing.  I decided to go with it anyway since I had traveled for the classes and I was glad I did.  There were still lots of techniques and products to try out.  The kits for the classes were beyond amazing, I am so pleased with what I still have left!

The image here came from my dad's stash.  Since he is an antique dealer he has a ton of junk.  I told him about my project and I got a slew of fun cabinet cards to play with! Score!

Last up was the ARTifact.  This was clearly my favorite, with no people to worry about as I am actually not much for featuring people in my work.  Anyhow, the focal here was a paintbrush, again provide by going through dad's junk.  Lots of fun industrial touches were added by the way of gears, nuts, bolts and even some great metal wings.

What an amazing two days of artful bliss!  Thanks so much to Scrappy Chic and of course to Finn for a beautiful presentation of classes. I am so glad I made the trip.



Cheers,

Rhea