These are my most recent works, and just happen to be collages. I'm so proud to say that, because I believe I'm making some progress on this front. These are 5x5s, the art squared format I like so much, and feel very comfortable with. One of these days, I hope to make a book with all my 5x5 art pieces that I've been making and saving for quite a while now.In the first collage, I punched the hearts out of paint samples. The small frame is also cut out out of a paint sample. Then I sanded them with sand paper and used a very sharp awl to distress them, then rubbed brown shoe polish over them. (My oh my, but I do love that brown shoe polish!!!) I used the awl and shoe polish on other distressed areas too. The "J" is light spackle packed into a stencil. I've learned it's more difficult to frost light spackle as I do with caulk and wallboard joint compound, because it has a lot less moisture. So I can't frost it over a stencil, but can pack it into a stencil.
This is the first time I've used an awl to distress with, and I'm kind of liking the result a lot. However, you have to use brown shoe polish to get a much more cool distressed look. Good thing that shoe polish is cheap and accessible. The idea of sanding and distressing paint samples in my art just kind of jumped out and bit me on this piece. I'm thinking my muse was paying close attention and making herself available -- which is not always the case. So now, I'm glad I have a lot of paint samples in my art stash. Woohoo for that. I plan to use this "distressed paint sample technic" again and often, and maybe try to expand and perfect it.
In the second collage, I used images torn from a book for the sea creatures. And some tea dyed cheese cloth, but then rubbed over it with blue glaze. Then I added some rusted screen and a rusted washer. Oh right, I started out packing the light spackle on the piece in various areas.
I pretty much used the same technics I've explained before with these collages. If I try something new, I explain that too. The distressed paint sample/awl technic is new.
These are not for a swap, so I get to keep these. And hopefully incorporate them into my own book, at some point. Hope you like them, I do.
Val, I can't tell you how much I do enjoy your blog. I love the way you put in detail how you have made these gorgeous works of art. Back in June you mentioned Sherrill Kahn's Creative Embellishments. By some weird chance, someone just yesterday loaned me the book. Such wonderful ideas in there. It was great to see in your blog where you had actually done one of the techniques.
ReplyDeleteI like I like!!! It seems if we open up to all the possibilities the creativity spills out. Great job Val and your muse!!!
ReplyDeletehas great depth and texture!
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Well you learn something new every day. Shoe polish! It makes sense, though. Great collages! I wandered over here from The Pulse and am enjoying your blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Val! Hope you include these for show and tell at the meeting!
ReplyDeleteCyndi
These are great! Never thought of using shoe polish - wonder if the smell stays - thanks for sharing them with us - Reva (Los Angeles)
ReplyDeletehi, i am new to christianpaperartists, and just popped over to see your work... your art is very pleasing to the eye and very interesting to just look at over and over. I take it you prefer a bigger work area, and that is why you do not do as many ATCs? well, nice to "meet" you. have a wonderful day. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful creation (s) I am looking forward to seeing your book when done.
ReplyDeleteThese are terrific, Val. I love that you explain too. Have you had a problem with the shoe polish drying? Or rather not drying? I did, but it could have been the brand...?
ReplyDeleteOh these are very cool! A book would be so fun!!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting imprint effects here - lovely warm color - thanks for posting them.
ReplyDeleteVal, I want to live next door to you so I can look over your shoulder while you create! Amazing stuff....you keep getting better and better!
ReplyDeletePat
These are so beautiful and inspiring! Again, I so much appreciate your sharing your techniques. I'm still staring at the first one I started, after viewing your work. there is something very wrong with it, but I don't know what! Thanks for sharing your fabulous work.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Well, you've done it again! Hang on to that muse of yours!!!
ReplyDeleteI really like these collages and the way you use cheese cloth. A very clever idea!
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought to use shoe polish for distressing/antiquing. I usually use paint of some sort. But I DO use shoe polish to tone down gilding. Different colours for different effects.
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