Layers apon layers

Have always loved the look of encaustic wax on canvas. The idea of secret layers being built up with only snippets from previous layers peeking through. Some of these art works can look almost ethereal.
I have over the years used similar methods of semi - transparent layers using acrylic paint. Placing washes of paint over dried layers then wiping off to leave just a hint of what came before.

When you let go - Julie Smith (mixed media on canvas)

 But then I came across the book below. ( I receive no income from this link)

Encaustic effect using acrylic

And found wonderful ides for building up layers using acrylic mediums to create a wax like effect. Yay! No fumes!

Well, I had a wonderful old time! Lots and lots of layers - about 8 in all then finished with pencil and Posca pens just for a little depth.

Acrylic mixed media on canvas

And then found a little easel. So cute.

Abstract landscape 1

I'm very pleased with how this turned out and the brain is ticking over with more ideas. So many ideas, so few day light hours!

Inspired Art

Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson

I came across this quote months ago, and it sat as a reminder on my studio desk. Propped up against the computer screen, I would look at this beautiful little collection of words and know that it needed a place on one of my canvasses.

Mixed media acrylic canvas with inspirational quote.

The canvas was one sitting half finished. Waiting for that special something. It had been sitting aside for over 12 months and I knew that at the right time, inspiration would hit on what that special something was to add to finally say that it was complete.

The canvas was created by throwing down in a very haphazard way broad strokes of  a mid toned paint in some nice pastels using a pallet knife. While this was wet, I scribed some special words and pressed stamps in then sat it aside to dry.

I loosely drew the leaves and stem then layered more paint with the knife over the whole lot avoiding the leaves. Some areas were dry brushed to keep the detail of the inscription and stamping.

The quote was printed onto organza then glued in place. I then used some rub on embossing pigment to bring the image together.

Oh and I did use some sparkling fibres to create a a bit of zing!  

I'm not sure if she is totally finished yet, but that seems to be one of my banes! I generally go to hubby and ask him. For someone with no formal art training, he is one of the best sources for design or colour ideas when I am stumped with my art! I knew there was a reason for marrying him. ;-) 

Prayer Flag No 1

Prayer Flag for Peace

My first prayer flag is based on the Buddhist symbol of  The Parasol.

Symbolizing wisdom, compassion and protection

the Parasol

The prayer incorporated into the flag is

Peace Around the World

From the place of Oneness in us all:

Our hearts unite for peace in the world.

May peace manifest its mystery through Grace.

May the people and their leaders find solutions

to benefit everyone equally.

May the spirit of generosity and forgiveness move in and through the hearts of all people.

May all involved direct their actions from love for Humanity.

We give thanks, knowing that this is now so.

Amen, Shalom, Salaam, Peace.

 - CoreLight.org's Prayer Circle for Peace Around the World

 

Lots of layers went on here with stamped tissues, laces, machine embroidery, dry brushing with paint. Hand stitch, hand dyed silk and muslin.

I wrote the prayer onto teabags before layering and stamping.

Decorative paper napkins were pulled apart and only one layer was used. This became quite translucent once glued in place.

Just a few random bits.

Ive been super busy this last week as a lot of us have been going into was is commonly termed around here as the silly season!

Adult children coming and going and wanting to be fed. Businesses to sort, houses to organise. And last but not least Xmas festivities and decorations. 

I am a wait till the last moment kind of gal and Christmas decorations don't tend to get started until the week before the big day. But you will all be pleased to know that I have started early!

Yes folks! I have made the ice blocks for the punch! :-)

Christmas Punch Ice Blocks

Plus, as we are hosting  the Hubby's family for a Xmas soiree this weekend, I thought I might have a go at the lovely Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose blog's Lemon Biscuits

Lemon Biscuits

 Mmmm! Nom, nom nom!Very yum, I did differ a tiny tad with the recipe in that I used Greens Lemon Cake mix and then iced the bikkies with the included lemon icing. Too easy! And were gone in a flash!

I also had time to escape to the studio to create the first of a series of mixed media Prayer Flags. Here is a tiny sample. I still have a touch of hand sewing to do and when its finished I'll get another pic up to share.

 Lots of layers, stamping , sewing and lace!

x Julie

An Inspired Life

Earlier this year I decided it was time to put brush to canvas again. I had been too long away and had been focusing on the textile arts and crafts and was missing the lusciousness of working with liquid mediums.
Christine Skeggs from SkeggsArts in Bunbury was holding mixed media workshops in Busselton, so I had no excuse!

Christine (on the left) with a few of her art students.

It was time to play again! Yay! Christine has the same affinity with mixed media on canvas as I, so was the perfect teacher to get me going again.
Unfortunately, with this last term getting busy for me with my online stores I was only able to attend one term. But I will be back next year Christine! It was so much fun!

She holds an end of year exhibition for all her students work and luckily I was able to complete one painting. ( I do have another part completed sitting in the wings) This was great for me as I was able to see the amazing creations of other artists in the area.

A beautiful honey eater on display.

My piece (below) was inspired by both imagery from the book Wabi Sabi Workshop by Serena Barton and the words of Lao Tzu from one the books of the late and great inspirational author, Dr Wayne Dyer.

“This is called the Hua Hu Ching, written by Lao Tzu. It’s the unknown teachings of Lao Tzu. Number 51 says, ‘Those who want to know the truth of the universe should practice the four cardinal virtues. The first is reverence for all of life. This manifests as unconditional love and respect for oneself and all other beings. The second is natural sincerity. This manifests as honesty, simplicity and faithfulness. The third is gentleness, which manifests as kindness, consideration for others and sensitivity to spiritual truth. The fourth is supportiveness. This manifests as service to others without expectation of reward.”

This verse above plus another was used as part of the design.

My canvas was created using tissue, wisps of wool fleece and a fine fabric mesh donated by another member in the class. Then washes of colour painted on then wiped off to leave just a tint. I'd wait for one layer to dry before applying the next. 

An Inspired Life

Wayne Dyer had only just passed away a few days before working on this piece and I was feeling quite sad at the loss of this great mentor in life and felt I needed to somehow convey something in this canvas to show my respect for this great man.

He was inspirational in so many ways and in turn was inspired by the Tao Te Ching, so it seemed right to include this verse that was so important to him into the image.

Me

So thank you to both Christine and Dr Wayne Dyer for your inspiration!

Note - This painting is for sale. If interested please inquire.