Friday 9 March 2012

Inspired by nature

Nature is probably my biggest source for inspiration. I love going out for walks in the woods, taking pictures, and just simply enjoy the colours, the stillness, the smells, the sounds. In this piece, I wanted to use the inspiration by using some of my photographs, to turn it into some kind of mixed media collage painting. It does not only remind me of precious moments in my local wood, my favourite seasons of the year (autum and winter), and an inspiring and creative trip abroad. But it also brings nature into my home so that I can enjoy the memories while I'm staying in.

I played around again with image transfer, this time not only using gel medium, but also transering on paint and gesso. Transering on gesso seems to give the best result, but it also means that the layer underneath is going go be white. In this case, it was not really a problem at all. Some of the images I just glued on the canvas rather than transfering it. I used acrylics and all kinds of things that gave texture reminding me of nature.


Unfortunately, I don't have any step by step images this time, as I did this last Saturday, in my painting teacher's studio, and I didn't bring my camera. We had class morning and afternoon, "free painting", i.e. everyone working for themselves, using their own ideas. I really enjoyed creating this canvas without the interruptions I'd have had at home, in a large, bright studio, with lots of inspiration around, and most of all, the good company of my fellow painter friends.


I painted this on a piece of left over canvas, about 37x67cm. Now I'll have to buy some strips of wood to stretch it on, and a frame to frame it in. And then find a place on the wall to hang it on. Which most likely will be the most difficult bit of it all.


Unfortunately, I broke one of my favourite brushes. Which was pretty new on top of it, which makes it even more annoying. Luckily, I had another one which is almost the same size. And now I'm thinking about turning my broken brush into some kind of necklace or key ring or something. Can't waste a good brush now, can you :)


It's Friday, and therefore time to party! 

28 comments:

  1. Your canvas is really inspiring! I love the colours and the collage. It looks almost like a quilt, and that can never be wrong ;)

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  2. Your canvas has such a wonderful organic look with such layers and textures!! Wow!

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  3. I'm sorry about your brush! This picture us wonderful. I love the textures and the colours. Really clever.

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  4. I love this piece - I really like the inspiration behind it and how you layered your work to create that gorgeous effect. the colour scheme is gorgeous - all my favourite earthy colours. Winter is my favourite season too (I would probably like summer if we ever actually had any sunshine here!)

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  5. This is incredible- I love abstract it is and definitely evokes the feeling of a love of nature. SO beautiful!
    Happy PPF,
    Stephanie

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  6. This is beautiful! I love the delicate colors and textures in this piece. Your image transfers are beautiful and mysterious. You've inspired me to try and use more of my own photos in my work. I've done gesso transfers, so I know how much rubbing you did with this one, lol!! If you want to transfer into color, you can tint the gesso, or, use gold gesso (Daniel Smith makes it).

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  7. Very good combination of texture and color, these lands are very atractive. Saludos

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  8. I love this. My favorite times of year colors. One can see how much you love nature with this piece. Very earthy. I love it! Sorry about the brush but what a great idea on the recycling. Happy PPF and weekend.

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  9. Great painting... nature is a wonderful inspiration :)

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  10. I too am inspired by nature. Your painting is so peaceful and calm. I love the colors and the story behind it.

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  11. Nature is the best source for inspiration in my opinion. What you created here is just beautiful!!! Happy PPF Anniversary! :-)

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  12. I love this! I often create mixed media collage on plaster and this grid pattern is something I can see myself building upon. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Rinda

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  13. I adore talking a walk, snapping photos or collecting bits along the way. This piece is fabulous. Happy PPF! Helen @ Natures Walk

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  14. Beautiful textures and neutral, muted colors!
    I,too, am inspired by nature and walking outdoors.
    I think your work really captures that feeling of serenity in nature.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  15. Breaking a favourite brush is just horrid and I think you should turn it into something... but this painting was worth it... such a lovely palette of colours and great composition... I really like the direction you are taking...xx

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  16. Love this painting. It is so organic, with the earthy palette and scrumbly textures. You must be really proud of it, I certainly would be.

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  17. Awesome! Absolutely wonderful ~ love the palette and texture ~thanks, namaste, carol (A Creative Harbor) ~ Happy Weekend ^_^

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  18. Very lovely painting! The earth tines and hints of images are fabulous!

    Fun ideas for a broken brush too! (You can't just glue it back together?)

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  19. Great palette and textures! It will look even more fantastic when it is hanging on your wall...reminding you about the free play you experienced in its creation :)

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  20. Amazing textures!! Love the idea of trasfering on gesso!

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  21. I love the textures you've created here! (The close-ups are gorgeous too!) Wow! (I hope you show us some pics when it is stretched and displayed!)

    I love the ideas you have for your broken brush, but if you're interested in a little repair, some E6000 glue might do the trick :)

    xo
    Kristin

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  22. great painting details!! i have turned a brush into a pendant....i hammered the end flat and then punched a hole, filed it smooth and hung it with several other pieces that are special reminders of my family...i have also seen the end hammered flat and rolled with a round nose pliers so you can thread a necklace through the roll...happy PPF!

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  23. Nice work on the background ; the textures and color combos work beautifully together. I find much inspiration in nature but seriously need to learn my camera better so I can translate a clearer image on paper. Your close up of the brushes is gorgeous and I think you should incorporate the brush into a pendant if you don't end up fixing it.Have a great weekend....xxx Annabelle

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  24. this is beautiful. You can really see your love for nature here!

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  25. This is really pretty. The eye is drawn in and then allowed to travel.
    Nicole/Beawright

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  26. very lovely colors and textures. Working with other artists is always inspiring as you compare notes. This really looks like "nature" personified.

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  27. This is another amazingly beautiful piece:) :):)
    xx

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