Monday, July 16, 2012

Juicy Bits of Life


The last six weeks flew by. I can't believe that this week is the last for Summer of Color 2. It has been really fun each week to use  ice cream flavors for inspiration...something a little different and I can't wait to see what Kristin has coming next summer. Not only is she a fabulous mixed media artist, but a super sweet hostess as well. You know each week as we link up, there is a chance to win a fantastic arty prize! Now you know I love to add to my supply hoarding artsy collection...well, this last week I won the giveaway!! I am SO excited to play with my new goodies when they get here and thank you Kristin (again!).

This last week's flavor of choice - Watermelon Ice.
I had a hard time with this one at first because I don't typically use a lot of red. I like the way it looks when other people use it. But, it is not a color I naturally reach for.  It sure does look good though! :)

 
First, I looked through all my stuff and collected things I thought I may want to use. I do like limiting myself with only a few colors. Using a different color, like red, gave me a chance to pull out some things that I normally would pass by. 


I decided I wanted to draw one of my girlies holding stacked watermelon. I really like how my rainbow sherbert girl had turned out, so I thought I would make another. I drew her using a cheap mechanical pencil (hello, Dollar Tree) and gave it a spray of Workable Fixative to keep the pencil in one place. (Sometimes I use the spray and other times I don't. If I paint directly onto the surface without spraying it first, the graphite will move around quite a bit.)


I wanted a smooth, even texture so I covered the page with gesso. I use gesso a lot - not just for surface prep. Do you use gesso a lot? I love that I can prep a piece with it, blend with it, push color back with it, soften collage lines, add texture, and mix color with it. I have heard, "not all gesso is created equal." What do you think about that? Do you have a favorite brand?? I love my Liquitex. :)

Sooooo, my little Watermelon Princess is done. I added a third color. It is NO big surprise that I snagged turquoise. My gosh, I AM a creature of habit. But, hey...I am using red! I also added the phrase...Savor the juiciest bits of life. I love that. These words are a great reminder to me. Life is full of yummy bits and pieces...so many times I overlook them or maybe I don't see the beauty in them until they are over.


Now, I have started a larger abstract using red, black, and white. I have just laid down the foundation... old bible pages, pretty black & white damask scrapbook paper, sparkly paper flowers, a flower border from a Brave Girls letter, some stamps, and of course some paint. I am not sure where it will take me...but, that is half the fun!


Have a beautiful beginning to the week and come see all the red happiness right here!

XO,

16 comments:

  1. She's so cute - lovely colours and just perfect for this weeks challenge. I really like the background you've made - it's going to be a great base for a piece of art.

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  2. Love you little lady on her page. And the work you have atrted is going to be good, too. My fave Gesso just now is Reeve's. Vaalerie

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  3. It has been a very fun challenge. I too loved it! Your girl and quote are wonderful! Summer all the way!! Nice how you incorporated the watermelon too!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  4. Loving your wonderful page, its fabulous. I prefer Daler and Rowney Gesso as it has great cover. Annette x

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  5. Your watermelon princess is perfect for summer! She is such fun- thanks for sharing your process- I love seeing the stages your piece went through.

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  6. Cute Cute! I would continue in the Summer of Color forever...Challenging and Fun!

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  7. your watermelon girl is fab and congrats on winning the prize - perfect for a creative artsy crafter like you!! I really like the other abstract piece you have started - looks really good.

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  8. Your watermelon girl is so cute - and I totally agree with the sentiment, definitely one to remember. I really like your background page too.

    I use gallons of gesso - I don't have a particular preference, although I tend to go for the 'named' ones (Daler-Rowney, Windsor + Newton etc). It's cheap enough (especially if bought in larger quantities) to not bother with the cheap makes, which can be a bit watery or gloopy.

    Summer of Color has been great fun, hasn't it?!

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  9. Beautiful work Sadie. Love it so much. It's very great.
    lovely greet
    Marja
    (marjascreativit)

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  10. Brilliant work!. She is gorgeous too :)

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  11. OMG! your page is stunning, love the combination of colors you used here. It's absolutely beautiful!!
    Have a great day!
    Nora

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  12. Hey, congrats on winning the giveaway! Lucky you! Your little watermelon princess looks lovely!

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  13. Oooh, I LOVE your page! She is so sweet!! The background you are doing is also a great start for something wonderful I am sure! :)

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  14. Juicy and pretty :D I love watermelon and the color of red made your artwork so lovely and lively. As always, you made your humble fan here happy.

    Have a great day Jen!

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  15. Ahh! This is SO darling, I love her tights and the little details,it's such a sweet piece!

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