Wednesday 2 November 2011

Glistening

This is a currently unfinished picture that I started at the weekend. I wanted to use my pearly buttons-they are so pretty and just languish in a tin all day when really they should be out showing their pearly goodness. I suddenly had the idea that I could sew them to a canvas. So I found a model, sketched a face with a graphite pencil, painted over with watery gesso and then started to fill in her hair-or hat, with buttons. There is a slight problem I had not foreseen-the wood at the edge of the canvas-so her hair/hat will stop abruptly in a straight line. Whenever I make anything I always have a feeling of excitement to see how it will turn out, to see an idea realised, and sometimes I am disappointed and sometimes not. This time not. I love the way the pearl buttons glisten in low light, and the simple palette. I am undecided how to finish her though-whether to leave the background white or do it a deep, warm grey. I will try out the options in photoshop.
Last night I watched a documentary about the artist Grayson Perry, taking his teddy bear Alan Measles on a pilgrimage to Germany on a specially made motorbike. I can't begin to explain the many intricacies of GP's world but it was a fascinating and heartwarming insight into it, and well worth watching. It was related to this exhibition currently on at the British Museum called 'The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman' which I must go to see! Apologies if you can't watch bbc iplayer programmes in other countries-I don't know if you can or not!

6 comments:

Queenie Believe said...

I'm really liking the pearl buttons on/with this piece. I can't wait to see how you decide to move forward with this piece.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

Unknown said...

Very clever, I am also liking the pearl buttons. What a great idea.

Anonymous said...

I love your use of the buttons, what a brilliant idea. I'm loooking forward to seeing the finished paicture!

Tracy said...

LOVE, love, love the pearly buttons, Sarah! I, too, look forward to seeing her finished. Off to see your links--very exciting! :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))

Leenie said...

Nice work and so unique. Smart to use Photoshop to try out before committing.

Janine said...

Wonderful idea...love what you are doing!