Tuesday 3 March 2009

Ladies Under Wraps

I often see the book 'Taking Flight', by Kelly Rae Roberts, mentioned on blogs I find. In the end curiosity overcame me and I ordered the book myself. I have read about half of it and know some of the contributing artists, again from blogs I read. It is an inspiring book and I have enjoyed finding out about even more mixed media techniques. (There are so many!)
These three pictures are the beginning of a journal which Kelly makes and gives instructions for. I might not make them into a journal though as I like them as pictures-they have been leaning around the place in different places, not realising that soon they will be competing with all the other lovely items currently residing in boxes in the box room due to kitchen refitment! The background is collaged, the face bases painted with oil paint, the outside shading done with oil paint and the face details with sharpie pen and watercolour pencil. I have not used oil paint for years (but had some anyway-like Andy and his rice!) and probably would not have if it were not for the book. It is delicious-soft and silky and just lovely! I had to be patient and wait for it to dry but I coped. I blended the outside part with my finger. My face was quite smudgy at the end!
I used a really thick sharpie pen for the hair which is the part I enjoyed the most I think. I added the crinkly effect by accident when I was scanning them. I didn't want oil paint on my scanner so I wrapped them in cling film (saran wrap-I love these exotic foreign names!) and hey presto! crinkles!

13 comments:

Shell said...

I've heard about Taking Flight too. I want to get it. Funds are low. I love your ladies. Really pretty. Good idea to cover them when you scanned the pictures.

Anonymous said...

I have not heard of this book. Of course, it may be because I have not one ounce of artistic ability. I love your art! It's beautiful!

Anairam said...

Ladies in clingwrap - how delightful! They are really beautiful though, I would love to make something like that in my journal!

Lynne said...

I too have seen the book around. Looks fun.

Janine said...

Sarah, lovely work! I love that accident with the saran wrap or plastic wrap, great accident, love the effect! Thanks for sharing!

Janine

BonnyBadger said...

I've not logged onto you for ages on this - love the latest ideas. Look really good. We must get up and running on the website!

Candace said...

Your art is fantastic. You have taken a known figure with a proven technique and have successfully made it to fit your own works, as you have a definite style, Sarah. How lucky I am to have two of your incredible pieces -- the colours are lovely and the way you covered and scanned -- .

Saran wrap, exotic... LOL. Thanks for that. Of course, names like Rupert the Bear are what does it for me.
x
Candace

Brother Tobias said...

I particularly love the sitting girl - lovely flowing line...

Khaled KEM said...

Your art is very beautiful. I like the way you draw the girl face. Colors are in accordance as well.

kendalee said...

Lovely lovely ladies!

I also bought this book and although I haven't tried any of the projects yet, I have enjoy reading it and also found it quite inspiring. I like the mix of adaptable techniques, actual projects, and info about Kelly Rae's creative journey.

Your interpretations of the techniques are delightful :)

Sarah said...

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments!

Anne said...

Another fun book to add to my wishlist! I love the story about the accidental crinkly effect! Very pretty pieces! :-)

Anne said...

Hi, Sarah! I keep coming back to your first painting here. I love the sea greens and blue-purples and golds in it. And the lovely patterned papers that you incorporated into it. So pretty! :-)