Florida Pines

Thinking of warmer temps...SO, thought I would repost this one! ENJOY!

A large 3' x 3' Blank Canvas - square, 1 1/2" gallery wrapped (which means finished edges, no frame necessary)

Cost: approx. $75 (I have cut frames & stretched canvas before, but for me it's just not worth my time to go through that process, so I spend a little more to have it all done & ready for me. I try to buy the canvas when it is on sale.)

So...here it is: A documented, step by step process of one of my paintings from start to finish! I don't typically let people see a work in progress for a couple of reasons: 1. They don't see what I see in my head for the finished product.  2. If they were to come into my art studio and see something in the works, they would either question it, compliment it, or not say anything and think that it was bad and I would have to explain that "It's not done yet" or "I still have more to do to it."  :)  

So, for those reasons, I thought it would be fun to document the whole process! That way, people can see (through my documentation) that the beginning looks nothing like the end, how much time is involved, and maybe learn a little something about what I do. Here goes...

INSPIRATION:

I must preface this by saying that I am inspired on a daily basis by many things...could be the sky, a texture, an old door, a blade of grass...whatever!  This particular painting was inspired by a recent family vacation to Florida.  This year, we decided to drive and as we entered into Florida, I kept noticing these really unique groupings of trees.  I thought they were so beautiful because their trunks were very tall, slim and parallel to each other and the "leaves" were all in clusters at the very tops of the trees and almost spread out like clouds. I kept thinking to myself how pretty a painting of them would look but done in very rich, bright colors verses the brown and green that they were/are! I couldn't get them out of my head, so as we were having breakfast with our friend (who happens to live in Pensacola), I asked him what those trees were called.  He told me they were Florida Pines.  Now, I'm not sure if that is the official name of them or just what the locals call them, but we'll go with it! And, those "leaves" were actually pine needles (but, from a distance, you can't tell)! 

You can see a light sketch (I like to do this & stand back to make sure my composition is balanced and where I need it to be).

Layers of color come next along with turning of the canvas.  This process might take a couple of days because I put the paint 

on very thick for texture and effect. I want it to dry so that the colors don't mix and get "muddy" When I have manipulated the paints

 so that they are where I want them, I then lay the canvas down on a table for it to dry (otherwise the paint will run & my design will change). This process took about 2 hours.

I begin laying the foundation for the rest of my sky which is about 4 colors put on in layers (making sure that I don't blend too much, otherwise it would just look like a solid blue background).

More thick layers of color are added and manipulated to bring it all together. This took another 30 minutes.

 I can now add my ground and road base colors which is done just like the sky base (2-3 colors blended...but not too much). 

This took about 2 more hours.  Now, I wait for it all to dry (about a day) before I can move on to the next step.

The hubby sticks his head in my art studio and says "Oh, I like that sky." Me: "It's not done yet. That's not how it will look in the end!"

See, what I mean?!?! :) Another layer of color goes over the top (actually 2 different deep cobalt blues and a 

metallic titanium white). I like to use metallic paints for the texture & depth they create when added to flat paints. 

This took about 1 hour. I wait for it to dry & work on it later in the day.

Now, as you can see below, I got caught up in my work (which happens quite often) 

and forgot to take photos of a few steps...Oops, Sorry!!! I will explain what I did. :)

The first thing I did was start laying out my tree trunks with a sienna color. I varied the thickness and height of each tree,

 making sure to stand back from the canvas often to make sure everything was where I wanted it to be. Then, I had to 

wait for that to dry. I then added 2-3 more colors (metallics) on top of the tree trunks to create depth & dimension...then 

had to wait for it to dry. This minus the dry time took another 2 hours. The paints I use are acrylics BECAUSE...I would 

NEVER have the patience for oils!!! I have painted with oils before and I personally don't like that medium, so I use acrylics. :)

I then start laying on color for the "pine needles" (roughly 4 colors) and I do this with sponges (dipped in a gel blending medium) 

and various brushes. Once again layering & standing back (this is such a "key" step, sometimes squinting too because if you 

don't see depth or dimension when you do that, then to need to work on your color more). This took about 1 hour.

The next layer added was fun! I put some magenta, lime green, & cobalt blue paints in ziploc baggies & snipped a tiny corner 

off with scissors, then "squiggled" my paints where I wanted them for extra texture. I then took the back (or handle) of my

 paint brush and pushed the paint around where I wanted it. This took another 30 minutes.

I then "dry brushed" (which is getting paint on your brush & rubbing out most of the paint before you apply it to your 

painting) 2-3 more colors in various directions for my land and road areas. This took 1 1/2 hours. Then I wait for it to dry, again.

Next step: Laying out my verse!

I really like the look of text in my paintings. Usually a verse or saying or meaningful word(s) just make me happy! 

I found this verse from Rachel Carson, an American writer, scientist, & ecologist that I just loved. 

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature, the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter."

- Rachel Carson

This part takes the longest: Once I have decided on a quote, I then have to decide on a font and size. I then print it off and 

decide how I want to lay it out (making it straight & evenly spaced, etc.). I tape the sections with painters tape, then trace my 

words using graphite paper to transfer to my painting. This took about 2 1/2 hours. 

I remove the paper, then paint each letter (sometimes 

doing it twice to get a good coat, so that the letters are visible from afar). This took another 2 hours. Wait for it to dry.

I then take a piece of fine grit sandpaper and sand the letters to pull through the colors underneath & to make them not 

look  so perfect. Then I take another metallic paint mixed with the gel blending medium and apply it with a sponge for another layer.

This took another 30 minutes.

Final step: Polyurethane!

Final inspections, stand back, see if anything needs attention...looks good! Sign my name & date it, then take it outside for it's initial spray coat of polyurethane (this is very important, because if you don't do a spray coat you could risk smearing your paint when you brush on the polyurethane thick coats & then your painting is ruined). Wait for it to dry (which thankfully doesn't take long), then bring the painting back inside to brush on 2-3 thick coats of polyurethane. This whole process takes about 1 1/2 hours not including "dry time". I like to leave a day between brush on coats to make sure they have cured properly.

Here it is... "Florida Pines"

ASKING PRICE: $350

Total Working Hours: 17 

(Strung out over 2 weeks. This does not include any concept time, purchasing supplies

 time, drying time, clean-up time, promotion, or any fees associated with listing & selling it) 

Material Costs: Canvas $75 plus Paints $25-$30

Yay!!! I'm always so happy when I finish one! I'm going to go hang it on a wall right now!!! ;)

Liar, liar...Liar's Bench?

The hubs and I went for a little run this past weekend and had a little time to kill before we picked up our son from his Jiu Jitsu class.  So, we stopped in a little antique/ consignment shop. Right inside the front door was this antique liars bench for $60 that would be perfect at the foot of our bed!

What is a Liar's Bench, you might ask? Well, other than being a cute little bench for my bedroom, here is it's original purpose in life:

Liar's Bench:

A Liars' Bench is a place where people -- People, usually "older" -- come together to brag, boast, and lie about their lives - where your too old to get up on the soapbox anymore! 
The original Liar's Bench was located under a shade tree on the corner of Chestnut and Capital, in Corydon, Indiana,  from 1929 to 1986. It was a popular and cool place for the men to congregate. Many generations of stories have been told on this bench, but it was always understood that what is said here...stays here. 

Of course, I can't leave it in it's original condition...so, here goes!

I started with a little light sanding,  The original finish was a little too "honey" colored and worn. I decided to lightly sand it all down.  I like the variation in color and grain, as well as, all the knicks and dings and scratches...Hey, it's old, embrace the character! :)

 Looking better already, right?!?!

Then, my decision to stain it and what color comes next.  I decided on a Black Cherry stain.  I haven't had time to work on it lately, so some time went by and the more I thought about it, the more I felt like I didn't want to stain the whole piece. Instead, I decided that I would paint the legs a Satin Black, then stain the top.

Once I started to apply the stain, I realized that I really liked it...So, no black legs! 

That's how my projects usually work!  :)  

It's all wiped down and just drying for a couple of days before I add the polyurethane finish. *Notice my next project in the background! :)

AND...Here it is, in it's new spot!

Mr. Whimsy

I love owls and have had the pleasure of seeing a few of them in my backyard. Ever since my Grandma passed away (about 9 months ago), there has been an owl that frequently hoots and flys by me when I am outside. My son, Carson and I decided it's probably Grammy watching over us. And that makes us happy!  Owls are very popular right now in all different shapes, sizes, colors, mediums...AND, because of Grammy, I wanted one in my house, too!

Inspiration: These Pier One prints...

I liked the colors & idea, but didn't like it in person. It's a print on gallery wrapped canvas, but it looks just like that...a print. The cost was $40, I think. My way of thinking...I can go buy a canvas on sale and make my own painting! So...I DID!

Making it "More Personal/ Unique": 

Like I said above, the colors and image were the appeal for me. I had a specific wall that I wanted to hang a painting, so I decided to choose colors that would be complementary with my room.  The "canvas" I chose is actually a 16 x 20 hard wood with a canvas front, so I can draw on it (you'll see)! AND, it was on clearance for $14!

The Process:

I begin by taping off my background design by tearing strips of painters tape & making my favorite harlequin pattern. 

Then, I sketch in my owl design.

I start to paint on my base colors...

Then, peel off the tape. Right now, it looks pretty flat and boring. No depth and pretty simple. So far, I have spent about a total of 4 hours on this.

Next, comes the FUN PART: Drawing the designs!

Owls have sooo much pattern and detail in their feathers , and even though this one is more cartoonish/ graphic/ abstract, I wanted him to have a complex amount of detail. Sharpies are the best!!! I have about 3 different sizes of tips, so they work great and sooo much easier than using those graphic pens that I used in college that you have to fill & clean & unclog...you get what I'm saying.  This part of the process took about 3 more hours.

I wanted to give the background design a little more depth, so I mixed complementary colors (lilac for the yellow and red for the green) with a blending gel so that I could smudge on the color with a sponge and wipe off what I didn't want on it.

I filled in the rest of my designs.

Then, I painted the sides black, making sure to dry brush some black paint along all of the edges on the front. The last 2 steps maybe took 2 hours.

I signed & dated it, sprayed it with a couple of coats of matte polyurethane and...

HERE IT IS!

"Mr. Whimsy"

And, in my room...

And, another close-up! :)

Materials: 16x20 canvas covered board & paints & misc. materials = $24

Time Spent: 9 hours total (spaced out over a week's time) @ $10/hr. = $90

Asking Price for a Custom Piece (if I were to sell it): $114

To read more about my "beliefs" on artwork and pricing, click on this link Anything Artsy  at the top of my "pieces of me" blog!

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My "Funky Finds"!

I have to preface this project by saying that the hardest part of this was done 3 years ago...and, No I didn't take any before pictures. I am getting better at that, though! ;)

This particular piece, I bought at a rummage sale with another table for a total of $50! It was a yellow color with a formica top. I pried the formica top off to find some sort of stainable wood underneath...Yay! I removed the brass pulls (which have aged and look pretty cool), pried off some wood appliques (which is what prompted this next step) and sanded everything down to accept paint and stain. I decided on a rose mahogany stain for the top and a satin black paint for the rest.

I think it turned out pretty well! The only thing that has "bugged me" about it (for the last 3 years and because I have a little OCD) is that when I removed the wood appliques, they left an impression in the front of the middle drawer and no sanding could fix it.

Can you see it???

Here was my plan: I have always liked the harlequin pattern and you will see that I use an aged cream and black  color scheme in a lot of my pieces. I like it's simplicity and classic look...pretty much, goes with anything!

Step 1: Drawing the pattern

Basically, I just used my math skills and a ruler to divide the drawer in half and create even diamonds. When doing this, you might find that you have to adjust your sizes a little bit to make it all even. For example: I wanted to make sure that my hardware was centered in a diamond and that I also had a diamond centered in the drawer, as well. I just made some minor adjustments and no one would be able to tell that each diamond isn't exactly the same size.

Step 2: Adding a Crackle Medium

If you are not comfortable with your freehand skills, then you could tape this off with painters tape.  I applied the crackle medium (generously, but not so much that it would drip) to each diamond. I did this in steps because you only want the crackle to get tacky and to not dry completely before you brush on the top coat of paint. If the crackle medium dries, it won't crackle your paint.

Step 3: Add the Base paint

I used a Buttermilk color and just brushed it on in all different directions...look at those crackles!!! One thing to remember is once you brush on a color over crackle, don't go over that stroke again otherwise, it won't crackle...it will just look cloudy. 

Step 4 & 5: Age and Seal

For the aging, I mixed a Gel Blending Medium with a Rich Espresso metallic paint. I used a sponge and just wiped it in areas that I wanted it. The gel helps the paint stay more translucent and spreadable. I then took a little piece of sandpaper and "roughed up" a couple of areas. Once that was dry, I sprayed a thin layer of a matte polyurethane to seal it. Put the hardware back on and...

VOILA!

Here are some bedside tables that I did last summer that are also in my bedroom. I bought these from a girlfriend's garage sale for $7 total! AND...I did take before and after pictures! :)

Before

After!

Deck the Halls with...Red and Green! Falalala...lalalala

I know, I know...Thanksgiving hasn't happened yet and I'm already posting Christmas things! It has always been one of my biggest pet peeves when people decorate or celebrate one holiday before another one has happened, AND don't even get me started about "those people" who leave Christmas lights on AFTER New Years! Ha!

At any rate, like most busy people, I am trying to get a head start on my decorating & shopping so that I can actually enjoy the holidays! It is what it is, right?!?!

Good luck with your holidays! Here are some of my handmade picks! :)

Ever Blooming Originals has a great selection of wreaths and door swags for the holidays. I like them because they are not your typical pine wreath.

For some reason, I am a huge fan of fun pillows...I just love them and have them all over my house. 

So sorry that you have to throw them on the floor to sit on my furniture! Ha! 

Thought these were cute, festive choices for the holidays!

Just look at these cute little babies from The Pink Shrimp! So adorable...looks like they NEED a tree to call home! :)

How about a sturdy handmade stoneware coffee or hot cocoa mug from Warrenfeltz Pottery?
The colors are so rich and once again...No one else will have this one of a kind item, or buy the set!!!

Handmade in Chico makes these cute little scrabble tile pendants that are sooo fun. 

Maybe a great teacher gift?!?!

I don't even know what these are from Skye Art, but I thought...How adorable! I believe they are little pottery pieces that would look great just about anywhere...on your table, the mantel...

This is a different idea for a wall hanging from Aqua Xpressions that brings that red and green in or out...maybe hang some lights on it too!!!