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Posts Tagged ‘Colors’

Paper Mosaic

21 Jul

Mosaics are a beautiful expression that can use re-purposed pieces of just about any material and paper is no exception. For years, I’ve had quite an extensive collection of paper. Swatch books, scrapbooking prints and bits & pieces that were either left overs from other projects or were even purchased with the idea of including them in some cool new piece.

This time around, I decided to put a new face on a scruffy looking table in my office. I doodled out a design and started snipping pieces, using Tacky glue to adhere them to a black piece of base paper. Using the age-old technique of hand cutting each piece to fit, the “tile” shapes, while similar, are also somewhat irregular. In case you’re wondering, the shape in the middle is a spinal column since it is in a chiropractic office!

Paper mosaic

When the tiling was done, I cemented the mosaic sheet to the table with contact cement, then gave it a couple coats of Mod Podge to seal it and give it a tile-like glossy surface. The results were fantastic!

Paper mosaic on table

What mosaics have you done with scrap materials?

 
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Posted in Mosaic, Recycled and Re-purposed, Uncategorized

 

Filling in the pattern

11 Feb

Now I start painting in the spot pattern on the sides of the giraffe. Remember that I kind of arbitrarily chose my own pattern based on what I’d researched as well as what I thought looked good.

Face spots

Some interesting details are how the inside of the ears look painted. I had to go really dark inside, then blend my way lighter as I came out iof the ear. When I applied the latex caulk, I had tried to comb it in such a way that it looked like the fur was oriented linearly coming out of the ear. Once the paint was applied, it had a very pleasing, natural look.

Ear canal details

Backing away, you can see how the pattering for the rest of the whole side looks. I think it has a pretty natural feel and I like the reddish tint that the spots have. All in all, I think the effect is quite pleasing.

Side patterning

My kids thought these colors looked good on the side too, but I asked them what they thought of the idea of making the spots multi-colored! Oh well, maybe I’ll do that if I do another one.

Next time I’ll show some details on the face. These details really add the final touches to the look and realism of the giraffe. What have you noticed that is cool about a giraffe’s eyes?

 
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Posted in Cloth-mâché, Papier-mâché, Recycled and Re-purposed, Sculpture

 

Bringing the giraffe to life

11 Feb

Last post, I showed you what the wall mount looked like. Now I’m going back to the giraffe and beginning the final painting. Putting color over the “fur” texture I showed you awhile back is going to really give the giraffe a lot of realism.

Realism of a glossy painted eye!

You see how painting the eyes and giving them a gloss also breathes life into an inanimate object. You almost expect the giraffe to turn to you for a carrot!

Face painting!

After the eyes, I started adding the color to the top of the face and around the eyes. I looked at a lot of reference to get the color of the spots correct and also the pattern, and you know what I discovered? There is a huge amount of variability in the pattern and even the color of the spots on a giraffe. Spot color ranges from tan to more orange while the light color behind the spots could be nearly white to a creamy tan. The shape varied from rounded trapezoids to very irregular starry shapes with light veins or star bursts within them. I finally decided to make up my own pattern by picking shapes and colors that I liked, was aesthetically pleasing and I felt in harmony with.

Top of face and nostrils

Next time I’m going to show the side painting. What patterns have you noticed in giraffes?

 
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Posted in Cloth-mâché, Papier-mâché, Recycled and Re-purposed, Sculpture

 

Trinity

09 Nov

Some things are just too cool to pass up. In addition to posting progress on my own work, I like to post links to fantastic art sites or specific posts in someone else’s blog. I’m not sure what the etiquette is for posting someone else’s work, but I think it’s probably OK as long as you’re talking about their piece and giving proper credit.

The piece I refer to is called Trinity and is by Jen Stark. The article is found in the Illusion website. It is simple in concept, but incredibly interesting to look at; capturing your gaze and holding it. Repetitive geometric shapes and progressive color palates are always fascinating and this piece is no exception. I hope you like it as much as I do!

Jen Stark's "Trinity"

 
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Posted in Sculpture

 

Budding artist

04 Feb

Today I’d like to post something a little different since I don’t have a new progress photo for the airships. My 13 year old daughter brings home some some really great pieces from her art class, and this one was one of my favorites. I just really liked the color and composition of it. I hope you’ll agree!

Hannah's painting

 
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Posted in Drawing & Illustration