Playing with Layers

I really enjoyed all the mixed media work I’ve been doing recently, so I decided to do some more playing with layers, both physical and digital.

This first image started out as a collage using a mixture of old papers, book pages, old paint stained tissues, and magazine clippings. This was followed by a liberal application of acrylic paint, stencilling, homemade stamps, washi tape, and more collage. The quotation made me smile, as it’s the kind of thing I say all the time!

This second image was inspired by some work I did at the weekend on the Person Centred Expressive Arts workshop that I attended run by Dinah Brown and Nuala Eden. It began life as a geometric abstract created using watercolour pencils. Although it was quite colourful, it looked a bit flat, so I gave it the mixed media treatment. I added acrylic paint, stencils, homemade stamps, paint markers and indian ink, then finished it off with some letter stamps and collaged letters.

Its been a while since I played with any digital layers, so this last image is a digital blend of two journal pages – a series of swirls drawn with watercolour pencils, and a page created to use up some leftover paint.

Only five days left before the start of 21 Secrets Fall 2015 – I’m really looking forward to working and learning with all the amazing teachers Connie has gathered together.

Taking the time…

I have to admit, I’m really enjoying taking the time to be creative again. I’ve worked my way through the free workshops for the first time now, but am thinking of revisiting some of them as they were so full of inspiration that I’m sure I’ve missed some of it first time round. But I’ll share some more of what I’ve created so far.

I created these two images in response to the workshop led by Kate Crane. I love how Kate uses recycled cardboard as a canvas to create her images – she’s definitely a lady after my own heart. I’ve been using ‘junk’ in my artwork for many years now.

Rae Missigman always inspires me with her workshops, and this one was no exception. I’m not quite sure how the pages got to be so pink though cos I am definitely not a pink person normally!

I thought I was going to struggle with Andrea Schroeder‘s workshop, but the results took me by surprise. As I followed her instructions, I found pictures kept popping into my head waiting for me to add them to the page. There’s still some journalling to do, but I’ll probably add that later.

Diana Trout‘s workshop is definitely one that needs to be revisited. Her enthusiasm is so infectious, and I only took in a small portion of the amazing ideas she was sharing with us. That said, I really enjoyed creating this page and am pleased with how it turned out.

Hmmm… what shall I play with next?

Brushing off the Cobwebs!

As part of my September fresh start, Ive been brushing the cobwebs off my creative skills and learning some new techniques as I’ve played along with a whole bunch of fabulous artists – free workshops that Connie Solera gave as a bonus for signing up to Fall 2015 21 Secrets. I love the variety of different styles that I’ve created as a result.

This first journal spread was the result of a workshop with Gretchen Miller reflecting on giving and receiving. I had great fun creating the bridge over the binder rings using some of the wool I bought recently, but its made it quite difficult to close the journal now!

I really loved creating this journal page with Violette Clarke. I didn’t follow her instructions to the letter, but I learned a lot and really like how my page turned out. I was totally inspired by this amazing lady, her incredible vitality and vibrant work.

This page was the result of listening to the 21 Secrets Conversation with Eric Scott from Journal Fodder Junkies. After listening to Eric talking to Connie I was intrigued to find out more, and went hot footing over to the Journal Fodder Junkies site where I discovered a series of how to videos. My page didn’t quite turn out how I thought it would, but I had great fun making it, and learnt loads in the process.

This final page was inspired by a workshop with Roben Marie Smith. I don’t think I’ve ever made such a busy page with so many layers before, but I really love how it’s turned out.

I still have a couple more free workshops to take part in before the end of the month when 21 secrets starts, and lots of inspiration for more pages to create – so watch this space to see what I get up to next!

Fresh Start!

The 1st September, time to make a fresh start! As you might have noticed over the last day or so, I’ve been busy giving my site a face lift, playing around with some new colours and a different header. It feels like it’s time to do some serious creating!

August has been a kind of limbo month for me, the time between the end of my studies, and the beginning of my new professional practice as an Art Psychotherapist, so I’ve been playing in my art journals exploring ideas and materials.

This journal page spread was created in my recycled Journal using torn magazine pages, fibres, gouache and homemade stamps created from repurposed rubbish.

August has also been a time for getting out and about, visiting new places and discovering wonderful bargains to add to my creative supplies.

I got this wonderful fabric from a lovely lady on a market stall in Bradford …

… and just look at all this amazing yarn that I found in the wool shop in Buxton!

September is going to be a month of new beginnings, so to mark my intention to create more art, I’ve signed up to Connie Solera’s 21 Secrets course due to start on 28th September.

I’ve got lots more artwork from August which I’m looking forward to sharing with you. But for now I think I’d better get myself to bed as it’s gone 2:00 am.