Metamorphosis...

Today I am sharing samples that I wasn't initially happy with. Having been cast aside for a while, I tried adding something to them. Hopefully a change for the better. For once, less isn't more. Firstly green painted tyvek (a remnant from this), changed to blue and then metallic paints added.
After a quick iron, I think it has transformed into a moth.
A red and yellow silk painting sample, was machine stitched, and then black oil pastel, red ink and metallic paint added. Has it become a short circuit?
A chocolate brown flower card, tries to become bronze with the help of acrylic paint.
An ink sample, is covered with oil pastels, scratched into, flooded with red ink, and then the pastel removed. An alternative flag?
It hasn't just been samples today, I have been in search of some Greek Art for UWA, more of that tomorrow. But for now, here is a friend I made on the way!

Quick! Urgent educational materials!!!!

I had to laugh this morning when my Understanding Western Art course arrived from the OCA, as the box was labelled URGENT EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS. I wonder if the postman ran up the stairs after seeing that message. He was probably a little disappointed to see that the person whom this very urgent package was going to, was still in their dressing gown at 10am. I'm sure I looked like someone who was not going to be doing anything in a hurry!

Well, I have now dissected my package, ordered new books (thank you Amazon marketplace) and spent some time trying to get to grips with the new OCA student website. Actual learning time = none. Though I did managed to find a music video that might possibly be coursework...

Yesterday I was filling my sketchbook with work on the theme of layers. Firstly layers of metallic paint and pen over an ink background.
Skeleton leaves layered over watercolour bird silhouettes and a twee bird stamp.
And finally metallic paints over an ink wash, over crayon and oil pastel.

Inky sketches and a mouse

I have been continuing to sketch with inks. Starting off with this rather coy birdie. I quite like the unforgiving nature of the ink strokes, this means that I have to work with my so-called mistakes, rather than reach for an eraser.
I have been using old copies of BUST and Selvedge magazines for sketching inspiration. Some are more successful than others. The ink colour washes remind me of old children's books.
Finally I had a request for another mouse - though not filled with catnip this time. This little fella was made at a chilly stitch 'n' bitch. After sampling some cheese he will be off to his new home tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2010! I have been playing around with inks on both wet & dry surfaces. I like the way the colours bleed into each other.
My current craze for playing with ink even extends to covering old Christmas wrapping paper with colours. The gold print remains unsaturated by the inks, to create a vibrant pattern.
I am also working on my third (yeah!) tapestry sample. I am trying to use a variety of threads, here is a sneak peek:I knew that charity shop find of blue & white mohair yarns would come in handy one day! And yes that is a Black & Decker logo you can spot - the loom is currently being held by my partners workmate! The weaving is coming along slower than planned, this due to a rather poorly guinea pig. Fletch is currently recuperating from an operation yesterday (all together now "ahhhhhh"). Here he is helping me finish off a plum stone earlier.