Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Hand-Painted Papers for "Artistic Mother"


The first project for The Artistic Mother is to make your own art papers.  Most of these were painted and stamped on plain computer paper,  but a few were done on junk mail.  It was so much fun!  I had a blast!  I already want to make more.  I ended up making 13 of them!

The ones above are some of my favorite colors right now;  peacock blue, light and dark teal, and shades of brown.

Here's a close up of a few of my favorites.  I love the subtle dots on the left one, and the sprays of flowers on the other two.  These will be great backgrounds for collages.


Then I made a few with stronger colors, patterns and contrast.  The brick colored one was actually inspired by Trudy, the host of the Artistic Mother Art Group.  I saw one of her painted background papers on her blog, that was red with a strong pattern stamped along the outside, and fell in love with it.  It inspired me to make my own version.  Thanks Trudy!  Click here to go to her blog and see her artwork.  She also has the complete list of participants in the group if you want to see what everyone else is up to.


Like I said, I had so much fun making these.  I used to paint faux finishes and murals for 15 years, and it all came rushing back, giving me confidence to have fun and play, along with a surge of creative energy.



It reminded me of painting samples for clients and experimenting with different finishes and color combinations.  And the best thing with painting like this is, if you don't like it, just squirt on more paint and go over it!


I've always loved getting my hands full of paint.  I love the feel.  Most of my years of painting I never wore gloves.  Oops!   Maybe it takes me back to finger-painting as a kid.  While doing this project, time seemed to stand still and I was so happy, and I realized something:  If I have paint on my hands , then all is right  in my world.  I need to do this more often.

9 comments:

Carin said...

I love your papers! Such wonderful colours and patterns! You'll have so much fun using these for the projects (and everything else- they're addictive!)

Mandy said...

these are really beautiful pages...you'll love this group too...xxx

Trudy said...

Your papers are so gorgeous! Your years of experience are shining through. I'm so excited to see how you will use them in the projects. Your poetry journal is going to be amazing. I can sense your happiness as you made these papers. This a great post. You described how it made you feel so beautifully. Now you've inspired to want to make more.

Laura Spano said...

Your papers are so lovely! When you mentioned that you used to faux finishing, I could totally see that in your papers, the soft layering of colors.

Julie Jordan Scott said...

Ahhh. You will have such fun with your papers and I love love love that you shared your hands with us as well.

Fantastic!

See My Latest Artistic Mother post.

Kristin said...

Thank you for your sweet comments! You know, I felt the same way when I started my blog - just wait - your work is stunning and I know there will be many comments and followers to come!

These papers are so elegant; the color combinations and subtle patterns you have created are wonderful - and the picture of your hand is great! Can't wait to see your next project, Kristin xo

Shona Cole said...

love those painted hands! your papers are so beautiful, very accomplished, your skill and experience shine through. now the question is will you be able to tear them up to use!!???
shona

Shelby and Bev said...

gorgeous, gorgeous papers! thanks for stopping by my blog...i will be following you too! keep makin' art for god!!!

Heather said...

Your papers are lovely... so colorful and interesting with the stamping and texture. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. I need to do my tote next... one step at a time:)