Mixed Media Art. Photography. Inspiration.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Art Journal Flowers



Lately I've been feeling dumpy.  Just haven't been able to completely shake it.  I figured I needed a lil extra TLC, so I pampered myself last week by making myself some flowers in my art journal that'll never droop, get moldy, or die.  It did help a bit.  Making art usually does make me feel better, plus making something completely for me was nice.  

The photo above shows the colors fairly true to how they are in "real life".  Click on photo for closer look.


Notice the page next to it says "no more excuses"?  hmm.... coincidence?  Or maybe it should say "snap out of it"!


I wrote "remember" across the bottom to remind me of all the good that I have in my life.  All that I am grateful for.  There's so much really, but here's a short list...


Things I am grateful for in no particular order:
  • This blog, Blogland, and all you wonderful lovelies out there who are so loving and giving
  • My wonderful friends and family
  • Being an artist...I truly love it and feel blessed to know it's my calling
  • Having people who believe in me
  • Having the most wonderful husband ever, and our funniest/smartest/cutest two year old son
  • Coffee 
  • Dark organic chocolate....YUM!!!
  • Online art classes!! 

Of course there's way more, but that's enough for now.


To make this collage I first used metal tape (from a hardware store) to make the frame.  I painted gesso over everything to prep the page and tone down the silver of the tape.  Then I tore papers to form the vase, flowers, and other details and glued them down.  I again gessoed over everything to soften it.  I wanted a soft faded feel to it, something different than what I normally do. When dry, I used a graphite pencil to write "remember" and also to add details and shading to finish it off.  

There.   Done. 

 Pretty flowers to help brighten the day.  

I hope they brighten yours too, because you readers brighten mine! 

 Thank you!

14 comments:

Tau said...

Its a really beautiful piece! I'm so glad you found a gift for yourself.

I agree, the community that I've found online has so enriched my life. We are lucky to have it, aren't we?

Summer is around the corner. I hope your spirits rise with the lengthening of the days. :)

Mandy said...

hi esther...love your work as you know...i sorta don't get the metal part...forgive me...i re read it and still dont get it...lol...can you believe i just became a follower...lol...thought i was already....how did the gallery thing go??? that was a while ago now, maybe i missed one of your posts???xxx

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the lovely comments on my blog! You always make me smile. :)

I love your flowers! Beautiful! And your grateful list!

I hope you feel better and better and better! :)

Diane said...

This is wonderful!! I would rip it out of there--frame it and hang it!!

Two Dog Pond said...

Beautiful piece, Esther! It's amazing what colors and textures and feeling come through the dark cloud hanging over your head. You are really an inspiring artist to so many of us!! {I'm raising my coffee mug to you!}
♥ Rachel

Brigitte aka Scrappassie said...

Nothing better then doing art when you're feeling down ! I dare say it's even better then dark chocolate ;-) Your new piece is beautiful, love the soft and faded look. Your pretty flowers brightened my day ... o well, and of course the fact that for me it is art-studio-wednesday LOL That helps too ;-)

jgr said...

Hi Esther,
Thank you for your lovely comment today. I'm glad to discover you and your gorgeous art! I love the flower collage, and your technique is very cool.

Beverley Baird said...

This is in a journal?? It needs to be framed! I love the muted colours and the texture! Gorgeous!
Listing gratitudes is a perfect way to change one's mood - love your list!

Kim Henkel Creations said...

Yes a lovely creation! I too for reasons unknown to me have been feeling a little down and not as creative as usual...perhaps I should make myself some flowers!

Kim

JessiVille said...

E, this is gorgeous! Love, love, love! I love the textures and soft muted colors you worked with. I have a roll of that silver metal tape and I would like to try using it in this way (as soon as I can find it, ha!). I am taking a lesson from you and thinking today of all the things I am greatful for in my life too.

Kristin said...

So elegant and beautiful! LOVE IT!!! xoxo

Sada said...

I like your gratitude posting. Very warm & fuzzy. I also love how your work reflects your mood--not a speck of celebratory peacock blue or sea green. Instead, moody, contemplative shades of gray & lavender....There is room for it all and there should be! You are, after all, an Artist!

Manya Keseloff said...

This is a really great piece and I love that you have an art journal. They flowers did make me smile! That's good to remember and I'm grateful for you in my life! :)

Shelley Whiting said...

You captured the mold texture very nicely. Your flowers are very beautiful.