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Oh, and most of these pictures were taken by my sister, who thinks she isn't creative...do you see this photo of the pillow...with the light and shadows and stuff...WOW!! Impressive, right? Face it Beth...you rock! Without her I wouldn't have any pictures of the finished painting, I only was able to take pics of the beginning stages, so thanks sis!
I started this on our first morning there. I had only taken a few art supplies with me because I didn't know if I'd actually work on something while there, and figured if I did, I would just go buy what I needed. They were out of town that day and we didn't have access to a car, so my husband and I raided their garage to see what I could use. I love a good challenge! We found this 1/4"thick plywood, so my husband cut it, then I drew out a sketch onto it. I then found some wall paint that they used inside their house, and started to paint my base. I wanted the swirls to be formed from the bare wood showing, because it had such a nice, rich feel to it, and it would make it a bit more masculine and modern so my bro-in-law would like it too (hopefully).
My son was helping me decide where to put the final swirl.
After the main background was done I got a foam stamp that I had packed on a whim, and brushed the same paint on it thickly and stamped it randomly onto the painting. I put the paint on thick enough to leave a nice raised pattern when stamped.
The second day I worked on it, I started with a few washes of color, then used a pretty stencil that reminded me of the background pattern on the pillow (at this point we had finally gone to my favorite lil art store "Collage" in Portland to buy some much needed, fun supplies, and that's where the stencil came from).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaDW41N8rITusTgyqMMAtEPkkE_UPuI4Sc9F3AvRj3nPOGPIHRiTjE2q3es0wp7V9GpJOGq376MgoHO-vaVQN1yKiziVj_UDnqVpn6FEZuAuOgCx2G9XIBpqoKmFlfpe_693pKyPqi3Y/s200/For+esther+020.jpg)
Here is a close-up of the pillow so you can see the cool pattern on it.
The final day that I worked on the painting, I added a few sprays of flowers. I did this by getting a stamp I had just bought (yay) and colored on it with a brownish water-soluable (WS) crayon, then wet it and stamped it on to form the flowers. Then I got a green WS crayon and drew out the stems and leaves. I then took a brush and wet the leaves and stems to soften and blend them.
I sanded some areas to distress it and to bring out the original thick stamped pattern, then I brushed on a raw umber glaze to antique it and bring out the wood tones. My husband built a little frame behind it and mounted it so it is flush up against the edges to make it more sturdy, and make it look like a thicker piece of wood from the side. I then painted over the edges with the raw umber (brown) paint.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHijIvmN05mQ6UQF1tgOyCf6_01DZV7sKBIpzGKjm2YgYZw8c9lSbYA1tJItd7cSAmU0OEQaYKLeOJcSAHvEbDTrZi_wvLjqazSOBCtqXkKGwusrekwN766hxseT-zK4zaMpkGi_FcaM/s400/For+esther+006.jpg)
I really like how this turned out. It's a different style for me, and I like it. It's amazing what limited supplies, a pretty view, a nice challenge and a bit of creativity will do!
11 comments:
It is really beautiful, loved to read about the process ! Fun idea to be inspired by the pillow, the result is a very elegant and gorgeous painting. Thanks for sharing !
It's beautiful! I love that you took inspiration from the pillow they had and just went with it. Thanks for sharing the process too- I love reading how people go about making their paintings.
Beautiful. I love how you shared the process. You make it sound so easy. And yes, your sister did take a wonderful photo.
I'm telling you it's the afternoon lighting. I didn't even put much of an effort into it. Thanks anyways sis! I absolutely love this painting. Everyone that has seen it loves it. Thank you for your hard work!
Oh I just love that you show your inspiration...that gorgeous pillow...and your stages...it's wonderful that you shared it with us!
what a lovely 'late' gift...a personally painted , handmade and from the heart gift! THAT IS SO NICE OF YOU!
i do the same for my family!
ciao bella
CREATIVE CARMELINA
I love this! You did a wonderful job, thanks for showing the stages of creation!
Wow - I am SOO impressed! I love the scale (fun, hugh? I did one not too long ago and was surprised that I actually loved working big) and the swirls and the fact that you let it all come to you. Good reminder to avoid the doubt when at all possible!
Thank you too for your visit - I can't believe that I've missed 3 posts! Good to catch up (and btw, I thought of you when I used that tin, lol!) xo
A gorgeous piece of artwork! Love your description of the process.
What a beautiful gift for your sister!
I love reading (and seeing) the process - the photo of your son helping you is great :)
p.s. How large is it?
I love this piece. Everything is balanced so perfectly, from the design to the mood to the colours themselves. A great piece of work and your sister is soooo spoilt.
Thanks so much for sharing.
Nutty
(who is trying to do some work for her sister too)
I LOVE this!!! Now my turn, I want one too, I love swirls. It is beautiful!
Yes, Beth is awesome too!
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