26/08/2013

Art in the Pen

What a fantastic weekend... transforming a pen from this...


to this, in 4 hours.





Again I had a fantastic weekend again this year and had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
 This years show was bigger and better than before with over 120 artists exhibiting. Some of my work has gone off to a new home and my art collage kits sold out.



here is a sample of the work on show...and for sale











If you missed it try again  next year you won't be disappointed xx



28/07/2013

'On the Beach'... how it was created


I have been asked a few times how I create the pages in my workbook. So I have photographed this one as it progressed to try and show the sort of things I do and the materials I use. My pages either start from photos (I use a pogo printer on my hols) or as in this case a collection of items. So here goes...


The book I use is a 10 by 8 inch journal with cream lined paper. The paper isn't anything special but does with stand all the materials I use. 

This page started with a collection of items I found on the beach. I started (on the beach) with a simple pencil drawing.


I then broke up the background by printing with Acrylic paint and bubble wrap. The paint I use is by Docraft that I get from Boyes. It is inexpensive but I like it as it give a matt finish.


Once dry, I then fill in a background colour with Koh-i-noor water colours. ( this was done back at the tent)


To add tone I like to use a handwriting pen that is water soluble. I outline / add detail / add shading / etc.


This is then softened with water.


As a lot of the area is now colour I use white acrylic to bring back the high lights. 


To add detail I use Aqua markers. I like these as you have the option of leaving the detail or blending the colours.


(colours blended)


I then work back into the page with my hand writing pen, this time not blending with water.


Finally comes the text and stamps.


I write about all sorts on the pages. Thoughts I have had while there, things I have seen, memories, what I have seen, things that caught my eye... in fact anything really. My work journal is there as a record of what has gone on. I don't tend to use them directly in my work but there are usually little things that you will see appear.

I hope you have found this process interesting and if it has inspired you to get out your book and make a start then I am pleased I could help.
xx



27/07/2013

Colours and textures from the beach

Here is the page based on the photos I took on the beach. I love playing with the colours and layering up materials xx