Ahhhhhh... our AMERICA the beautiful. Land of the free and home of the brave... forever. I'm thankful for the red, white and blue; for the traditions of our great nation and for our blessings.
This month I was asked to be a guest designer for The Mirror Crack'd. Their challenge this month was to work with canvas... one of my favorite types of artwork. Thanks bunches for this challenge from all of you at The Mirror Crack'd - it was fun!
Click HERE: The Mirror Crack'd
This is my first attempt at painting the American flag let alone an eagle - which of course, is our national bird. But my heart just took me there... and so it began!
Click HERE: The Mirror Crack'd
This is my first attempt at painting the American flag let alone an eagle - which of course, is our national bird. But my heart just took me there... and so it began!
First by adding bits of paper to the 16 x 20 canvas.
Then I began layering paint. I used a combinations of DecoArt paints, Ranger Distress Paints, and Pebeo Iridescent Paints. One of my favorite parts of painting is just to keep layering and layering - playing and playing until you are satisfied with the "look". For me, using different types of paints - each with a little different shade of red, white and blue was exciting.
Next came the addition of the DecoArt Crackle Paste with a stencil for the stars. Would you believe that the only star stencil I had was one with only 5 stars on it... so I just kept going until I had 50 stars!
Yes, I know - you can't see 50 but I wanted to know they were all there - each state represented on my little piece of Americana!
After the crackle paste was dry I added some spray ink combinations to achieve a more rustic, vintage look.
And here is the flag awaiting the next step....
And then began the drawing...dear me... you have no idea how many times I used my wet wipe to erase and redo. Birthing this eagle was especially challenging and I almost gave up. But I have learned that just when you think there is no hope to succeed on a painting... if you keep pushing through... you are rewarded for your determination. I must tell you - even after he was drawn - I still wasn't sure that he would turn out. In the end, he is far from perfect but he was never meant to look real... just abstract like the flag.
I had already started to put gesso onto him when this was taken but you can see my pencil marks and eraser marks too!!!
I know... it's unique... it's different... but it was fun. I feel like this is just my very small tribute to patriotism. God Bless America.
Hugs. j.
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9 comments:
Fabulous designed work of art.xx
{aNNie My Personal Blog}
Oh boy Joi, this is a stunning work of art! Wow, I can't stop staring at that Eagle, what a majestic creature and you have truly given him justice! I love the crackle texture on your stars, it's subtle and doesn't take away from the focus but yet still adds interest and texture! LOVE LOVE LOVE!! Congrats on your guest spot, they are lucky to have you! hugs :)
Good to have you with us at the Mirror crack'd, love your canvas. Happy crafting, Angela DT xXx
WOW what an amazing celebration piece...I'm so glad you keep going with the Eagle he is majestic ! Love your canvas and it's so great that you shared it with us as our guest at The Mirror Crack'd...Esther xx
Hi Joi, congratulations on your guest spot at The Mirror Crack'd. Wow an amazing canvas, love those crackle stars in the layers and that eagle! Great work, hugs Jan x
Thank you Joi for beeing our GD over at The Mirror Crack'd. I simply love your canvas!
The proud eagle is a fab element!
Thank you Joi for beeing our GD over at The Mirror Crack'd. I simply love your canvas!
The proud eagle is a fab element!
This is fabulous and I especially love the expression on the eagle. Thank you for being our GD at The Mirror Crack'd
Hi Joi!! Congrats on your guest spot at The Mirror Crack'd!! This is a Fabulous canvas to share and look at you go with your free-hand drawing!! You've got it going on, Girl!! :) :) LOL!! Such a beautiful tribute to our U.S. of A, I can feel your pride from here!! Way To Go!! XOXO-Shari
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