Howdy from my studio at the ranch!!!
This is an acrylic painting on canvas that included:
a cityscape, a portrait, and even a painting of a painting - all in one!!
a cityscape, a portrait, and even a painting of a painting - all in one!!
A dear friend and valued employee of many years retired this week. This was one of her gifts.
Here is the photo that was taken for the painting.
Painting the background was fun! It was done by mixing various DecoArt Media paint colors with DecoArt Media gesso and tinting base.
Here is the photo that was taken for the painting.
Painting the background was fun! It was done by mixing various DecoArt Media paint colors with DecoArt Media gesso and tinting base.
This time, it seems overwhelming to try to sketch everything so out came the DecoArt Americana Transfer Paper.
For me, the most difficult part was the portrait so I began with it.
Slowly but surely... she began to come to life! So thankful for my Dynasty Brushes that seem to guarantee preciseness every time.
The DecoArt Festive Red Dazzling Metallics, DecoArt Media Metallic Gold and DecoArt Media Black Shimmer Metallic Lustre were perfect for her jacket, glasses and streaks in her hair.
The chairs were done with DecoArt Iced Expresso Metallic Lustre. A bit of DecoArt Media Translucent White added shading to the seat cushions.
Andy Skinner's Toxic Stamp set by Stampendous was used for the floor tiles.
And of course, DecoArt Media Liquid Glass was just right for the shimmering glass in the mirror!
The desk was done with DecoArt Media Carbon Black and DecoArt Gold Rush Metallic Lustre.
And this is how the painting looked when I stopped at the end of the first day.
Houston Texas cityscape time!!!
Still in process!!
And even when I thought I was finished, I worked more on those buildings at the bottom.
A wash of DecoArt Media Raw Umber Antiquing Cream helped make the scene look more like it was being viewed through a window.
And now the part I was looking forward to the most...
making a painting within a painting!!! Soooo fun.
Using a bit of DecoArt Media Patina Antiquing Cream and Crackle Glaze... the planter received an extra bit of character!
Products Used:
A few close-ups of the 20x30 painting!
Hubby added a floating frame and I finished it with Carbon Black and Metallic Lustre Gold Rush to match the painting.
It was covered during the retirement party and then shared! When uncovered... there was a gasp... and then silence. Many were crying.
Afterwards folks were saying, one after another, how they remembered sitting in those chairs - from year to year - overcoming issues in life and work thanks to a wise and understanding mentor behind the desk.
They felt that her office was always a safe, happy and cherished place.
What an honor it was for me to be able to paint a canvas of memories that touched hearts.
Thank you for sharing this joy with me. Xj.
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Excited to share with the following:
This is a mixed media canvas and it was "mixed up" with techniques that produced a portrait, a cityscape, and a painting within a painting and more.
So fun to be a part of the 'pre'- mix it up challenge! j.
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16 comments:
Joi, this is absolutely stunning! It's so wonderfully lifelike and so beautiful in the details that I'm not surprised there were a few tears.
You're such a creative artist!
Fliss xx
Oh my Joi your talent and creativity knows no bounds, this is the most exquisite painting with incredibly thought out techniques to achieve such realistic success. I would have had tears in my eyes too if I'd have been there just for the wonderful sight of this masterpiece as I obviously don't know your special friend. She must love it so much. Great job my friend xxx
OMGoodness Joi, I am sitting here with tears welling up in my eyes! Words fail me, I can only use Brenda's word - exquisite! What a talented artist you are, every details is perfection, the light and shade of the floor, the beautifully detailed view from the window, the lady's features and of course, that stunning painting in the background. Totally STUNNING and so very thoughtful, she must have been completely overwhelmed ... and what a memory to take away! Wow!! Hugs, Anne xx
Such a gorgeous painting and very thoughtful gift! I'm sure she will treasure it always! Thank you for joining us at our 'Just For Fun Challenge' at Mix It Up Challenge Blog. We hope to see you again.
~DT Sherry x
What a wonderful project! Love all the detail! Thanks so much for sharing with us in the Mix It Up Challenge Blog's "Just For Fun" challenge! Will be looking forward to seeing you again when our regular challenge line-up begins on May 1st!
Hugs,
Leslie, MIUCB DT
Love To Scrap 2
Boink!!!! That was my jaw hitting the floor..... Oh my goodness Joi, this is just the most incredible painting ever, what talent you have young lady, wow, wow, wow!!! That face so totally alive,and then her cardigan, oh my goodness, and the shiny desk, the angle of the chairs, quite apart from all the clever paint effects.... I could go on and on, and hubby truly made the perfect frame for it. This is a complete master piece!!!!
Oh, for Heaven's Sake, Joi! You are a treasure! I can imagine what it must have been like when this amazing painting was uncovered...my eyes are tearing as I write this. What an amazing employee this woman must be to inspire you in such a way. Your attention to detail is INCREDIBLE and I'm still in shock over your first day's accomplishment on this. I truly could go on an on, but just know that I (among many others) am totally floored by your unending talent. What an astounding gift, framed so perfectly by your husband. 'Well done' seems trite, but I'm speechless.
wow -you are incredibly talented! Thanks so much for joining us for the "Just For Fun" challenge at the MIUCB!!!
Joi this is amazing and illustrates how talented you are
You have executed so brilliantly, the attention to detail and perspective fabulous, but more than that you so expertly captured a personality that is a skill to have, you must be so proud and it's no surprise it was so well received
Jools x
Love your painting and the story behind it so much, Joi!
Hugs!
Claudia xxx
Lovely painting and a wonderful gift
Wow 😲 such an amazing painting and gift. Your talent and attention to detail astonishes me xxx
Wow Joi!! This amazing! You truly captured the photograph of your friend in her office! Every detail is incredible! I had to keep going over the photos cause i couldn't believe it! Well, yes really I could- it's you! Thank you so much for sharing!
hugs,Jackie xx
Oh my goodness Joi! You are going to have to leave the ranch and move to New York City to become a famous portrait artist! Yikes - and I will say, "I knew her when." He he! This is way cool and ever so thoughtful of you to present to a valued employee. She must have fainted when she saw it! Biggest congrats on your top 3 recognition at Mix It Up. Well deserved! Hugs, Autumn
Yeah, Joi! I'm so happy to see your name in lights at the new MIUCB! Well done, you! And I have to tell you a little secret...I've been DREAMING about your awesome painting! REALLY! Hugs to you!
Blown away with this masterpiece Joi! Everything is perfect! The perspective, the ratios, the line of sight, the proportions, the colours, everything! You rocked this one and oh what a wonderful gift for her! She must have been in tears when she opened this, she will treasure it forever! Incredible work Joi, truly! hugs :)
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