My creative process this week

Jul 25, 2010


Here's my latest mixed media piece called summer at the lake.  This work evolved from a lot of editing and problem-solving.  Originally, there were more details around the lake, but I didn't like the direction I was going.   So, I decided to cut out only the elements of the art work that I liked and glue the pieces to a birch panel.  When using a rotary paper trimmer, I miscalculated one of the cuts and sliced through a part of the drawing I wanted to keep intact.  Funny enough, I actually liked the horizontal line effect and made a few more horizontal cuts (as seen in the top portion of the work).  

I debated on tinting the birch panel.  Ultimately, I decided to keep it natural, which complements the warm tones of the sky and the water highlights.  To enhance the wood a bit, I used Gamblin Gamvar varnish.  Gamvar is normally used to varnish oil and acrylic paintings, but I apply it on mixed media works as well.  The varnish seems to give colors a little more pop. 

Although I do love drawing at my desk, most of my creative time this week has been spent on this embroidery piece:


I'm almost done with the embroidery part.  I'm wondering if I should add a city monogram to the design like I did in this piece.  Your thoughts?

6 comments:

kori said... 1

i am seriously in love with that mixed media piece.

Chrissy Foreman C said... 2

Your embroidery piece is SO fantastic. In fact, your whole blog is fantastic!
SO glad to have stumbled across you and your beautiful work :)

Unknown said... 3

ooooh la la, I just came across your blog, on a random etsy peruse today. I must say, its absolutely lovely.

Alex Louisa said... 4

I love how you've cut out the outline of the lake! I think it looks brilliant.

I also adore your embroidery pice. It's just amazing. There's some of my favourite colours in there!

So happy to have found your blog - PERFECT name, by the way! (It's the best kind of habit!)

Cathy said... 5

Hello and welcome! Thanks everyone for taking the time to comment and giving such encouraging feedback!

Anonymous said... 6

Cathy, This is all such beautiful work. Love what you're doing!

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