I had 2 8x10 canvases on hand and have discovered I like a larger work area so I planned the piece to hang them one over the other.
I did the background and tree trunk 2 Sundays ago and finished up the rest this weekend. In between we had been to Cheap Joe's Art Supply in Boone which is a bit like taking me to the candy store. I was pretty good because I was so overwhelmed by all the stuff I didn't know quite what to buy settling on a few colors of transparent acrylic paint in different brands. So I used some of the paints here on the leaves.
The bird was cut with the Cricut and I cut everything else by hand. I did a pattern for the tree and then used several different papers to complete the trunk and branches. The 'bark' is some modeling paste mixed with brown ink. I so love that I get to use a lot of my ink refills and older acrylic paints in these pieces. So many things underused or not used at all have been put to use.
Another thing from Cheap Joe's is a black Sharpie Paint Pen. Lenny spotted them and wanted to try one for his pinball playfiends. I think he is going to love it! It does a very fine line over any surface including modge podge and doesn't smear at all. He often has a lot of detail work to do in refurbishing a machine.
Making these pieces is still a learning process. For this one I think I would have picked a shorter saying or more likely used the same type of lettering for more words. I was trying to do this with all stickers and papers cut out of books. It is just a bit too busy and gets sort of lost. The sentiment is a good one to read each day. "Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow." - Emerson
So I guess I'm growing :-)
This is so beautiful, Lisa! So many wonderful details. I just love the work you did to create the quote!
ReplyDeletebeautiful tree, and love the quote!
ReplyDeleteLovely work! Love the riot of colour! :D
ReplyDeleteI had the Lovely As A Tree stamp and used it all the time! Such beautiful art work and a great quote.
ReplyDeletethis is beautiful Lisa-love your artwork and the sentiment
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful piece of art.
ReplyDeleteThe colours are so pretty.
I love that stamp set you mentioned, and have been wanting it for years.