Monday, June 23, 2014

Summer of Color, Week 3: Lavender, Gray, Plum

Kristin, our delightful host at Twinkle, Twinkle has once again picked the latest SOC4 colors and they are lavender, grey, and a splash of plum.

Last week I was able to visit everyone on the list, although it took me most of the week to do so.  I was unable, however, to leave comments on those of you who posted to Facebook, Flickr, Instagram,  Pinterest, and G+ sites, because I'm not a member of those other media genres. I more than likely will not make it around to everyone this week, but I saw many wonderful works of art that truly inspired me.

I started this week's challenge with the intention of trying a new way to design one of my fabric quiltlets.

I cut styrofoam from the lid of a take-out box and brought out my various styluses.  

I tried to make a cat, but my limited drawing skills were, well . . . limited!

I couldn't find any gray paint, so I mixed up white and black.  As I was mixing, I remembered to take a photo.

I painted the "cat" with the paint colors of the week,

and attempted to transfer it to the fabric.

A second attempt, after I deepened the image, also was NOT what I expected.  Even Bleubeard shook his head at my attempt to draw his likeness.

So I had to come up with a different game plan.  And that's when I completely forgot to take step out photos.

I started with a piece of wood I had already cut, so I'm not sure what the size is.  I laid down a layer of lavender paint and allowed it to dry.  Then I completely covered it with the last of my gray paint I had mixed up earlier.  When that was dry, I dry brushed spots of lavender for the final layer.  I was hoping that would give the piece some depth.

While the paint was drying, I looked for a suitable quote, but not finding one I liked, I made up one.  When the paint on the wood was dry, I began playing around with the flowers.

When I had a design I liked, I painted the flowers lavender and plum, which were all originally white, except for the single gray one.

Not a good shot, unfortunately, but I was trying to show I used some nearly dead pigment ink on the large flower.  In fact, it was so dead, I couldn't get it to stamp a love quote, as I originally intended.

Paint and various buttons were added to the flowers,

then I added the words.  Although the plum looks brown in the photos, it is the fact it is early morning here, and the lighting in my craft room shifted the color.

After much fumbling around on this entry, I finally have something I am happy with.  I hope you enjoy it, too.

Be sure to visit Kristin for links to others participating in this week's SOC.  I'm sure they'll appreciate it as much as I.

44 thoughtful remarks:

TwinkleToes2day said...

Ok. Let me first get the cuckling out of the way (hehehe). I'm sorry, but you did make me giggle with your cat print. I shouldn't, I know, as being no Van Gogh myself, but chuckle I did.
Now. Kind hat firmly on. Your block and flower piece is GORgeousness in lilac grey and plum and the flowers are sooo pretty with their splashes of paint. Love it Elizabeth! And your quote is very lovely and matches your work perfectly. You did plant happiness in me. Enjoy the rest of your week :o)

Maria Ontiveros said...

Thanks for taking us through your creative process. I'm glad I'm not the only one who goes through trial and error before arriving at something I like. Thanks for visiting and for kicking off the week so quickly!
Rinda

BJ said...

Your final piece is superb, so much so it made me forget you attempts with the print! So no giggling here! I just adore this piece Elizabeth, my super favourite colours too. BJ

sheila 77 said...

What an utterly fabulous process post. I like your cat, don't be rude about him, he has a lovely purple body and furry face, nothing wrong with him that I can see. Have you seen some of Orange Esmeralda's cats?
I really, really like your panel, the fact that is on wood (something different) , the marvellous flowers, your lovely quote and the all-over arrangement, nice work.
And congratulations on visiting so many sites, I tried hard and enjoyed my visits, but ran out of steam when lots came in at the end.

AM Zafaran said...

I liked your cat too and as for the flowers, they are fabulous!!

Krisha said...

Sorry Bluebeard, but I like the rustic cat print too. LOL

Your wooden art really turned out pretty. Love the way you painted the wood,

I didn't post last weeks SOC, cause I REALLY hated it, but I did leave it in the journal. Here is hoping I can do something better with these colors......grin!

Patricia said...

Oooh, that second work is sooo PRETTY!!! Beautiful interpretation of the colors this week!! And...speaking as an art teacher, way to go on your Cat print attempt!! I think it's got wonderful charm!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it works and sometimes it is an oops. Bet you will find a use for that oops later, knowing you, waste not gal that you are. xox

Miriam said...

Oh! this is so lovely Elizabeth & thanks for the process. It's always nice to know I'm not the only one to "come up with a different plan!"

pearshapedcrafting said...

I just know you will find a way to use your cat, but must say I do love your wooden block, which I wouldn't have seen if you hadn't been happy with your cat (not Bleubeard - I mean the print!) On catch up having had a weekend of poor connectivity! Chrisx

~*~Patty S said...

Knowing you your kitty kat will not go to waste...
it is always fun to see how you dive into projects
AND
take time to snap photos to document the process!
Your cat has a nice folk art feel to it...
Your wood panel with flowers sure is great...those colors look super and the shading you created does indeed add extra interest and depth!
Your original quote is just perfect too!
oxo

Christine said...

wow! that was quick - did Bluebeard get you up extra early?!?
Loved the cat idea and hope you can use it later.
I love what you did with the colours ...
Bishopsmate

Karla B said...

Lovely!

Nan G said...

Rustic kitty will be cool used else where! Love the wood piece. Your background looks like a fence so there's plenty of depth to it. Absolutely lovely Elizabeth!

Tammie Lee said...

fun kitty piece and sweet summery card.

Penny Lee StewArt said...

Keep on keeping on. Art has a life of its own. I like the pieces you created.

kat said...

Your flowers are beautiful, a real work of art!

GlorV1 said...

Love your final piece. Thanks for the process. Enjoyed it.

Deborah Weber said...

I know it's shockingly unbelievable but I think Bleubeard may be wrong this time. I think the 2nd kitty print is marvelous. He may well have been shaking his head with the magnitude of appreciation for the likeness. But in any case, love your flowers as well. Wishing you a very happy week.

Kristin said...

xo ;)

Cindy McMath said...

I can't get over how quickly you get your SOC done! Before I am even awake (I know - time zones, but still!). I actually kind of dig your folk art cat - I know he is not beautiful like Bleubeard, but he has a sweet quality that I found quite appealing! Your beautiful flower piece though is lovely. Such a great use of these colours! Funny I was working very close to this pallette last night for my ICAD - maybe I'm tuned in as it is not my usual colour scheme!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Your card is fantastic!!!!

Virginia said...

gorgeous work

Eliza said...

Bluebeard still is the most handsome cat in the house. Love your flowers on wood, clever and thanks for the process explanation, I found it interesting.

Hugs Eliza & Yoda

Unknown said...

I am astounded that you have your SOC week 3 completed already! I really like the finished project and that you took the time to photograph your process. I never thought to paint flowers the color I wanted. Such a simple idea! Buying some white ones this week.

Linda Gibbons said...

I loce your final project, it's just lovely. I do like your rustic cat, but it doesn't resemble Bluebeard in the least.
Try inscribing am image onto the foam with your stylus--that's how I make my foam stamps.

gma said...

LOVE it. I must try that printing technique. I love that you showed that to us even though it wasn't your actual finished piece. OH and speaking of which your finished art is Awesome

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I like the concept of how you created the stamp, even if the final impression was not what you were going for.

Your final project, however, is stunning! I really don't think one can go wrong with purple--coming from a self-confessed purple lover!

Halle said...

I completely respect your attempt at the printing. The drawing of Bleubeard is purr-fectly fine...but the printing process didn't work out so hot.
Your second attempt though is completely awesome!!!! Love every bit of it!

Unknown said...

Thanks for leaving such wonderful comments on mu blog. I love to find other people who work with textiles. I love the way that your cat printed on the fabric. I'll have to try that method sometime. The piece that you created on the board is adorable.

Laila said...

I love your cat print, with a tiny bit of stitching it will turn itno a magic piece of art.

Linda Kunsman said...

I simply adore your flower plaque Elizabeth! I also quite like your cat art on the fabric-you should do something with it. Must work on my post and photo editing today to get my challenge art in. I try visiting everyone but haven't quite made it all the way thru yet-good for you to see it all!

Linda Kunsman said...

I simply adore your flower plaque Elizabeth! I also quite like your cat art on the fabric-you should do something with it. Must work on my post and photo editing today to get my challenge art in. I try visiting everyone but haven't quite made it all the way thru yet-good for you to see it all!

Caz said...

I love the plaque, its very very pretty! I liked your cat on the fabric too!! It was cute!

linda (dots n doodles) said...

Your block is really beautiful and the words just finish this off. I like your cat prints, as they have are naive looking.

Annie Claxton said...

hehehhe glad it's not just me! You may not be happy with your cat, but that's a brilliant idea which I must have a go at, the effect is really cool. And I love your flower piece, beautiful! :o)

Nordljus said...

Your print may not have turned out how you would have liked, by I think the technique is very clever, and certainly new to me. The wood piece is absolutely stunning! Love the three dimensionality of it, and how you made the colours work together. Gorgeous!

Mary Ann Potter said...

Very cool! I love the way you explained your process. Nifty use of the colors!

Sharon Fritchman said...

I think your cat print turned out amazing! I mean it - so creative and cool! I would have loved to have seen more!!! And your work of art on the piece of wood is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and personality with all of us!

Denise Price said...

Hello! Your altered piece turned out great. I especially liked how you altered the flowers with paints and inks.

I'm with Sharon, I also liked the styrofoam print. I think I'm going to have to borrow that idea and play around with it a little. Thanks for sharing your process.

Becky Dunham said...

Love your final project! The cat is nice too though even if Bluebeard didn't agree lol

Claire said...

I actually like your cat print, it made me want to try out some mono printing. perhaps I will at some point.
I love your panel too an particularly like the fact it is on wood. The quote is lovely. x

joy said...

Thank you, Elizabeth, for showing your process of creating. The cat print is very unique and I think you will do something unique with it someday!

The painted wood with flowers is gorgeous!! I love the distressed look you achieved using this week's colors.

I was late getting my post up and will probably not be able to comment on every post this time either. It is so much fun to see the variety of projects from everyone, isn't it??

Carmen said...

I completely have an image of your cat casting his critical eye over you while you work. So funny - I think he may be too critical as I liked your stamped image!

I love the quote you made up too, such a lovely thought.