Monday, May 23, 2022

Black and white

 

Matilde of Craftowanie is our host this month at Art Journal Journey.  By now you may know her theme is Birds. I'm joining her with my monochromatic journal page.

For lack of a better term, I'm calling this latest bird inspired entry Black and White.  I have a few detail shots I will share before I explain how I created it. 


After some careful checking on the internet, I believe this is a Western Grebe carrying its baby on its back. 



The only difference I found between this image and the ones I found on the internet, the internet Western Grebes have red eyes.
 
I started this entry on 110 lb. cardstock using various paint brushes dipped in black watercolor paint.  The more water I added, the lighter the watercolor got until it was grey.  I then attempted splatters, something at which I've never been good.  I think these are the best splatters I have ever created.

Once the page was completely dry, I added a leftover bit of vintage sheet music.  Over that, I added the image of the bird I found in an art book.  
 
I was given a container of black and white buttons and was anxious to use a few of them.  Attaching the buttons was easy.  Aligning the holes inside the buttons was much harder, since I didn't have tweezers to help.   I used E-6000 to affix the buttons, and I noticed after they dried, a few of the buttons shifted slightly.

The final button was affixed to two white petals to complete the flower. 

Bleubeard and I are truly delighted you dropped by today and hope to see you at Art Journal Journey where the theme this month is Birds.
 
If you were here on Friday, you saw I promised to update you on the state of my   
remodel of my "patio," as I so laughingly call it.

It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind, right?

I decided to leave the plastic shelving on the north side of the house and move all those buckets there.   I'm so glad I did.  I like this little stand here and it fits in this spot perfectly, too.

Thankfully, it was cool yesterday morning, so I took advantage of the fact and started a fire in my chiminea.

Looks like I need to clean this area around the chiminea, too.  Still, I like how this is starting to look.

Thanks for sticking around to see this update.


17 thoughtful remarks:

Elephant's Child said...

The journal page is dramatic and lovely.
I really like what you have done to your patio area too.

Neet said...

Such a super journal page - quite a dramatic effect with those spatters, I saw it on Bloglovin' and decided I needed to look further and am glad i did. A great mono page.
Love the patio - love the chiminea, love the fact you can do what you want to your patio.
Hugs, Neet xxx

CJ Kennedy said...

Your black and white page is so crisp. Your patio looks like such a peaceful space.

Mae Travels said...

That fire looks really inviting, though I don't see how you can sit near it to enjoy the warmth. We have returned to cool evenings and nights after some rather warm weather, but the only fire was for grilling.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Christine said...

Lovely take in black and white. Nice patio

Valerie-Jael said...

Wonderful black and white page, and great splatters. Have fun on your patio! Hugs, Valerie

My name is Erika. said...

You page is quite dramatic. I love the splatters and that is interesting about grebes. I don't live in the west so I don't know western grebes, but I know loons also carry babies on their backs. I've seen that and it is very interesting. The patio is looking good too, and it's nice to see your chiminea burning. Mine is still in the screen porch which is not yet opened. Hopefully this weekend. Have a great start to your week. Hugs-Erika

Divers and Sundry said...

I especially like your use of the button as the center of the flower.

Patios are long-term projects, in my experience, forever reshaping themselves. I like how yours is shaping up. It looks like an enjoyable place to sit :)

DVArtist said...

I love these black and white. Also your garden is looking soooo good. Have a great day.

Debra said...

LOVE love the bird page!
Your patio area is really nice. I'd love to come and sit at your table and watch the fire...

kathyinozarks said...

Hi Elizabeth, I am in love with your page! I would frame this one it is just so neat to view.
I am really liking your patio-fun we are really cold here today still had to turn the heat on as the house got down to the low 60's and that is too cold for us now. I wish this wood stove was not broken.
Yes we are posting for Food Wednesdays-actually I messed up when I set the date to post-it was suppose to be the 24th late in the day and I put in the 17th so it's already up and I have a link up already. I will post a link to it for this Wednesday

da tabbies o trout towne said...

the patio is looking great Elizabeth !!! and speaking of... so is the art piece featured today; I'm glad you "zoomed in" so we could see the detail up close !!

*Vicki* said...

I am a huge fan of birds and this loon is perfect for your monochromatic style! Very nicely done with the splattering and ephemera!

carol l mckenna said...

Very elegant and creative monochromatic journal page ~ love the patio ~ cozy ~ Xo


Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Meggymay said...

I love how you left this page monochrome, it would have been so tempting [for me] to add colour, a fantastic inspiration for the AJJ theme .
Your patio looks so inviting a welcome haven to sit in and relax.
Yvonne xx

Matilde said...

I like the B&W idea of that page! It looks very interestng :) And I also like your patio - it looks like such a peaceful and quiet space 🥰

pearshapedcrafting said...

I love this page - your spatters are great!!! I saw this on Friday's post but I couldn't comment - I love your updates. Hugs, Chris x