An unusual art tool

Okay, this is not what you normally conjure up when thinking of an artist's tool kit but I had the revelation last night that this was a key to more painting happening around here.

My ideal studio would be a warm, light filled, totally sound proof room with hot water on tap for coffees and a fridge full of inspiring and interesting foods to recharge upon. The reality however, is light years away from this! One of these ideals however, can be approximated, and the joys of undisturbed trains of thought are mine (and yes, by this you can deduce that I am an introvert).

The Sketchbook Challenge: Stevia Stamps

The Sketchbook Challenge: Stevia Stamps:
I'm blogging this link so I don't lose it! I've just invested in some stamps from my lovely parents-in- law's Christmas art voucher and this lady has some awesome ideas on how to make your own. I'm inspired to do some stamping!

Creation Inspiration

I am now very spoilt for choice in artwork/journalling ideas. The range of scenery I have experienced over the holidays is vast and the decision is what to paint and how? I think this is where quick sketches in an art journal will really help with final decisions and developing a few ideas.

Bleach out

As the title suggests, this is a bleach out background page. If you use indian ink and then paint bleach on with found utensils (I used a bamboo skewer stick and old brushes). The bleach tends to have a yellowish tinge. If you paint into the wet ink it "bleeds"and blurrs randomly.
The second start page is where I'm experimenting with adding fimo creations with a metal loop baked in to hang other 3D elements off.
What's in a name? Well, I'm finding the idea of a junk journal kind of lets me relax and try new things - maybe it's the use of the word junk - takes the pressure off somehow.

Create

 

This page originally wan't working until I covered up some of the detail with a bit of "white space" - learning to balance out a page with a "resting point". This shows the  power of negative space and claiming back tonal contrast.
The word create was made by using modelling compound painted through a lettering stencil.

Interactive art wheel

I'm giving junk journalling a go this weekend and this is a starting point. I'm having fun putting in some interactive elements such as the turning wheel. Lessons learnt on this piece - to use heavier card stock for the interactive elements.

Warp and weft

The top photo is where I got stuck on this journalling page. I left the piece for a while until I found a site that gave me an idea for moving the piece a bit further along:

http://maisarmendonca.blogspot.co.nz/2011/06/aquarela-faca-seu-proprio-papel.html