Mata Hari - Playful & Serious
Art & Soul
~Wings of Iron~
Saturday, July 11, 2009
SUMMER PAINTING FRIENDS
Here's some photos of summer painting activities with my friends out at Raymond! Special thanks to Melanie Atkinson for making this possible. It's been a wonderful summer of creative expression for us all.
Ms. Melanie, Eugenia, Ms. Sally & Ms. Kathy, making masterpieces!
Beautiful work by the girls!
A look at our still life model.
George, our always willing, and ageless model. He's been around forever!
Here's some photos of summer painting activities with my friends out at Raymond! Special thanks to Melanie Atkinson for making this possible. It's been a wonderful summer of creative expression for us all.
Ms. Melanie, Eugenia, Ms. Sally & Ms. Kathy, making masterpieces!
Beautiful work by the girls!
A look at our still life model.
George, our always willing, and ageless model. He's been around forever!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
BURN HAZARD - 2.5 X 3.5 Artist Trading Card
A warning label from an appliance has been altered to make this very meaningful trading card. It's most appropriate for life as we know it, for we will all encounter this situation, however, we don't get any warning labels :-( NOOOOO! We must learn the hard way!
A warning label from an appliance has been altered to make this very meaningful trading card. It's most appropriate for life as we know it, for we will all encounter this situation, however, we don't get any warning labels :-( NOOOOO! We must learn the hard way!
Monday, June 29, 2009
VON SEUTTER DIED - 2.5 X 3.5 Artist Trading Card
Another ATC. A bit of local color regarding a fellow buried in the cemetery at Raymond. I happen to own a clock that originated from his store back in the day, which is what prompted me to research him, and find that he killed himself, apparently mourning the earlier death of his missus.
Another ATC. A bit of local color regarding a fellow buried in the cemetery at Raymond. I happen to own a clock that originated from his store back in the day, which is what prompted me to research him, and find that he killed himself, apparently mourning the earlier death of his missus.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
THE ROSE - 2.5 X 3.5 Artist Trading Card
This is a first for me. I know these have been done before, but a lot of collage artists that I've been interacting with on Deviantart are doing these and I decided to join their group after being featured in a couple of times by some kind folks on there.
I hope no one finds this to be blasphemous, me calling Axl "The Rose." That sexy dancin' feller. Never liked his singing much, but dude could swing around quite to my liking ;-).
This is a first for me. I know these have been done before, but a lot of collage artists that I've been interacting with on Deviantart are doing these and I decided to join their group after being featured in a couple of times by some kind folks on there.
I hope no one finds this to be blasphemous, me calling Axl "The Rose." That sexy dancin' feller. Never liked his singing much, but dude could swing around quite to my liking ;-).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MIXED MEDIA HEART BOX
I saw some boxes on line somewhere a while back that someone had fixed up really tacky. Though I did not like what they'd done with their boxes, it gave me an idea to try a box for a mixed media project. I had this valentine candy box I'd saved just for such an experiment. Here's the result. I dunno...
Top and Inside
Inside of Top
I saw some boxes on line somewhere a while back that someone had fixed up really tacky. Though I did not like what they'd done with their boxes, it gave me an idea to try a box for a mixed media project. I had this valentine candy box I'd saved just for such an experiment. Here's the result. I dunno...
Top and Inside
Inside of Top
SHE WALKS AMONG STARS (VIRGO CONSTELLATION)
Another star themed collage on a 9 X 12 canvas board. This one is torn papers and tissue with onion skin and roots. There are accents added of a small bird feather, as well as the shell of a bird's egg found outside. The main images are constellation maps. I finished Miss Virgo with an old earring, tinsel, and a star jewel. I painted here and there with mica watercolors to brighten the images and give the piece a really vibrant look.
Another star themed collage on a 9 X 12 canvas board. This one is torn papers and tissue with onion skin and roots. There are accents added of a small bird feather, as well as the shell of a bird's egg found outside. The main images are constellation maps. I finished Miss Virgo with an old earring, tinsel, and a star jewel. I painted here and there with mica watercolors to brighten the images and give the piece a really vibrant look.
Monday, June 08, 2009
SAGITTARIUS ON GUARD
Ok, this was a real pain in the rear to do. It was my first time to do a gel transfer, so I did not know exactly what to expect or do. But NOW I do. Anyway, I finally finished this after working on it most of the day. I started making the transfer last night from a copy of the archer. I used a hair dryer to speed up the process, but I figured out that I only needed to use thin layers of gel medium (note to self).
I prepped my 8 X 10 board canvas, (which had once been a color wheel project for Design II class) with torn red tissue paper, which gave it a lot of texture. Then I put my constellation map on top of that. Next came layers of star tissue paper and handmade paper and waxed paper. Then I put the gel transfer on top. Then came more torn handmade paper, star tissue, and onion skin. I used acrylic paint to highlight areas on the archer that were not prominent enough to suit me and to make his face and hair more to my liking, because I wanted him to have long hair, which he did not, so I gave him some.
Finally, I added some vibrant mica watercolors and stamps, star jewels, an old earring, and some old gold tinsel to finish him off. I thought this was going to be a total disaster and fully expected to throw it in the trash. However, I stuck it out and I think I'm satisfied with Mr. Sag.
Ok, this was a real pain in the rear to do. It was my first time to do a gel transfer, so I did not know exactly what to expect or do. But NOW I do. Anyway, I finally finished this after working on it most of the day. I started making the transfer last night from a copy of the archer. I used a hair dryer to speed up the process, but I figured out that I only needed to use thin layers of gel medium (note to self).
I prepped my 8 X 10 board canvas, (which had once been a color wheel project for Design II class) with torn red tissue paper, which gave it a lot of texture. Then I put my constellation map on top of that. Next came layers of star tissue paper and handmade paper and waxed paper. Then I put the gel transfer on top. Then came more torn handmade paper, star tissue, and onion skin. I used acrylic paint to highlight areas on the archer that were not prominent enough to suit me and to make his face and hair more to my liking, because I wanted him to have long hair, which he did not, so I gave him some.
Finally, I added some vibrant mica watercolors and stamps, star jewels, an old earring, and some old gold tinsel to finish him off. I thought this was going to be a total disaster and fully expected to throw it in the trash. However, I stuck it out and I think I'm satisfied with Mr. Sag.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
STARSTREAM SURFIN'
9 X 12 mixed media collage on canvas board with foam core attachment. Constellation maps of Sagittarius, layers of tissue, onion skin, magazine clipping, mica water color, vintage postcard image, faux pearls, star jewels, and tinsel. The moon is a broken earring from the eighties, the star is from a string of Christmas decorations.
9 X 12 mixed media collage on canvas board with foam core attachment. Constellation maps of Sagittarius, layers of tissue, onion skin, magazine clipping, mica water color, vintage postcard image, faux pearls, star jewels, and tinsel. The moon is a broken earring from the eighties, the star is from a string of Christmas decorations.
SEEK YOUR FORTUNES
This time it's an 8 X 8 board canvas piece. I used two vintage photos, one of a child in a fairy costume, and one of a woman in a cape to get myself a gypsy woman with wings. I layered tissue paper over scrapbook paper, using magazine clippings and onion skin bits here and there. I also layered in crumpled waxed paper. I used mica water colors along the way. Sprinkled in some vintage postage stamps, a piece of sealing wax and a star. I cut the text from an old poster that is a replica of the poster that announced the opening of the Union Pacific Platte Valley Railroad Route. What? No glitter on this one? I don't know, I just don't think this one needs it.
This time it's an 8 X 8 board canvas piece. I used two vintage photos, one of a child in a fairy costume, and one of a woman in a cape to get myself a gypsy woman with wings. I layered tissue paper over scrapbook paper, using magazine clippings and onion skin bits here and there. I also layered in crumpled waxed paper. I used mica water colors along the way. Sprinkled in some vintage postage stamps, a piece of sealing wax and a star. I cut the text from an old poster that is a replica of the poster that announced the opening of the Union Pacific Platte Valley Railroad Route. What? No glitter on this one? I don't know, I just don't think this one needs it.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
MARRIAGE OF DESIGN & ART
Here' a 9 X 12 collage on a canvas board. This one came together nicely. The name for it came right from the newsprint page I used for the background. It was perfect. Mica watercolors make the background over the newsprint, with tissue paper layered over. A vintage photo of this lavishly outfitted lady makes a wonderful centerpiece for the Mardi Gras inspired colors. These colors look great with the image, and old gold tinsel completes the look. I like this one!
Here' a 9 X 12 collage on a canvas board. This one came together nicely. The name for it came right from the newsprint page I used for the background. It was perfect. Mica watercolors make the background over the newsprint, with tissue paper layered over. A vintage photo of this lavishly outfitted lady makes a wonderful centerpiece for the Mardi Gras inspired colors. These colors look great with the image, and old gold tinsel completes the look. I like this one!
LIVE AGAIN
Here's another blend of digital and traditional art. The angel and cemetery scene are a manipulated photo I took in the Jewish cemetery in Vicksburg. The theme of the collage is inspired by my long-time friend, Melonie Todd, who has been talking a lot about dry bones of late. So I used the photo manip of the cemetery scene with a nature theme and vibrant colors, along with the words "I will make you live again" for the collage. It is placed on top of pages from the Holy Bible, and given washes of mica water color, and stamps of mica watercolor, with the liberal sprinkling of purple glitter, just because!
Here's another blend of digital and traditional art. The angel and cemetery scene are a manipulated photo I took in the Jewish cemetery in Vicksburg. The theme of the collage is inspired by my long-time friend, Melonie Todd, who has been talking a lot about dry bones of late. So I used the photo manip of the cemetery scene with a nature theme and vibrant colors, along with the words "I will make you live again" for the collage. It is placed on top of pages from the Holy Bible, and given washes of mica water color, and stamps of mica watercolor, with the liberal sprinkling of purple glitter, just because!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
MONMOUTH GARDEN ANGEL
Here's another collage with a photo manipulation. The angel figure is from a photo I took at Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, MS. I used Photoshop to alter the photo and then did my artwork with it. I used a copy of a page from the old Bible again, as well as the mica watercolors, stamps and magazine clippings. Purple glitter is being used liberally around here these days.
Here's another collage with a photo manipulation. The angel figure is from a photo I took at Monmouth Plantation in Natchez, MS. I used Photoshop to alter the photo and then did my artwork with it. I used a copy of a page from the old Bible again, as well as the mica watercolors, stamps and magazine clippings. Purple glitter is being used liberally around here these days.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
ONE
You can't stop this artist! I'm making the best of the summer off this time. Not gonna sit around and do nothing all summer and be bored! So, here's another collage on an 8 X 10 canvas board.
I copied a couple of pages from Revelation out of a very old Bible. I digitally manipulated a photo I took at the old Jewish cemetery in Vicksburg to use in the collage. I used the Bible pages for the background. I washed the background with mica watercolor. I clipped the photo and used the part I wanted with the angel grave marker. I clipped up an old poster to get the "one" letters. The butterfly wings come from a magazine, as usual. I used little mirrors for a halo effect, and a little cross from my junk store stash. Stencils using mica watercolor. Oh, and there's purple glitter on there - cuz that's how I roll sistas, bruthas!
You can't stop this artist! I'm making the best of the summer off this time. Not gonna sit around and do nothing all summer and be bored! So, here's another collage on an 8 X 10 canvas board.
I copied a couple of pages from Revelation out of a very old Bible. I digitally manipulated a photo I took at the old Jewish cemetery in Vicksburg to use in the collage. I used the Bible pages for the background. I washed the background with mica watercolor. I clipped the photo and used the part I wanted with the angel grave marker. I clipped up an old poster to get the "one" letters. The butterfly wings come from a magazine, as usual. I used little mirrors for a halo effect, and a little cross from my junk store stash. Stencils using mica watercolor. Oh, and there's purple glitter on there - cuz that's how I roll sistas, bruthas!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
THE FISHQUEEN
The Fishqueen pines for her true sailor love...
Another 8 X 10 mixed media collage on canvas board. Used the newspaper background with mica watercolors again. The female image is from an old postcard, and the cod fish are from a page I created in Illustrator and cut out. The vintage photo is of my daddy when he was a teenager working on a fishing boat. I think he's probably 15 or 16 here. Yep, that's 1958 on the date. Mom and dad started out YOUNG. That's more of the old tinsel there too, and a lovely pearl jewel from the junk store for The Fishqueen. Sponge stamped accents with mica watercolor, and butterfly wings from a magazine. The star is terra cotta, and the sea shell came from the sea :-)
The Fishqueen pines for her true sailor love...
Another 8 X 10 mixed media collage on canvas board. Used the newspaper background with mica watercolors again. The female image is from an old postcard, and the cod fish are from a page I created in Illustrator and cut out. The vintage photo is of my daddy when he was a teenager working on a fishing boat. I think he's probably 15 or 16 here. Yep, that's 1958 on the date. Mom and dad started out YOUNG. That's more of the old tinsel there too, and a lovely pearl jewel from the junk store for The Fishqueen. Sponge stamped accents with mica watercolor, and butterfly wings from a magazine. The star is terra cotta, and the sea shell came from the sea :-)
Friday, May 29, 2009
DA KING
Well, I just can't seem to stop. Here's another 8 X 8 on canvas board. I really like the text and newspaper background with the mica watercolor on top. I'm going to keep experimenting with it and see what more effects I can come up with. This one looks like fish skin to me. Since I have a Mississippi theme going, and this one also covers musical roots, I think I might try writers next. Anyway, the studio is still a huge mess. I mean yikes!
Well, I just can't seem to stop. Here's another 8 X 8 on canvas board. I really like the text and newspaper background with the mica watercolor on top. I'm going to keep experimenting with it and see what more effects I can come up with. This one looks like fish skin to me. Since I have a Mississippi theme going, and this one also covers musical roots, I think I might try writers next. Anyway, the studio is still a huge mess. I mean yikes!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
THE CRYSTAL SKULL
One more. I think I may be about to burn out with this one. I don't really like it. Another 8 X 10. I like the background, but overall don't like the finished product. I used the text from a story I am in progress of writing. I used a skull image from a painting I did and I don't really like how it fits into the collage. But here 'tis.
Mica watercolors on fancy linen paper, with copied tarot card and magazine clippings. Also used stamps with mica watercolor. Yeh, there's a little purple glitter on there too, cuz that's just how I roll. It looks better if you click the photo for a full view. Yeehaw.
One more. I think I may be about to burn out with this one. I don't really like it. Another 8 X 10. I like the background, but overall don't like the finished product. I used the text from a story I am in progress of writing. I used a skull image from a painting I did and I don't really like how it fits into the collage. But here 'tis.
Mica watercolors on fancy linen paper, with copied tarot card and magazine clippings. Also used stamps with mica watercolor. Yeh, there's a little purple glitter on there too, cuz that's just how I roll. It looks better if you click the photo for a full view. Yeehaw.
CROOKED LETTER-HUMPBACK BLUES
Here's another mixed media collage on an 8 X 10 canvas board. I used newsprint from a local publication with local events on it. I adhered the newsprint with gel medium, then used some to block areas so I could watercolor the paper with mica colors. I printed Mr. Johnson from the internet onto a piece of card stock and cut him out, then gave him butterfly wings. I used mica watercolor on sponge stamps and blotted them to make hazy designs here and there. Next I cut out Mr. Crow and put a crown on him, then I let a little moth light on Mr. Robinson's shoulder down in the corner. All this makes a nice mixed media piece with plenty of local color, and lots of bright artistic color.
Here's another mixed media collage on an 8 X 10 canvas board. I used newsprint from a local publication with local events on it. I adhered the newsprint with gel medium, then used some to block areas so I could watercolor the paper with mica colors. I printed Mr. Johnson from the internet onto a piece of card stock and cut him out, then gave him butterfly wings. I used mica watercolor on sponge stamps and blotted them to make hazy designs here and there. Next I cut out Mr. Crow and put a crown on him, then I let a little moth light on Mr. Robinson's shoulder down in the corner. All this makes a nice mixed media piece with plenty of local color, and lots of bright artistic color.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
VINTAGE PAPER DOLL COLLAGE
8 X 8 mixed media collage on canvas board. Consists of old paper doll found on internet and printed on cardstock, magazine clipping of rose and butterfly wings, old thimble, button, old broken earring from junk shop, and two colors of glitter for shine. Background is painted in acrylics on top of black gesso.
8 X 8 mixed media collage on canvas board. Consists of old paper doll found on internet and printed on cardstock, magazine clipping of rose and butterfly wings, old thimble, button, old broken earring from junk shop, and two colors of glitter for shine. Background is painted in acrylics on top of black gesso.
BLUE BUTTERFLY
I liked the prior butterfly piece a lot, so I tried another. This one is also an 8 X 10 on a board canvas. I clipped the butterfly from a magazine spread along with the flowers. I used black gesso and acrylic paints for the background. The lock and keys came from the junk store in Raymond and the mirror bits are Katrina trash. I added some colored glitter for shine. The frame is one I had laying around that looked pretty good for it.
I liked the prior butterfly piece a lot, so I tried another. This one is also an 8 X 10 on a board canvas. I clipped the butterfly from a magazine spread along with the flowers. I used black gesso and acrylic paints for the background. The lock and keys came from the junk store in Raymond and the mirror bits are Katrina trash. I added some colored glitter for shine. The frame is one I had laying around that looked pretty good for it.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
CHIEF NANZETTA'S LINIMENT
Another mixed media project from this weekend. This one is 8 X 10 on a canvas board. I used black gesso, then painted the canvas black and mottled it with yellow ochre and black. Butterflies are clipped from a magazine. The chunk of mirror is Katrina trash, and the rest of the stuff is old jewelry and bits from the junk store in Raymond. The brass ring reminds me of the carousel at Balboa Park in San Diego. Threw a little tinsel on there for some shine. Even the frame is a junker, but I love how it goes perfectly with the piece. The Liniment flyer was rescued from the trash by my spouse, who got it from the frame shop where he works. They'd been laying around there forever. I have a few more, don't know if this stuff was for real or not.
Another mixed media project from this weekend. This one is 8 X 10 on a canvas board. I used black gesso, then painted the canvas black and mottled it with yellow ochre and black. Butterflies are clipped from a magazine. The chunk of mirror is Katrina trash, and the rest of the stuff is old jewelry and bits from the junk store in Raymond. The brass ring reminds me of the carousel at Balboa Park in San Diego. Threw a little tinsel on there for some shine. Even the frame is a junker, but I love how it goes perfectly with the piece. The Liniment flyer was rescued from the trash by my spouse, who got it from the frame shop where he works. They'd been laying around there forever. I have a few more, don't know if this stuff was for real or not.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
TIME
First mixed media project in a while. 8 X 8 board canvas painted with acrylic. Broken antique doll, broken jewelry, poem I wrote and fixed up in Illustrator, crows clipped from magazines, other junk, plastered on with gel medium. Still a tad wet when I took the photo.
I call this "Time" as in "Time ain't yo' friend." Obviously.
First mixed media project in a while. 8 X 8 board canvas painted with acrylic. Broken antique doll, broken jewelry, poem I wrote and fixed up in Illustrator, crows clipped from magazines, other junk, plastered on with gel medium. Still a tad wet when I took the photo.
I call this "Time" as in "Time ain't yo' friend." Obviously.
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