One of my favorite things to use in my art are repeated elements. Such an easy way to create rhythm, continuity and texture. One of my favorite elements are dots, circles, round things. Dots as texture is just yummy and is a simple way to add a bit of interest to anything you are creating. When I am stumped as to what I should add next? Dots. When I need a little texture? Dots. I have bubble wrap, sequin waste and other recycled packaging that I use to create dots. Recently I got my paws on the new Halftone Dots stencil I admit I squealed a teeny bit. Oh man, these stencils are a game changer. They are great on their own and even better layered one on top of the other. They don't quite line up which ends up being divine and they are not perfect circle dots which makes them oh so interesting to look at. Have I convinced you yet? Read to the end as there is a GIVEAWAY you need to be a part of!
For this weeks project I pulled out an abandoned canvas (please please please tell me you have those too!!) with a textured red background. Hmmm, what should I add next? Yep, you guessed it, DOTS. Keep reading and let me take you on a journey of my artistic process with oodles of pictures.
Supplies used:
8x10 stretched canvas (abandoned in the back of my closet)
Halftone Dots stencil
Dina Wakley Acrylic Paints
Isopropyl Alcohol
Old dictionary pages
Soft gel medium
Gold Leaf and adhesive
Let's get started!
I applied two layers of acrylic paint with the two larger dots stencils (with a make-up sponge) and let the paint dry a smidge between layers.
I tore a sheet of dictionary page to create a landscape and attached it with gel medium. Using Dina's Night color I glazed the edges of the canvas to add depth.
The next layer is white paint and the next size down of the Halftone dots. I also added a green wash to the dictionary page landscape.
At this point I decide to put the focus of the composition in the sky. To define this focal point I used white paint to create a circle and tried out some metallic paint for contrast.
I decided three angels would occupy the space and cut out dresses from more dictionary paper and heads from thin chipboard. I glued the dresses down with soft gel medium and added a wash of white to them. To the heads I started adding paint for the faces.
I ended up using alcohol to rub off a few layers of paint in the circle area and liked it better that way. I sketched in the arms, wings and faces of the three lovely ladies. I also added yellow around the circle area too.
I thought I would create their faces on chipboard and then attach them but scratched the idea and went ahead and painted them directly on the canvas. The following pictures show the evolution of the characters with their faces, arms, wings and crowns.
To further define the focal point I added a raw umber glaze to the outside of the circle. As a finishing touch for the angels I added gold leafing.
So there you have it! I have a few finishing touches I want to add but am going to let it sit for a day or two to let it simmer. For sure I will be adding another layer to the outside of the circle with the smallest dots stencil to add more (you got it) rhythm, continuity and texture.
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