I joined a extremely fun 4x4 blank canvas challenge/swap created by our hostess Kristy who even provided the canvas for us! It has been a long while since I participated in such a creative challenge. As a group we selected the theme. But I must say for me the effects of British Petroleum's uncapped oil well continuing to cause major effects to our ocean's water made a major difference in my thoughts and feelings about this topic as time went on. I am glad I finished mine several weeks ago.
Below are the instruction we were given and a description of what I did for each section. Each canvas I created has it's own distinctive character. This one is for Renu who is the next player to complete the challenge.
Theme: The Ocean
First layer: COLOR
Squirt, smoosh, spritz – get that colour on however you like! Think only of the colour – no planning of future layers allowed at this point.
Each of your canvases may look different at this stage – that is fine.
If you want to add texture i.e. gesso, tissue, glue to the colour – add away!
- I first added gesso to the canvas stamped into the goo to achieve some texture. Here you can see some stamp circles in the sand on ocean's bottom. I have some new acrylic paints that I wanted to mix into additional colors. If you look at the water you notice green, reds and other mixes...at the time I thought I would make a tradition collage.
Second layer: PATTERN
Stamped, printed, found: still not thinking too much about the outcome. Just follow your instincts!
- While I had already covered this step by stamping in the gesso I also stamp the base seaweed and starfish.
Third layer: STAMPED IMAGES
These can be digital or rubber. Colour them and collage them on.
- I prepare the fish to be a focal image by stamp on paper and coloring.
Fourth layer: TEXT – pop some in there somewhere.
- I tried handwriting on the canvas but that was not easy so I resorted to typed text letters.
Fourth layer: DOODLING
pens, markers, Paint markers – any media that makes doodling on your work possible.
- I wanted more depth and feeling of movement to achieve a sense of water so I doodled away not really knowing how to create the look I wanted. Finally, I simply went for playing and giggling until the canvas was filled. I glued on the fish, stamped air bubbles and added glossy accents to them and finally glued on the title.
TAA DAA: You have created a MASTERPIECE! (5 actually!)
- Many thanks to Kristy for guiding us with a winning recipe!!!
