Another day another challenge!
And a little insight into how my collages are created.
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The Daisy chain
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I have just discovered a new Challenge!
Inspiration Avenue! This weeks theme is to show and tell, either a new piece or an older piece you would like to share. So as I am new to Inspiration Avenue I thought I would post one of my favourite collages which I created before I began my blog so didn't get a chance to show and tell about it's making. It was made for my daughter who asked me for a fairy collage. It is a representation (with a little artistic licence) of my two daughters linked together by a daisy chain. Both now live in different parts of the UK so it is nice to think of an almost invisible thread linking them. The finished canvas is finished with a gloss glaze which is rather difficult to photograph so apologies for reflections.
It also gives me a chance to show how I build up layers in my collages. The figures are drawn at first then the background is built up in a combination of paper and paint. Areas I don't like are simply covered over. Collage is very forgiving. I used fabric petals from a hula Hawaiian wreath to make some of the pink background.
The butterfly was cut from a napkin and then glazed over. I tend not to use napkins now preferring to draw or paint original features in my designs ,however it does illustrate how effective this can be if it is combined with layering techniques. The dresses are made from paper doilies, the type you put on plates, They have a lovely lace like texture. Its quite a simple collage, but I like it and it still hangs on my daughters wall today.
I always add the hair last, made from tiny pieces of paper strip. The glue I use is either modpodge or acrylic medium and I always use several glazes over the finished piece to seal and finish it . Any questions feel free to ask me. Hope to take part in many more Inspiration Avenue challenges. :)
you never said that the fairies represented me and k! I like it even more than I already did now:) we need an invisible daisy chain linking you, me, gran and K the miles apart that we are these days!:(x
ReplyDeleteIt would need to be a very long daisy chain! :) x
DeleteI'm always amazed by your collages, and even more so with your vision and patience. Time short just now, but I will try incorporating some of your tips into a collage when I can. I shall never be able to do anything like this, though. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhen you 'glaze', what do you glaze with - acrilic paint?
Thanks Jez, I use acrylic medium mixed with a little iridescent medium, then I use varnish to seal the collage. The acrylic medium helps fix the paper and makes the colours more stable.
Deletedropping by from the challenge on Inspiration Avenue - this is so beautiful! What a treasure for your girls! May I pin this to my fairy tale board?
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, lovely to meet you! love that you like my fairies, they would fit very nicely in your fairy door ( looked at your fabulous entry this week ) no problem with you using my image as long as you credit me if it is public.
DeleteWhat a beautiful thing to do for your daughter. I love how you say it's a "very simple collage". It's incredibly intricate by my standards but seeing the breakdown of how you went about it is inspiring. Also love the idea of adding iridescent medium when you seal it. Will definiately give that a go!
ReplyDeleteHappy I could share some ideas Gillian :)
Deletegreat piece. Love the girls on it.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous painting! Thanks for sharing in progress shots as well. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful collage. Beautifull composition. I am glad that I found your blog. Thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. So light and airy. Glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteI love how their hair looks like ribbons. It's all so lush and gorgeous, so befitting fairies.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! I'm glad you saw the IA challenge and decided to jump in. I always like to learn about how something is made. It's really a special thing to have made for your daughter. Thank you for playing with us at Inspiration Avenue. I hope you'll join more challenges with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you, happy I found Inspiration Avenue!
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful and enhanced by your description of your processes. For challenges have a look at the Three Muses challenge, Take a Word challenge and Sunday Postcard Art which each issue a new theme every week.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheila, I need more hours in the day I think :) so many challenges so little time!
DeleteIA is a wonderful place to find amazing art and they're just plumb lucky to have you join them with your always fabulous work! Thanks for the process pictures and explanation! I'm fascinated by the hair and really all of it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Annie :)
DeleteSo so beautiful. I am utterly enchanted!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa! I've looked at your blog, your work is beautiful, I love your almost abstract use of colour, so happy to have you following me!
DeleteReally beautiful piece - and it's very interesting to see how you created it, step by step. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you TG, I often wish I took more photos of work in progress but more than often I get a bit lost in the creative zone and forget...must remember to get my camera out and photograph 'work in progress' shots more often.
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