DecoArtMedia Winter Wonderland Challenge: Winter is Magic Snowy Owl Canvas

Welcome to the DecoArt Media Winter Wonderland Challenge!

This challenge is winter themed and filled with blues, purples and maybe even some snow!
The DecoArt Mixed Media Design Team has been busy creating some great inspiration pieces that have been featured daily since December 28th over on the DecoArt Media Blog.  The challenge opened for entries on December 28th and will close on January 29th.

Hello, hello!!!  Are you guys keeping warm?  It's been pretty mild so far here in Texas.  February is usually our coldest month so we'll have to wait and see how we fair this winter.   Okay so for this challenge I created a beautiful snowy owl mixed media canvas.

I'm using a 6x6 burlap canvas that I covered with a thick layer of  DecoArt Media gesso.  I used a palette knife to spread it on then added a wash of blue interference.

Next I added warmth with shades of pink.  I'm using a combination of quinacridone magenta, magenta interference and white shimmer mist.

 After that I mixed up some Prussian blue with crackle paint.  I applied it with a palette knife and stamped snowflakes into it when it was half dry.  This technique leaves a subtle impression in the background.

I tweaked the background a bit then used a chalk pencil to sketch my design.  Once I was happy with the sketch I loaded my brush with Paynes Grey and went over the sketch.

After that it was just a matter of coloring in my owl.  I started with a base layer of good ole Titanium White.

I continued to layer and add shadows using Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Paynes Grey and Carbon Black.  While the paint was still wet, I sprinkled a thin layer of blue fairy dust for a little shimmer.

Next I added embossed snowflakes here and there.

To round out the composition and add some interest, I attached an embellishment cluster.  The cluster includes a glittered snowflake, tiny silk rose, hatpin and paper flower.

The final touch was adding the sentiment: Winter is Magic.

Thank you so much for stopping by today, be sure to enter the DecoArtMedia Winter Wonderland Challenge.  Have a wonderful day!!

Whimsical Redheaded Girl - Mixed Media Canvas

Happy Friday everyone!  I just finished up this canvas redo.  Here's the before pic: 

This is a canvas that I created back in 2012.  The "beautiful" fell off awhile back so it just sat there for a long time.  This week I decided it was time to give it a makeover.  I pulled the rest of the embellishments off and then started adding paint.  Here's what happened next:

I ended up adding a flower because I wasn't happy with the way the nest looked.  I think she turned out pretty cute but she still needs a name.  What do think I should call her?  

If you'd like to this beauty a home, she's available for purchase here: Little Honey Bee Studio.

Thank you so much for stopping by, until next time!!

Elegant Halloween Pillow: DecoArt Media

Welcome to the DecoArt Mixed Media Haunts Challenge: Goblins, Zombies, Witches... OH MY!

Join the DecoArt Mixed Media Design Team in a spooky Halloween challenge from October 1st through the 28th! Have a peek at our talented designer's projects below and be on the look out for their full tutorials on the DecoArt Media Facebook throughout the Mixed Media Haunts Challenge! 

Feeling inspired? Create your very own spooktacular piece and submit it below through the Inlinkz link at the bottom of our Design Team project photos. Entries will be accepted until October 28th at 11:55pm.

On October 29th, Andy Skinner will choose his two favorite pieces. The runner-up will receive $50 worth of DecoArt Media product and the grand prize winner will receive $100 worth of DecoArt Media goodies!

Hi everyone!!!  It's time to pull out all of your delightfully wicked Halloween decor.  I have to be honest, this is my absolute favorite time of year.  I'm a total Halloween nerd and each year I add a few more pieces to my collection. This year I created this elegant little throw pillow using DecoArt Media fluid acrylic paints and mediums.  I also used Paper Wings Productions Halloween stamps and flowers from my stash.

I started by measuring out and cutting an 11x11" square of canvas.

 Next I prepped the canvas by applying a generous layer of gesso.  I completely covered the entire piece of canvas.

I wanted my pillow to be purple but I didn't have any so I mixed Prussian Blue Hue, Paynes Grey, Quinacridone Magenta and Pyrrole Red.  The result is a beautiful shade of violet.

Once my base coat of paint was dry I stenciled the Indian Ikat design with a mixture of Titanium White and Magenta Interference.  The Interference ads a very subtle tint of magenta to the white paint.

To add a little more interest I stamped "are you a good witch or a bad witch" all over.

Now to add some spooky fun!  I used the DecoArt Media Matte Medium to transfer a trio of vintage spooks.  To transfer the image, I applied the matte medium to both the canvas and the front of the image.  Then I placed the image face down and burnished it using a bone folder.  I let my transfer dry over night then spritzed with water and gently rubbed the paper off with my finger.

After removing all of the paper, I sealed my image with the matte medium.  I added more stamping to frame the image.  This one says: The time has come for the witch's dance!  The spooks from far and near will gather and make merry for Halloween is here.

With all the main pieces done it was time to dress it up with embellishments, sew the back on, stuff and close it up.

I sewed black rose trim to the front before sewing and stuffing the pillow.  I added the bling, roses and leaves at the very end with hot glue.

I used a simple black and white fabric for my backing.  To attach simply place both pieces of fabric right sides facing each other and sew the edges.  Make sure to leave at least a few inches open to turning the pillow inside out.  Then stuff and sew the remaining opening closed.

You can't tell from the pic but I also fringed around the image transfer.  Well there you have it, super simple project with elegant results!  Thank you so much for stopping by today, have a wonderful day!!

Frida Kahlo Mixed Media Canvas

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope this post finds you all well.  Today I'm extremely proud to share my latest canvas with you.  This canvas is 20x24x1.5" and took me several days to complete.\

When I started on this canvas, I had no destination in mind.  I just wanted to enjoy the creative journey.  I focused on color and pattern to ensure that the background would be rich in depth.

I drew inspiration from a sugar skull that I'm creating.  It has beautiful zentangle flowers so I added them here in various sizes.  I used metallic paints to add to the bohemian feel of the canvas.

I chose to use a photo of Selma Hayak in her role as Frida.  I loved the intense look she has in the photo.  I usually sketch my image but the dark background really didn't allow me to do so.  Instead I painted an outline with paint.  Since this not my usual technique, I was frustrated and unsure of myself.  But I believe that in order to improve at your craft, you have to venture out of your comfort zone.  So with that in mind I resisted the urge to paint over her and do something easier for me.

I was worried about the hands and relaying the intense look she has.  Slowly I continued to add layers and make adjustments until she sprang to life.

I'm so happy that I resisted the urge to give up because I am so proud of how she turned out.

I love the detailed background too.

Now I just need take some better pics and find a suitable title.  What do you think?  What should it's title be?

Let me know your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you.  Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a piece of your day with me!

UPDATE:  Prints are now available in my Etsy shop: LittleHoneyBeeStudio

 

Also available in a beautiful handbag

Adios!

Free Bird - Mixed Media Hippie Art

Hi everyone!   I have a fun new piece to share with you that I just completed today.

I'm calling it "Free Bird".  (Let's see how many of you get it.) This is just a really fun canvas don't you think?!

For this canvas I set out to just play.  The base colors are new ones that I just bought and wanted to try out.  If you follow me on FB then you saw them.  They were a crimson and navy blue color.

I treated this canvas like an art journal page and just started to doodle.  I did my favorite tangle/mandala flowers and then added beautiful vibrant colors.

I really wanted this piece to be free.  Does that make sense?  You know, very organic.  At one point I thought, "what the heck am I doing, this is a hot mess" but I just kept at it til it made me happy.  I think that's really important when creating.  You have to trust yourself enough to let go and follow your instincts.  Especially when you think you've made a mistake or ruined your piece.

In the end it came together perfectly.  I love the vibrant colors, doodles and birds.  It totally reflects my mood when I started :D  I hope you love this one as much as I do!  I'll be adding the original and prints to Etsy soon so please keep an eye out for that.  Thank you for stopping by and have a beautiful day!!

You can find the original HERE and the print HERE

El Mariachi - Dia De Los Muertos Mixed Media Canvas

Hi friends!  I hope this finds you all well.  Today I have a new canvas to share with you.  I'm very excited about this piece because it's a first for me. Recently I was asked to do a custom piece featuring men and you all know I've only painted women right.  This piece is very important to me because it's for a family member so I wanted to get some practice in before starting their canvas.  I set out searching for images of men that inspired me and I found some great Dia De Los Muertos and mariachi photos to help me get started.  So here is my very first canvas featuring a man:

Meet "El Mariachi", this is a 30x24" canvas and it is for sale so if you're interest message me on FB or shoot me an email (artist.normagomez@yahoo.com).

I started out by stretching my sketching muscles in my art journal.

Then I moved onto building the background.  I used all types of acrylic paints and Crafter's Workshop stencils with Dylusions spray inks to create layers.

Once I was happy with the background I transferred my sketch to the canvas.  I used a projector for this part but I think I would have better off just sketching it again.  It was kinda hard to see my projected image and I ended up having to make lots of corrections to my sketch.  So I think it might have just been easier to sketch it on.

With the sketch down, I slowly began painting my mariachi.

Here's a side by side progression of my mariachi.  It's fun see the photos next to each other.  You can really see what it took to get to the finished piece.

Can I tell, I love the way he turned out!  I think he's very handsome and mysterious all at the same time.

Here's a closer look at the detail on his sombrero.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this guys so don't shy.  Good or bad, either way I wanna know what you think so please share.

If you're interested in a print, I'll be adding them to Etsy very soon so keep an eye out for that.

Thank you for stopping by and have a beautiful day, Viva El Mariachi!!

Prints now available on Etsy!