Sunday, February 6, 2011

Out of the Darkness . . . Scratching Up My Sketches

Out of the Darkness
mixed media on 8x10 canvas board

You may recall this face from a previous post. For this piece I printed out one of my sketches on matte photo paper and altered it with sandpaper and ink. Then I used water color crayon to do shading on her face and hair. I added some molding paste for texture and to incorporate her into the background. I love the chalkiness of black gesso. I toyed with a few things for the background details. First I sketched out a tree to the right of her but wasn't sure (you can still see it lightly sketched in white crayon) In the end as you can see I went with some butterflies that I stamped on with white gesso. I also used some micaceous iron oxide around the edges because I like the sparkles. Unfortunately the photo doesn't convey the texture or sparkle too well. She looks better in person!

I really liked altering a photo of one of my sketches. I had fun making her look a bit goth and grungy. I may just have to do another!

11 comments:

  1. I love you Cathy and wanted to tell you that! Thank you for teaching us the art of possibilities, and sharing your life and love with your friends... and the world!

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  2. I love the butterflies all around her...And I can attest to the fact that your paintings look even prettier in person! :-)

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  3. Loving the butterflies also. Very pretty! I like all the black too!

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  4. Your works are always exciting, very good!
    Ciao Cathy!
    A hug!

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  5. She scares me just a little big... ;-), but then the butterflies sort of take the scary out of the painting. Fun, fun, fun!! I love how her eye sparkles... Love, Silke

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  6. I meant, of course, that she scares me a little bit - not big... I really should spellcheck before I post these...

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  7. hi cathy,

    she has a erie feeling to her, i see you painting away your emotions/experiences from your life and i love your bravery!

    keep it up, art with emotion is the very best kind! xo to you my sweet friend!
    kelly

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  8. Cathy;
    Your work continues to amaze me, it is growing deeper and more beautiful with each piece. I am so happy to be the proud owner of an original, which I love looking at daily! Hope all is well with you and thank you again for the continued inspiration.
    Love and Hugs
    Donna Wynn

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  9. Hi Cathy I love this one in black and white, excellent!! xx

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  10. Gorgeous ..darkly gothic and beautiful..a kindred!

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  11. Love her Cathy! I have black gesso and haven't tried it yet and I also have the micaceous iron oxide--I really need to use the supplies that I have! And what a great idea--to print out your paintings on photo paper and grunge them up a bit--I love that idea!

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