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Posted on 8/22/2022 12:31:04 PM
By Susan Gainen
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Purple Paper Mosaic Parrot
The Purple Paper Mosaic Parrot answers some questions that you may have:
1. What do watercolor artists do with paintings that they don't like? They cut them up and make mosaics.
2. Can I do this at home? With small children? Yes, and Yes, if they are scissor-safe.
3. How do I do it?
A. Gather old paintings, and cut them into small shapes that you like. It's a good idea to separate the colors. OR
B. No handy paintings? Get heavy artist paper (300# is best), acrylic paints and mediums. Splodge the paints and mediums onto the paper, creating colors and textures to your heart's content. Wait for all of this to dry. Then, cut the sheets into small shapes.
C. Find a substrate. You can use anything that will take the weight of the pieces, the glues that you'll use, and the acrylic medium that will cover everything to make it shiny (if you like shiny).
D. What should I use for "grout?" Acrylic paint or acrylic mediums: anything that the tiny shapes will stick to.
Posted on 8/21/2022 12:06:19 PM
By Susan Gainen
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August 18, 2022
Instead of a slide show, which requires fast viewing and can be -- frankly, a little annoying -- I've made a selection of 2 New Curlews* in progress. Beginning in early July, I painted almost (but not quite) daily until mid-August. The latest image is from August 18.
There is lots more to do. There are still some open spots in the #starrynight sky and in the #stained-glass grass. The the body feathers, heads and beaks need work, too.
Then, after two months of painting with acrylic ink, it will be as if I had to start all over as I outline each shape with my trusty fountain pen.
This is the ultimate in #artfun.
July 14. Pencil covered with clear gesso.
* These are the #strawberry curlew and the #kiwi curlew. They do not muck about in marshes as their heretofore well-known cousins.
