CQJP July Block

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Inspiration Sunday June 12/11

Here are some pics from my garden:
 a few weigela blooms
 my weigela bush
 This iris was a complete surprise
















My challenge for this week:
card 1:- coat your paper with a layer of irridescent paint added to gesso. Paint with transparent watercolor over the gesso.
card 2:- paint using red, black and yellow

I used irridescent silver mixed with the gesso, in order to create a contrast with the warm tones of the red and yellow over an old beginning.

a glob of gesso and a squirt of silver
















Thinking it would be fun to add a bit of texture, I placed a piece of plastic wrap over the surface and smooshed it about, pressing with my fingers, and marking with my nails. I left it to set. Then I was distracted by some chores, and when I returned, it was just about dry, and the plastic was very difficult to remove!
















It left some neat texture, though.

Beginning with yellow:











Adding the red:












Using dried and pressed maple leaves as a resist:

a spritz of black paint
The leaves removed
the paint underneath was a wee bit damp, and some of the black spread
 I defined the leaf edges and added a bit of black ink to indicate some veins. It's still not completely dry, but I think it's interesting having the silver peek through the watercolor in places.










The next challenge:
card 1:- paint a still life of these three items: flowers, a piece of fabric, third object of choice
card 2:- use light and pale pigments and add a saturated medium-value pigment in a small area

Last time Gina asked if I was creating cards using the painting I'd finished. Cutting it into smaller pieces ~ 3"x3.5", here's what they look like:




What do you think? Would they make nice cards? Would you like one?






Hope your Sunday was a pleasant one.
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

17 comments:

  1. Great cards! Terrific idea.

    That iris is the colour of my favourite desert - custard with ??? filling. Jam? I have not seen that desert in years, but whatever it is or is called, those flowers have nailed the colour!
    Fox : )

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  2. I think they would make great cards!

    I had to buy a card today, and I was amazed at the price for a mass produced baptism card. I have no problem paying $7 for a hand-crafted card, but for one that I found at the grocery store?! Please!

    Needless to say, I'm going to start looking for cards by artists. I'd much rather support individuals!

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  3. OMG - YOU have a wonderful garden. Your surprise iris is to die for!!! We are going to have to figure out a way to divide and share, LOL!! Hope your weekend was wonderful, dear one! Hugs, Cathy

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  4. Wow! Your flowers are beautiful. Love your autumn leaves art. The cut pieces of your challenge art are very pretty cut up into tiny squares. I think these would make lovely cards and be truly unique pieces of art. Happy week ahead...

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  5. Thank you for the lovely comments! Hope you've had a great weekend. Hugs

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  6. Suz, oh my--your leaves piece, is just fantastic- what a great tecnic-
    and all would love one of your beautiful cards, dear.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  7. Beautiful photos from your yard. My irises are just beginning to bloom. Very neat & wonderfully creative leaf & cards. Thanks for showing us how you made them :)

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  8. Thanks Dorthe, I shall send you one!
    JennyPennyPoppy, the pic is my first iris in flower: it popped up in an unexpected place as it was not planted there. Must be a magic iris! Hugs

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  9. What a great idea to use the plastic on the gesso, must try that too! I already tried your glue-resist, hope to share some pics soon.

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  10. Hi Annet! Just don't leave the plastic on too long. I'd love to see your glue-resist paintings! WooHoo!

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  11. Your art techniques are just amazing Suz. Love your flowers, particularly the iris.

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  12. Thanks Shirley! I think the cards' guidelines make a big difference in my approach, and being a lot looser in my painting! Have a great day. Hugs

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  13. Following a prompt is a good idea - makes you do it. I don't really like following instructions but it's actually what I need! I'm really enjoying my cards, thanks. You keep some back so you don't need to spend $7!

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  14. Hi Emma! I try to keep a stock of painted cards on hand, but it's so much fun to make them, I keep running out of card stock. Have a wonderful day. Hugs

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  15. Found your blog via Emma - and love the card prompts - and love making cards too!

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  16. Hi Sue! Making cards is a lot of fun, and there are so many wonderful reasons! Thanks for leaving such a nice comment.

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  17. Hi Suz! Received your neat card in the mail yesterday! Thank you so much! Just what I needed to brighten up an exhausting day. I posted it on my blog. Wish that you would have put your return address on it though. Would you mind sending it to me please so I can return the compliment? Have a wonderful day :)

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