Process

It's been five days and the leaf prints I have been working on produced some striking results!.  They are really time consuming and unpredictable in their outcome, however.  I will put up an album with final works in the near future but I am unable to replicate in photograph the metallic sheen and luminosity that bounces off some of these gorgeous prints.

While working on these, I definitely made some mechanical errors (like weighting down the prints far too long in too great of heat, producing some fusion of materials that made it impossible to use some of them).  Next time, I'll know to work with fewer sheets, remove the weights quicker, and allow each to dry individually under lighter weights.

Once the prints dried, I sorted them all and pulled out the "frame-worthy ones" which either were prefect as is or required some simple outline work with paints and fine markers to punch them up and make the subject pop.  Final step is selecting mats.  The picture above shows two mats I had on hand and was just tooling around with them to check how they'd work around some prints I had completed. I will need to purchase a mat cutter before too long. Any suggestions readers? 

Back to process:  those prints that aren't deemed "standalone frameworthy," I either incorporate into abstract work, as in the photo to the right, or will use in collage work.  Toward that end, I've been collecting and categorizing scraps, other materials, washi, and other papers. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this weekend is it for collage work. Can't wait!

More leaf prints underway

Pulled out all stops to use up my entire fall leaf collection, and decided to bring in more colors this time.  I must have produced upwards of 30 leaf prints today.  In 100 degree heat on the patio.  All cleared out of leafs though, which, as Martha Stewart says, is "a good thing" (although in a totally different context, of course). 

I really enjoyed this project as it gave the opportunity to really experiment with color combinations.  And since I used some metallic paints, too, I think these combos will produce amazing results.  

The bummer is I have to wait for them all to dry.  It can take a week since we're in the middle of summer with its high humidity.  I trust, given what I could see beneath the blur of the protective lining, that it will be worth the wait.

But there was a ray of sunshine in the day too.

I stopped by Operation Stand Down Nashville to drop off that organization's proceeds raised during my art show last month.  Bill Burleigh, executive director, wasn't there, but I rounded up a staffer to capture the above pic.  It was exhilirating seeing my mixed media piece front and center in the lobby, right near the main entrance to the offices!  I think the painting fits just perfectly there and am so proud they do too! 

If you don't know about this organization, it offers a myriad of services year round to veterans, and over one weekend each October, runs a "stand down" event providing shelter, food, clothing, medical, legal, job and other services to homeless veterans in Middle Tennessee.  I happened upon the organization in 2005 when I was a reporter for the local newspaper.  I have continued to volunteer as my time has allowed, since that time.  Love the organization, management, and vets it serves! 

Challenging day

It was supposed to be my painting day, but personal problems crept in.  I would have dearly loved to work all this out with paintbrushes and paper or canvas, but it wasn't possible.  In the end, there may be a greater understanding between us, and some growth I hope.

The heatwave is still here and takes away the desire to paint out in the sunroom.  I have more leaves to "play with," along with some wonderful treebark I collected the other day at the river.  Barbara Rembert has promised to bring in a book by one of the leading collage artists in the world on Saturday for me to borrow.  I can't wait!