Sunday, March 21, 2010

MMM: Vintage Children

"Dance Now"
8 x 10 Canvas Panel 


Well, it's no surprise that I would be excited about this week's Mixed Media Monday challenge: Vintage Children. I find that I use a lot of children's imagery and illustrations in my art; especially those that have to do with fairy tales, children's fables or nursery rhymes.  However this week (because I knew you'd expect it), I steered clear of those altogether and instead, tried to capture the  feeling of Vintage Children (and their surroundings) by creating a bright and whimsical background for the "fairies" in the foreground. 

I have been reading Kelly Rae Roberts' wonderful book, Taking Flight and was eager to try some of the background techniques outlined in chapter 3: specifically, using a brayer to create depth and add color to a collaged surface. I created a subtle wash with blues and greens and to this added another element she suggests, a shampoo lid to create the white acrylic circles. 

In addition to the tips above, I also used magazine cutouts for the first time. The fairy bodies are from a children's catalogue and the ice cream cone was cut from a family magazine. The child's head (that sounds weird) was taken from the cutest vintage Kellogg ad and the house and birds in the background are also vintage. Both were from Art Freebies. Final touches included water-soluble oil pastels (loving these lately; they add such bold, blendable color), white pencil (Sharpie white china marker), glitter, swarovski crystals and snippets of a poem, Spring Child by Caroline S. Kotowicz.  

The text reads, "Sip now from the chalice of laughter / Dance now to the song of the breeze. . ."

Kristin xo

32 comments:

peggy gatto said...

Just the best!!!

Nicola said...

so cute!! I really like how you explain how you create each bit! I've used lids of things to create bubbles on my back grounds, it's amazing how the simplest things can add so much to a piece. Lovely work Kristin and I really like the glitter on her dress!!!

Lori Saul said...

This is wonderful - so beautifully colored and what charming images and effects!

K said...

this is gorgeous! love the blended colors and image!

Diane said...

Kristin, this is such a beautiful piece - I love the colours! Just sensational! Diane

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my gosh, Kristin, I have tried to leave a message twice--I hope this one works!!! This piece is so precious and I just wanted to tell you how much I love it!

Mandy said...

wow..i love it too...you are so very clever...xxx

Kris Dickinson said...

This is magical! I love it!

Ozstuff said...

Fairies in a magical world of fairy floss (also known as cotton candy!) and maybe even an icecream or two?
This is so beautiful and creative. I love it.

Superb artwork.

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Hi Kristin!!! this is so so perfect and sweet and I always love your work...it really makes me smile....and I can see your passion and love that goes into each and every one...

Hugs
Diana

Amy said...

WOW!!! This truelly is a fairytale..you did very well..above and beyond with this lovely art piece..it is very perfect. I loved looking up close..seeing all the different layer's you used to make it. You do inspire!!

Trudy said...

So beautiful and magical. Your daughter must love to see the things you create.

Sandy said...

Oh wow this is wonderful.
A lovely wonderland and sweet girl. Love them.

My Creative House said...

Oh what a beautiful painting your little balletdancer is very lovely, I am thinking that the daughter would love to have this painting in her room.
Anni

Rika said...

Wonderful piece!

johanna said...

really lovely, beautiful spring colors!

http://truutske.blogspot.com said...

Wonderful vintage creation.

Hella said...

This gorgeous! really beautiful.

Lisa said...

Kristen, this piece is really beautiful. So many yummy layers and colors... thank you for explaining the process :-)

Anonymous said...

well, ms. kristin, you've done it again. how many times can i say "wow" before i need to come up with another way to express my admiration for your work?
thanks for mentioning "taking flight." i will have to check that out...:)

joy said...

You are certainly mastering Kelly Rae's techniques - this is gorgeous!

Nancy B said...

This is so charming and so like a fairy tale. Beautiful job!

Unknown said...

Love it Kristin....Your so talented sweetie. Have a great week.

Rhonda said...

This is just wonderful! Love the spirit of the piece - cheers!

Silvia(Barnie) said...

How fantastic, just a wonderful spring feeling.

Daphne said...

It's a magical/sweet and lovely peace! Fantastic!

Pretty Widow said...

I love how you put this together - and i especially love the explanation!

Unknown said...

so colorful and fun
thanks for sharing
michele

LivArtNow said...

What a wonderful fairytale like piece of art. Love the candy colours and the sweet image. I've been reading the same book, and I love it too :) Wishing you and yours a wonderful spring!!

Linda

Jan Hennings said...

Love these vintage children :)

Margaret said...

Stunning work Kristin! I love this kind of layering and the colours are so beautiful, sigh... Margaret