Sunday, July 18, 2010

MMM: Play Things

"Foul Play"
4 x 6 Canvas Panel


This week's Mixed Media Monday prompt, Play Things, inspired me to create something with a vintage, schoolhouse feel. For some reason, an image of a large ball popped into my head when I first read the challenge, so I decided to just go with it. . . 

I've been really crushing canvas panels lately, but have never worked with one as small as 4 x 6 before (I don't know how you "inchies" do it!).  For the piece above, I started with a black base of acrylic which I distressed with sandpaper while it was still tacky. I then wrote the phrase, "I will not bring my ball to class" over the entire panel. I was going for a chalkboard feel and therefore tried to smudge the ink in parts before it dried. The ball was created separately, using a couple of children's dictionary definitions that related to the subject, as it's base. I then penciled in the lines of the ball before coloring it with watered-down acrylic. The vintage illustration on the bottom of the piece was my attempt to play with scale. Other touches included charcoal, matte gel medium and white China Marker.

Thank you for looking! I am anxious to see all your Play Things this week . . .

Kristin xo

31 comments:

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh Kristin,
This is adorable...I just love the background AND the ball!!! I have to tell you a story...One day I missed a spelling word..the word was "Surprise" and I spelled it "surprized." I had to write it 100 times on the blackboard..I never used a "z" again! I thought of that when I saw this piece...I thought you'd love it.
Hugs,
Cindy
xoxox

Nan said...

Love the chalkboard effect you got! so colorful!

Amber Leilani said...

i LOVE it!!!

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: I left a comment but it did not show up. Sorry, I did something wrong. Just wanted to tell you that your very talented. I love what you did. Blessings, Martha

Sandy said...

Oh so lovely and cute.
Gorgeous art. Love it.

Unknown said...

oh what a sweeeeeeeeeeeeet piece Kristin!!! you always make me smile with your ideas and wonderful art!!! I love this!!!

K J D said...

I love this Kristin... its really fun and friendly. The blackboard effect against the colours of the ball is stunning and I love how you have played with the sizing of the pieces you have used. It has, like all your work, a real warmth to it.

So glad you are going to give journaling a try!

Have a good week.

Love Karenx

Michelle said...

Super cute!

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Gorgeous artwork, beautifully created. Love your take on this theme. Hugs, Gayle.

johanna said...

wonderful contrast of the black board and the bright colored ball! looks fantastic!!

joanna said...

What a great job you did with this one Kristin!! love the chalkboard effect and the little girl. super cute!!
xoxox

Rosie said...

Love your interpretation of the theme Kristin - it's brilliant!!

Mandy said...

being a chalkie and loving everything school...love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xxx

Faye said...

Wow, Kristin, what an amazing piece of art! I love the look you achieved. It reminds me of elementary school in the 1940s. You are so creative.

Cheryl said...

Girl... you've got some fabulous talent!

DMG said...

Great perspective on this piece; it shows exactly where "play" should fit in the scheme of life, I think. I was also very interested to read your technique; I learn so much from reading the process that artists like you are generous enough to share. Thanks!

WrightStuff said...

Pure genius! Well done Kristin!!

Jenny said...

Kristin this is just fabulous....love the chalkboard feel of the canvas...so very clever...
Jenny

E Makes Art said...

I LOVE THIS!! This is fabulous!! I love the colors against the "chalkboard". You are sooo darn creative! Keep it up!

Beverley Baird said...

I love your artwork and the detailed description of how you created it! thanks for shring.

Oxana said...

Very lovely and cute!!!

Trudy said...

So cute. I love how your mind works - so creative.

NANCY LEFKO said...

just great...very clever!!

Carin said...

I love this, it is soo cute! Really love the chalboard effect!

Unknown said...

I like this a lot....it is a good mix of things....

ALTERED ARTIFACTS said...

Wow.. I would swear it was a real chalkboard... you did just a lovely job!
Inka :)

Amy said...

HI Kristin..this is beyond awesome..really..I love it..brings out childhood! I love the writing as well...reminds me of a chalkboard..you are always fantastic with your canvases. I adore this piece..really I do.

SoSoBella said...

yes. this is one of my favorites. i love, love, love it!!!!!!!!
you are so talented. i love that you share it all.
wonderful. just wonderful.

Diane said...

Another wonderful piece from you, Kristin! Diane

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/thursday-poets-rally-week-25-poetry-awards/

enjoyed your poetry.
some awards for you.

Unknown said...

what a sweet piece. very brilliant idea to do the chalk board with writing on it. wonderful!