Saturday 30 March 2013

Mixed media canvas - Anna Style!!

I have long admired the style of Finnabair - Anna Dabrowska and had my work situation been a bit more settled, I would have applied to attend the classes she is teaching at Snazzy's in Swindon later this year, but right now can't afford to (maybe next time!!)  It's the spraying with black that gets me...

Anyhow, this afternoon I decided to have a crack at a small version on canvas....

I needed to find a small photo - preferably black and white - to use... obviously I don't have any of me - but I did find some that I took on a visit to Kew Gardens - I used to love black and white photography, but haven't done any for ages now... But I'm waffling. I found a suitable picture that I could crop without losing the focal part of the picture.

 For once I planned out the look of my piece, before starting to glue stuff down.  My first step was to ink some bubbles through a stencil with iced spruce distress ink. Permanent ink would have been better, of course, given that you spray over the top later... derrrr. told you it was my first go!
You are meant to keep the spray off the photo, but....

Anyhow I used some glimmer mists (a gold, a silver and key lime pie) I chose some green Prima flowers. to tie in with the natural theme, some leftover sparkly mesh and a couple of flourishes which I 'painted' black with archival ink and then added some Treasure Gold (white fire) and a couple of metal flowers.
Used some buttons and black dew drops for some of the flower centres.

When you've finished placing everything on (though I did add the black drops last of all) you give it a squirt with black - this is sooo scary, and my black (Black Marble Dylusion) did end up a bit heavy handed in places.
It would have been better on a larger canvas, but I wasn't sure how it would turn out for my first go, but I do like the look and will definitely have another go!






11 comments:

snazzyoriginal said...

Love the colour scheme here, it really ties in with your fab photo and I don't think the Black Marble Ink looks heavy handed at all IMHO. Sorry you are not joining us for the Anna workshops especially as we won't be at Ally Pally this time around xx

flutterbycrafter said...

What a beautiful canvas, love your colours. Sorry I've not been leaving comments recently not too well xx

sam21ski said...

Wow love how your flowers look really grungy, normally I'd say pity to cover the green up, but they look great.

Hope you have some good news soon and can book onto the workshop if there are any spaces left.

Sam xxx

Lin said...

Looks like you had a fun afternoon Helen..love your black and white piccie (i love black and white photos). the green flowers are great and I don't think the black spray looks heavy handed either it looks great!!
I wanted to go on that workshop as well but too much to pay out at the mo :( maybe next time!!

Almo said...

Hi Helen, I have tried this technique and it is very scary especially with dylusions that seem to have a mind of their own as to how much spray comes out and where. and especially with black that threatens to obliterate eerything if you get it wrong. I do like the canvas you have done though. I think the bright green really compliments the black and white photo, and there is just enough black spray.Hugs Mo x

Alison Scott said...

Wonderful piece of artwork. You are so brave. I don't think I could spray black- too scary!!!!

Anonymous said...

It looks great, I love the combination of green & black & I don't think you overdid the black Dylusions at all.

craftimamma said...

Wonderful interpretation of Anna's style. Spraying with that black ink really is scary isn't it, lol, but I think you got it right, imo! Love the black and that gorgeous green. As the others have said perfect compliment for the black and white photo.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Words and Pictures said...

Love the effect of the sprays on those flowers, and the composition of the whole piece is great!

I'm so excited that I did get in to Anna's workshops - though I can't really afford it either at the moment - the credit card is taking the strain for now! I'm sure there'll be lots of ideas to share...
Alison xx

Hettie said...

Great piece Helen. I just tried to look and see deets of the workshop but the site says none so I guess it is all booked up!
Hugs and Happy Easter.
xx

Virginia said...

Wow that's gorgeous!