Saturday, September 15, 2012

"Hideaway"


A couple of weeks ago I finished a new painting, "Hideaway".  I've been going through a bit of a birdhouse phase with paintings, whether actually created or still brewing in my imagination so I decided to once again construct a little birdhouse that , this time has been tucked away in a patch of pink climatis and is home to small goldfinch.  I created this painting on a 10" x 10" gallery wrapped canvas.

Thanks to the wonders of photoshop and being lucky enough to live with someone who is skilled in using it, I was able to get the background taken away to offer this piece with a little more variety for art licensing.  Two designs for the price of one so to speak.


First, before I work on the canvas, I start with a sketch that I create on tracing paper.  Once I had my sky background painted in I was then able to trace the design onto the canvas with a minimum of erasing needed.


Here I've just started to get the bare bones of the design painted in.  Before I can work on shading and highlighting, there must be a base to work from.


Slowly and surely layers of color are built ..........


Until finally, an almost complete birdhouse has emerged on the canvas.


The same painstaking process starts with the flowers now, little by little I'm building the color until finally.....the finishing touches can be added.


At this point (and it always happens soooner or later) I either get lazy about taking more photos or I just plain forget and because of that, you will have to jump ahead and view the finished piece.   
This week I got a proof in the mail for my first ever note card and envelope set.  This is a picture of the card unfolded.  The image was cropped to fit a 4" x 6" format and on the back of the card I have all my contact information, website and title of the painting etc....  Really cool to finally see it in person this week and I'm looking forward to getting the box of these finished cards in the mail next week..  I'm starting to work on another batch as well as I know that if I start now, little by little, I will end up with a good supply of different designs in stock.  When we move I want to do craft shows and display paintings, tile trivets, note cards and tile murals created from my artwork.  Our big move is only 8 months away at this point and while we have a while to go yet, time flies by pretty fast and it will be here before we know it.  Next month is house shopping.  (that is what makes it feel like a reality).

10 comments:

Trina Prenzi said...

Beautiful birdhouse painting! Love that you shared pictures as you went along.

Those note cards look great!

Catherine Holman said...

What a great step by step of your beautiful painting! Good luck house hunting!

ArtSings1946 said...

Oh, so happy you are going house hunting in the area of your dreams ... can't wait until we are able to do that also. Love your painting and love this post explaining how your process works.

It's so hot here, low 90's. We never go outside. I'm sure you will love this weather.

Love Always,
Jan

Megan (Earth Colored) said...

Love this! Its always fun to see someone else's creative process. Thanks for sharing!

Megan
earthcolored.blogspot.com

Miss Val's Creations said...

Hi Ruth,
I love seeing these steps! The painting is so beautiful. How exciting that your move to a warm climate is so close. House shopping will be a lot of fun for you guys. Your artwork is perfect for note cards. You have so much fun ahead! Have a great week.
~Val

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Ruth, Oh I just love this design too and congrats on the cards. So excited for you and your upcoming move. 8 months will fly by as I know first hand having moved endless times before our home now forever, here in Texas.

Have a great and creative week my friend. Thank you for stopping by and your sweet words.
XO Celestina Marie

Duni said...

I love birdhouses and yours is very special and extra pretty with the pink flowers!
Congrats on the notecards, they look great!

Unknown said...

If I could squeeze through those holes, I would definitely hide-away here! Very pretty work, as always!

Karen
Idaho

P.S. I am having a FREE TEA GIVEAWAY! Drop by if you are interested. (:::)D

Memories for Life said...

It's really great seeing the steps it takes to make your work come to life! And great idea to remove the background for other uses!
I love the greeting card and I think these would do great at shows!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It's fun to see it in progress! I just love this painting and it makes such pretty cards!