Friday, January 28, 2011

More Heart Art....And Assorted Sundry Items

Sorry folks...life has gone on a whirlwind again after my post that I would be right back with some aging I was doing on the heart and background. This is going to be a basic, no frills explanation of what I have done.


As you can see above, the heart was adhered to the substrate with heavy gel medium, which I smoothed under the edge of the heart and let dry overnight. Then I needed something to make it become more *one* with the backing.


I mixed in some coarse white decorators sand into one of my gel mediums and carefully applied it to fill the small void that was left between the heart and the back from the thick layer of heavy gel underneath. I like mixing textures into my gels and will do a post on that specifically.
As with ANY GEL, these must dry completely before attempting to put a coat of paint over the top. I usually use a blow dryer to get the process started and then have to wait for the rest to cure on it's own.


Once dry, I used some fluid Pthalo (blue shade I think...) and dry brushed the straight color on.
I want to emphasize DRY BRUSHED, as this is an extremely intense color that can get out of hand really fast. It provides the feel of a shadow while also adding a bit of glow. Black and some of the other colors I used would not produce the same effect. 
I gently work a tiny amount out over some of the background paint, allowing it to become a bit of a green aura at the top.


This view from the top better shows how the Pthalo, feathered out, gives some depth to a busy area. The eye can separate the pieces better now.
One coat generally is not enough on the sides, so I went back in and hit the gel with sand a second time; much darker and now is both separating and tying the heart to the back.
I have also added some black mica gel to the heart so that it is not so stark red. The flame area required a bit more also.....dirtying things up and making it have some character. (an aside.....Black Mica Gel also has tiny bits of clear mica in it too~~it's a *two-fer*~~you get age and sparkle)


The final step was adding some micacous iron oxide to the bottom red of the panel. It settled into the textural depth and made the color pop more.


And that is pretty much how this was finished up to make a couple of very bright, very diverse, visually competing parts work together well.
As I mentioned, I will do a short post on things to add to gels for different textures. Yes, you can buy textured gels, but you can do a lot of specialized small amount batches and save a lot of money.
There are some gels you can imitate a bit to see if you like them before buying and there are others that you can dream up with what you have on hand or can scrounge at wonderful places like Dollar Stores and Overage Stores.
Okay, I'm off to fight the grocery zombies.....if I don't resurface you'll know I was caught in their Rampage of Carts (and cell phones....grrrrrr.......)
Have fun~~make some art!


Pax....

61 comments:

Linda and Michelle said...

I am amazed at all the "little' things you add up doing with all kinds of different "stuff" to get your effects - and that you can see how these things will work to a finished product...I am looking forward to the post on mixing gels - all of this is so new to me and so intriguing.......fabulous heart!

Silke Powers said...

OMG, Anne, I totally love this!! I think we have a block of paper clay somewhere. I need to get it out to play. And I need to go drink some cocktails so I can have tiny swords like that... ;-) This is just wonderful!! Hope you are having a great morning!! Love, Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Linda,

I just sort of jump in with both feet and see what happens. It all sprang from trying these things before and knowing how they will work, well, for the most part.
Sometimes they do NOT.
Then you really have to get creative! LOL!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Silke, RUN and find the paperclay--you'll have a ball! It is forgiving, for the most part. Just remember to wrap it tight when you are done and put it in a zip lock bag. (it dries out quickly....)
Not to dampen the FUN, but you could buy a little bag of the cocktail swords....... ;-D

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Janet Ghio said...

It turned out great--love the blue/green shadow.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Janet,

I do too---I learned that using the color with a light hand allows for build up, or just a faint hint of color.
But it is so strong, and adding water makes everything worse!
Dry brush! Old, few bristles....wipe out well! LOL!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

LuLu Mypinkturtle said...

Oh Anne! This heart piece is ABSOLUTELY incredible ! I LOOOOOOVE it ! Love the texture, the colors, the fluid oozing out of it, the daggers ... Great, great magic and poetic creations !

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Lulu!!!!

See why I am always so jealous of your church rummage finds??? I love this stuff and of course here, HA! I would never find any pieces.
The *blood* is Golden tar gel tinted with red acrylic paint....worked great!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

studio lolo said...

oooh, it came out great! This is one textured milagro!

I have been "Googling" milagros this morning. I think it's high time I painted a few mini ones on all the canvases I have lying around. Seeing as Valentine's day is around the corner, what the heck!
They will be nothing like this beauty, for sure!

I fought the zombies yesterday. What's up with cell phone chatter in the stores anyway?
Actually, I think they're overused in general ;P

have a good one Anne!

~♥lolo♥~

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Lolo,

My theory is they have nominal brains and can't decide what to buy....heehee! >:-)
I hate it though; I don't really want to spend all day at the grocery. Heck, I'm trying to get the oomph built up to GO!
I liked this piece and I think you'd have fun painting milagros....there are so many types. I have the tiny ones and some of the tin ones--I love them ALL!
Good luck with the project, looking forward to seeing the results!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Unknown said...

You have done it again, of course. Love that blue around the edge. I see your work and can only dream, but I am gonna give the gel work a try.
.
QMM

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh, I think once you experiment with the gels, and give yourself some leeway for the first few tries not being perfect, you'll love what they can do.
I find I am always learning and experimenting with them; I think that is part of the appeal!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anonymous said...

Absolutely stunning. fabulous work and its always great to read through how you achieve such brilliant artwork
have a lovely weekend
Hugs June

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey June,

Thanks! I'm lucky I can REMEMBER how I get from one step to the end...sometimes I have a day or two out of the studio and then I have to use the paints left on the table to recall where I was and what I was doing! LOL!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

yoborobo said...

Watch out for the cell phone Zombies, Anne! Luckily, they are so absorbed by the technology attached to their ears that you can make a quick getaway. :) I love your heart! Love, love, love! I have been playing with paper clay, too. Maybe some day I'll actually finish something. It could happen! haha! xoxo Pam

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Pam...

LOL!!! I may have escaped the zombies; the roads are really bad and I am trying to figure if I can wait till tomorrow for the grocery run....hahaha!
I only finished this because I felt guilty not getting it on blog sooner...my motivation is about like the weather; frozen solid.
I am a slug!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Timaree said...

I just gave away my paper clay to my grandkids in California. I never played with it. You've done a great job with it. I love the whole piece. Now, what do you do with the completed piece? The "what to do with it after it's done" is a big part of why I don't work in 3-D.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

This will be mounted on another piece; I am prepping a wood panel now. It will be textured and then have *stuff* added (who knows what with my work!) and then be ready to hang on the wall.
All my mixed media is either to sit on a shelf or hang~~I never go for the sculpture things, well, because I cannot sculpt! If something can have a hanger, so much the better!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

marilyn said...

I really enjoy you telling us about the processes of making your art. Now, could you tell me more about this 'mica' I want more sparkle in my aging.

Unknown said...

oh wow Anne!!!! this is amazing...the 3d art you create blows my mind!!! wow!!! wonderful work....

I saw the bread over at Silke's blog...but didn't have all the ingredients so I came up with my own batch of dough and made it with eggs and butter and the buns were amazing!!!! you have to bake some bread...the scent is so good!!!!the whole house smells amazing!!!!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Mica gel is a Golden product. It is mostly black, but has a little of the clear in it. I can't remember where it is grouped in the gel products---these tend to be in a separate group from the regular gel mediums (as there is gold and a couple of others). You just paint it on....it's in a soft gel base so it's easy to use. Or smear it with your fingers if you can't get to whatever with a brush. I do that frequently.
You'd love it!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

GlorV1 said...

WOW! Absolutely beautiful! You have done a wonderful job and have inspired me very much. I've never tried anything like this and now I've got to see what your list will consist off and type of supplies. I love it!! Just in time too, for next month. Thanks for sharing.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Diana,

Yes---I went in and made my own version of Silke's bread. I just used what I had, improvised a bit and have the dough in the bread machine to mix and raise! (I love bread.....)
Thanks on the heart! These things are really fun to make....now I need to be able to SELL in some manner...HA!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Georgina said...

Hey Anne, I love this!! Are these techniques you learned from your Michael DeMeng couse?? I know nothing about gels, except the type I use for my hair!! LOL
Yes, give us a bit of instruction on how-tos.

Got to get back to my guitar for the gallery in AZ....have to complete this weekend...DH is in Houston for a work related seminar and then spending the weekend with his oldest son. Have Ian here this weekend, so we'll be vegging, rather, he'll be vegging while I work. Next week is my birthday so hubby is taking me to Albuquerque, NM...has his aborist continuing ed. course he has to take to maintain his state cert. Really excited...will be meeting Linda Wildenstein from Olde Baggs 'n Stuft Shirts.

Loves ya,
G

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Oh Gloria,

My list is LONG. I have collected mediums over the years and I have a table full. However, a basic canvas panel, some molding paste and an embossing gun will give you texture---then coat with washes of fluid acrylics.
I have so much paint stuff....I need to just take a pic of the table so everyone can laugh. Can't find most of what I want....oy.
LOL!!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Georgina,

Some of the technique is from Michael's class--some is Anne. I want to incorporate elements of his recipes into my own work. Guess I want to see what is relevant to what I do.
The background is his instructions, the rest are pretty much my experiments.
Do I have you completely confused???
I still say for anyone wanting to learn some new and fun things to add to their work, his online class is a great way to go.
Have fun this coming week and in case I forget---which is a probability more than a possibility---HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Deborah said...

Sorry I'm so late. I was out drinking cocktails with Silke. Someone has to help her out with those swords! This is beeeeutiful, Anne! YOU are beautiful! Dates changed. **head spins and pops off** **kisskiss** Deb

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

*HIC!!!*
Well, we have to help her get those little swords SOMEHOW.....
What we friends won't do...LOL!!!
You funny Deb! ;-D

XXOO~~♥
Anne.....chasing Deb's head....

Silke Powers said...

Anne, I'm glad you are in for Deb and my cocktail hour! Can you imagine ever doing that "for real?" The fun we'd have... Cheers! Silke

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

HAhahaha!!!
We better do it at someone's house because I am quite afraid we would be asked to LEAVE where ever we were...of course, we'll just get Deb to show off her legs and distract them! LOL!!!
It would be fun... :-)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Jan said...

Anne, this is fabulous! It's not much bigger than an ATC. Thanks for the quick tutorial. Yes, it almost looks like something you dug out of a NO cemetery. And this is just one component that will be going onto some larger project? Whew, you go girl!

Yae! Anne is back in the saddle again! Just be careful on your dismount, we don't want you breaking anything;-)

Anonymous said...

Grocery zombies, oh no! I feel the same way, get off the @#@#$#@ cell phone and get out of the aisle.
We are here to shop aren't we? Piece came out fantastic. I love the final steps, it really pops and gives it that deep, mysterious look. Great! xox Corrine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

HAHAHA!!!! I already threw out a muscle squeezing out of my girdle....(seriously, I did...heeheehee!)
I have a 6"x6" BG primed for this. I was going to use it on a larger piece but *it* was too big and the BG for the larger piece was just perfect.....*sigh*.....you know the story.
So while I am brewing those I am trying to get enough photos for a small tutorial on mixed crap into gel mediums for folks that have not used them, or at least not the way I do.
And thank you! I was hoping it had that New Orleans grittiness to it! LOL!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Corrine,

Thank heavens I am not the only one who wants to bazooka people on cells in the grocery! DANG! It's painful having to overhear some of the conversations...no, I don't care that the sheriff has your live in on drug charges....BLAH BLAH BLAH.
Ack.
I'm trying to get the smaller background prepared for this piece....it wouldn't go with the bigger. Oh well.
Maybe I should be on a cell saying all this...LOL!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Susie Jefferson said...

Oh wow - this is stunning! Sigh.

Looking forward to the gel post - Golden Gel here (UK) is around £14 for the small size! Don't even ask what the specialist gels cost... or their paint...

audrey said...

Anne,
your finished piece looks SO good. I like everything about it. The background is beautiful... the heart, the swords, the texture - it all flows together so well. Bravo!!!
♥ audrey

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Susie,

I'm not surprised at the cost. I just ordered a used book from across the pond--it was 8 Pound something and by the time I got it, with exchange, it was around $32 U.S. But, it was about Highgate Cemetery and I couldn't find it here.
I'm hoping some of the things I've learned will help people to be able to buy one or two as opposed to MANY.
Thanks on the heart! :-)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Audrey,

Thanks.....it was fun (after a few cussing fits..LOL!!!!).
I was just glad to finally make time to get *a* project complete using some of the color recipes....I was beginning to feel like I wasn't doing anything at all...
Well, so it goes!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Bella Sinclair said...

Fantastic, fantastic! I love hearing about your gels and glues and things with fancy, scientific sounding names. You have so many fun toys! I really love those flames. This is a battered and bruised heart, but it still keeps beating. Amazing work!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Bella,

Yes, it was that way on purpose, but now that it is going to another application, I'm going to have to give some thought to a name (and statement too---pffft!)....*sigh*.....
Just give me paper and glue and a little paint...I'm happy! ;-)

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

This sacred heart is a very special milargo for my state of mind...my brother is in the ICU for heart issues and extremely high blood pressure. Thank you for your kindest thoughts fear friend...it is snowing here once again. Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Dear Fireflies said...

Goodness! A bleeding heart?? With daggers too!! Oh, this is intense! I definitely think you should keep juggling those cats, Anne, especially when the cats turn out into something like this! :D :D :D

oxox

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Mary-Helen, I hope things have improved with your brother.....has been on my mind since I read your post yesterday.
Do take care.
At least for the moment, we missed more snow....maybe I shouldn't say that!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Amalia, LOL!!!
I am always juggling cats. I think when I drop one that's when something actually is produced and turns out good~~altho this took a turn totally away from what I needed to use it for.
Oh well!
Back to the cat-juggling! heehee!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Using blue for shadows - who knew? I would have reached for black and wondered why I wasn't very happy with it. Black is too harsh and the blue is stunning - lesson learned (well, at least until I forget about it anyway).

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

That's why I am here...to remind you! heehee!
That Pthalo Turquoise is extremely intense. It can look almost black due to being next to the red; strictly optical blending. And it stains like all get out. If you get THAT on you, you'll be a bright shade for several days!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Alexandra MacVean said...

It turned out amazing, Anne. Wow! And I so love how you share with us your techniques/steps you do to get a certain look. You rock! :) Hugs!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Glad you've enjoyed the *lesson*......sometimes I think I actually know something.
But not this evening when I splattered white paint all over four canvasses I had painted black.
Grrrrrr.....! >:-[
I'll be posting about gels next---probably Monday--still have some photos to process for that.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Bunny said...

Anne WOW this is just wonderful work. You alway amaze me with your art work. Fantastic process.

Bunny said...

Anne WOW this is just wonderful work. You alway amaze me with your art work. Fantastic process.

Gayle Pritchard said...

The dimensional quality of this is great. Thanks for sharing your process.

Janine said...

Oh Anne, this is beyond beautiful. what an amazing piece of art you created, absolutly divine.
Haave a great week
Janine

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hi Girls!

Thanks~~I am working the background I will attach it to; I'm sort of back to square one and decision making and color choices....
Art should not require this much thought, at least not at MY age! LOL!!!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

jazzlamb said...

Woah! That is absolutely magical and lovely! The details look really good!

Manon said...

I could hardly read your post because when I saw this heart I got so excited!!! Omg..... I love it!!! It is awesome!! R u sure you're not from New Mexico...omg....did I say *i love it* yet? lol
xoxo

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Hey Manon~~

I wish I was somewhere closer to Mexico!(I love the art influence from there...) I think it comes from being raised overseas and seeing all the beautiful statues and shrines.
I so want to get the backing board done~~think I will be out of studio for a day or so plowing snow. PFFFFFT!!!!
OMG....I have SO had enough.
Let's move to New Orleans!

XXOO~~♥
Anne

Carla Trujillo said...

Your heart came out awesome!!
I've been wanting to dabble in some hearts myself. It's just finding the time to do it!

Antonella said...

Wow - you are incredible... I love this! Hugs, antonella :-)

*Ulrike* said...

I am totally amazed with your creativity! You come up with some really cool stuff!

Debs said...

This heart piece has me hyperventillating, it totally rocks!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

Debs! Get a paper bag---don't hyperventilate!!! LOL!!
Thanks--I am still working on a larger background for this; it will be perfect to set it off and make even more impact. Plus give it a more finished appearance.

XXOO~~♥
Anne

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