Inspire Me Thursday - Open Studio
This week's Inspire Me Thursday challenge is to "create anything you would like and share it with us, along with pictures of where you created it." Since I did a "show and tell" about the process of turning a small drawing into a large painting for this week's Illustration Friday (you can see it here), I thought I'd continue with a few more steps for IMT.
In order to get the proportions correct, I wanted to see my original drawing scaled to the size of the canvas for the large painting. To do this, I opened the small file in Illustrator and changed it into a vector drawing. That way I could resize it to 24" x 36" without losing the sharpness of the lines. I then printed it in tiles, taped them together, and attached the poster to a bulletin board. I used the poster as a model for my sketch on the canvas. I have to say that I found drawing such a large figure very intimidating...I haven't done this since college art classes! The sketch took me all morning yesterday.
My next step was to gesso the background and put in texture as I did with the small painting. I discovered that I didn't get enough texture this time with one coat, so this morning I mixed gesso and gel medium and applied another thick coat. I used a plastic fork and a mechanical pencil without lead to put patterns into the goop...you can't see it yet, but on top of the stucco effect, I etched in vines with leaves. I think it will look really nice when I put color over it.
My studio is a small room that doubles as my office, so it's very crowded. Although I really like having the couch there (so my kitty Jezebel can keep me company), I would much prefer a work table and shelves. The table on the right is actually my desk which has two monitors (23" and 17"), a scanner, speakers, books, etc. I really don't like putting paint stuff on it, because I'm afraid it will get on my screens. Anyway, the couch will be moving to a new location as soon as we tile that area, and...I'll have a new and improved studio!
posted by carla at 8:56 AM
28 Comments:
What a 'chic' studio...how fitting of you:)
Love it!!
I was thinking that your studio looks more like a very dignified study than the linoleum-and-paint-spattered basement where I work! (I have a sofa, too, but that came with the room -- after the previous owners renovated the house they couldn't get it out the door when they moved! :) But explain soemthing more -- how could you do the drawing on canvas first *then* gesso over it? Wouldn't you lose the drawing?
how cool carla....love your studio, I am impressed by the fact that peopele actually have designated places to work at all, LOL...I love that drawing...one of my favorites, can't wait to see it finished :) Jezebel looks quite comfy too!
What a treat to see where you work (and to see Jezebel, too!). The funny thing is when you take the couch out, she'll probably find another spot in the room. It's also nice to see your artwork along the walls in the background. Very cool environment!
Is that your new easel? It is gorgeous! And it works to well to use the tabletop easel for your reference piece. She is looking lovely. She looks more fluid to me on a canvas, full of so much expression. It will be a magnificent piece once completed!
Oh, that's hilarious we commented on each other's blogs at the same time! I LOVE your new easel! I like A frames! I decided on an H frame because of my children. I was concerned if it were large and an A frame they might accidentally knock it over! (They are 3 and 4.) You easel looks so great with the other wood in your studio!
Thanks for your kind encouragement also!
What a wonderful space! So peaceful & calming. Purr~fect for work, art & kitty quality time. =^..^=
It is really a treat to see your work as it really is before it is uploaded to your blog. I often wonder what the true size is of art bloggers pieces. Like Willie, this work of yours is one of my favorites too, she looks wonderful in color!
Many thx for the treat to peek inside your workspace!
I have just added U to my blogyroll ~ hope that's OK?
Smooch & head pats to Jezebel fm The Whippy Curly Tails in Texas,
The Tart
; )
I enjoyed learning your process...it seems less intimidating to step out of small work and into large by doing the "tile system". Great idea! I'm looking forward to seeing your finished piece...the detailing is awesome as usual!
What a nice studio! I didn't see the cat at first - shame on me, please don't tell her! - she's a beauty for sure. (Please don't tell my furball I said that! ;))
Like Stacia, I enjoyed reading about the process of transferring a small pic into a large one. I will definitely try that out!
Interesting and beautiful!
So nice to see where you work (I don't have a real work space)... and very interesting to read your art process. You are always so kind in your comments on my site, and I really appreciate your thoughts!
wow i never realised your works were so large. Is this the first one you've done in the big size or are they all this size?
Even though you say your studio is is small and cramped, I'm still rather envious of that lovely space you have with that huge window and kitty!
Flossy-p - This is the first time in many, many years that I am attempting a large piece. Most of my work falls between 8" x 10" - 11" x 14" (you can see a few of them framed and stacked on the couch for lack of a better place to put them). I'm experimenting with trying to recreate some of my smaller works that are very detailed in a larger format.
beautiful room with a great amount of light. i can just see you painting there! good luck with the tile! we are doing that in my space too... right after the patio.
lovely!
Wow your studio looks so organized!
Very nice looking space, and Jezebel is so cute. Kitty helpers are a necessity for any studio.
I envy your studio! Awesome! Likewise... It is nice to see your work in context.
I love reading about how people create, and where they create. It always inspires me to expand my digital approach to art on to manual creations. Your studio looks beautiful! The dark wood with the white walls gives a relaxing and comfortable mood. Classic!
Hi Carla. I love your beautiful calm workplace. And the kitty-cat sleeping there makes it serene.
BTW, the 'rain' painting is wonderful!!
I'm SO impressed!!
Thanks for your regards. I am feeling a bit better.
Your home office is beautiful. It's nice having the couch there. I see you have framed your painting. That's wonderful. I am due to do that. Anyway, do show us more about your new studio when it's done.
What a beautiful studio-it is such a treat to see.
Also love how you explained your painting process.
I think this piece will be amazing
How cool is that!!! I love seeing a glimpse into your real life. Thank you so much for sharing this. Your office/studio rocks!
a.
thanks for sharing your studio!
this is the best "inspire me thursday" ever... I see people's studios and I just swoon.
Yours is so clean! And a cat sleeping in a circle - you can't get more perfect than that :)
wow, you're studio is lovely and your painting is even lovelier :) i adore your work.. . .
Ohh had to take a peak here also. I love seeing artists studio space. Your large canvas is going to be great.
Let me know when you get it done.
That's right, keep torturing me.
Hi Carla, Theres a whole serenity about your posts, Even when you leave a comment your photograph is also so calming. Thankyou I love seeing your face on my comments and always feel honoured that you visit me.
This piece is so exciting and I love the idea of what you are creating with the gesso and gel medium. I love gesso but have never tried gel medium at all, dont know if Id get it in Scotland!!!
Do you stretch your own canvas? What type of paint will you use on the textured canvas, sorry I dont mean to be nosey Im just intriqued. I cant wait to see it finished.
And your studio, well what can I say. You could fit my house in there, well almost!!!! It again looks such a peaceful place to work and very calming.
Thankyou for a peep into your art its beautiful. Judyx
Post a Comment
<< Home