"I think I can... I think I can..."
That was me as I traced the Merry Mobile design on to the 18 mesh canvas. Working with the light box, the photograph glowed from below. My mechanical pencil captured each curve and detail. I had my trusty White Eraser near by, just in case. The lines were faint but accurate. I then reinforced them with the Black IDenti-Pen to give me parameters when painting.
So far this project has all the wonders of childhood: ice cream, art supplies and painting. Woo-hoo! Pat and I took the Merry Mobile photograph to Michael's Arts & Crafts and selected the various acrylic paints and supplies. He was in charge of selecting the correct Red and Blue paints. I found the cutest paint brush. It's a Spotter 5/0. Love that name.
"I think I can... I think I can..."
The TV was off; the door was closed... no cats... I needed to be in a zone! My work area was prepared; I was using the same magnifier light I use for needlepoint. After all, I needed to see. I began painting the blue area. I was trying to channel the greats: SharonG, Melissa Shirley, Leigh Richardson... for any possible painting mojo.
Breathe! Exhale!
Whew. One triangle done. And it's looking pretty good. Onward to triangle #2. Pat came in the room... and a few cats, too... to check on me. He picked up his camera to document this moment. The Merry Mobile was beginning to come to life. Always the photographer!
Once the blue triangles were painted, I began the blue sections of the canopy. Then the last accomplishment of the evening was to paint the red triangles. I didn't want to push my luck/mojo. I told myself, "things needed to dry before the next painting session." Made sense to me. Next time: shades of gray.
Thanks, Robin
This is an excellent start, Robin. And it will increase your understanding of design and painting canvases. All good things.
ReplyDeletePlus you are going to have a blast. I promise!
Jane, shouting encouragement from CH where at this point I would have paint in my hair and on my glasses
Wow, Robin - Great work! What a tiny brush the Spotter 5/0 is (sounds like something out of Harry Potter!) is. But I guess you don't want or need anything larger. This is a fun project to follow. Can't wait to see what comes next!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed. Suggestion, once you get more confident with your brush strokes and get the feel of it all, you should try a larger brush. It will speed things up for you. I use flats and bigger rounds but use the smaller rounds for painting "dots". With time you will get to know what happens when you put brush to canvas. I must say, you are very neat. I don't see any paint runs.
ReplyDeleteSuggestion for your outlines. Use a Pigma Micron. It is what most of us in the biz use. You get a very fine line and it is the most permanent. Never use a Sharpie. They even tell you not for us on fabric.
Robin, you are doing great. Looking forward to shades of gray and the "Robin King" line! OK, so now you know I will be bugging you to try your hand at more designing.
In addition, I think Chilly Hollow Jane would look cute with paint in her hair! Go for it Jane.
Robin,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job!! I know you can, I know you can.
Cannot wait to see the next phase. Just imagine the magic you will work in stitching.
Linda
Robin, You will be awesome at this because you totally understand stitching. I see a budding new business in your future. You are just so talented!! Becky
ReplyDeleteYou're doing an awesome job. I think to do a project like this from start to finish is a great accomplishment and a wonderful gift to your DH. I know he must be very proud and excited. We are too.
ReplyDeleteSharon is right about using something different for drawing onto canvas. You should never use a pencil or an eraser on canvas. Also, you need to stitch draw as you trace instead of just tracing lines so that it will appear to be more symmetric and not so uneven. Do use good paint brushes - the cheap ones just slow you down and wear out in a heartbeat.
ReplyDelete