Beeswax

I'm almost finished with my retro camper painting.  I want to incorporate beeswax,but since I've never used it, I need to practice. I don't want to ruin my hard work.  Here's what I've done so far.

It needs something else, but I haven't figured that part out yet.  I'm sure it will eventually come to me!

Retro camper

Last October my sweet 99 year old grandmother passed away.  She was three weeks shy of turning 100.  When I learned that she was failing, I jumped on a plane to North Carolina.  I couldn't bare to think that she would be alone during this transition in life.  When I arrived I just took over her care.  I sat with her while she rested and gave her iced tea when she was thirsty.  When she couldn't relax due to not being able to urinate, I had the hospice nurse put in a catheter.  Afterwards, she was able to sleep in peace.  It was just a few days later that she let go and moved over to the other side.  I was honored to be there.  I was touched when she cried out for me by name.  It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life.

My favorite picture is the one where my grandmother and grandfather are standing in front of their camper.  They enjoyed camping with their extended family and did it often.  This is where I got my inspiration for my latest painting.

My grandfather passed away about 18 years ago.  He was my grandmother's everything.  Knowing that they are now together makes me smile.

I have this picture on my art desk.  I am currently working on a multi-media piece that includes a little camper like the one in the picture.  It has been a long time since I've created a large piece, so I'm really excited to see how it turns out.  As soon as it's finished, I will show it to you.  Here's a quick pencil drawing of the little girl that will be in the painting.

Now I'm off to create!  See you soon!

This little light of mine

It has been so nice getting back into art journaling.  I really can't believe that I have been away as long as I have.  Some of the new art supplies I have been using are gauche, dyllusions ink sprays, tissue paper, and string gel.  Of course, I haven't stopped making pretty girls.  They just really make me happy!  I worked on "This little light of mine" for a few days and I covered it with string gel.  This is the first time I've ever used the gel and I love the effect it gives.  It creates a lovely waxy, glossy layer over your art, giving it more dimension.  This picture isn't the best, but in person the effect is great!

When you first put it on, it is a little cloudy.  Don't worry!  Just let it sit on a level counter for a day or two.  It will dry to a beautiful, clear glossy finish!

In between working on this piece, I also played in my art journal.  I tried to use colors that I normally don't.  It was fun, but I realized that certain colors just make me happier than others! :)

Here is one of those pages.

Not one of my favorites, but it was still fun to create.  You never know what color combinations you are going to like unless you get in there and play!

Happy creating!!!