A Very Special Commission

Part Four: More Collage Papers Added

On a roll now, not sure how much under-painting or pencil sketch I will leave showing through, that is all determined as I go along. I have been experimenting with leaving more an leaving less, it all depends.

The papers I am using in this piece I painted very recently while working on a DVD of my process with my husband, they are rich in color and texture and I am really happy with how they are coming together in this piece, especially the greens.

A Very Special Commission

Part Three: Applying the Collage Papers

So now I start ripping an glueing, this is my favorite part! I just listen to my iPod, have the dogs at my feet, and start covering the under-painting with torn painted papers.

A Very Special Commission

Step Two: The Under-Painting

Here is the level of detail I do in an under-painting. Sometimes I get carried away and give the painting more detail than I need, but this time I stuck with my own advice. I always tell students "Don't fall in love with the under-painting, or you will NOT want to glue paper on top of it!"

A Survey

The Question: Would you prefer to buy art framed or unframed?

I have been occasionally selling small pieces on the blog unframed. I have not been framing them to keep purchase cost and shipping costs down for my art collectors. Robin's Nest sold unframed last night to a very sweet woman in CT. I told her I had become very attached to that piece and will be sorry to see it go!

My question for you to consider though, do you think that the pieces would sell better, faster, if I had them for sale framed and ready to hang or ready to give as a gift? Is the unframed piece feeling like more work than you want to do? I value your opinion, if you have a moment to comment.

Buy it Now!

This unique piece shows the under-painting, the sketch, and the collage process all in one! Created on wood panel and coated with varnish, this piece is ready to frame with no glass or matting needed. This piece would look great in the kitchen with a simple natural wood frame. A great Christmas gift, with time for framing!

Finish Your Veggies-- unframed
15 ¾" x 15 ¾"
collage on Panel
$200 plus $9.95 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

A Very Special Commission

Blue Bunting Sketch

A few days ago I received an email from a woman who asked me if my small bird collage "Blue Bunting" was still available. I told her it was with a gallery, but I could do another one for her. She told me that she had come across my collage art while searching for Blue Buntings for her sister. Her sister had lost a son, her only son, and she said that when she visited his grave, there were always Blue Buntings there, as bright blue as little jewels, which gave her some peace in her heart.

I was so touched by this story that I wanted to do a custom piece. We agreed to also incorporate a small southern style church and the name "Michael" into the collage.

I thought this would be a good piece to do a step by step process on. I have not done a piece from start to finish on the blog in a while and this collage is going to be so special that I think you will enjoy taking the journey with me.

Envy - now available in cards

Set of 10 single panel cards with envelopes

Peacock Postcard Set
4" x 6" (10.2cm x 15.3cm)
printed on paper