Tag Archives: medieval

Evolution of a spread: Holy grail

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Holy grail 01Just finished a new art journal spread and this time I remembered to take some photos along the way.

Step one: gesso and  collage elements

 

 

 

Holy G 1Step 2: Paint : cobalt blue mixed with raw umber, paynes grey, yellow ochre and of course all mixed with some white.

 

 

 

Holy grail 2Step 3: Stencilling with 3 different colours, 2 stencils, I’m loving that medieval look as usual. I love the colours too. Still don’t have a clue what to make this page about.

 

 

Holy Grail 3Step 4: More collage. I happened to have an image of a grail like cup or chalice lying on my desk. I also added a pentacle and some italian patterned paper. As I was gluing down these images the words “What is your Holy grail?” popped into my head. Good question, I thought. If I was searching for a Holy grail in my life, what would that be??

Holy grail 4Step 5: Finishing touches. Stamped the words “holy grail”, and did some writing . I think my Holy grail would be learning to live with joy and gratitude IN EACH PRESENT MOMENT. I wish I could do that more often!

What about you? What is your Holy Grail?

Medieval page

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A while ago I bought a book for my sister called “Creative Paint workshop for Mixed Media Artists” by Ann Baldwin. It’s very inspiring so I’ve borrowed it and don’t look like giving it back anytime soon (mwah ha ha!) Oops, my sister has subscribed to this blog and now knows my evil plan. Anyway, this page was inspired by that book. I tried to use layers of acrylic glazes but I don’t really know what I’m doing with acrylic paints and it didn’t turn out the way I expected (or anything like Ann Baldwin’s) It’s OK though. I’ve included a photo I took last July in the Tower of London chapel as I loved the way the light was streaming in. There are several layers of collage, black and white medieval designs and buildings, and some coloured collage on the top layer. I bought a calligraphy felt pen and enjoyed using that on this page.

It is true that I have always loved medieval things (and also renaissance) I love the buildings, the churches, the clothes, the art, the music, the OLDNESS. In Australia we don’t have buildings older than 200 years so when we arrived in Europe last year, I was running around Utrecht (where my son is living) exclaiming over the OLDNESS of things. The canals there date from the 11th century! I’m not sure why I find oldness so interesting, I just do! Does anyone else feel that way?