Work In Progress

Nostalgia Series - Final Layers

When working on several pieces at once I move from one piece to another applying paint or whatever medium I'm using at the time. It is easy to get lost in the process and forget exactly what you have done. Your artist eye looks critically at a work and you decide what it needs next. I always work with balance in mind. Something I learned from talented NZ Watercolour Artist Nancy Tichborne.

Here's an update on the finishing layers to one of the Nostalgia pieces. When last photographed it was at this stage...bright yellow.

(Sorry there's not more photographs of the different stages...it is something I need to practice).

Sue McPhee - Nostagia Series

I toned down the bright yellow with a pale yellow paint and added white highlights in some areas. A craft stamp using white paint was applied in some areas.
To add a focal point the gladioli flowers were painted on - an extension of the collaged paper.
A piece of sheet music (with words that were relevant to my theme), was then added to the top right corner to fill the space and add balance. 

I then added a bit more pale yellow, magenta and green/blue paint to balance and pull the piece together. A thin layer of shellac varnish was painted over the textured area enriching the colours and adding a vintage patina.

Final Touches
Bright blue paint flicks were added imitating the little blue 'forget-me-not' flowers on the jug, then white paint flicks for added highlights.
I possibly could have kept adding more details to this piece but chose to stop here at this interesting place. A final layer of gloss varnish was applied to protect and give the surface a uniform appearance.

Sue McPhee - Nostalgia Series 'Tender Memory'

Oh and of course it needed a title......'Tender Memory'.
For me it represents special memories of my Grandmother xx

Sue