In Time For Mother's Day

On the eBay auction block I currently have three original collages that I picked with Mother's Day in mind. The auction ends Saturday. Click on the captions below the images for more information and a direct link to eBay.

"First Love"

"Red Balloon"

"Paisley Bathtub"

Masking Tape Series #1

Once again, a series of canvases that all began nearly the same, but had completely different endings!

It began with the new magenta paint I love so much. And when it dried, I added some strips of masking tape.

Next I painted over everything, tape and all, in cerulean blue. And added some more masking tape.

Then I painted over all that in Titan Buff.

Then the masking tape came off and I had a very linear look.

So I squiggled on a few more colors that I like.

I took a home made stamp and smashed up the squiggles a little bit.

Looking through my lace papers, I decided I wanted to use Ogura lace.

Ogura lace is wrapped around the canvas.

And with a couple more steps it becomes "Goldfinch" - 8x10 - Mixed Media Collage. Can be purchased on Etsy.

Single Poppy

"Single Poppy" - 4x12 - Mixed Media CollageListed on Etsy

Butterfly Kisses

"Butterfly Kisses" - 8x8 - Mixed Media Collage
Not For Sale

Over the weekend I experimented with a different technique and I really like the way it turned out. I discovered that an even more textural look could be achieved by layering oil pastels over textured paper; in this case, ogura lace. (My fave!)

And I've become so smitten with this little girl that for the time being she'snot for sale. Pygmalion syndrome, I know, but what are you going to do?

Broken Black-Eyed Susan

"Broken Black-Eyed Susan" 6x6 Mixed Media Collage $90 + $10 Shipping

available on Etsy

I am thrilled beyond reason to have discovered that you can apply acrylic varnish over oil pastels. It makes no scientific sense to me why this should be so, but it works! I LOVE painting with oil pastels and to know that I can incorporate them in my collages without having to protect them under glass is like discovering the New World for me!

In addition to the oil pastels in the flower and the usual art papers, you'll also notice some iridescent fibers scattered over the image. Remember "The Mustachioed Button"? These are the trimmings left over when I trimmed the button's mustache. They are the iridescent fibers I found in the bait and tackle shop. (Evidently fish are just as entranced by the whole "Ooo shiny" thing as I am.)

So now you understand why I'm excited about this piece. Plus... Black-eyed Susan is also the state flower of Maryland. Even though I live in Delaware, I guess in a way, I'll always think of Maryland as home.