Monday, June 22, 2015

Some Buggy Fun...

Hello, all!

 Last fall I saw something I thought was really fun; 

flower petals, blossoms, and buds placed strategically over some

 black and white insect clip-art, as if they were the bodies and wings.

I had waited too long in the season, however, for there to be anything remotely

insect-shaped blooming in my garden, but I kept thinking about it...

Here is my take on it, with watercolor instead of black and white images.

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I didn't have plans to post this when I started sketching (so no pics), but my first

step was to lightly sketch some insect shapes on heavyweight watercolor paper.

I went out and got a couple of the blossoms that I planned to use, to get the

approximate size... (I used Althea/Rose of Sharon blossoms and buds here).

I blocked in some color on the bugs, not really sure how I was going to proceed ~

(As in much of my life, "Flying by the seat of my pants")

At this point I actually planned to have a white background like my inspiration images,

or I would have waited on painting the insects ~ it's all good, though, it still worked!

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I decided that a colored background would be better,

so I taped the watercolor paper to a board and wet the whole thing...

(I knew the paint on the insects was going to run, but I also knew I could fix it...

and that it would look like I had meant for it to be like that ~ ;) )

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I painted some big, swishy areas of watercolor, and dropped in some

yummy Holbein Brilliant Gold gouache for added fun...

then sprinkled liberally with kosher salt ~

I put it out in the sun to dry, and to let the salt do its starburst-magic

(the salt absorbs some of the watercolor, leaving the texture).

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When the paper was bone-dry (which didn't take all that long in the hot sun),

I used a fine brush and went back and finessed the bugs...

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And here are the results!

Now I'm thinking about what other flower-buds would make good "insects"...

Moonflower buds, for sure...maybe a praying mantis for those...

And rosebuds, for cute little fantasy-bugs.

This is an instance where the photograph becomes the art, as the

subject matter here (the flowers and leaves, anyway) is ephemeral!

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Try it! 

Have fun...if you don't want to draw the insects, use copyright-free clip-art...

either black and white, or tinted with markers, colored pencils, whatever you have.

Play!

I do, every day... :)

Love,
~
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14 comments:

  1. That is really beautiful Anne... i didn't understand where you were going with your instructions.. until i got to the last photos... What a neat idea....and ofcourse your sketching is out of this world..! Miss you posting more regular but its so good to hear from you. Hugs! deb

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  2. WOW!!! That is amazing Anne! I would never be able to do this, but seeing your artistic talent makes up for it!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!

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  3. Oh wow! That is very cool and you did an excellent job. So beautiful!

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  4. Hello Anne, this is so beautiful!
    I'm going to try that myself, love this idea :))

    Have a beautiful day
    Tinna ✐

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  5. Beautiful Anne..thanks for sharing...

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  6. WOW, this is awesome! Love your pretty flower bugs...................

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  7. Saw these on your IG! Had to swing by and see what you were up to!!! You say your just a playing and flying by the sit of your pants! Well, I say, it is always a lovely thing here! I Love it!!! <3

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  8. Anne- You do such AMAZING work. You are a very talented lady...but I knew that even before this post. What a fun art project. You make even BUGS appealing! xo Diana

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  9. Oh my goodness, how I do love your bug artwork! I have been a bug and insect lover for years and I am just so excited to see what you've done with flowers and bug art. I have many pieces of insect jewelry and I can see how maybe a flower and insect combination would make just the perfect pin.

    Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful way to highlight both flowers and bugs.

    Diane in North Carolina

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  10. Oh my goodness, how I do love your bug artwork! I have been a bug and insect lover for years and I am just so excited to see what you've done with flowers and bug art. I have many pieces of insect jewelry and I can see how maybe a flower and insect combination would make just the perfect pin.

    Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful way to highlight both flowers and bugs.

    Diane in North Carolina

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  11. Oh Anne, I really do love this, it's exquisitely beautiful! You've made it look so simple, but that's because you are a talented artist, and I know that if I attempted it, it would be a "hot mess!" :-)

    I do hope you're doing well, and I hope you're enjoying your weekend!! Take care!

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  12. Oh My Goodness, these flower bugs are amazing! I am an avid follower from now on. So glad I discovered you through The Mad Tea. You are an inspiration.

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I love your thoughts and comments, and I read each and every one! Sometimes life gets in the way, though, and it takes me a while to respond...Thank you for understanding! ♥...Time is precious, and the time you have taken here is truly appreciated!