I’ve been all about painting these birds and owls and trying out a ton of new techniques! I picked up Kelly Rae Roberts’ book Taking Flight and have been having so much fun playing in my studio!
One of her projects features the wonderful artist Mati Rose and the use of a doily as a stencil. I went out and picked up a doily and then got the idea that it sort of looked like a snowflake! So, just like we used to do in elementary school, I folded some typing paper into a triangle and cut out my own “snowflake.” The same way I’ve been using stencils of birds and dragonflies with spray paint in my latest paintings, I used my snowflake and came up with all of these super fun layered patterns for this owl’s background.
Taking Flight: Inspiration + Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings by Kelly Rae Roberts
I was inspired by another of Kelly Rae’s supplies and bought some Vintage Photo Distress Ink by Ranger (a sort of ruddy brown hue ink pad) and rubbed the ink over parts of the painting to create a sort of stain.
Then the most fabulous part happened! When I added my top coat of antique decoupage (which usually adds a sweet yellow softness), it reacted with the ink pad ink and sort of bled in beautiful places to create this sort of henna look! I did the same thing to create my painting
SING YOUR SONG.
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Abstract and Figurative Painter
Juliette Crane creates luminous, dreamlike paintings shaped by memory, imagination and nature. She builds translucent layers of color until something familiar begins to emerge. Based in Wisconsin’s scenic Driftless Region, her work is represented by select galleries across the United States.
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12 comments
elisa
This looks great! It sounds like you had a good time making it too.
Georgina
I love your birdies. Thank you, thank you, thank you for recommending this book. I've been wanting to learn how these layered paintings are done and somehow I missed this publication. Your work is wonderful.
Juliette Crane
thank you! i'm planning to do a more detailed step by step photo post next week! it's so much fun to create all of the layers 🙂
have a wonderful weekend!
Carrie Schmitt
Love your techniques! I have to learn how to do all this. I loved Kelly Rae's book too. Your artwork is divine! Thanks for the inspiration.
claire barone art
love your work its very experimental and very you…x
Dianne
Love her!
Capricorn Soap Company
I just love your work! Keep it up!
stopping by to show some blog love…
patty
Love your little owl and love that you are trying new things. It's inspiring!!
Kerri
i'm glad you bought the book and that it has inspired you! 🙂
Jenny Blair
Thankyou thankyou thankyou Juliette! My little bundle of “hope” arrived today and made me beam from ear to ear! I love her! And thankyou so much for the lovely personal touch and litle extras…..I feel like a very lucky girl! :0) XX
Juliette Crane
thank you, jenny for appreciating everything I sent in the envelope! I am so happy you loved it!
Susan
The Kelly Rae Roberts book is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing it.