From masterboard to mini abstracts

I think as time goes by, the way I work changes and evolves and the things I used to hold on to as my foundations have been overtaken by other ideas.

It took a visit to a very good friend to remind me of the love we both had for creating masterboards. We used to create these magical backgrounds regularly and I think I even gave a workshop based around one at some time in the past.

It was a visit to Lena’s last week when she produced a big sheet of 50 x 70cm white card and challenged me to make a masterboard from it. So challenge accepted, I took it home and took out the acrylic paints. I rolled, smeared and scraped three colours plus a white randomly over the surface, then used a stick to scribble black ink. Masterboards always get to a point when you think, what the heck am I doing? but you have to push on knowing that the end result will be all worth it.

Once dry, I cut the whole sheet into 10cm squares. Immediately you can see these mini abstract works start to look like masterpieces. I had some left over to cut a few ATC’s too.

I took the squares back to Lena’s this week and added the torn book page and copper paper strips. I mounted some of my favourite ones onto a strip of white accordion folded card and immediately they started to sing to me.

It’s such a satisfying process. It takes a leap of faith to firstly, stick with it and carry on regardless of what sort of a mess you think you’re making and secondly to cut up the finished artwork into smaller chunks.

Thank you Lena for the inspiration and card. Same time next week then?

Jaine x

Friday In The Studio – My Sketchbook Is Almost Full

“Dear Father Christmas, please can you bring me a new sketchbook as I’ve almost filled mine up since I started it in January. Thank you”

I’ve only a couple of pages left in it and at the rate I’m going I’ll need to add a few tip-ins before Christmas. If anyone can recommend a good one preferably hard cover A4 please tell me as I’d be interested to know.

leaf-sketch

I know it’s a bit corny and I’ve said it so many times but I find the forest in Autumn so full of inspiration. When I get back from a walk my pockets are usually filled with treasures I’ve picked up along the way. I have to point out the mushroom below didn’t end up in my pocket, I took a photo instead. Just sayin’

mushroom-sketch

I really need to work on my Christmas card design for this year and I’ll be working in those last few pages.

Have a good weekend

Jaine x