Wednesday 15 May 2013

May sunshine & flowers for my Calendar Journal

I got a little bit behind with my Calendar Journal page this month, but I've been recording my days in a diary until I caught up. If your not familiar with the Calendar Journal revolution, the very talented Kate Crane has a Facebook page where everyone shares their wonderful monthly journal pages.


I've used the fab Delicate Aster's stamps from Creative expressions to make the colourful flowers on the bottom of the page.


I've used Dylusions Inks (Lemon zest, Squeezed Orange, Fresh Lime, Cut grass, cherry Pie) to create the background and also used various stencils to add more interest. 

Then I stamped the Aster's using Archival inks.


I painted the petals with white acrylic paint so it would show up the colour better when using my Prisma colouring pencils. Also this was easier than stamping them on white paper and cutting them all out too.


I've coloured each flower using bright contrasting colours, I love the way the blue just pops out!


Now I can start to fill in my days properly. Actually I have forgotten to put my days of the week on, but I will add them later.

***************
On another note, I've been a little preoccupied lately playing with a new medium for me, oil paints.

I decided to do a still life painting of a few things I had lying around the house and some fresh fruit.


The great thing about oil paints, I've discovered, is that the paint stays wet over a few days so you can change things you don't like all the time. So since I thought I was finished the painting, I've revisited it about 4 times to adjust the shadows and tweak it a little bit.


I only have to wait a month now to varnish it, then frame it.
There's a lot to be said for acrylic paints. However, I really like the feel and smell of working with oils.
I'm looking forward to doing another one, I'd like to include some geology into the next one, so maybe some fossils.  I'm excited!
I've submitted this painting to Paint Party Friday, it's been a while since I did that.

Have a great weekend
Michelle xx

32 comments:

Words and Pictures said...

Stunning calendar page - the colours just lift the heart... And I'm open-mouthed in awe at your still life - what an incredible piece of work, Michelle!
Alison xx

Darcy Marshall said...

Cannot believe you went home and painted that.. amazing!

Netty said...

Your calendar pages are terrific but oooooh your painting is so delicious Michelle. Hugs Annette x

Helen said...

Your calendar page is so vibrant with those lovely colours. I think you must have hidden talents with that VERY nice painting - brilliant!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

These are GORGEOUS!! I love love love love the colors and grid design on your journal page and loveeeeeeeeee your painting!!!!!

Karin said...

Stunning pages, love the colors! And the painting is beautiful!!

Jackie said...

What a wonderful, sunny calendar journal and your still life painting is brilliant :o)
Jackie xx

Lin said...

Love your calender page Mchelle..it is so bright and sunny!! now all we need is for the weather to do the same,and painting is stunning you clever girl!!!

Redanne said...

Wow Michelle, just picking my jaw up off the floor - your painting is superb! How clever are you... Your calendar pages are lovely too. Hugs, Anne x

Helen said...

Lovely colours on this month's page, Michelle!

Astrid Maclean said...

Love the calendar page Michelle, the way you did those asters is just perfect against that background. The painting with the oils is amazing!!! Wow, what an artist you are!!!

Sandy said...

Your calendar page is gorgeous - I love all the colors and your design work but I must say Michelle - your oil painting is out of this world good. You are indeed a fabulous artist!!!!
sandy

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,your calender page is so beautiful and vibrant but I have to say your painting is awesome,you are so talented and such an inspiration.Jacqueline.S

Nan G said...

Cool calendar pages! Love the asters. Your oil is ...is ...amazing! I feel like we could eat the strawberries! Wow!

Tracey FK said...

the strawberries and pump[kin have come together so beautifully ... looking forward to seeing more...xx

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

Lovely calendar page, you have painted the flowers beautifully. Your oil painting is amazing and so life like! Great job HPPF

denthe said...

Oh this really is a calendar spread worthy of the month of May. All these flowers, the warm colours, .... Love it!

Suzy said...

Just love how vibrant your calendar is Michelle and I love that aster stamp - so delicate

Im very impressed by your oil painting - so wish I could draw

Linda Kunsman said...

gorgeous calendar pages!!!! I keep forgetting to go to FB and add mine.Your still life is breathtaking-really amazing!!!Happy PPF

Netty said...

Came back to wish you a Happy PPF, Annette x



http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

Anonymous said...

Lovely layered sprays on your calendar pages. Oils, oh marvelous....but the drying time - I do not have that patience. Good for you.....Happy PPF

Ivy said...

Beatiful still life, the colors are gorgeous! HPPF!

Giggles said...

Wow gorgeous still life...really special!! So is your calendar!! Wonderful work!

Hugs Giggles

Anne Manda said...

Love your luscious still life and the beautiful calendar, you have a wonderful way with colors! Those strawberries are awesome! <3

Marjie Kemper said...

Michelle, I surely love your calendar page but that painting blew me away... how fabulous and lifelike!!

Gillian .... said...

Amazing array of colours to this calendar layout, love the asters they look fab. Wow your still life artwork is knockout xxx

aimee said...

holy color, I love this calendar!! xo

Paper rainbow said...

visting from PPF, love your journal pages. Fabulous work!

bellefrogworks said...

That calendar is just fabulous. You did an amazing job with your oil still life. I love it. HPPF

DVArtist said...

I was thinking how awesome your process is with the inks on the calendar but then scrolled down to see the beauty and elegance of your still life. Wonderful.
Nicole/Beadwright

Alison said...

Your calendar page is so bright & beautiful, I love it Michelle!
And, your painting is simply superb!!!
Alison x

Juls said...

stunning, so bright and funky!! Hugs Juls

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