Dans Ma Maison il y a...
Dans Ma Maison, Il y a ...du Vintage! I began my vintage house by cutting a ramshackle shape and distressing it a bit with acrylic paint, alternating layers of matte and gloss gel mediums with pencil, gel pens, and other marks, between the layers.
Before anything else was added, I decided that something or someone tall needed to be on the left side, so I began scribbling, and my scruffy, gentleman cat began to emerge. There are layers of mediums between the squiggles of his fur, so in real life, it has lots of definition and dimension. More thinned gesso, and acrylic paint made translucent with lots of fluid matte medium were added before I looked at the cat, and the round window I had added at the top, and realized that he was gazing up at the window! And his hand was a bit outstretched, like he was holding something, tentatively....and I knew instantly that he had a rose for his sweetheart! It took me a while to find the right rose, and no time at all to add the object of his affection. From there, it was adding more pencil lines, layers of mediums and the hearts. "L' Amour" was added with a copper Krylon pen, which also was used to outline the house and the window frame. I cut a tissue paper mask and over-stamped with HeroArts "manuscript background" using "gingerbread" Colorbox chalk ink.
Step Outside Your Box Saturdays
I had planned to make a separate piece for Step Outside Your Box Saturday's theme of "emotion", but almost from the start, this house became the epitome of emotion, not only in subject, but in reality! The minute I began drawing my long-necked gentleman, I was drawn to this piece like nothing I've ever done. I completely lost myself in the textures, the colors, the images and every other aspect of this house, as well. Not only is it L'amour pour les chats, but making this house was a labor of love!
Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Beautiful house !! thank you for your participation.
Posted by: Anne, Bulles dorées | September 28, 2008 at 02:14 AM
och what a beautiful work !!!
Posted by: wil | September 28, 2008 at 06:09 AM
its great!! Those cats are fab!!!
Posted by: shaz | September 28, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Hey I just wanted to come tell you thank you for your sweet words and love on my blog when I was going through the toughest part of recovery from ike. I am so thankful to have people like you and everyone else on my blog that is here for me and wants to help!! I wish I could give you a big hug and tell you thank you in person but im her and your there so i will send a net hug!!
((((((((((((BIG HUG)))))))))))))))
toodles-
sarah
Posted by: sarah | September 28, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Fab unusual crookedy house! I can understand why you are so chuffed with this- Can't draw or paint a thing myself!
Posted by: Dreamer | September 28, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Brilliant house hun well done xxxx
Posted by: carolann | September 28, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Love the unique shape to your house Barbara,your sketch is fantastic, what a wonderful idea behind this composition:)
Posted by: gillian | September 28, 2008 at 12:50 PM
It is truly delightful to see this piece today and to know that you drew that tall cat and that you completely lost yourself in the process. The irregular shape of the house just adds to the humour of the piece. Truly wonderful!
Posted by: Heather Robinson | September 28, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Isn't it sublime when you have that kind of artistic experienceand work from sheer emotion? Your inspiration is so evident in this piece. I love it!
Posted by: Katherine McCullen | September 29, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Wonderful house, truly original, Love the lines and curves of it all!
Posted by: ~*~ Patty | September 30, 2008 at 06:37 AM
I think it's absolutely wonderful Barbara! He reminds me of Dr. Seuss's "Cat in the Hat"!! What a magical house of love! A really fab whimsical piece of art.
On a technical note, does it take long for the layers to dry inbetween?
Posted by: Rosie | September 30, 2008 at 07:28 AM
I love this it is brilliant hun WTG xxxx
Posted by: carolann | September 30, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I love the shape of your home. Another work of art.
Posted by: Barbara | October 02, 2008 at 05:05 PM