Friday 7 December 2012

Fresco Painted Background {Dark Colours}

I was impatiently tapping my feet yesterday waiting for this video to upload. Mark films them in HD, so the quality is such that you can watch them on a big screen HD TV. But that also means so much information, on quite a long video takes a looooong time to upload on our not-so-brilliant connection out here in the middle of rural farmland. But today, hooray, I wake to a new video ready to share with you all!

We have been building up all week to prepping you for some more nitty gritty stuff that you can really get your teeth into. Up until now it's been some more simple stuff, quick effects, textural ideas, nothing too challenging. But I know many of you have watched my demos at shows, and wanted a detailed how to that you can follow along with, so this is one of those videos.

Can I just say at this point. I am not an formally qualified artist, I have no art training, I never studied art at school. What I do is all self taught, or methods I have learned from many other lovely sharing people by reading (books/magazines/blogs), taking classes, watching people demo etc. I went to uni and I trained as a secondary school teacher in the late 1980's. The main subject I taught was Japanese, with a dabble of geography, and social studies (a year 7-10 humanities subject in New Zealand). So if I can do this painting malarkey, then i KNOW you can too!

What I do, and how I do it may quite possibly be frowned upon by some, hey-ho. I tend to do things in a rustic manner which probably raises more than a few trained artists' eyebrows! My philosophy has always been, try it, if you like it go with it. By jumping in boots and all, you often experience many happy accidents along the way. I think that we, and even the education system here is a lot less formal about how you get from point A to point B these days compared to how artists used to be trained, and this freedom means it is OK for us crafty peeps to have a go, there certainly is no right or wrong. Theres all kinds of ways.

To utterly lose yourself in the enjoyment of discovering 'what if' is great therapy, great relaxation, and a perfect way to wind down. So, please don't be fearful of creativity, once you get started, it all seems to just happen, and your inital worry about doing something wrong, or making a mistake evaporates.

We put videos online to help consumers and the shops we supply around the world understand more about our products, ways to use them, tips, shortcuts, product features etc. You Tube is an amazing resource. I love to see what other people are doing with our products. We are so fortunate in this day and age to have so many people who are freely willing to share their time and expertise in this way. It does take time to plan, prepare for and produce this information, so your comments and questions on all of our videos are very much appreciated more than you will ever realise. So a big thank you for taking the time to comment on our blog, or on the YouTube videos, it's very kind and thoughtful of you. Particularly as you put up with my kiwi accent- I forget how strong it is! We live in the part of England where most people speak Jamie Oliver Essex styley. I tend to think/hear in my own head that my accent is a mix of BBC English/Essex, but clearly it is nothing of the sort!! LOL still speaking the New Zealand lingo 100%.

Fresco chalk acrylic paints are all available online here. One tip I forgot to mention on the video, as they are so chalky, I find I don't need to use gesso so much anymore. The paint is perfect direct onto all kinds of surfaces, and generally does not require any primer.

Have a wonderful weekend. I am off to shoot another nitty gritty video.....I think of it as the shabby chic French furniture effect.... A bit similar to today's, but with the addition of crackle glaze, and using lighter shades of paint. It's my most fave technique at the moment. An ikea mirror might like this one!

Take care

Leandra

13 comments:

ellen vargo designs said...

AWESOME video! I've been hearing about Treasure Gold from some people who saw you demoing with it recently - looks FAB! Thanks for the video - and BTW I love your Kiwi accent! :)

Helen said...

I've just watched this latest video in my lunch break (my pc at home has problems playing videos, I think it's too old and despite Virgin saying I'm on fast broadband I have problems.. or maybe it's something else, I am not a computer nerd!! Anyhow, I loved the video - don't apologise for your accent, cos I for one love it! The lesson was fabulous, I really enjoyed watching you play and when I eventually get some money out of my boss (saying nothing!!!) I neeeed some more TG. I never knew you taught Japanese - I know you've mentioned having trained as a teacher, but had no idea you knew Japanese.... Anyhow, thanks, these videos have been great and cheered me up during a dreary week at work!
Lots of love, Helen.

craftimamma said...

Just typed a long appreciative comment but then couldn't sign in to Blogger so it looks like it disappeared. Off to watch the new video which I'm sure will be brilliant like all the others. Back later! Xx

craftimamma said...

Watched, learned and enjoyed! Your accent is lovely and I have a 50% hearing loss but have no problem with following what you are saying. Fab stuff Leandra, thanks to you and Mark for taking the time to do them. BTW what an interesting person you are ... teaching Japanese, wow!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Julie S said...

Wonderful video! I love your philosophy and would never have guessed that you're not a trained artist. Seeing your whole process while creating this piece really does make feel like I can do this, too.

flutterbycrafter said...

I'm just about to watch the video but first I would like to thank you so much for all your time a huge effort you both put into sharing your videos with us all, I certainly appreciate it x

Jenny Marples said...

Frankly Leandra it is us who should be thankful/grateful by the time and effort you have both invested in creating these superb video tutorials. You could charge a fortune for classes (which I'm sure we would happily pay) but instead generously give us these and your non-stop craft show demos for free so that we can learn and be inspired by you.
After the NEC I'm hooked and your products are all on the Santa list, and now I have a permanent reference to remind me how to use them (which is great for someone with a memory like a seive!) Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you both have the best Christmas and New Year. Hugs, Jenny x

Gillian .... said...

I'm loving all the videos this week, sharing your knowledge, hints & tips with us all. You know how much I love these products, seriously they are worth every penny. Huge thanks to you both for all the hard work in putting these videos together.

Who knew ... Japanese!

BTW ... Your accent is like a breath of fresh air, I love it:) x

Artmadnana said...

Wow! These comments say it all Leandra! Being self taught has allowed you to be fresh and true to yourself - finding your own journey into art. This is what is inspiring us peeps who are also on the same journey of self discovery.Your products are well chosen and your art is truly awesome. Thanks for sharing. And a very happy christmas to you and your family. Chris

Sheelagh Tomsett said...

Brilliant Leandra, wonderful videos with so much detail on your great products. We can never have enough info regarding how to use them and now we have something to refer back to and remind us. Thanks for making the time to show us.
Sheelagh T.

Words and Pictures said...

It's so generous of you to share your know-how with us, and you make it so accessible, and such fun! Some of my absolute favourite technique videos... and then, of course, there are the fantastic PaperArtsy products! Thank you so, so much for the inspiration I found from you at the NEC, and for these continuing gifts to us all in the shape of these videos - fabulous!
Alison x

Trish said...

Brilliant video, thanks Leandra. I need to be more adventurous with my colour combos!
I'm off to play with my Fresco paints!

sam21ski said...

You are definitely still 100% kiwi, but please don't do anything to change it, it sounds wonderful.

It's great to have these little snippets as when you're at the shows it's hard to remember everything that you do.

You get home with all the stuff and can't remember what you were supposed to use with what - lol.

But now we know - thanks

Sam xxx