2015 #6 Abstract Texture {by Darcy Wilkinson, PA Signature Designer}

2015 Theme 6: Grunge Paste

Hi everyone, Darcy here. I love this current theme, I adore layers and texture. I had this idea to create a piece that was all about texture and pattern, using  a limited palette and found objects as mark making tools. 

I began by collecting up some random objects, lids - square and round, a store card, a tooth pick etc. 

I then cut out a semi circle from heavy card and using this as a template I began to apply Grunge Paste to an 8x8 white/greyboard. This is the ideal substrate for this as it is solid and firm and with a smooth surface it takes the grunge paste and paint really well. 

I continued adding shapes of Grunge Paste, using the cut out card and a ruler as my guides. I left a small gap between each shape. 

As the paste started to dry I began adding patterns using my found objects. 

I continued until the board was full, using lids to creates shapes and the cocktail stick to make small marks and scratches. 

This was left to dry overnight, then I added a second layer of Grunge Paste in the form of just 7 circles, over the top of the other patterns. 

Once this second layer was dry I painted the whole thing with a watery layer of Chocolate Pudding, making sure to push the paint down into all the lines and crevices. 

Next I added so areas of colour, but keeping it fairly neutral I only used Caramel, Toffee, Chocolate Pudding,French Roast  and Nougat. 

I added Nougat to the edges aswell. 

Around the sides of my pot of Grunge Paste were some bits that were quite dry, I scraped those out and kneaded them together, at this point the ball of Grunge Paste was more like dough. I pressed it flat and used ESN15 to impress some text into the Grunge Paste. 

ESN15

As the piece dried I decided to break it apart.. smaller pieces would dry quicker and be more useful. I left these to dry ovenight. 

Once dry I painted them with French Roast and then a little drybrushing with Buff, before adding Treasure Gold to the edges. 

I added Treasure Gold to the 7 circles on the board, using Onyxite, Spanish Topaz and White Fire. Then I attached the text pieces using gel medium. 

I gently rubbed White Fire over more of the raised parts, and this is it all done. 

This was a particularly satisfying and relaxing project to make. I would really like to make a much,much bigger piece of wall art in this style. I hope you enjoyed it and that it has given you some ideas on how to use your Grunge Paste. 

Darcy. 

Blog - Art and sole

Twitter - Darcy_uk_

I will be on the PaperArtsy stand at Ally Pally 11th and 12th April. come and say hello. 

We would love you to join in with challenge #6: Grunge Paste If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

NB.  you will get 3 weeks to participate in this challenge, as we will interrupt the usual schedule for our 3UP week which starts April 5th.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Grunge Paste link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, April 12th, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00