2015 #21 A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies {by Hazel Agnew}

 2015 Topic 21: Abstract Art

Hi everyone, Hazel Agnew here from Mellifluous Meanderings, joining the PA blog this evening on the topic of Abstract Art! 

I chose this particular technique because I like to push the boundaries and experiment. My piece of work is an experiment in playing with fresco chalky paints and presenting the stamps in a different way.

Step One: I began with an 8x8 canvas and applied frescos: Glass Blue, Limelight and Purple Rain in zigzags straight from the bottles.

Step Two: I immersed the whole canvas into a sink full of water so that the paint would merge and run down the edges of the canvas.

I did go over the zigzags with a lolly stick to emphasise the pattern and left it to dry.

Step Three: Next, I stamped with Black Stazon onto Art Parts Modelling Film. It's like acetate but you heat it gently and mould it into shape while warm. I used the fabulous new Hot Pick Stamp Set 1506EZ. Also stamped it onto silver card.

Step Four: I watered down some Bougainvillea paint (discontinued Limited Edition - try Orchid), half paint and half water and poured little puddles onto my canvas and spread them with a straw, making sure that it ran down the sides.

Step Five: Slashed the canvas.

Step Six: I painted the backs of the butterflies with purple rain and Blue Glass fresco paints, cut them out and either glued them down or attached them to silver wire around the canvas. 

Next I painted the inside frame of the canvas with Little Black Dress. Inserted some fairy lights around the inside of the canvas and glued some silvery butterflies to the black card on the background.

Hey Presto....finished! 

I hope that this has inspired you in some way....maybe to chuck your canvas into the sink and see what comes out...or to produce something lovely and then attack it with scissors! Adding fairy lights opens up ideas for the Festive Season too! 

Thanks for looking....this was Hazel Agnew (for the 9 o'clock news!)...from Mellifluous Meanderings and also known on Twitter as craftroomgran.

Oh my goodness Mrs Newsroom ....How cool do those fairy lights look inside the slashed canvas! I love how you kept adding colour to your canvas until you get the blended colours and effects you wanted! Quite serendipitous, and the butterflies look like they are emerging from the canvas, free to fly! Thanks Hazel, what a beauty! ~Leandra

We would love you to join in with Challenge #21: Abstract Art. 

If you would like to join us in some abstract experimentation, then link what you make HERE.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Abstract link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Nov 22nd winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.