2018 #9 Vintage Neutrals: Discovering Contrasts with ESA {by Nikki Acton}

2018 Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals

I really love how Nikki leads you through the process of how she creates gorgeous contrasting layers to bring this fantastic frame to life! Ink and Paints each play their part, and of course the little finishing touches are spot on! ~ Leandra

Hi everyone, Nikki from Addicted to Art with you today with my take on the vintage neutrals theme using Seth Apter stamps. 

Vintage colours work for me, but using neutrals can be a bit of a challenge. The lack of contrast can make composition a little difficult - so much easier when using more colour !! I decided layers were the way forward with subtle variations of colour.

I used a selection of Fresco Finish Chalk Acrylics - Little Black Dress, Chalk, Blue Oyster and Steel Grey - from Seth Apter Paint Set 4. The background panel is full of texture incorporating these colours. I stamped into Grunge Paste using the script stamp from ELB30 (Lin Brown) and once dry also added some Crackle Glaze before more paint and dry brushing.

The same colours were used on the other layers with different paint techniques, stamping and both dry and heat embossing. I used Seth Apter stamp sets - ESA08 and ESA05. 

The word Discover is part of the larger stamp on ESA08 but I cut this out to just incorporate the word. The white embossing on white card is contrasted by a watery wash of Steel Grey Fresco Paint.

The keyhole off ESA08 was stamped in Watering Can archival over some of the blue/grey painted background. I added some white pen to highlight.

The layers frame the focal image and provide some contrast along with the cheesecloth for a bit of a shabby feel.

I never tire of a bit of crackle! Steel grey with Crackle Glaze was finished with Chalk paint for a shabby, crackled frame.

In the end I achieved more tonal variation than I thought I would, although I think the photos are perhaps accentuating the darkness a little. The reduced neutral palette certainly made  me think how to build the composition!

Nikki

Blog: Addicted to Art
Instagram: @A2Acardscraft
Pinterest: nikacton

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The current topic link Topic 9: Vintage Neutrals will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, May 13th 2018, and the winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.