Abstract Painted Pumpkin

I am regularly inspired by Alisa Burke's wonderful creations, and I was intrigued by her concept of decorating pumpkins in non-traditional ways. I decided that I wanted to apply my current abstract style of painting to a pumpkin, and I really enjoyed working colour, pattern and detail on to a 3D surface.

I used regular acrylic paints and my "normal" techniques for applying paint. However, I ended up drawing the patterns on with a biro, as my permanent markers were just not making clear enough marks! I think I've learnt not to be afraid to use non traditional items as a canvas for art, and it felt good to be applying paint to something so natural and organic, and working with it's natural colour scheme.

The Refinement of the Scribble

There are two artists who are inspiring me so very much at the moment. One, is Messy Canvas, whose words could be a conscious stream of my own. I love the freeform of her painting and the words she accompanies it with. The second, is Alisa Burke - I love watching her creativity combine with her husband and her daughter, and it is always encouraging to see an artist grow as a mother too. I love how she draws such detailed decorations on her toddler's artwork, the collaboration is immense.

I wanted to embrace the freedom oozing from their blogs and artwork. Creating without judging myself, but also hoping the finished work would be suitable for my latest card design.

I began with my watercolours and some wax crayons, trying to hold my brushes like a child would, creating unrefined marks as opposed to my normally precise motions. I discovered this within myself.

Next, I pulled out my fineliners. And promptly destroyed several of them as they tried to cope with the wax crayon. This pen held up the best, it's always been one of my favourites anyway. It was so therapeutic to just start with a simple circle or flower, and gradually expand it, working out shapes that flowed for me, and working past the areas I didn't like...

This was the final product, and I love it. More than I thought. I can't cut it up for cards like I wanted...

I am working on more though. This time it will be for cards. I'm cutting it up before I draw it, so I don't have to make myself cut it up after!

Inspire: Sand Study

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Alisa Burke recently shared a post entitled Sand Study... A series of photos she had captured on the beach, followed by a series of art works she had created.

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I love the designs and patterns she saw in the sand, and how she has translated it on to paper. It shows such freedom of expression. I think I need to gather my photos of sand, clouds, trees, waves etc, and have a go myself!

Do go check out the original post, to see both her original sand pictures, and more drawings!