Gold leaf shines in "Travelers"

      My little paintings are making progress, although I will say it is a tedious progress compared to painting in a large format.  Yes, one little line drawn a centimeter too long and the little face paintings become wacky; which is not my ultimate goal.  Anyway, I enjoyed painting "Travelers".  I used a prussian blue/  burnt umber brown mixture for the buildup of the face in the Mom and baby.  Then I used a glazing mixture of terra cotta color to create a flesh tone. I like the way the glaze skims over the buildup of blue brown.  The entire palette of this painting is warm, except for the white titanium glaze that is brushed over the background.  Also, the gold leaf was applied with no attention to detail.......I didn't want any real patterns in the gold leaf.  

    Details:  "Travelers", oil and gold leaf on wood panel. Size: 8"x 10"

Enjoy!

Preview of newest painting: "Beekeeper's Secrets"

   Now that I have some free time, I have been keeping busing in my painting studio.  Here is a preview of a painting that is almost finished.  The title is "Beekeeper's Secrets".  The size is 8" x 10" .  Medium is oil on canvas with silver metal leaf. Enjoy!

"Beekeeper's Secrets"  

Ivory & Eggplant BurdaStyle downloadable blouse 130

       Completed Ivory & Eggplant BurdaStyle downloadable blouse 130.   This is a fairly easy pattern to sew up, but getting a good fit is key.  Here are my notes on adjustments and such.

"Ivory Blouse 130 (first try)"

      Fashion fabric:  Ivory crepe back satin  and crepe in a beautiful eggplant. Sewed using French seams.  Added a bust dart. (which was too low on first try (Ivory crepe back satin, but correct on eggplant blouse.)  I shorten the sleeves 1 1/4", took in about 2" on sides, and added a curve to side seams. Cut off about 3" from the bottom, since I know I will only wear these blouses tucked in. Added bias tape to hem for a nice clean finish.  Also, I didn't cut down the seam allowance around the neck....I like both blouses coming closer to my neck.  Raised neckline in slit an 1" in front, but in the back the length was fine.  Check out the photos:

"Ivory Blouse 130"

"Ivory Blouse 130"

"Eggplant Blouse 130"

"Eggplant Blouse 130"

"Backside of  Eggplant Blouse 130"

    I definitely want to sew another one up in a cotton voile or lawn..........I think it would be gorgeous blouse for summer weather!    



 Photos taken by famous photographer: Glenn