Anyway, me being me, I had to give this a go. Fortunately I came across a second hand Book Shop recently where I found this childs book, made of card, so should be tough enough for painting on. It measures 31/2 X 31/2 (that is 9cm x 9cm) which I first coated with some Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground and when that had dried gave it a layer of Grey Gesso. This is the surface I started to paint on using Atelier Interactive Acrylics.
Being that these will be miniature paintings I used appropriately sized brushes - yes very small ones!
Here's a little video to show you it so far -
and for those of you who cannot see the video, here are the two paintings
Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor
Croyde Bay, North Devon
When I have completed the remaining pages I will do an updated blog post. I am thinking at the moment that perhaps I'll do a Giveaway with this little book - names in a hat sort of idea. I'll finish the book first, do another post and organise that.
26 comments:
It's lovey exceptionally lovely so far Ann - Gilli @TCS ;-)
So is the idea to cover the original work completely then, Ann? I have seen some artists who let the underneath still show.. the whole concept is intriguing to me, but I do struggle with changing a book up!
Thanks Gilli:)
Hi Pat, no, you don't have to cover the book completely, it's just personal choice. As I wanted to use acrylics I felt it better to cover this one. In fact the original book had a 'shiny' finish to it, so I felt it was better covered. When I find another suitable book I will possibly leave some of the background showing and use watercolours instead. I must admit I found the idea strange at first, to change a book like this, but it was a cheap kiddies book of no particular value and I feel I have given it another life:)
Fascinating! In fact the next time I decide to gift a book to somebody I think I shall add a few appropriate drawings or paintings inside.
Glad you like the idea Balaji:)
What a great idea! Never heard of altered books before. I like the paintings you've done so far.
Hi Judy - glad you like this and perhaps you will give it a go, I can assure you it is fun to do.
Hmmm... painting over a book -- I don't think my mommy's ever done that. I do believe though, that she's made animations on the side of pocket books, but never has painted in one. Maybe it's something she should put on her list to try... ;)
Woofs & hugs, <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
Oh Ann I love it!! I think the cracks between the pages adds loads of character!
I had never heard of D.Smith's watercolor ground? Does that prepare the surface to be painted and make it more watercolor friendly?
I love it when I learn something new from an experienced artist! Who needs art school when you have wonderful artists who share their knowledge. Thanks Ann and have a great day!
Tina xo
Hi Bailey girl - hope your mum gives this a try.
Hi Tina, I'm very pleased to pass this info on. The D.Smith watercolor ground is similar to Gesso, but the DS can be put on other surfaces, whereas I don't think pure Geeso is as friendly with other surfaces. In fact the DS pot Directions say and I quote: "An excellent ground for watercolor on all surfaces, Absorbent surfaces: Canvas, Paper, Plaster, Hardboard, Non-Absorbent surfaces: Glass, Plastic, Metal - for best results these will need to be abraded before application of the ground. Thick, brushable and heavily pigmented. Allow 24-72 hours to cure before applying Watercolor or Acrylics. Can be thinned up to 10% with water."
So do give this a try at some point:)
Hi, Ann,
I hope you will enjoy it and make so cute book!!
**Your voice is charming!
Cheers,Sadami
I have enjoyed this little book, so far anyway....you remember I said about my voice before - think I got away with it here.
Awesome idea Ann, the paintings look really good in this little book!
Hello Ann. It is good to hear your voice too as it sounds more personal. I worried after posting a video of myself as I am a West Country girl. When I said to a friend I sometimes put on a west country accent she burst out laughing and said I didn't need to try.
Some folk think our regional accent (and yours is not strong) sounds like a farmer and makes us sound thick - although I know some farmers and they are good intelligent business people. There was a slot on Radio 4 about the Bristol man who played Darth Vadar and how his accent was that of a farmer; and he was lord of the universe! I will settle for England.
SO nice to HEAR you! Your voice is lovely! (Although I understand your hesitation, I don’t like the sound of my voice when I hear it either! LOL) The book is adorable! I especially like the seascape! Can’t wait to see what you add to it!
Thank you Jane. It made a change to paint something so small.
I know what you mean about the accents, I call it my Ooh R accent. We lived for a few years near Bristol and the accent was broad there, I remember they put an 'L' on the end of some words, for example instead of saying 'No idea' they would say 'No ideal'.
Thanks Robin, you wouldn't believe how long I have put off adding my voice! The book is coming along and I will do another post soon.
I really love your paintings. You've just taken altered books to a whole new level.
Thanks Annie:)
What a delightful post! The little book is a treasure and I would LOVE to have it.
I dare say, I am not sure I could touch the paintings however, to use it for a journal. I'd just simply treasure having Ann's Art!
And it was quite wonderful to hear your voice in the video!!! One forgets that we are talking with people from different countries and with different from ours accents! loved hearing yours!!!! Thanks for all this Ann. Made my day!
Hi Lynn, Thanks so much. I'm loving these great comments from you all here on this post. I have done another painting in the book, and will be completing it, hopefully, later this week. I intend to do a post then and have decided to go for what I call 'names in a hat'. I will set a time limit for people to let me know if they are interested in receiving the book as a prize. I will then set a date and time to 'draw' a name 'out of the hat'. Going on your lovely comment I have already made a note of your name Lynn, so you are already in with a chance.
Hi Ann, Can I put my name in the hat now please ! love kt
Yes of course you can. Consider it done, I now have a list underway.
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