Painting Patterns

One of my favorite things to do....painting patterns in random, loose fashion.  Using as backgrounds, manipulating digitally, cutting up for postcards and collage. So far, using acrylic and ink...will bring out some stamps and maybe the gelli plate for more layers. I love to work on old calendars, especially those big, matte, screen-printed designs from Snow Graham, Paper Source, etc. And catalogs with lovely paper from Anthropologie are quite nice (except they sent a glossy one the last time...ugh.) But really anything will do. Then more playing with close-ups and filters for lots of design surprises.

Like patterns? Love colors?

Well, then take a gander at this artist. Leaves me breathless.

http://www.bicocacolors.com/2012/11/bicocacolors-shop.html

Her name is Elena Nuez from Spain. I found this on Pinterest and am in love.

Elena Nuez

Elena Nuez

Elena Nuez

Elena Nuez

Friday Finds

This week's Friday-but really  Saturday I suppose- Five includes a museum exhibit, a clever video, and three artists I learned about while out and about. 

1

"Impertinent Collection...Re-imagining the masterworks of MOMA"... Irreverant - but perfectly suited- take on modern art at MOMA.  Article in March 1 NYTimes. Amuses me.

2

Yayoi Kusama.   Patterns. Color. Love. Read about this artist here and here.

Artist Yayoi Kusama with her latest work. Photo: Gautier Deblonde
from an Architectural Digest article

3  

If you haven't discovered this one yet, you should.  You really should.

4

Melinda Tidwell. Her Pinterest site. You can tell a lot about an artist surveying their Pinterest interests! I suppose that's the point somewhat, yes?  At Art and Soul Retreat, Jane Davies told us about this artist. Jane is very cool. Love her artistic and teaching style. More on that later.

This is a small part of larger piece by Melinda Tidwell 

5

Tom Judd. Everyday.  Amazing sketchbook journal, dozens of quick images sketched for each day of one year.  Check out the sketchbook flip in the video. 

A still, captured from video of Everyday. Tom Judd.. 

Wrapping up.

Last summer I painted patterns. I took Mary Ann Moss's SEWN online class to get inspired. I have loved working with these patterns ever since, and am about ready to start a new batch. I made color copies of some favorites - using high quality printer paper - and just discovered another use for them. I have a present ready to go, but didn't have wrapping paper. Voila! put four of these together, covered the seams with pretty ribbon, and a luscious wrap. Don't you agree?

Check out this master doodler and be inspired to get your pens out and start drawing.  I know I am. Today!

Amaia Arrazola drew this.