9 x 12 altered backer board
"Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart."
- Jose N. Harris
So I found the coolest substrate the other day as I was rummaging around my stash looking for something new to art on. I guess I've been wise for years, as I've never been able to throw anything away just in case it may perhaps be useful in some random future project. Well okay, wise may not be the right word; perhaps hoard is more appropriate. But either way, my wise-hoarding ways did serve me well this week as I found an old piece of backer board (for framing) to play with. All it needed was a little gesso to get it going . . . .
I took some process photos along the way for a little show & tell:
Getting started: gesso applied with a palette knife followed by some stamping, watercolor crayons, acrylic and mark making.
A quick sketch. I wanted to express sorrow.
The finished sketch with a sad girl, wonky house & a mama bird with her three chicks.
Okay, so now you may be wondering what the piece is about. I created it for my girlfriend who lost her Father - after many years battling sickness - just last week. As expected, she is devistated. And she's an only child. So everything that needed to be done in the aftermath of his passing was left to her and her alone to figure out. My heart broke for her as I tried - from another state - to do what I could to comfort her. Creating this painting was the only thing I could really think of. I know it won't bring him back or ease her sadness, but I do hope that it will make her feel less alone.
Tears created by pressing a wet brush loaded with watercolor under the eyes.
And here's what it looks like finished:
Complete with a bit of glitter, iridescent stars (which are making their way into everything I've done lately), sequins and ink.
The road reads; "He Loves You So."
Thank you for taking a peek. And be sure to check out PPF. You'll always be glad that you did.
Yours,
Kristin xo
