Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Second Floor Challenge #1 - Gold Paint

It is no secret that I am a fan of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer - she is why I started my art journal.  Love how free she is with her art - Julie and Nathalie are starting the Second Floor Challenge which is a year-long opportunity to take your art up another level - "take it to the second floor".  
Today they posted their first challenge - use gold paint.  This challenge couldn't have come at a better time for me -  Last night I drew a CNG as a joke kinda aimed at my good friend, Kim, who is not a big fan of the CNG look (in case you are wondering CNG stands for what Kim calls Crooked Neck Girls).  When I was done I LOVED my CNG and decided that I wanted to put her on a canvas -
my initial impulse was to frame her in black - since that is what I tend to do.  But it was too harsh - so I sat her aside and walked away - Later I was on the computer and saw today's Second Floor Challenge and that was my solution!!  Gold Paint!!
I truly would never have thought to use gold paint but I love how it contrasts with the plain pencil sketch - adds a dimension that would never have happened with black paint!  The gold reflects while the black just kinda sucked the life out of it - BTW - Don't pick up your sketch with gold paint on your finger (OOPS).
"She WILL take it to the second floor."
That is my new motto and my canvas sits where I can see it while I craft.  
Thanks to Julie and Nathalie - can't wait to see what the next year brings with this incentive to push myself out of my comfort zone!

9 comments:

nathalie kalbach said...

this is awesome. the gold indeed looks so much softer, and it blends with background well too. thank you so much for playing along and sharing!

Ariel said...

Great try on the first challenge. I too love the feel of gold and the background colors on your canvas.

milkcan said...

Gorgeous! So glad to hear about your process! Thanks for playing along!

Kimberly Jones said...

She may be a CNG, but she is gorgeous! The funny thing is, I've always tilted my head to the side exactly like that! I used to get mildly teased about it in elementary school. Maybe that explains my slight aversion to the CNG! But seriously, this is a beautiful drawing and I love the gold accents on the background. Awesome entry for the Second Floor challenge!

veronica said...

once again, love the lips!

Janet said...

That outline of gold is the perfect touch. She looks beautiful.

Patrice said...

Love your Crooked Neck Girl!

DJ said...

true talent!

Michelle LaPoint Rydell said...

I LOVE your CNG! And adding the gold frame looks fabulous! It's so fun to see your take on the challenge!