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Bringing In Another 4 by 12

Bringing In Another 4 by 12

Since opening Art Creations by Vicky, I have sold all sizes of art from my largest piece (that was actually two pieces) to the smallest from my Mini Assemblage Art line. But the most popular size seems to be a rather long skinny canvas that measures 4″ by 12″. I’m actually sold out of this size so it’s past time to bring in another. I’ve named it Spring Day.

Although Spring Day is a rather simple design, that, in and of itself, makes it more difficult for me as the artist. See – simple is hard for me to do. I’m not minimalistic when creating my artwork – I want to fill all my space – I want to keep adding little details or bits of additional texture. I felt compelled to fill the space somehow above and below the bird but I knew it was best to leave it alone. Showing my sister Mary several pieces of finished work recently, she helped confirm that thought. She chose Spring Day as her favorite because it did have that blank space. So thanks to Mary, I now feel assured that Spring Day is just right.

And now for the official description:

With a bird at its center, this Assemblage Art on Canvas actually shows off its assemblage detail at the top and bottom of the piece with dozens of found objects forming arch collages. Measuring 12.0″ by 4.0″ with a depth of 1.25″, the background is textured with stenciled modeling paste and finished off with a number of paints, spritzes, and metallic waxes.

The center bird is showcased in a metal frame surrounded with a beaded garland. The two flowers above and below the framed bird are actually vintage plaster decorative pieces for use in constructing a chandelier. Vintage elements include various jewelry pieces, wooden half round, buttons, beads, and a brass weight. Newer elements include floral cabochons, numerous metal embellishments, and filagreed metal round.

A hanger is attached and, while most of my assemblage art can be framed, this piece has elements that reach slightly beyond the sides of the canvas making it an unlikely candidate for framing. However, I prefer the no-frame look which allows the sides of the canvas to display their color as well.

$39.00

Available at Etsy

Dimensions: 12.0” x 4.0” x 1.25″

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are one of a kind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vicky

A Steampunk Heart

A Steampunk Heart

About a month ago, I posted about the thrill of selling art and the resulting conundrum – that art needs to be replaced with new inventory. So, I’ve been immersed in my art studio, creating new Assemblage Art on Canvas pieces to fill the void. The results – I’ve listed six new pieces and I have four more underway with plans to list two of those this week. Yes!

Here’s my latest steampunk creation. It seems as though I drift from elegant to steampunk and back again. But steampunk is big and I enjoy creating a kinder version… no floating doll heads with vacant eyes or octopus legs instead of a man’s head.

And now for the official description:

Full of steampunk vibes, this Assemblage Art on Canvas also falls into my Heart Art category. Assemblage describes the process of creating a larger art piece from smaller objects. Best described as a 3D collage on canvas, it contains numerous vintage “found objects” as well as newer embellishments.

Measuring 8.0″ square with a depth of 1.75″, the background is textured with stenciled modeling paste and finished off with a number of paints, spritzes, and metallic waxes. I realize there is a slightly different look to the paint in the pictures. This is due to the metallic paint – straight on shots catch the light and make the paint look lighter than it is. Pictures taken at an angle depict the color as you will see it.

The heart has a styrofoam base with metal studs embedded around the edge. Stenciled texture paste adds further dimension as well as the metal gears and heart. Vintage elements include various jewelry pieces, chandelier ornaments, brass weight, buttons, and wooden half round. Newer elements include glass beads, word charm, winged heart, metal gears and clock, floral cabochons, metal sun, and numerous embellishments.

Hangers are attached and, while I prefer the no-frame look, this Assemblage Art piece is ready for framing. It will also display nicely on an easel.

Original article updated Nov, 2017 to include current status – SOLD

Dimensions: 8” x 8” x 1.75″

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are one of a kind.

Vicky

 

A Bit of Old European Flavor

A Bit of Old European Flavor

My art studio has been a busy place the last two weeks. I tend to create several pieces at once and I now have three new Assemblage canvases added to my shops while another four are still in the works. Spending that much time creating is so good for my soul – it’s such deep down satisfaction.

One of the things I enjoy most about Assemblage Art is the fact that it is so variable – there are so many directions to take each work. Today’s piece has yet another new look for me – elegance with a bit of old European flair.

A fun fact – in September 2016, I ran a post here titled Finding Those Treasures to Turn Into Little Bits where I talked about finding vintage items to disassemble or cut into smaller pieces for inclusion in your Assemblage or Mixed Media art. I included a real find – a belt with numerous silver looking adornments. And the largest of those adornments is featured in today’s work – at it’s very center.

Now for the official description:

Reminiscent of another age, this Assemblage Art canvas has a European look and feels especially romantic. Assemblage is the method of creating a larger art piece from smaller objects. Best described as a 3D collage on canvas, it contains numerous vintage “found objects” as well as newer embellishments.

Measuring 8.0″ square with a depth of 1.50″, the background is textured with Finnabair’s Art Stones and stenciled modeling paste in a rose design and finished off with a number of paints, spritzes, and Finnabair’s new line of antique and metallique waxes.

Vintage found objects include: pieces of a beaded purse, metal belt piece, coin replica, metal hearts, and decorative button. Newer embellishments include: resin figurehead, paper roses, beaded wire, six types of metal adornments, beaded fabric, floral cabochons, beads, and filagreed metal rounds.

Hangers are attached and, while I prefer the no-frame look, this Assemblage Art piece is ready for framing. It will also display nicely on an easel.

$58.00

Dimensions: 8” x 8” x 1.50″

Available at my Etsy shop

All art sold at Art Creations by Vicky are the work of artist Vicky Hensley and are one of a kind. 

Redo of Love Potions – Step by Step

Redo of Love Potions – Step by Step

Love Potions is one of my favorite Assemblage canvases to date but its road to completion was a bit more complicated than most of my creations. I’m happy to say that Love Potions found its new home last month although packing it up was a bit bittersweet as I simply loved seeing it on my Art Studio wall – it always inspired me to create even bigger.

It started out the first time as a rather simple design – a diamond pattern stenciled on the background with only a single piece affixed to the canvas in the center. Although that one piece was somewhat compelling, I discovered that simple just wasn’t my thing. My mind couldn’t settle with the fact that it was supposedly “finished” with ONE piece even with the canvas’s layered background.

So, it became the perfect candidate for a redo. Although I don’t have a photo of the “before”, I do have pictures of the process.

 

First – here’s a partial view of the original background. When I removed that one and only piece (which was rather large proportionally), most of the central background was negatively affected which meant I had to conceal any lingering signs of the previous central design. That can be the greatest challenge with redos but also the most rewarding as you quickly start to see the new possibilities. And since Assemblage/Mixed Media art is all about layering, just jump in with something simple for your base layer. I started with some gauzy fabric which I adhered with Art Basics 3D Matte Gel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the gauze fabric, I started adding stenciled texture paste in a number of designs. Using texture paste with stencils is one of the Mixed Media artist’s best kept secrets. Great backgrounds are made up of many layers of paint and texture material.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although I let my imagination design as I go, my color palette is chosen before I begin a project. I painted the gauze fabric a deep purple and the stenciled texture paste with coordinating colors. Here you can see some of the Art Alchemy metallic paints used for this particular project as well as a selection of Perfect Pearls.

 

 

 

Now for the embellishments – the very best part! It usually isn’t as simple as adhering each element – I often paint or age or texture individual pieces that are then added into the larger piece. This artwork features both new embellishments and older found objects. I want my Assemblage work to be three dimensional so I layer embellishments just as I do paint and texture materials. Often one element is adhered onto another.

 

 

 

To assure this type of design works, one needs to use an excellent adhesive such as the Art Basics matte gel I mentioned earlier. It also creates dimensional texture and dries clear.

 

 

 

 

 

Love Potions contains two of my favorite found objects of late. The first – see the floral covering of the red heart? It is actually a vintage cuff bracelet that I found at an estate sale for a bargain as the metal cuff was broken off on one side. That left the intricate design of the bracelet almost entirely intact.

 

 

 

 

 

And then there’s this odd little fellow. I have no idea what this king topped cross was used for originally. It almost has the feel of a bullet (??) but it completely caught my imagination when I found it at a flea market. I doubt I’ll ever find one again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The finished piece – named after the little vintage Love Potions bottle – another flea market find. When all embellishments were added, I sprayed the background with several Lindy’s Stamp Gang sprays – a must for any of my work with a bit of metallic or sparkle or gloss.

 

The beginning… and the end project. I love redos!

 

Vicky

If It Doesn’t Work… Change It

If It Doesn’t Work… Change It

You will hear from experienced Mixed Media and Assemblage artists that if you aren’t happy with a finished art piece – change it. After all, by its very nature it is made up of multiple layers and usually elements stacked upon more elements. It’s easy to change the color – just paint it all with gesso and start again.

I’ve started over on a number of earlier projects that I just couldn’t talk myself into listing for sale as they were missing something – maybe a bit of pizzazz or possibly it just didn’t end up looking like MY work. Here’s one of my recent redos – and I love the result!

My redo of an earlier piece. I changed the color scheme entirely.

 

My original work just lacked the “me” factor. Although I loved the soft colors and texturing, I was far from satisfied with the end product.

The first go round. I was happy with the texturing and my hand fashioned polymer clay frame but little else.

At first, I played with the existing colors, trying to spruce up their appeal. Then, I tried adding more elements – to a piece I originally intended to have a center focal point and little else in the way of embellishments. I didn’t care for the blue rocks extending from two corners of the center frame so I added micro beads… and that pleased me even less. Finally, I painted the entire piece with gesso.

And since my original idea had failed, I changed my vision. I knew I had to cover those rocks and that meant more elements. So I thought bright colors and fun embellishments and lots of whimsey.

So, next time you find yourself displeased by a finished work or just feel like one of your creations in process isn’t working, change your tune. Change the story you want to tell. You will find that your redo progresses surprisingly quickly as so much of your basic work is already completed. Enjoy the process!

Vicky

A Nature Shadowbox Collage

A Nature Shadowbox Collage

My latest Assemblage Art on Canvas… and it celebrates nature.

It started with the idea of a nature shadowbox and ended up even better with the appearance of a shadowbox using a photo collage frame. Measuring a little over 14″ by 11″ (to allow for material on the sides of the frame), the elements are actually adhered to a canvas which is then overlaid with the collage frame.

Nature was my inspiration and there are many natural items in this piece – the twigs that make the trees, the moss, the pinecones, the Spanish moss used for the girl’s hair, and the piece of branch on which the red bird sits. The bird eggs, lavender, red bird, and butterfly are reproductions. I fashioned the girl’s face from polymer clay and the charm beneath her face declares “life is about creating yourself”. The frame is covered with creepy cloth which I painted to look like a natural material.

$89.95 – Currently unavailable

Dimensions: 14.50” x 11.50” x 1.75″

Available at Etsy

Attached hangers for wall hanging. Although most of my Assemblage Art pieces can be framed, I don’t suggest framing this shadowbox collage as the cloth covering the frame hangs over the edges as part of its intricate design.

All natural items have been treated to assure the absence of pests.

I love featuring natural items in my assemblage pieces but then I grew and dried flowers for many years so you could say I’m an old hand when it comes to preserving nature.

Vicky

 

I’m Selling Art! And the Conundrum

I’m Selling Art! And the Conundrum

Kinda an Angel II – a custom based on Kinda an Angel. It has the same feel of the first work but definitely differs.

Returning from vacation earlier this month, I was ready to jump into regular posts here and had several assemblage designs ready to go along with two gourds already in process. And then life happened. That week was Spring Break around here and it was my opportunity to spend that extra special time with my school-age grandkids. So, five days with grandkids followed by two days at the cabin with my hubby, and my first artistic week of March was gone. Okay, so jumping in was delayed a little. No problem. So, last week’s plan – create! And I did – sorta – and loved the results – a custom based on last year’s Kinda an Angel. I’m now working on a second Kinda an Angel custom for the same customer. But my mind had envisioned several finished works. Hmmm – time to take a close look at just where my time goes.

The first Kinda an Angel

A good bit of time was spent adding Found Objects to my Etsy shop (a surprisingly laborious task). And apparently a dozen other seemingly important (non-art) projects as I start this week with no progress on my gourds and no new assemblage pieces underway. I’ll finish up that second custom today and then the week is cleared to create more assemblage art. I’m determined that nothing shall find its way into my studio schedule.

And why do I need to buckle down and give myself time to create? I’m selling my assemblage art! I mean truly selling the number of pieces I’d envisioned when I officially declared that I was an artist two years ago. I’m thrilled with the sales – I relish knowing that my art is displayed in homes far from Oklahoma. But the conundrum? I’m not replacing my assemblage art inventory as quickly as I’m selling. This is where a hobby differs from a small business commitment. I’m committed and time to get my schedule under control.

So, the official plan for the next weeks – put the gourds up for now. And let go on those many assemblage art designs I have sitting in my head. It’s ALL good times. I just have to remember to not stress!

Vicky

And We’re Back!

And We’re Back!

Vacationing for a week in the Bahamas was so entirely restful and we could never tire of that turquoise ocean off the back deck. But coming home after vacation always has its advantages – we simply love returning to our regular routine. We’re fortunate to have a life we enjoy to the max every day – not just on vacation.

Of course, my mind couldn’t stay still while we were away when it comes to all things art. I’m now carrying around new designs in my head as well as new topics for blogging. But as is usual for an overactive mind, how do I now choose what to do first?

– Continue with those two gourds that are sitting at my gourd station at this moment.

– Finish up the two custom assemblage canvases at my assemblage station. (This will actually be first.)

– Keep learning about SEO – search engine optimization – a never ending daily job to keep Etsy, Google, and Amazon featuring your work in their searches

– There’s a new Assemblage Canvas to list – this time a collage

– There are more than two dozen Found Objects photographed and ready to list at Etsy

– I’m expanding my Assemblage Art line in several directions but still contemplating which one to feature first – spirit dolls on canvas or hanging assemblage art or assemblage jewelry or even the more typical standing assemblage art. Designs and beginnings of each line are seen throughout my art studio.

Abyssimo – this is just a small piece of one of her larger works

– And then there’s this… something I’m very excited to learn. I splurged and purchased two Abyssimo tutorials right before Christmas. This artist is simply the best around for creating 3D texture on canvas. It represents hours of instruction and I keep thinking I’ll block off time to dedicate solely to learning her marvelous techniques. I’ve now given up on that “block of time” idea and believe that I just need to start learning in bits and pieces! Her actual name is Maria Grossbaum-Fondler and you can see here a taste of her work. If you click on the image, it will take you to a short YouTube video where she introduces you to her methods.

– Of course, Gourd Art is an important aspect of my artwork as well. Although I can produce finished gourds for selling, there is still so much more to learn that requires practice and more practice.

So, lots of fun and inspiration is now waiting for me no matter which way I turn!

Vicky

They Call It “Vacation Mode”

They Call It “Vacation Mode”

It’s vacation time!  I’ve placed both my Etsy shop and my Amazon Handmade shop in Vacation Mode. You can still see all my items both here and the official shops but purchasing is temporarily turned off. I’ll be reopening these digital doors on Monday, March 13th. In the meantime, I will be available through the contact form as I will be checking email daily.

See you on March 13th!

Vicky