Gift Time: Dimensional Painting

Back in October, I took an awesome workshop with Sarah Whitmire. We learned about using textural elements in still life paintings. This class was only my second time using acrylics on canvas. The textural elements created some interesting details in my painting! The most valuable thing I walked away from the class with, though, was confidence - I CAN paint on canvas! I don't have to rely completely on collage to convey images in my work! Holy cow!

When it came time to plan my gift-making adventures for the holidays, I spent some time carefully considering my options. Last year, I felt like I over-committed myself. Part of the cause was unexpectedly working extra hours at my day job. However, I think the projects I chose to make also played a role in causing unnecessary stress. I made projects last year that I thought would please the recipients, but I didn't consider how enjoyable they would be for me to make. I spent many frustrating hours cranking out items that I didn't feel inspired by. Yes, the gifts were successful and well-liked... but I think there must be some overlap between making items that inspire me and making items that the recipients will love... right?

This year, I chose to follow my muse - I worked on a series of random projects (sewing, knitting, painting, jewelry...) that made me feel energized and inspired all month long. The list included a couple of textural canvas paintings, inspired by Sarah's class. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be gifting people canvas paintings for Christmas, there's no way I would have believed you... but I'm here to share the first painting that was given to its recipient.

One of my friends loves Hula Minnie. For a variety of reasons, this character really resonates with her. Well, there is virtually no Hula Minnie merchandise out there, so I decided to paint this for her as a gift.

It's on an 8x8 canvas. I used Tim Holtz crackle paint (background), and Golden brand fiber paste (sand), coarse molding paste (lei) and light molding paste (skin) for the textures. Here's a closeup of some of the texture.

I finished the painting the night before I gave it to my friend, so I took the photos under my studio Ott light. It created a little glare on the glossy black paint... the color is more crisp in person. It took several days of work to complete the underpainting, the top coat of paint, the detailing work, and the layer of distressing paint, but the process was extremely enjoyable. I had spent so much time with Minnie that I had second thoughts about giving her up! It was worth it, though. My friend was teary-eyed when she opened it - the ultimate reaction to a handmade gift.

I'll share some more gifts after the holiday! Hope you are enjoying the season as much as I am!