Collage' & Pastel

My husband loves taking pictures of windows where ever we travel. He has many wonderful windows he's taken throughout Texas, Louisiana and all across the south.

I love taking those same pictures and using them to create a collage' background. These two collages' were recently made for my daughters.

This first one is a window that I believe he found in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Once I settle on a picture I begin looking for words that I might like to add to the picture before it's printed. (Sometimes I add them after.)

Once the whole thing is printed I affix it to a large canvas and begin to layer stamps, stencils, paper, etc. I printed a photo of my daughter and her fiance' in black and white then hand tinted it with the colors I wanted to show up.

Once I finish getting all my layers down, I cover the whole thing with Fragile Crackle and then rub whatever color I like on top to reveal the cracks and age the whole canvas

This one I completed for Emily to hang in her new Carriage House. She just recently moved and wanted some "new" art.

I think her window picture was taken in Denison, Texas. (I'd have to verify with Peter...but I think I remember this one from an old building in downtown Denison.) I loved the little red accent above this window.

And...because of that red...I went with red lettering.

Once again, the many different layers and colors are added, then crackled and sealed.

I'm also working on some pastel projects. I finished this picture recently. I've been trying to "push" myself out of my comfort zone and work in a medium where I don't have much formal training. It does not always feel "easy".

I loved how this turned out...so thought I would translate it to a large scale rendering.

I think I work better in small...I'm still struggling with the sky...but I will continue working on this project!

I'll keep you posted as to when it's finished.