Today is the sixth Second Floor challenge! Are you ready to take it to the second floor? What does that mean? It means trying something vastly out of your comfort zone. Doing something that might not work. Experimenting with a crazy idea. It's all about pushing yourself. If it works, awesome. If it doesn't work, awesome!
The challenge this time around is to use a pencil. Whatever that means to you or however it inspires you. The prompt is simply meant to get you started. The level of challenge you aim for is entirely internal and up to you.
Click here to see what Nat did.
As for me, I made this:
Let me take you on the journey that led me there!
I started with a water soluble pencil. (I've been playing with the Prismacolor Medium 4B Watersoluble Graphite Pencil.) I wanted to see how it would go mixing a watersoluble pencil with watercolor paints. Here's the result:
I loved the pod with the lines. So I decided to carve a pod stamp. Here's the result:
This just felt very controlled and stiff to me, especially compared to the original. But I loved the stamp. So I decided to carve some pod variations.
And then I stamped them in a jumble to create this wonderful overall pattern:
I love it!
Here's what I'm taking away from this challenge:
- Follow the shiny ball. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the best way to create art is without agenda. Like a magpie I simply follow whatever is shiny (i.e. exciting to me) and see where I end up.
- Don't get mired in "the rules." At heart I am a rule follower. I've lived most of my life coloring inside of the lines and trying to do it "right." I had a brief moment of panic over the fact that my final project didn't use a pencil and then I realized it didn't have to. It's a toss up as to whether this makes me a rule breaker or whether the directions on this challenge have enough wiggle room to allow my no-pencil project. In the end, does it matter?
- Black and white is so powerful. I am a color junkie, but I also love the absence of color. It really allows the viewer to focus on the design — the shapes, the empty spaces, and so on.
- I'm beginning to understand the power of working in a series. I've always portrayed myself as an impatient artist. I like things that can be done quickly and I've always thought of a series as deeply time consuming. And yet, I have a series in this challenge: the pod shape (a shape I've been chasing for years) — from watercolor to stamped watercolor to stamped variations. I would like to push myself to keep chasing that pod and see what develops.
- Taking breaks is important. I didn't create all three art pieces in one sitting, which I often do because I'm a binge creator. Instead, I did each one and then came back later with new eyes. I think the leaps I was able to take between each piece is due to this marination period.
- I think I've internalized "taking it to the Second Floor." We're only six challenges in and I already feel like it's translating into my other work. I feel myself taking more risks whenever I sit down to create. Perhaps that means it's time for me to push a little bit harder on each of these challenges. Am I playing it safe?
- Linoleum Carving blades do get dull! I've been using the same linoleum carving tool for many many years. I recently got a new one and wow! I hadn't realized that my blade was dull until I started cutting through the rubber like a hot knife cuts through butter!
And all that from a simple thought: "I wonder what would happen if I mixed watercolor with a watersoluble pencil?"
If you'd like to leave a link showing off what you did in response to this challenge, here's the linky list:
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. It was pointed out to me that I forgot to pick a winner of the Flower Piecing stencil in 6×6 and 12×12. So congratulations to…
Send me your mailing address Cathy and I'll make sure that those stencils get out to you!
Hi Julie! This was so insightful to see your process…I’ve always felt the same way about working in a series. I thought of it as having to be too disciplined but since I have aspirations to do a fabric collection I would probably benefit from this methodology 🙂
I am new to your blog but a big fan! How often do you do these challenges?
Big Hugs! Kathy
Hi Julie! This was so insightful to see your process…I’ve always felt the same way about working in a series. I thought of it as having to be too disciplined but since I have aspirations to do a fabric collection I would probably benefit from this methodology 🙂
I am new to your blog but a big fan! How often do you do these challenges?
Big Hugs! Kathy
Hi Julie! This was so insightful to see your process…I’ve always felt the same way about working in a series. I thought of it as having to be too disciplined but since I have aspirations to do a fabric collection I would probably benefit from this methodology 🙂
I am new to your blog but a big fan! How often do you do these challenges?
Big Hugs! Kathy
Hi Julie! This was so insightful to see your process…I’ve always felt the same way about working in a series. I thought of it as having to be too disciplined but since I have aspirations to do a fabric collection I would probably benefit from this methodology 🙂
I am new to your blog but a big fan! How often do you do these challenges?
Big Hugs! Kathy
Hi Julie! This was so insightful to see your process…I’ve always felt the same way about working in a series. I thought of it as having to be too disciplined but since I have aspirations to do a fabric collection I would probably benefit from this methodology 🙂
I am new to your blog but a big fan! How often do you do these challenges?
Big Hugs! Kathy
Follow the shiny ball is a great image and it does make creating fun for me when I do it. Often the shiny is a new product.
Follow the shiny ball is a great image and it does make creating fun for me when I do it. Often the shiny is a new product.
Follow the shiny ball is a great image and it does make creating fun for me when I do it. Often the shiny is a new product.
Follow the shiny ball is a great image and it does make creating fun for me when I do it. Often the shiny is a new product.
Follow the shiny ball is a great image and it does make creating fun for me when I do it. Often the shiny is a new product.
The pod stamps are great! thanks Julie. patty
The pod stamps are great! thanks Julie. patty
The pod stamps are great! thanks Julie. patty
The pod stamps are great! thanks Julie. patty
The pod stamps are great! thanks Julie. patty
The stamps are gorgeous! Brilliant idea.
The stamps are gorgeous! Brilliant idea.
The stamps are gorgeous! Brilliant idea.
The stamps are gorgeous! Brilliant idea.
The stamps are gorgeous! Brilliant idea.
Hi Julie! I love what you did with the pods. The piece really turned out well. I guess we’ll be seeing pod stamps for sale soon???
I’ll be working on this challenge soon!
Hi Julie! I love what you did with the pods. The piece really turned out well. I guess we’ll be seeing pod stamps for sale soon???
I’ll be working on this challenge soon!
Hi Julie! I love what you did with the pods. The piece really turned out well. I guess we’ll be seeing pod stamps for sale soon???
I’ll be working on this challenge soon!
Hi Julie! I love what you did with the pods. The piece really turned out well. I guess we’ll be seeing pod stamps for sale soon???
I’ll be working on this challenge soon!
Hi Julie! I love what you did with the pods. The piece really turned out well. I guess we’ll be seeing pod stamps for sale soon???
I’ll be working on this challenge soon!
I think following the shiny ball and heading to the 2nd floor are concepts that go hand-in-hand. I always appreciate the “things learned” that you and Nat round up the 2nd floor challenges with. I love your pod stamp collection, and the way you’ve used them, black on white, mimics the simplicity of just pencil and paper and the interest and complexity that can be achieved with them.
I think following the shiny ball and heading to the 2nd floor are concepts that go hand-in-hand. I always appreciate the “things learned” that you and Nat round up the 2nd floor challenges with. I love your pod stamp collection, and the way you’ve used them, black on white, mimics the simplicity of just pencil and paper and the interest and complexity that can be achieved with them.
I think following the shiny ball and heading to the 2nd floor are concepts that go hand-in-hand. I always appreciate the “things learned” that you and Nat round up the 2nd floor challenges with. I love your pod stamp collection, and the way you’ve used them, black on white, mimics the simplicity of just pencil and paper and the interest and complexity that can be achieved with them.
I think following the shiny ball and heading to the 2nd floor are concepts that go hand-in-hand. I always appreciate the “things learned” that you and Nat round up the 2nd floor challenges with. I love your pod stamp collection, and the way you’ve used them, black on white, mimics the simplicity of just pencil and paper and the interest and complexity that can be achieved with them.
I think following the shiny ball and heading to the 2nd floor are concepts that go hand-in-hand. I always appreciate the “things learned” that you and Nat round up the 2nd floor challenges with. I love your pod stamp collection, and the way you’ve used them, black on white, mimics the simplicity of just pencil and paper and the interest and complexity that can be achieved with them.
I am so in love with the stamps you carved… And your final black and white project, WOW!
I am so in love with the stamps you carved… And your final black and white project, WOW!
I am so in love with the stamps you carved… And your final black and white project, WOW!
I am so in love with the stamps you carved… And your final black and white project, WOW!
I am so in love with the stamps you carved… And your final black and white project, WOW!
Absolutely love the pods. I have not carved my own stamps but maybe one day can try. Any suggestions on how to start?? What supplies and where to buy. Thanks
Absolutely love the pods. I have not carved my own stamps but maybe one day can try. Any suggestions on how to start?? What supplies and where to buy. Thanks
Absolutely love the pods. I have not carved my own stamps but maybe one day can try. Any suggestions on how to start?? What supplies and where to buy. Thanks
Absolutely love the pods. I have not carved my own stamps but maybe one day can try. Any suggestions on how to start?? What supplies and where to buy. Thanks
Absolutely love the pods. I have not carved my own stamps but maybe one day can try. Any suggestions on how to start?? What supplies and where to buy. Thanks
Love these posts… informative AND interesting. I’m with you re black & white…. same goes for photos.
Love these posts… informative AND interesting. I’m with you re black & white…. same goes for photos.
Love these posts… informative AND interesting. I’m with you re black & white…. same goes for photos.
Love these posts… informative AND interesting. I’m with you re black & white…. same goes for photos.
Love these posts… informative AND interesting. I’m with you re black & white…. same goes for photos.
I offer an online stamp carving class:Â http://balzerdesigns.com/StampCarving101.html
I offer an online stamp carving class:Â http://balzerdesigns.com/StampCarving101.html
I offer an online stamp carving class:Â http://balzerdesigns.com/StampCarving101.html
I offer an online stamp carving class:Â http://balzerdesigns.com/StampCarving101.html
I offer an online stamp carving class:Â http://balzerdesigns.com/StampCarving101.html
You are a very inspiring artist!
You are a very inspiring artist!
You are a very inspiring artist!
You are a very inspiring artist!
You are a very inspiring artist!
Every three weeks give or take a bit of wiggle room!  🙂
Every three weeks give or take a bit of wiggle room!  🙂
Every three weeks give or take a bit of wiggle room!  🙂
Every three weeks give or take a bit of wiggle room!  🙂
Every three weeks give or take a bit of wiggle room!  🙂
Thanks Julie. I hated my pencil work and painted over it. Didn’t even want to share a photo! But I linked up the finished piece and somehow all those mistakes added up to something I liked in the end.
Thanks Julie. I hated my pencil work and painted over it. Didn’t even want to share a photo! But I linked up the finished piece and somehow all those mistakes added up to something I liked in the end.
Thanks Julie. I hated my pencil work and painted over it. Didn’t even want to share a photo! But I linked up the finished piece and somehow all those mistakes added up to something I liked in the end.
Thanks Julie. I hated my pencil work and painted over it. Didn’t even want to share a photo! But I linked up the finished piece and somehow all those mistakes added up to something I liked in the end.
Thanks Julie. I hated my pencil work and painted over it. Didn’t even want to share a photo! But I linked up the finished piece and somehow all those mistakes added up to something I liked in the end.
Thanks for another great challenge prompt – so much fun to play along 🙂
Thanks for another great challenge prompt – so much fun to play along 🙂
Thanks for another great challenge prompt – so much fun to play along 🙂
Thanks for another great challenge prompt – so much fun to play along 🙂
Thanks for another great challenge prompt – so much fun to play along 🙂
I’m Sandi. Hi! What a lovely site! I’m teaching a block-printing class to my 3 nieces and my son. The ages are 15, 16, and 18. We have tried meat trays, and foam plates…with mostly NO good prints. Dull pencils and every thing. I’m actually taking a block printing class. WHAT do you carve, and with “what” do you carve? What am I missing. I got a big plexi glass, and I’m frustrated. I did take a semester in which a couple of weeks were BP, I remember carving into meat trays, with my finger nail, and coming up with a nice winter/nite-time scene. I’m 54, and I don’t want to be such a dufuss! Could you point me to a good “How To” video?
I’m Sandi. Hi! What a lovely site! I’m teaching a block-printing class to my 3 nieces and my son. The ages are 15, 16, and 18. We have tried meat trays, and foam plates…with mostly NO good prints. Dull pencils and every thing. I’m actually taking a block printing class. WHAT do you carve, and with “what” do you carve? What am I missing. I got a big plexi glass, and I’m frustrated. I did take a semester in which a couple of weeks were BP, I remember carving into meat trays, with my finger nail, and coming up with a nice winter/nite-time scene. I’m 54, and I don’t want to be such a dufuss! Could you point me to a good “How To” video?
I’m Sandi. Hi! What a lovely site! I’m teaching a block-printing class to my 3 nieces and my son. The ages are 15, 16, and 18. We have tried meat trays, and foam plates…with mostly NO good prints. Dull pencils and every thing. I’m actually taking a block printing class. WHAT do you carve, and with “what” do you carve? What am I missing. I got a big plexi glass, and I’m frustrated. I did take a semester in which a couple of weeks were BP, I remember carving into meat trays, with my finger nail, and coming up with a nice winter/nite-time scene. I’m 54, and I don’t want to be such a dufuss! Could you point me to a good “How To” video?
I’m Sandi. Hi! What a lovely site! I’m teaching a block-printing class to my 3 nieces and my son. The ages are 15, 16, and 18. We have tried meat trays, and foam plates…with mostly NO good prints. Dull pencils and every thing. I’m actually taking a block printing class. WHAT do you carve, and with “what” do you carve? What am I missing. I got a big plexi glass, and I’m frustrated. I did take a semester in which a couple of weeks were BP, I remember carving into meat trays, with my finger nail, and coming up with a nice winter/nite-time scene. I’m 54, and I don’t want to be such a dufuss! Could you point me to a good “How To” video?
I’m Sandi. Hi! What a lovely site! I’m teaching a block-printing class to my 3 nieces and my son. The ages are 15, 16, and 18. We have tried meat trays, and foam plates…with mostly NO good prints. Dull pencils and every thing. I’m actually taking a block printing class. WHAT do you carve, and with “what” do you carve? What am I missing. I got a big plexi glass, and I’m frustrated. I did take a semester in which a couple of weeks were BP, I remember carving into meat trays, with my finger nail, and coming up with a nice winter/nite-time scene. I’m 54, and I don’t want to be such a dufuss! Could you point me to a good “How To” video?