I've lived in my apartment for a little more than a year now and I finally felt ready to create some art for over the bed. I grabbed two enormous canvases and got to work on a brand new diptych. My only thought was that it had to feel calming (it's a bedroom after all). Towards that end, I decided to keep a relatively limited color palette and to forgo the eyes and faces. This is what I came up with:
I love it! It has some metallic paint in it so when the sun hits it in the morning, it really shines!
Some thoughts:
- I'm still loving working large. It opens up the my mind in a different way. There's so much surface to cover and you can make so many choices without making it look too crowded.
- Stencils and stamps will always be a part of my work because pattern will always be a part of my work. As I continue to work and create I become more and more confident in defining (but not limiting) my personal style. Sometimes I feel like I ought to stop using stamps and stencils because they're a crutch? But then I realize that's a bunch of crap. That is based in my own insecurity about whether or not I'm an actual artist (yes, even though this is how I make my living). I love stamps and stencils. I can't quit them.
- It was a fun challenge to work with a limited palette. I want to do that again. It forced me to be a bit more careful about my choices. I enjoyed the challenge.
- I couldn't go totally monochromatic. I *had* to add the yellow. I do still like a bit of contrast. That pull makes me feel that my artwork is visually arresting.
- I'm surprised by how much I like this simple leaf motif. I was worried it would be too trite, too done, too expected. But I love it! Nature is such a popular subject for a reason. I really really love it!
Thanks for stopping by!
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
Such a beautiful piece of art. Love the blues.
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
I love this piece. It is full of movement in a peaceful way. I am always drawn to nature’s shapes and patterns. The monochromatic colors–except the yellow which is needed for contrast–makes this a work that invites examination. One of your best!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Just plain GORGEOUS!
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
Love it. The colors are vibrant and happy. Would love to wake up to that every morning. Can’t help but make you smile.
DianeD
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
This is probably my favorite of all of your artwork so far! I love the balance of the leaf pattern, the fact that it shines (especially nice!)and the colors 🙂
Well done!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
I love these paintings- the movement of color and patterns are beautiful!
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
They are beautiful Julie. The addition of the yellow make the pieces. Inspired colors. I have become a stencil person of late. I still need to learn how to use them correctly. I follow your method with the cosmetic sponge though. I think I go too fast. I used to think using them was not creative enough, then I realized it is all in how you use them and each piece by any artist will be different. There are some great stencils out there. I look forward to checking your new ones too. Thanks for sharing your paintings.
So pretty! Great pieces
So pretty! Great pieces
So pretty! Great pieces
So pretty! Great pieces
So pretty! Great pieces
So pretty! Great pieces
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
Your paintings are beautiful with layers and layers of dreamieness. Awesome!
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
The composition is truly evidence that you are an artist! The compositions of the two pieces, that is. They work together as well as separately, and you were absolutely right to add the yellow.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Beutiful and such a good idea. Thanks for sharing.
Love this piece!
Love this piece!
Love this piece!
Love this piece!
Love this piece!
Love this piece!
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
WOW …. these are gorgeous. Love the colours and the subject. wonderful idea and perfect in every way.
how can i save this to pintrest??
how can i save this to pintrest??
how can i save this to pintrest??
how can i save this to pintrest??
how can i save this to pintrest??
how can i save this to pintrest??
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
I love this piece so much! I also especially appreciate the affirmation that you can use stencils and stamps and still be an artist.
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Gorgeous!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Honestly, one of my favorite paintings you’ve done … always love the color, but the blue palette with the subtle pop of yellow is beautiful and soothing … LOVE!!!
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
Love your attack with pattern. Bravery pays off big time.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
These are so rich and detailed close up, and have such a big impact from far away. You did a fantastic job. I have purchased a large canvas, but have not worked on it yet – one of these days.
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous painting Julie! The room looks great with the new decor! I love your style, and I’m glad you embrace the stamps and stencils! Thanks for sharing!