Painted Woven

I was sifting through things and came across this hand painted woven plaid from my days at F.I.T. It was so long ago. Things have changed so much. This took quite a long time to create and now it would be done on the computer and about 5 minutes with the ability to change to color even faster. I really love the computer and all the great design capabilities it comes with but I still think there is something to be said for the hand drawn/ hand painted work. I know it isn't practical or even desired in the business world anymore. Heck, I wouldn't want to be the one having to sit there and paint a gazillion new colorways. I do think this would be a great element in a painting/collage that I am going to explore further.

Hostas again

Finishing up some Hosta pieces... If you haven't already check out the latest issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors. The cover is gorgeous!! The art is by Melanie Testa. She did wonderful art journaling and was so inspiring. I am going to get a moleskin and some Pelikan paints!

Sketchbook butterflies

Another post from my sketchbook with of course some butterflies.

Hearts

I had lots of bits of paper that had been painted and recycled paper from envelopes (love the patterns on some) as well as some collage pieces. I wanted to use them up so I cut hearts. I have been creating lots in my sketchbook/art journal. I find it is so theraputic. You aren't pressured to create the "perfect" thing. You can play all you want. Try one thing then you get an idea for another. Mix this with that. Stitch this, cut that, glue this. I push myself to do/learn more. I do it for myself. I do it for fun. So all hearts were glued onto to kraft paper.

Patterns and Color Stories: Apples (Green/Pink)

Apples, originally uploaded by dana.barbieri.

Somehow between "Mommy, my blankie" and a teething toddler I managed to have a dream last night and it included apples. I was woken up again at 4:30 a.m. and had to draw in my sketch book. After my coffee of course.
I really like the pink green combo on the brown paper.
Colored Pencils on kraft paper.

Patterns: Bias Plaid

Patterns: Bias Plaid, originally uploaded by dana.barbieri.

I created this bias plaid in my sketch book using acrylic paints freehand.
The dotted line is a cool tool called a tracing wheel. Used in sewing. I dipped it in the paint and rolled away. Dot foam stamp used for the polka dot.

Beads Pattern

Beads, originally uploaded by dana.barbieri.

This is a hand drawn pattern painted with acrylic paints in my sketch book. The inspiration is my beaded necklace.

Hand Made Foam Stamp Pattern

Beach, originally uploaded by dana.barbieri.

So my goal was to make a pattern a day in my sketch book. To experiment with color and technique, etc. and to show where the inspiration came from but with two little ones it won't always happen.

This is a pattern in my sketch book. I made it with fun foam you can get from the craft store and painted it with acrylic paints and did some pen drawing. Inspired by the laundry basket pattern above.

This is really easy to do. I cut the foam shape, glued it to another piece of foam and cut that down and had a stamp. It is fun and addicting.