Like I mentioned last week, I've recently acquired some wonderful treasures--two vintage German World Atlases: one really big one and also an itty bitty one. I've been experimenting with them, trying to decide how exactly the maps are going to start making an appearance in my work.
This little work-in-progress is a collage I'm calling "Under the Same Stars." It measures just a bit over 6 x 8 inches, and boy am I realizing that making tiny art takes practice! This one has actually been on my desk for at least three months because I was feeling stuck--there's not as much room on the tiny canvas to make mistakes or let the piece sort of do what it wants.
On the other hand, the things that I don't like about this piece so far have inspired me to add some details that I hadn't originally considered! Next time I show this to you, be expecting to see some worn little houses (painstakingly constructed like the pink ones in this piece) and some delicate flower details around the edges of the map. The yellow and white stripes (which is a different experiment--with my shop packaging!) have inspired me to add more yellow too.
Ok, here I go. Let's see if I can turn this around and make this little guy one of my new favorites. :) Any suggestions?
Happy Friday!
Linking up with Studio JRU and Paint Party.
Wow, how unique this is. I can't wait to see the next step. Am going to add you to my list of bloggers to visit new friend, and I am so thrilled you are having a peep at my etsy shop. Yahooo- I give great discounts for bloggy pals.
ReplyDeleteOh, I feel honored to be added to your blog list! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)
DeleteGood for you ~ exploring your art ~ this piece is coming along wonderfully~ Love it! ~ (A Creative Harbor)
ReplyDeleteI love all the various colors with dots in the background. It really looks like a starry night. Love the addition of maps to your work, they add an ancient whimsy. I know what you mean about small canvases, I can't seem to paint on any too small; it's DIFFICULT. So I applaud you. Good to see you, friend.
ReplyDeleteCatherine Denton
"Ancient whimsy," I really like that phrase, Catherine! It's good to see you too--hope to get to see you in person someday in the near future!
Deleteawesome map art!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see more yellow in there... but I actually really like the limited palette as well... the composition is fabulous... it takes a while to get used to small... it is a whole different world!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey! Yes, the limited palette was kind of the goal, but lately I can't seem to hold myself back from yellow :). I'm thinking I might make the little houses gold-yellow-brown instead of dark brown. Otherwise, the palette will stay pretty much how it is.
DeleteI have no suggestions, but I'm sure whatever you come up with it will look great! I like how it is now :)
ReplyDeleteI really love it as it is!! But I love everything mappy! :)
ReplyDeleteBlues and browns are my favorite, too.
Putting this in your Etsy shop? :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Thanks, Mary! Yes, lately I have been obsessed with blues and browns. Always will be, probably. And this will go in my shop when I'm finished--prints for sure, if not the original! Planning on doing a few more like it too!
DeleteThis is such a great way to use the atlas! I love how it anchors the houses!
ReplyDeleteSeems like you are going in the right direction! Great piece in progress, can't wait to see more soon!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Keep it the way it is! Except for maybe the flower details in the corners you mentioned. I love how it looks, all the different rich colors and patterns. The atlas was a great place to start--glad you found that as inspiration and ran with it.
ReplyDeletelove this! i would keep it simple...the map inspires dreaming with the layers above it.
ReplyDeleteloooove it!!
ReplyDeleteI agree.. small has its merits, but it does make it more difficult to speak for itself. I think this is lovely. Just a little here and there and I think you are complete. I do like the colors just as they are. Happy PPF
ReplyDeletethis is so lovely, sadee, and i agree that working 'small' can be challenging! but what a reward. so pretty.
ReplyDeleteLove the splatter!! I treat splatter like glitter. :) I will look forward to seeing this finished.
ReplyDeleteYour map experiment art looks awesome and all inspired,I feel like counting stars in the night from my part of the world!
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely and I love that map! Your art piece is really inspiring!
ReplyDeletea definite Follwer,
Duaa
Lovely piece, old maps are very inspiring! I recently used one (digitally only), here:
ReplyDeletehttp://kuviamatkalta.blogspot.fi/2012/09/identical.html
Hi! I am your newest follower and you have such a wonderful blog:) I would love a follow back at http://lefthandedideas.com
ReplyDeleteThis is truly original and inspirational. I love the creativity that makes it so unique. Please keep doing these, they are amazing. Blessings, Janet PPF
ReplyDeleteBeautiful so far! I agree that it is hard to create on a small canvas. I make them bigger than just reproduce it smaller! lol
ReplyDeleteits beautiful!! sometimes tiny canvases can be constricting - I realzed this after starting to work bigger
ReplyDeleteYou're definitely on to something here... and that other post with the pink huts is also gorgeous... Yes, small canvases are a challenge, but you're obviously on the right track. i love your work. xox
ReplyDeleteI just absolutely LOVE your work. It's funny, because I have a harder time with BIG spaces:) This piece looks amazing and I can't wait to see where you take it next:) XO
ReplyDeleteJust love this one. I agree, I have an easier time with big canvases. I especially love the sky in this one. ♥
ReplyDelete