Layers

I finally got a chance to work in my art journal this past weekend. I do draw or paint something small everyday in my Fauxbonichi (my daily journal), but working in my art journal is a total creative process.

I've been thinking about layers lately. My thought process has been to peel the layers away until the core me can emerge, not the person who everyone expected me to be. But to do that, you almost have to deny or minimize your previous experiences. I don't think that's what I want to do. Instead, what I think I want is for all the layers to show through, not hiding any of it. From my serious, very scientific layer, to my whimsical childish layer.  Instead of peeling all the layers away, let's find a way to harmonize the layers. Well, that was my thinking as I started this piece. 

I started with a layer of coordinating tissue paper pieces placed randomly with matte medium.  Once dry, I lightened the face and neck area with gesso.

I used only a thin layer so that I could still see the tissue paper layer.  I then applied a thin layer of acrylics in flesh tones and outlined my face.

I added a paint layer to frame the picture a bit better.  I used Tim Holtz paint daubers in Chipped Sapphire and Mowed Lawn (you gotta love those names!).

At this stage, I usually work on the hair. But instead, I decided to add more layers with patterned napkins.  A friend of mine had sent me several beautiful patterned napkins she had left over from her art journals. I was so excited to use them. But when I went to look for them, they were gone. After asking around, I found out that my youngest had taken them to school for a party. They were already in a Ziplock and it wasn't labeled. We were both upset, me for not labeling the bag and my daughter because she took them. But instead of sulking, we decided to look through out stash to look for napkins we could use.  It really was my fault for not putting those in a special place. 

I used a white sharpie pen to outline the flowers. The final touches were made with colored pencils and the white sharpie for highlights. I think the end result turned out well.  

I'm happy that all the layers are visible, each adding to the richness of the piece. I think that's how I want to be, with all my layers showing through. And the quote summarizes my feeling.