I was on the Scraptime blog (which I love) and Christine talked about a workshop she had taken, something called “She Art”. What caught my attention was the use of color and free form shapes - without being abstract (I don’t do well with abstract, I need to know what I’m looking at).
I signed up and all I can say is I am feeling truly inspired.
Christy Tomlinson is a great instructor. She’s fun, she talks to herself and I find myself saying “I looooooove it” after hearing her say it throughout the videos. She shows you a ton of techniques using all sorts of different inks, paints and textures. I haven’t had so much fun walking around the hardware store, well, I don’t think ever. I went to Lowes and found PVC pipe couplings make great circles when dipped in paint. They also had texture rollers in the paint department - very cool and not just for walls.
I found that I really needed to do something different. I love stamping and quilting, but so much of what I do I’ll say is “coloring within the lines”. I needed something that used my supplies in a whole new way and this workshop was just that. She creates backgrounds with layers upon layers of paint, ink, stamps - tons of stuff. And then the artwork - she did girls (I guess that’s where the “she” in “she art” comes from), but you could do anything. I did the girl in the green dress as my first one. But then I thought, what about a cupcake, and a house and…
Seeing Christy just cut into 12×12 sheets of paper and not care - it’s freeing I tell ya! I have scrapbook paper and I think what the heck am I saving it for. She just whacks away, makes her shape and if it doesn’t come out right she thinks nothing of whacking away at another piece of paper.
If you’re looking for something fun, something that might make you stretch a bit, or it’s time to let your hair down, I highly recommend Christy’s She Art workshop. You’ll have so much fun with color, paper, scribbles, buttons and more.
Pattyb Says:
May 24th, 2011 at 10:31 amVisit Pattyb
I loooove your art pieces! I have signed up for She Art and have not had the time to start a canvas yet, but you have re-inspired me! LOVE LOVE LOVE them! thanks for taking the time to post!
jane w. Says:
May 24th, 2011 at 2:28 pmVisit jane w.
this is awesome! I have heard of these workshops and now I think I better check them out for sure! thanks for the inspiration!
Nancy Says:
May 24th, 2011 at 5:49 pmVisit Nancy
I absolutely adore these, Holly!! Beautiful!!! And a fun thing was following the link to her site, and then link about her friend’s clothing/accessory line — and the Sadie purse! From “vintage” fabric that is the upholstery fabric my parents’ Louis XIV sofa is covered with!! What a hoot to see it as a bag!
Anyway…getting over that distraction ;^) ~ what you’ve shown in this post is something I’ve been thinking about trying for a long time and you are incredibly inspiring. Fabulous!!!
Danielle Says:
June 6th, 2011 at 9:26 pmVisit Danielle
These are some awesome creations! I just read about her class on another blog…I think I need to look into this more closely! Gorgeous Holly!
Cathrine Says:
June 12th, 2011 at 6:02 amVisit Cathrine
Wow!! Those are really beautiful. I LOVE them! (really - really!)
Sigh…. wish I had more time for just fun art. I still have 18 bird house gourds in my basement that I grew last year with plans to make a bird house town for the yard. I seem to be great at the plans, but run out of time for the follow through.
Maybe a class would inspire me to make time.
Hope you are doing wonderful!! (BTW - I did get on the digital site. It has been interesting so far! Thanks for being willing to be a reference.)
Christy Says:
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:21 amVisit Christy
AAaamazing! Your work with these new techniques are outstanding. The color choice is perfect and the images are darling! Way to go!!!