Tuesday, June 5, 2018

My Favorite Art Book & Giveaway! - Holiday Memories with Claudia Neubacher


Hi, servus and thanks so much for stopping by today!


Today I would like to share with you a painting that was inspired by a lovely trip to Turkey some years back and by one of my actual favorite mixed media art books - Nathalie Kalbach's "Artful Adventures in Mixed Media"



What I especially like about Nathalie's book is, that unlike with many other mixed media books it doesn't just give tons of technique loaded recipes that would only have you use tons of different media and tools to follow them (and therefore kind of copy the projects), which leaves little or no room for own ideas or interpretations. On the contrary - her book focuses on getting the ideas first and then pick the right artistic means to transform your ideas into artwork that has meaning and depth.

Nathalie's book talks about many different ways on where to draw inspiration from (like from nature, the city, trips to foreign places,...), how to document and collect that inspiration and how to make everyday life's inspiration become the core of your art projects. From my point of view (as a former arts teacher) this is what you need to make your artwork have meaning - because a piece of art only becomes "alive" when there's a story the artist needed to tell with it (be it abstract or more objective).



That is what I tried with this little 8''x11'' painting on heavy mixed media paper - to capture a lovely memory from a wonderful round trip through Turkey. There was this village with many beautiful old and weathered wooden doors to abandoned houses and I took many pictures of them. One became the source of inspiration for my painting. I remembered the doors when flipping through Nathalie's book and coming across a page with an amazing door (see image below).



So what I did was print a colour copy of my picture for reference (one of the whole door, another of an enlarged detail so I could see the texture that I wanted to reproduce in my painting). 

StencilGirl® stencils used in this painting: 

City Stories Stencil by Cathy Nichols
Open Buildings Stencil by Carolyn Dube


To create my background I used DecoArt Chalky Finish paints and a palette knife. I had first marked the area for the door so I could eye-ball where to create the background for the door and the background for the walls. As you can see I let both areas overlap loosely. I mixed some of the paints on my palette sheet, others wet on wet directly on the substrate. I went in with my heat tool to speed up the drying time. 


Using the Block Door stencil and a palette knife I applied DecoArt media clear Modeling Paste to the door's area. The dry Modeling Paste would work as a resist to preserve the paints underneath from being covered up during the following painting steps. 


While the Modeling Paste was still wet, I doodled some flowers into the centres of the four door panels with a sculpting tool. Then I left my painting to dry naturally. 



On my photograph there were stone carvings around the door, so I added some orange Chalky Finish paint in two spots using the stencil from the June 2016 Stencil Club kit. I used the palette knife again (instead of sponging the paint through the stencil) to create a thick layer of paint.  


The lovely tree from the City Stories stencil was added using DecoArt media black Modeling Paste. As I didn't like to have crisp edges this time and wanted a more painterly look, I took a rubber tip paste modeling tool and smudged the edges.



Once the paint and paste had dried, I went in with an aquarellable black pencil and traced some of the door panels' outlines. I also drew the rest of the building. I activated the black pencil lines with clear water using a detail brush. 



Then it was time to add several layers of paint washes to the door to create depth and make the preserved areas on the door pop out against a darker background. I used DecoArt media fluid acrylic Primary Cyan and kitchen roll to wipe the paint off the Modeling Paste areas while it was still wet. 
Wiping is better then dabbing, because with dabbing you will also remove paint off the crevices and areas in between again.

I have done a short video for you showing me adding several blue wash layers and also using the left overs from the wash on my palette to bring the same colour to other areas on my painting (which always adds more depth and helps fuse a painting really well).  You will see me add and wipe back, add more, wipe back again and so forth. Why didn't I just add one thick layer in a single go, I hear you ask? Well, because the look of several light layers will give you better control and a more organic look in the end, whereas the thick wash layer will cover up areas more evenly - which mostly looks quite "flat". 


What did I do next?



Once the wash had dried, I dry brushed the black tree with some brown Americana acrylic paint and the door with a light green-blue and beige. 


The final dry brushing layer on the door was applied with orange Chalky Finish paint. The leftovers on my palette were turned into a wash and used to shade corners and other areas.


To imitate some cobble stones in front of the house I used the small Open Buildings stencil and beige Chalky Finish paint. This time I used a cosmetic sponge to apply the paint through the stencil. 



Voilá! I was quite content with how my door looked. I know the tree somehow "embraces" the old house from behind (or maybe caresses it)...but actually I love that idea. 



I found that the area at the bottom of my painting lacked a bit of interest. I remembered one of Nathalie's paintings in her book, that shows some text and stencilled on dots patterns on the ocean in front of Sydney's amazing opera house and I decided to do something similar. 



I stamped a quote (from a Red Lead rubber stamp) onto some tissue paper and glued the top layer onto my painting using matte DecoArt Decou-Page. 


To fuse the text area with my painting I lightly scraped some Chalky Finish paint around it with the very tip of my palette knife. I also added scraped on paint to other areas on my painting - repeating the same thing in slight variations in different spots always strengthens composition. 



Then I finished off my painting with adding some lovely turquoise dots here and there using the small stencil from the October 2016 Stencil Club kit. 



A final comparison - yesssss! My goal had been to capture the feel of that beautiful weathered wooden door with the ornaments and the contrast of the fresh turquoise against the warm subtle orange of the sandstone, the feel of the dry heat and the gentle breeze there that made it less stingy.















I think I can call my goal achieved. Yay! I hope you like my painting too! Thanks so much for being with us today!



One lucky winner will receive a choice of $50 worth of stencils designed by Nathalie and a signed copy of her book!

Enter by commenting below by June 10th, 2018. One winner will be chosen at random on June 11th. Winner notified by email.


Happy stencilling! 
Claudia 
xxx




134 comments:

  1. Wow, what an awesome giveaway.... love your door Claudia, beautiful colours...
    love the look of the book... ... what an awesome prize fabulous stencils and that book... fingers crossed, I feel lucky!! thanks for the opportunity...
    ascrappetiger (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the colours of your door and the final painting is just beautiful.
    I would like to correct your spelling of Sydney(not Sidney) as someone who was born there! biotica(at)bigpond.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. love your painting Claudia , doors with personalities are so appealing....and what an awesome giveaway ...thanks for a chance !! sumanpandit(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry just read the notes!
      jan.hill10(at)gmail(dot com)

      Delete
  5. Wow so much detail Claudia! I am a great fan of old doors too. What a fantastic prize x
    jan.hill10 (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love the piece and the colors used, and I love to see what you did with the door stencil too. Thank you for sharing!
    Artsydoll (at) yahoo (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I found your tutorial and video very inspiring. I struggle with the layers, so I appreciate your clear explanations! I would be most pleased to win this prize. BTW I love your colors! I have attended Nathalie workshop and so enjoyed it! pmocampo@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry that should say pmocamnpo(at)aol(dotcom) LOL

      Delete
  8. I love this, I'm amazed at how people can see things and turn them into something so unique because of the emotions they put into them. I took a class with Natalie last year. love her!!! mmpierron (at) yahoo.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awesome! Thanks for sharing the process with us, I love the use of chalk paints for this.
    Cwelch868(at)gmail(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is incredible and so very inspiring <3.
    my email is carolyngarthaussemperfi(at)gmail(dot com)
    Thank you for the chance :).

    ReplyDelete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you for this gorgeous and beautiful piece Claudia! I love the layering process and the dimension and depth in the end. I am so happy and excited that you find my book inspiring, thank you so much for the shout out <3

      Delete
    2. You're very welcome, Nathalie! My pleasure! xxx

      Delete
  12. I love the colors and the stencils used in this project! Gives me many new ideas for future projects!! Thank you for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops ... sbw112336 (at) gmail ... thanks!!

      Delete
  13. wow, looks like a great book! Thanks
    mrsmarg (at) telus (dot net)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Such a beautiful painting! I love doors!! Thanks for the insight as to how you created this piece. jmjmeadows38(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  16. It turned out beautiful :)
    ruthhodgson1@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Amazing result. I'd love a chance to try out her stencils!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love the way you used the modeling paste to create texture on the door and tree. I haven’t tried working with it yet, but you’ve inspired me to give it a try!
    beccavox (at) frontier (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awesome - so pretty it takes my breath away!!! Love the technique!! mumbird3atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a gorgeous piece inspired by a fabulous photo (I love old doors like that - they have so much personality)! I love how you've incorporated the stencils. postalorphan (at) yahoo (dot) com.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the colors on the door.jdarrell2009@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ohhhhhhh, I love it! I will be trying these techniques soon! wendyswrap(at)Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Nathalie is the bomb. She is always changing and I love her style.
    I am going to try this technique. Very cool.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So fun to see your step-by-step creative process to capture a memory. SmilynStef at aol dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Awesome design! Very inspirational. I'm a fan of stencils and other media with architectural images - doors, windows, buildings. Thanks for sharing with us.
    phyllis (at) paulberker (dot.com)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love this piece! Your description of your creative process was inspirational.
    Ldobry6 (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have heard wonderful things about Nathalie’s book and with your explanation, I completely understand why! Your inspired painting is gorgeous, I am so happy to understand the steps that you used and see the truly incredible results! Thank you for sharing. ~Ann xx Aksbarchitect1(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. This offer looks amazing—would love to play with all of these and experiment with all of the techniques!! Jholmes55@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a beautiful piece of art - thank you for posting it - and fir the wonderful giveaway opportunity!
    tess(at)jjcheal@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Beautiful artwork! What a awesome giveaway!
    Thanks for a chance to win....

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love the look you achieved. Lsims (at) mchsi (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  34. What an amazing opportunity! Love this piece- so many layers and details. I love Natalue’s Work and find her so inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  35. What an awesome giveaway! Someone gonna be soooo lucky !

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love how the many thin layers of paint help this project come together. kennedy_margaret at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wow! I love the project. I learned a few tips. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  38. awesome Bailey at baileyfiberart dot com

    ReplyDelete
  39. As a door lover, I really like the look of yours. Feeling Lucky. Hope to win!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Obsessed with doorways - find myself taking pictures of them everywhere I travel. Love this technique - must try it when I get home tonight:)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love your painting from your photo. I keep eyeing a picture my sister has, but just haven’t come up with the inspiration. I’ll have a closer look at my tools and supplies to see if anything jumps out now 😉
    saglasshalffull (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Lovely piece of art. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
    mycollageart (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  43. This sounds like the book I need. Your artwork is lovely as always. I adore doors. Thanks for a chance to win the book.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Loonaticarts (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wow, such a beautiful project! The color and textures are right on. I love doors and have a collection of photos I could use. Great idea, thank you :)
    Thanks also for a chance at the giveaway, I've been dreaming about this elephant, LOL
    crafts (at) baladine (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Fantastic piece and thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful piece, Nat is always inspiring. Thanks for sharing your process. Gumkow(at)Gmail(dotcom)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Such a beautiful painting! Thanks for all the steps and photos of the process! The giveaway is wonderful!! Crossing all my crossable parts that I'll be the lucky winner!!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. the visual community. You will bet on the sport you choose through websites on the internet. All the details of betting are stated clearly on the site itself, including the possible amount that you may get if you'll win. PlanItGreen

    ReplyDelete
  50. So beautiful! I fall in love with the process and the growing beauty of your piece. Each step you add intrigues me and I see such beauty and want to add the stencil or new color of paint I may not have. ~Rachel Bell bellbrzs (at) cox (dot net)

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just love this. The colours go so well together and the whole thing is just dreamy.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Door just needs to be opened and walked through to experience world out there. Thanks for the Beautiful door which would open wonderful world for one of us.
    snowie.3@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Very cool post! Thanks for the opportunity to win these amazing stencils!
    cairnlae (at) hotmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  54. The detail and weathered look of the door is wonderful. I do appreciate your sharing of your step by step.

    ReplyDelete
  55. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the colours and texture of the door. Thank you for the detailed explanation of your layering process. weaverclarke (at) gmail (dotcom)

    ReplyDelete
  57. I love your work Nat. You are a talented artist and great teacher. Would love to win your book.
    bunny2babe (at) att (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Wow I'd love a copy of that book,I think it'llhelp me move forward.Thamk you for the opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Loved following your process to create the project. Awesome prize Karen.haworth@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Lovely work and insane giveaway! Thank you for the inspiration :) Sunny days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And my email is kuppiteeta (@) gmail. com

      Delete
  61. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Great project. Tha book looks like a must own.
    lavendarrose29(at)yahoo(dotcom)

    ReplyDelete
  63. Nat! WOW! Looks like a super book-a gotta have!
    Thanks so much for the giveaway StencilGirl and Nat!fingers crossed!
    Jackie ")

    Claudia,
    thanks so much for sharing this technique- I just love your finished pages! xx

    (kampysgirl)(@)(gmail)(dot)(com)

    ReplyDelete
  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Love her designs - use her elephant stencil all the time! The door piece is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am just beginning my mixed media journey. I am a quilter first. This book would be a great way for me to find inspiration. Awesome give away. Thanks for sharing your technique.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. test741098(at)gmail(dotcom). from quilter(mom)

      Delete
  67. Thanks for sharing. I have this book and love herr stencils. If I win, I get to pass the book along to someone else. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. meb82609(at)gmail(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  68. I love the texture & colors of your door, and I really love your hugging tree! :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  70. This book looks awesome! Many times I have thought about how to capture the "feel" of a place in mixed media, and Nathalie's work does this! I'd love to learn from this book. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Great "How To"! Being an artist that draws inspiration from the environment around me and from photographs I take, I always love learning a new technique to incorporate into my work. I am relatively new to working with stencils and this will be another tool in my tool box. Thanks for sharing.
    artfulradish (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nicole: You WON! Please check your email for details! Carol from StencilGirl Products.com

      Delete
  72. Fantabulous work. Love the stencils and your creation.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Great interpretation. Love your textures. Sclover@acsalaska.net

    ReplyDelete
  74. I am new to mixed media journaling and (thanks to Kiala Givehand's FB share) so happy to have stumbled onto your page and website. You have many creative ideas and products here, and a wonderful giveaway to get a lucky winner started. Thanks!! loreleidaws(at)comcast(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  75. Beautifully done and great instructional! Thank you! 🙏🏽 Cynthia(at)silveri(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Beautiful!
    mbajzoo(at)aol(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  77. Thank you Claudia for walking me through your steps to an amazing painting. It’s absolutely beautiful. I have attempted something similar from a magazine photo. It didn’t turn out as well, but it was fun to try. The cover of the book looks like it might have similar teqniques inside and by your description, may be insightfully written for experienced and new artists. I’m excited to try for the giveaway, but have also learned a few new teqniques from your process. Thanks again. mysajworld5(at)gmail(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  78. Love your work. What a generous giveaway. Thank you for sharing your process. I will have to give it a try.

    ReplyDelete
  79. Very thorough description and very beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I love Nathalie's stencils, too. rtilinsk(at)mail(dot)win(dot)org

    ReplyDelete
  80. Beautiful! I love working with stencils. czukasathome(at)yahoo(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  81. Great painting - love the techniques!!!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thought your improvising stencils For uses other than their original was a great tip. Would LOVE 🎨💕😎 to win your stencil giveaway. Thanks for offering it.

    ReplyDelete
  83. What an opportunity. I have a very difficult time choosing from the many stencils that you guys are producing. I love them all. Be nice to win one.
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. joykpatterson@att.net "cause" I am sure I will win...

      Delete
  84. Beautiful inspiration. Thanks for the chance to enter the stencil give away

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love these stencils! Thanks for the opportunity at a chance to win some. ;)
    luvvy2@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  86. Love your work. Can't wait to win this wonderful prize.

    ReplyDelete
  87. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  88. The many thoughtful layers to your door respects the layers of time and history of the inspiration door. Such amazing techniques and the book looks like hours and hours of inspiration. jmbpearson@usfamily.net

    ReplyDelete
  89. Love the use of layers and colors in your work! It is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win the book and her stencils. marilyn (dot) alexieff (at)gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  90. Love the ideas of his generated. Would like the book to expand my journaling too!

    ReplyDelete
  91. Beautiful. I find doors intriguing. Always have. Mystery I guess. Perfect colors. It’s amazing. Great giveaway. Good luck everyone! suebee585@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Love the original door and your amazing Version! caw123(at)zoomtown(.com)

    ReplyDelete
  93. What a great project, love the colours. I have many photographs of doors and windows, this is an excellent way to use them.
    Bevtextart (at) btinternet (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  94. Beautiful project! I am hooked on taking photos of interesting doors and windows when I travel, too! Thanks for the chance to win!
    clen3(at)sbcglobal(dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  95. Thanks for the opportunity to win the books and stencils from Claudia Neubacher! Such a wonderful bootie to win all of them and I just love stencils too! Love the patina look on the doors and how you carved into the paint making it look even more dimensional! I could sure use some good news these days! HUGS, Sanna

    ReplyDelete
  96. Great work, appreciate the step by step photos! tyriii (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I adore Natalie’s stencils and have quite a few of her stamps also. Great project!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Gorgeous.. such detail and wonderfully illustrated on your technics.. TY🙏🦋

    ReplyDelete
  99. Always looking for new books to get inspiration from. "Artful Adventures in mixed media" sounds like a great one. Things for telling us about it.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Beautiful piece. You indeed accomplished your goal of creating your interpretation of the door in the Turkish village. Thanks for the very detailed account t of your process. I follow Natalie Kalbach closely and love her work, her blog and her enthusiasm.
    Deb at dcnewman52@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Awesome colors and textures on this beautiful creation! Love the door design! The book looks inspirational!
    deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  102. I am so inspired by your work and even if I don't win, I will still buy it :)

    ReplyDelete
  103. LOve your piece of art and doors are a favourite subject of mine, along with houses. Would love to win the prize and thank you for offering it. The stencils and book look so gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  104. Fantastic giveaway! I love your door piece! I'm always attracte to windows and doors.

    ReplyDelete
  105. I am entering the fabulous giveaway! What a thrilling prize! Not only stencils, but a book! I love stencils and books! Wow. My email address is:oceansiobhan(at) aol (dotcom)

    ReplyDelete
  106. I love using doors in my art. I would love adding this book to my library.

    ReplyDelete
  107. As you were describing the book, my mind drifted to my trip to the island of Burano, and how I fell in love with all the beautiful old doors, windows and walls. Then, you did the door painting! A happy convergence. I will get out my photos and do a painting! Thanks so much for the great tutorial and book review. Love them both! Dwdesigns100 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. You inspired me to try something I've never done; a beautiful door! Your choice of colors and stencils really captured my love of color. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  109. gorgeous colors, evocative image
    swartell (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  110. Wonderful inspiration from Nathalie’s book and a great detailed tutorial...beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  111. So inspiring. I have been struggling with a painting, you tutorial has helped me in so many ways. Thank you!! It would be an extra bonus to win your giveaway.

    pambi7 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  112. That is an absolutely gorgeous piece. The colors, the layers, the designs used everything mcsuetexas(at)yahoo(dotcom)

    ReplyDelete
  113. All your colors and layers are scrumptious and the detail of etching the flowers into the door panels adds so much to the whole composition.
    blondiesr71 (at) gmail (dot com)

    ReplyDelete

If you are entering a GIVEAWAY, please add your email address in the event we need to contact you.

To avoid SPAM, please write it like this:

marybeth (at) stencilgirltalk (dot com)

Thank You!