We’re starting off a book swap with one member from the previous postcard swap group, and some other artists from the Everydaymatters group. This link takes you to the Everydaymatters Superblog, where you can see posts from different artists from the Everydaymatters group. Each of us is making our own book from a sheet of watercolour paper, from a pattern (and great step-by-step) on Nina’s blog.
We are getting off to a slow start because we have had one member drop out, got a replacement, then another has dropped out. We’re not due to send our book off for another 3 weeks, but TODAY is the day our books are supposed to be made by. Well, mine is done now.
Once we’ve made our book, then we draw/paint on a double-page spread, then send it to the next person. When it comes back in about 6 months time, it should be full.
My cover boards are covered with textured wallpaper that has been gessoed & then swooshed with Matisse Inks and gesso. I am pretty fed up with this long cold winter, even though it was 35 degrees last Friday. The colours of the cover seemed so cheerful and summery, that I have made my theme ’summer’. Then I have sort-of broken my own rules, because what I’ve painted is ‘tropical’ rather than ’summer’. Still, not everyone has access to the tropics.
I photographed these heliconia plants in the grounds of the hotel where I stay in Ubud in Bali. I’ve painted them in watercolour, which is not really my medium, but lends itself so well to florals. I do love heliconia. This year for my birthday, I’m going to buy myself a stalk of heliconia and one of those long vases you need to put them in. Just gorgeous.
Not been blogging much lately. Had a sore hand, and also busy getting ready for the Matisse Open Day. See you there!
6 responses so far ↓
vickylw // October 9, 2008 at 1:51 am |
So are you still short on participants?
How many total artists are there? (In other words, how many pages would each one be doing?)
Also, are you all in the Australia area, or are there some from other locations? I’m not sure how much postage is required from America.
I am interested; I have not contacted you before because I’m not sure how much time I am committing to.
Carol // October 9, 2008 at 1:54 pm |
Your heliconias are wonderful. I feel cheered up just looking at them. Why can I not find Nina’s blog? I clicked on your link and I think I’ve looked at everything on EDB and now feel I must be missing something very simple. I’m hoping that if ever I finish packing up my flat, and survive the selling and buying process, then I want to make some books but I suspect that’s a while away, so I’m enjoying looking at yours.
Joan T // October 10, 2008 at 2:41 am |
I love seeing book exchanges. They are such an interesting idea. I’ll be back to see what else you’re doing. The heliconias are beautiful!!! Great color!!
Barb Hartsook @ Over Coffee // October 10, 2008 at 9:48 pm |
Hi Wendy — blogging class is winding down for the second time, and now you have me pumped to wanting to try making and painting this book. (What fun you’ve been having with the post cards.)
Thanks for sharing the how-to’s for the book.
Were I not half-way around the globe, I’d join you for the Matisse Open Day. Sounds wonderful!
Barb
Judybec // October 13, 2008 at 11:21 am |
Beautiful book Wendy!!!
The heliconia in a vase sounds wonderful… be good to yourself!
lvsblog // October 27, 2008 at 6:24 pm |
What a wonderful idea! Your book is looking wonderful. It does feel warm and summery, like you can feel the heat of the summer sun rays as you gaze at those blooms. Did everyone get their book sent out?