Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Paper Art

"Jamie, Stepping Out in Style"

"Bailey and Free" for granddaughter Kelly

"Jeff and Beth, Down on the Farm"

What fun I had making Thank You cards for my son Jeff's family. I managed to eek out some time for art, be it paper art. When I opened my gifts from the family, I fell in love with the black wrapping paper decorated in gold spirals (my favorite shape) and stars. I couldn't just toss it out. I recalled Myrna Wacknov doing some value studies with cut paper, and my instructor, Joyce Barron Leopardo, showed me the wonderfully creative greeting cards she makes when she has some time on an airplane or in front of the TV. Joyce also let me select papers from a wallpaper sample book. I was also inspired by the designs of complex shapes by Peggy Stermer-Cox. And let's not forget Matisse who took paper cutouts to the level of fine art, and happens to be one of my favorite artists.

This morning I drew up my main images without references and later transferred them to tracing paper, taped the traced image onto the wrapping paper, and made paper dolls. I adhered the shapes to card stock and embellished them with other papers and some line. Jamie is a charmer in high school, so I decked her out in high heels, a skirt (which she seldom wears), and a purse under a spiral sun. Joyce's red wallpaper set off the black and gold nicely. Kelly is a newly minted teen who recently lobbied for a replacement dog. Both girls have horses at their small country farm. Thus, young Bailey is enjoying the company of Kelly's black horse, Free, on a carpet of wallpaper grass. Jeff and Beth love their mini Millbrook Farm complete with chickens, horses, a huge garden, birds, cats, a dog, and a lovely red barn. Here they are surveying their kingdom. I added thank you notes inside each card and posted them in the mail.






15 comments:

Claire M said...

What a special idea. These thank you notes will surely be treasured. Quite creative!!

Mary Paquet said...

Claire, thanks -- I had so much fun doing this little project.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea. And so well executed. I especially love #2, but they are all great.
Jean

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, Thank you! These are wonderfully done and so clever! Great shapes! I particularly like Jamie; all are inspiring!. Most impressive!

Anonymous said...

Mary- how wonderful! I'm sure the recipients will be so pleased to receive such a personalized thank you. I'm in awe of your creativity!
Pam

Christiane Kingsley said...

Mary, you are always so creative. These cards are all beautiful and their recipients will be thrilled!

Mary Paquet said...

Jean, thanks for checking in. This was a fun project.j

Peggy, your vote of confidence is most appreciated. I liked the shapes.

Pam, you are so supportive! I'm loving your very creative sketches.

Christiane, thank you. I will be interested in how the family reacts.

Marie Theron said...

Hi Mary, the symplicity makes your images overwhelmingly potent. There is just so much expression in them. What a lovely way to approach a painting!

Mary Paquet said...

Marie, your comments are most appreciated. I have always gravitated to strong, simple shapes. These cards were very fun to do and helps me think about design.

Myrna Wacknov said...

Hi Mary, This is such a great example of taking ideas from numerous sources, combining them in your own unique way and coming up with something personal and meaningful. Fabulous job!

Mary Paquet said...

Myrna, thanks for the encouraging comment. You are definitely a source of inspiration!

Barbra Joan said...

These look like so much fun to do. Leave it to you to "step outside the box' Your always creative and doing something different.
Mary, I want to wish you a very Happy New Year.

Unknown said...

Mary! Forgive me for the delayed thanks for my blog award!

I wanted to wish you and your family a wonderful and joyous New Year. You are a bright spot in the art world. I am blessed to know you. hugs!

Mary Paquet said...

Barbra, it's a pleasure to get to know you this year. I wish you blessings and happiness in the new year.

Sheila, the blog award is much deserved! I have so enjoyed getting to know this year and even meet you in person! Happy New Year to you and your family and may many good things come your way in 2010.

Anonymous said...

great ...........................................................