Module One - Chapter Two - Printing Crosses

Here are the prints I created from my cross shapes. Initially I used a shape which I found in the tracings I made from the guitar photographs (shape adapted from bottom right hand corner tracing in blog on asymmetrical designs).  I made two large stamps - the shape and its mirror image using 'funky foam'.  Although this shape is asymmetrical, it does not rotate or reflect well as both sides are quite similar.  I was disappointed that the shapes did not yield more varied patterns but I did find the overall effect of the prints interesting, probably because I like the colour combinations and the way I could easily mix and blend the paint colours.

I then decided to change tack and look for a shape that would generate a greater variety of patterns.  

This shape came from one of my cross drawings - see first page of line drawings (design from The Internet) and again I created two stamps (much smaller this time) of the shape and its mirror image.  Although the shape is very simple, I knew it would produce a nice range of secondary patterns when rotated and reflected.  I particularly like the sharpness of these designs which was achieved by using a selection of ink pads used in rubber stamping.

Shape printed in same direction in rows

Alternate rows turned upside down

Shape and its mirror image - alternate rows reflected
and using two colours in the background.

Shapes reflected, rows offset and printed on a slight angle

Shape repeated in same orientation on painted newsprint

Pairs of shapes, one upside down and  printed back to back

Shape and mirror image repeated in rows to create an M shape

Mirror image reflected in alternate rows

Squares printed with ink pads then shapes printed
mirror image in the corners of each square.
I think it creates the effect of stars.

Shape repeated in a circle then overlapped. Reminds
me of the symbol of The Isle of Man.

Alternate rows upside down and shapes
fitted into the gaps from the previous row.
 I like the diagonal lines created by this design.

Design printed onto painted tissue paper.  Shape and its
mirror image slightly offset, which created an N shape

Finally I created a page of  'cross shapes' taken from a selection of my cross drawings.  Some are very simple, others are more complex, being a combination of different shapes layered together.

Painted Papers

I chose two different Brusho greens - Leaf Green and Emerald but as I found them to be fairly similar I added Lemon so I could mix more of a lime green.

The reds I used were Scarlet and Brilliant Red.  Again, I found them to be similar so I diluted Scarlet by 100% and also mixed 1 part scarlet and 1 part Brilliant Red.  I'm not sure why this combination has come out much darker than the two individual colours - I think I might have added a little more Brilliant Red powder to strengthen the mix.

I then began painting a selection of papers including newsprint, tissue, cartridge, brown paper etc and I thoroughly enjoyed myself! I'm afraid I found it too frustrating to try and record what I was doing as I was having too much fun, but I made sure I painted lots of papers in good quantities so I feel I have plenty to work with. I worked spontaneously with the colours and the papers and I know I would not have painted so many if I had had to keep stopping to write up recipes and methods.

I have cut strips and sandwiched them together to show the range of papers I have created.  Some of the techniques I have used include painting with a sponge brush, sponging, spraying with water, sandwiching wet papers together to transfer colours, and painting a second colour on top of the first colour after it has dried.

I think I have a wide enough range of colours and effects and I am now looking forward to printing on them and cutting them up.

Asymmetrical Cross Shapes

Module 1 - Chapter 2

1 & 2 Details from a Tiffany lamp shade

                                    

3.  Crossed kitchen utensils

As part of her feedback Sian asked me to find or contrive some more asymmetrical cross shapes.  I photographed details from a Tiffany lampshade and laid out some kitchen utensils on the floor but these did not inspire me.

Then I spotted my husband's guitar propped against the wall!

Here were lots of previously 'unnoticed crosses', so I grabbed my camera and photographed sections of the guitar from unusual angles and created a collage of the results.

4.  Guitar collage

I really liked these images so I traced and simplified the individual sections to see what 'crosses' I had discovered.    

5.  Tracings from collage

                   

I have decided to run with the shapes in the bottom, right hand image and after I paint some papers, my next task will be to create a stamp from this design.

Brainstorm - Cross Shapes

Module 1 - Chapter 2

1.  Words/expressions relating to crosses

2. Why crosses and where?

I actually created these pages at the outset of the module but didn't think to photograph them to put on the blog.  As I am now closely analysing my crosses to select the shapes that are most suitable for stamping and printing, I thought it would be appropriate to include them here.  These were my initial thoughts about crosses - words, expressions, why crosses rather than stars and finally sources of cross shapes.

A Weaving in Red and Green

Module 1 - Chapter 2

We have been doing a lot of decorating recently and as a result have accumulated a large quantity of paint colour charts.  Rather than throw them away I decided to cut out strips from the red and green sections and weave them together.  I really like the effect and feel there is scope for further experimentation e.g. greater variety in the width of the strips, incorporating plain and patterned strips, allowing one colour to dominate more, increase the range of shades and tints of each colour, one colour only in each direction.... and so on....................lots of possibilities I think!

A Visual Feast

Module 1 - Chapter 2

I was pottering in my garden today and suddenly noticed the amazing range of red/green leaves on my Hydrangea bush, so I picked some of the prettiest leaves to photograph. I just love the mix of bright raspberry pinks through to the deepest plum tones and the greens which almost look rusty with the addition of red.  What a feast for the eyes!

My Favourite Complementary Colours

Module 1 - Chapter 2

I have chosen to work with red and green as this is my favourite pair of complementary colours. These are the classic Christmas colours - fir trees, ivy, poinsettias and holly bushes heavy with glossy red berries or the blood red roses, carnations and variegated geraniums of summertime.  Tomatoes, peppers, salad leaves, rosy apples, raspberries, strawberries and fiery chillies bring red and green to the table.  Here is a collage to illustrate red and green.  It contains hand painted papers, magazine images, scrapbooking papers, paint swatches and photographs.