Hello Friends and welcome to my studio blog today and some fun with a smoked technique for background interest.
Many years ago I did a study with one of my favorite artists, Nancy Kinny and learned a pretty soft background technique called smoked.
This technique is done with a block candle and silver spoon. As the candle burns, you hold the real silver spoon over the flame until it turns black and starts to send up smoke. Then, holding your item that has been based coated, you hold it over the smoke moving it around to evenly, or with good balance, give it a soft misty, smokey look. Once you have the background the way you want it, you proceed to paint or decorate your item however you choose. This will not work with a stainless steel spoon.
This is how it should look when complete. At this point, you lightly varnish the smoked piece to keep it in place and from smudging while you are working on the painting or other design. This way, the soot won't come off on your hands or smear.
Today I did this art technique on an old vintage cake pan and then painted a design from Nancy Kinny on the pan. It is a Carolina Wren sitting in ivy leaves. Can you see the smokey look on the soft ivory background color?
Such a sweet little birdie. I loved working on him. The next two pics are taken on a magazine holder I also painted using this technique while on study with Nancy's design and technique. One side of the holder is a winter blue jay and the other side a springtime robin. I painted this wooden treasure about 16 years ago.
Oh I love to paint birds and also little nests. After completing the Carolina Wren I painted another vintage pan with a rose nest, but this one without the smoked background.
Now I was on a roll and painted another little nest on a pretty pink vintage spoon.
And then a larger wooden spoon I call HOME~
With spring, hopefully around the corner and warmer days ahead, I can't wait to be outside in my garden and of course in the studio creating pretties for the season.
Until next time, have a wonderful day and blessings always.
XO Celestina Marie
20 comments:
Wow! Celeste, I love that technique and your bird paintings! I especially adore the painted spoons! So lovely! You're so talented.
Hugs, Cindy
Oh WOW, Celeste, Your talent is just astounding and blesses me so...I love ALL your creations!!! Thank you so much for linking up to my party!
XO
Cindy
Celestina, you never cease to amaze me with all your talent my friend. Your bird paintings are so pretty!! What a wonderful technique.
Hi Celeste. I love this technique! I'm going to have to give it a try. I love your birdies and the spoons to. Do you paint in oils or acrylics?
Thanks for sharing and have a great week.
Barb
I've done the smoked technique but never painted over it. Lovely
What a creative way to achieve such a wonderful look! Your birds are all lovely and your nest on the wooden spoon and vintage spoon breath taking. Wishing you a fabulous evening..xo HHL
Dearest Celestina Marie,
You get an A+ for that Carolina Wren; so naturally true looking! You have still hidden (to us at least!) talents...
Have a great week and thanks for sharing this technique with the soot.
Love to you,
Mariette
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS!!!!!
tHANK you for your message in Italian,if you like I can teach you more, step by step, so when you will visit Italy you can make Italians very surprised talking their language!!!
Thank you my cara amica !
Love the birds Celeste, especially the wren I think...they make me happy.
Love your spoons too, they are awesome.
Ruth
We see so many Carolina Wrens at our feeders!! DH often kids at what are they doing so far north??
Your work is Beautiful!!!!
Have a Great Day!
Marilyn
Celeste, your art is beyond talent, it's truly a gift. There is a difference, you know. :)
I am so blessed by it. Thank you for sharing and for linking up at Cindy's.
Much love!
Your nests are so cute. I love looking at your art. So inspiring!
Great technique for you artists...as for me, I probably would burn myself or something else!
Love your art and that wooden spoon with home on it is beautiful!
Hello Celestina Marie, Your artwork is so beautiful and detailed. I just loved the spoon with the birds nest, truely a future heirloom for someone to enjoy, thank you so much for sharing, Maureen
Ohhhh dear Celeste, such beautiful birds and birds nest you paint, I love all of these gorgeous creations of yours, you are such a talented artist, but ya know I'm a big fan of your work....lol
Hugs~
Mari
Ooooooh so so soooooo pretty Celestina Marie! I love the way you paint those birdies and that spoon!!! It's to die for. So gorgeous! I love birds and these are so beautifully done. What an interesting technique that is. Never thought of doing such, but I will keep this technique in mind! Happy painting!
Hugs and blessings,
Ingeborg
Gorgeous pieces Celestina Marie! Such an interesting technique too, thank you for sharing the how to for all of us to learn!
Hi Celestina, Your paintings are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the smokey background technique. Have a super week. Joyous Wishes, Linda
Hi Celestina Marie,
So beautiful! I love your gorgeous painting and what a wonderful technique.
The little birds and nests are so lovely and thanks for showing us.
Hugs
Carolyn
Celeste, these are SO pretty! My husband is up doing his devotions in a nearby room and I'm telling him all about your many talents and gifts. I have a bird loving friend...I need to have her come see these.
Love you friend~
Blessings on this lovely weekday~
~CC
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