Is it too early to start thinking about Summer? Living in Phoenix I really don’t want to think about Summer, but this Summer Sun Girl canvas is an exception. She is the last in a seasonal series for a very special client. The other seasons have already found their way home and you can take a look at each of them here.
I always start with a layer of gesso on my canvases, but this time I decided to add stencils to the process. You can see here they added just a little dimension to the first background layer. I used the Repeating Pods stencil on the top portion of the canvas.
And Striped Flower Circle for the bottom section to get the feel of a garden setting.
I love the details and dimension it shows once paint is added…
Next, I start adding layer after layer… I imagine a Summer garden with bright flowers against a brick wall, under a blue sky. The Tuscan Wall stencil is one of my favorites for creating a brick wall with ivy growing on it.
Then, the girl emerges. I think she will be a Summer fairy with lavender wings.
Her soft lavender eyes were created with a mix of acrylic and watercolor. The wings were doodled with black India Ink and a Calligraphy Nib. It’s my first time using this nib and I learned that having a light, flexible hand is crucial.
Crackle paste mixed with acrylic paint is one of my favorite ways to create a sun. To emphasize the cracks I always rub in some DecoArt Media Antiquing Cream.
Summer always reminds me of the blue skies, the green grass, the vibrant flowers and all the mushrooms from the Spring rains.
I really enjoyed creating this seasons series and I’m sure they’ll be happy in their new home. I’ve got another custom canvas I’m working on for an 8 year old little girl. I’ll be sharing that very soon!
Blessings,
[mc4wp_form id=”3799″]
Thank you so much! I especially like that you made her a fairy. I guess in a way all four season pieces are fae. 🙂 Amanda
I’m so glad you love all of them. Thank you for the opportunity to create these for you!