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,

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