Kel's   Painted   Paradise

This is a art journal page I completed after taking part in  a free art, heart and healing class on willowing.ning.com. It was my project for week one. [ Art techniques: Art Journal Spread: basics on a front-facing portrait & several background techniques. Healing Focus: Transforming the inner critic's messages]

 

I started with a blank page, on which I wrote down some negative thought's and feeling's that my inner critic whispers in my ear from time to time. I then gessoed over those gloomy word's. Once the gesso was dry  I then started to make my art journal page. Firstly I used many different stencils to create a highly textured background. I then used a palette knife to drag some red acrylic paint at the bottom of the picture, I think it looks a little like fire...

 

My idea for this page was that the tree is growing up from a dark bleak place, as it grew, it grew stronger & more beautiful. Overcoming any trials and  obstacles that got in its way. This was to portray my personal struggles and me learning how to  overcome them, also to show my inner critic that I am strong enough not to listen and that I will continue with my art no matter how much I question and second guess myself. I painted the tree and the face and then used melted wax crayon to create the multi coloured dots in amongst the branches of the tree. 

 

I then created a black border around the whole page and added a quote which reads : “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”  - Elisabeth Kübler-Ross