My Completed Art Work Orginals as of June 2011

Here is one set of a completed collection I have done of my mixed media pieces. These little "dolls" are put together in many many layers. from penciling the doll, to coloring and shading with colored pencil and then applying to birch wood. Gesso is used in between layers to protect it. layer upon layers of fibers, glitter and embellishments really make these pieces speak to you. You can see it all right there in their eyes! The gift I give to you, through my art... The pictures do not show as much detail as you would see in person. I am currently in the process of creating prints for sale., although these originals are for sale as well. Please contact me at 253-431-2919for ordering/buying information. Commissioned pieces are always welcome! * Cheers & Enjoy *
Liisa

Adding the Next Step - Paint to My Portraits

(Liisa Elder (c) 2011)

Here are the three pieces I am currently working on. I did the the next step end of lesson 2 last night. Adding a base color to hair, and clothing, highlighting areas with titanium white glaze, painting the eyes with metallic paint mixed with glaze.
This is all a process of building up layers and adding depth and color. Many more layers to come as I start Lesson 3 this week. This is all a process which will in the end effect give a great outcome of a truly meaningful piece.

Golden Goddess

Liisa Elder (C) 2011


This is another incomplete drawing of another "Goddess" I'm doing a few of these before I go to my next lesson so I have some to practice on when we add the next layer of paint. The best thing with art? You can change it anytime you want. Add, take away, erase...the "push" "pull" technique as Suzi says! Push to put things in the background, pull to bring it up...I still need to add more color and finish her hair...then this week I will be adding paint! Yay!

Art With Soul

Liisa Elder (c) 2011

Another of my many faces I'm continuing to work on, now using warm and cool colors, lots of layering with crosshatching method and building up the shading. The photo doesn't show the many colors I have used. Pinks, lavenders, greens, cream, Sienna brown, white and Tuscan red with graphite. This particular work is more dreamy and Goddess like. I am really enjoying this style of art, that really shows the soul and not necessary perfection. I will post my progress as I continue to work on these intriguing Goddess portraits.

Adding Color to Graphite Sketches

Here's looking to a very creative and productive year with my art.
As I continue to practice my shading and getting the hang of drawing pretty faces, this is just a few of the many I have been doing in my art journal. I am on my 2nd class "The Goddess & Poet", this step is not finished yet. Layering over graphite sketch with colored wax pencils in many, many layers...I will post the next step and you can see how the faces change layer after layer. We will be adding paint, more pencil, etc. Bringing the eyes and features out even more. This all takes time and is worth the end result. I am excited to see what lays in store!

The Queen

This piece has been something I have been working on...Not sure if its done yet.
I may go back and put some more depth into it. I used wire and beading for her wreath and lots of lots of layering of chalk, paint, stamping and embellishments!

Playing With Textures in My Journal

This is another journal entry..which I have been playing with different mediums...I really like how shabby this one turned out. Using paint or matte gel on the paper before drawing and coloring in works great. I liked the texture and how the colored pencils gave it a little rough and edgy look to it!

Layering Effects of My Self Portrait

Continuing work on self portrait using mixed media. After drawing my self portrait I transfered it to a beige cardstock and colored and shaded with colored pencil. Painted the whites of the eyes, and teeth. I glued down the picture on a canvas that was prepared with acrylic and gesso. I tore pieces of paper and layered it letting this dry overnight.
Next I used paints and brushed over the layer to give it a glowing effect. Letting this dry completely I used more paint and stamps.
I used some embellishments with the flowers and jewels.
There are many more layers to come just showing how this process and the many steps I take to get the effect I want. I will post more pictures as I continue.