Half Dome with Broken Pieces

Oh, how do I love the challenges at Inspiration Avenue! Often they force me to try something new or really put my thinking cap on - anyway, they are a challenge and sometimes it's a real stretch for me. This week I was mainly pre-occupied with One World One Heart which starts tomorrow - look for my OWOH-post then - so that the IA challenge was put on the backburner - until yesterday. The last bit was done this morning before breakfast. The challenge was "broken pieces".

I took a photo of Half Dome in Yosemite and converted it to Black&White in Lightroom. I had some scrapbook paper that I tore into pieces and reassembled it by gluing it to a gessoed canvas panel. Then I attached the photo and used the paper towel technique to apply some blue acrylic paint around the edges of the photo. Unfortunately, I applied a tiny little bit too much - and the top of Half Dome was covered with paint! Not my intention! What to do? Well, it took some courage, but I finally sanded it with a small piece of fine sandpaper - and look at the outcome! I'm really pleased how Half Dome now peeks through the paint. That was something very interesting to learn. I'm glad I did it. The last few touches were applying snowflakes, a quote and some more gesso at the edge of the panel - done. Not difficult at all (honestly, if I can do it, everybody can do it).

This also has encouraged me to go and convert more of my pictures into B&W or sepia. How convenient that I am currently taking the "Photoshop - the Essentials" class with Kim Klassen!

There are many inspiring and very talented artists who participate in Inspiration Avenue - please check it out.