Green-eyed Lady...

Monday night's Book of Mirrors adventure was both challenging and fun.  Our fearless leader Effy is working on faces this week, and I decided to follow suit.  Figuring out how to paint a portrait on black paper was a new experience!

(Book of Mirrors pages are intended to reflect what's going on in my inner world (heart), and are inspired by Effy Wild's Book of Days program.)

Here's how it turned out...

First of all, I prepped the page with black masking tape in the seam, and clear gesso for added strength.  I learned that clear gesso, does not dry completely clear on black paper.   Interesting revelation.  It turned out looking kinda like a chalkboard, which was not what I intended, but a happy accident nonetheless.  :0) 

For the portrait, I decided to sketch first on deli paper, cut out the shape and glue it on with matte medium.  Then I painted with acrylics mixed with gesso on top of that.  The gesso helped the fluid acrylics stick to the deli paper better, and also made the color stand out more against the black paper.

The journaling says "I've come to love Mondays.  How awesome is that?"  It's true!  I love Mondays now, because the new lessons are released for both the Book of Days workshop, and Life Book!  It's always something to look forward to!

Before I go I want to answer a question I received from Mary M. a few  posts back.  She asked:

"Your Book of Days looks handmade. Could you explain materials used and how you made it. I love your work Michelle!" ~Mary M.

Thanks for your kind words Mary, and thank you for the question!  My Book of Days is handmade, and it was fun and easy to do!  I used a big piece of canvas for the cover, and filled it with various colors of watercolor paper.  I used the technique in the awesome (and free) Bookbinding class offered by Effy Wild.  I did a post about it awhile ago - click here to go to the post for more detailed info. Click here to check out the free bookbinding class!

That's it for today!  Thanks so much for visiting and for your comments!  They really make my day!  See you again tomorrow!