"WinterLand"
Wintertime in Indiana is like any other season in Indiana, You never know what you'll wake up to.. As a child, I remember I would wake up for school.. see snow and then listen to the local radio stations for news of school closings :D .. SNOW DAY!! Back to my cozy bed!! Later, I would stare out the windows, and muster up the nerve to go explore this "WinterLand" After 30 minutes of adding layers of clothes, scarfs, gloves, hats, boots.. I was ready.. Stepping out on the porch, a blast of frigid air instantly freezes my nose hairs.. BRRRR! Should I go back in?
Then I see it! The BEAUTY! This beautiful snow, so pure and white!! The trees are iced over creating a sparkling white and blue oasis.. I stand in AWE.. Thinking, just yesterday, there wasn't a flake on the ground.. The only sound to be heard, is the slight crackling of the ice on the trees, and a few sparrows singing.. After exploring the 7 acre farm.. I venture back into the house.. Strip off layer after layer of clothes, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and get cozy on the couch with my mama <3 .. These childhood memories inspired me to make this beautiful winter scene..
The Base of my project is a chipboard box lid.. It was long and narrow, perfect for a scene such as this.. I painted it white, and
added vintage music paper for a background.. Then I mixed up an icy blue color using my Folkart Metallic Paints (it's opaque and shiny).. I glued snowflake ornaments, iridescent beads and some lace onto my base.. After that I added pieces of different sprays (some snow covered, some glitter covered, some with crystals) to make my "tree branches" .. I placed painted roses (with the same icy blue paint mixture) a few white flowers, and then a broken small snowflake ornament I had.. I used the same vintage music paper and cut into 3 stripes to make banners, then wove them into the background.. I finished my background with a key on the right side.. <3 Perfect!
For the sparrows, I used the
Linnie Blooms Bird Shapes.. and small Tim Holtz metal wings.. I painted both with Folkart Metallic paint in Champaign.. Then I added distress inks in Tea Dye and Wild Honey on the tail and underbelly of the birds.. Next I used a black sharpie to add details to the birds, then darkened them up with black paint and a liner brush... I also added black paint to the tips of their wings... Let them dry, then hot glued the wings to the bird canvas shapes..
Then I hot glued (i use hot glue for everything :D) the birds perched upon my branches..
PERFECT!!! I had this project invisioned in my mind for a few weeks.. It turned out just like i imagined.. I was sooo happy to be able to create this for Linnie Blooms.. Every time I look at it, Im reminded of those beautiful cold mornings in my "Winterland" on the farm :) Thanks for reading my little story.. Hope you enjoyed!!
For a more detailed explanation on my project process, and more photos, you can view my
facebook album.. <-- click here
You can find these adorable
canvas birds as well as many other mixed media products here:
Linnie Blooms - by Linda Barutha
Twitter: LLLCreate
While into the youtube void, I came across the story of a handicapped cow named Dudley.. He was bought at a cow auction.. The farmer didnt noticed at first that Dudley was missing a foot and hobbled around on a stump.. The farmer kept him for 10 months not knowing what to do.. Finally, an answer came.. He was taken to Gentle Barn in TN, where through surgery and physical therapy.. along with a prosthetic leg, he now runs happy and free.. See Dudley's whole story here.. Well his story inspired me to do this piece.. He started out as a normal cow, with a journey.. Then I added all my little doodles and mixed media techniques.. I love the finished piece, but I also liked the process.. the "unfinished" cow.. This is acrylic based on a 18x24 stretched canvas.. I see more cows in the future <3
