Landscape challenge -- UGH!

Day 3 of the 30 day sgraffito glass powder sketch: yuck!

Today's attempt was very frustrating! First I had trouble finding a black and white drawing of a landscape that I both liked and thought I might be able to use as inspiration for my sketch. Then I got the basic outline of my bridge and trees and started on the water.

Oh my goodness, I was over my head! I could not figure out how to get the impression of water using only my hands and a business card to manipulate the powdered glass. Every time I tried to improve on the look, I managed to mess it up more! I think my lack of any art training (drawing, painting perhaps?) is really getting in the way of me being able to accomplish what I want.

I am going to force myself to continue to create monochrome pieces -- with just the one frit color until I develop some more skill. I think I will also turn to my fellow glass artists to see how they solve these problems. If you have ever tried to explain to someone distant, in writing, how to do a physical task like sprinkling powder so that it falls just so, you will have some idea of what I am asking of them. Fortunately, these folk are a generous, talented bunch!

Okay, I'm off to Facebook to try to problem solve. Meanwhile, as much as I don't want to share this ugly picture, it is part of my learning process.

Cheers!
Trish


Here it is: Bridge in the Snow

Day 2: tree

Yesterday's challenge was all about creating a glass powder picture using no tools except our fingers. It was, indeed, a challenge to do this. I was certain that today would be soooo much easier because I had heard a rumor that we would be able to add a business card to the toolbox for making today's drawing.

It's amazing how recalcitrant that little 2 x 3" rectangle of card stock can be! I actually found myself using my fingers once again to manipulate the powder. I got in a little of practice with the card as a tool, but had a terrible time getting curved lines. This is especially evident when viewing my pathetic excuse for a tire swing :oP

However, today Matt actually was able to identify what I had drawn -- and he said he was looking forward to seeing this fired. He likes it, hey Mikey!

To fire, or not to fire, I haven't decided yet, but if I do I will post a picture here. Otherwise that powder goes back in the jar so I can use it for a new picture tomorrow!

Cheers,
Trish

First glass powder drawing 1-1-2015

YAY -- I found my blog! I am not sure which part is the biggest challenge: trying to be artistic in a totally new way, or figuring out how to do the technical stuff ;o)

I truly am relieved that I was finally able to find my blog so I could post to it. Maybe after I've done it 30 times I will find this part to be a breeze?

So, first drawing, using only my fingers and some glass powder. Confession: I was sooooo tempted to "cheat" and grab some tools! Trying to square things off was so hard! I resisted the temptation, however, and did it.

Not having any drawing or powder experience, I was pretty pleased with my first attempt! Then I asked Matt (dear hubby) what he thought I had drawn; he looked at my drawing, looked at me, looked back at the drawing and said "um, a neuron?".

Oh well, I am sure I'll improve with some serious practice. And he did finally figure out what the drawing is supposed to be, after a few hints.

My hint to you: why would I draw a neuron next to a dog house?

Ciao friends!

Nervously accepting the challenge

I have been designing jewelry for about 10 years, and have more recently fallen head over heels in love with glass as a medium. I am having so much fun experimenting with all of the different forms of glass and the ways that they can be manipulated! I have enjoyed connecting with other glass artists online and am absolutely awestruck by the beautiful work they have produced.

Kelly does some really cool work with glass powders, and has challenged other "glassies" to attempt to create 30 glass powder drawings in 30 days.

Oh goodness, I must confess -- I am NERVOUS about doing this in a group! I have no formal art training and know next to nothing about drawing or painting on paper or canvas, let alone on glass! But I am going to join the 200+ others who have accepted the challenge.

I know I am going to learn so much! I am excited! And nervous! And excited! And a more than a little nervous ;o)

So here's to you, Kelly and to all my fellow glass artists -- We can do this!!!!

And a huge thank-you to Kelly for organizing this <3