Images: Botanicals

This is a page from an antique design book. I think the color scheme is beautiful. It certainly could be used today. The layout is meant to be a reference, showing various stages of growth and season. Note the tiny florets just below the berry bunches.

I like to use these kinds of images in collage, jewelry, cards or as a study for a silhouette. The circular insert showing the tree structure is a nice touch. The page itself is a lesson in design.

Digital Collage: Duo

Duo, digital collage

Duo

Duo pays homage to my musical sisters who delight me with their tunes, laughter and joy. I am fortunate enough to be a party to and friends of many talented women in the Wichita, Kansas area.

I collect images, particularly vintage images. If they are musical, all the better. This piece showcases a rare vintage scene - one depicting action. Common photos of the time are rigidly posed, as most cameras had long exposures and the subject had to sit still for a long time.

The subjects are given wings of blue, then surrounded with florals. I cut, paste, multiply and repeat the flower elements until I am happy with my garden. To use an image several times, I vary the size and direction of it. This helps make it look more natural all together.

My fairies are then painted with a digital airbrush to bring them to life with color. The remainder of the collage is airbrushed, including the starlit background.

Digital Collage: Baby June

Gypsy Baby, digital collage

Baby June

This digital collage uses a vintage image of June Havoc, sister of Gypsy Rose Lee. The photo spoke to me; her rehearsed pose, her little girl hands.

I mix old and new, object and abstract. This piece was an exploration of transparency in digital tools. I often saturate the colors, giving the subject an otherworldly element, dreamlike.

The background branch-like shapes are abstracts of one of my beaded necklace photographs.

My book: Silhouette Style

Here is the cover for my new book by F & W Publications, (North Light Media), which will be out in September.

I love this cover! The lanterns are one of my favorite projects, so to see them grouped and lit this way makes me quite pleased.

And, there is a cd included with all the design files included. I designed the book to mix and match silhouette images to use in the projects.

Writing a book is a long, laborious process from concept to author review. I have learned so much and could not be more proud. I can't wait to actually flip through the pages.