Monday, October 29, 2012

Radiantly Gothic

On Saturday I got to combine two of my favorite things:  taking a class with Lynne Perrella, and spending time with friends.  Pat, Heidi, Michele and I headed downtown to Westbeth's classroom to take the Ink Pad sponsored Radiant Gothic Triptych class.  Say that five times fast.

I've lost track of the number of classes and weekend workshops I've taken with Lynne.  Sometimes I'm asked if I don't get tired of it.  Short answer: NO!  Explanation:  I always learn something new.  Always.  And I just love the sense of community that Lynne promotes in every class.  As she always says, "you have to find your tribe."  If your friends and family don't understand your art, find some people who will.  Your tribe.

The current issue of Somerset Studio just so happens to have a full article by Lynne, in which she explains how the triptych came to be.  Our class project is based on the piece she did.  Check it out if you can.

We began with a wood triptych (unassembled at this point), which we sanded and painted.  We applied gothic images that we colored with oil pastels, added trim, gems, and a whole lot of stenciling.




 
 
I am not really great at photographing shiny stuff, and the bling and metallic paint are causing some glare.  The colors are way richer in person, and I am really happy with the way this came out.  I'm also thrilled to have figured out how to attach the hinges so they aren't visible from the front.  Don't ask how long that took.  My brain is just not wired that way.
 
 
While it really isn't necessary to decorate the backs of the three pieces, I decided to anyway.  I kind of like the way the triptych looks partially closed, with just the face peeking out, and I wanted the side panels to have a little something on them.  Lynne had given us extra images, so that's what I used.
 
 

 
Check out the fabulous stenciling on the back of the center panel.  I finally got to use the fleur de lis stencil Michelle Ward did for Stencil Girl.  Isn't it fabulous! I overlayed it on top of another stencil in a different color of metallic paint.  Very cool effect.  (And you can also see how the hinges were attached).
 
 
 
 
Speaking of Michelle Ward and Lynne Perrella, they are teaming up to teach a three day workshop called Far Away Places.  It is happening in May at the lovely Interlaken Hotel in Connecticut.  I know I'll be there.  How about you?  Details are on Lynne's site, and I believe there may be some spots open.

 
 
 
 

 



26 comments:

Helen said...

What a beautiful piece of art - and the class sounds fab. Hope you are staying safe from the weather.

Michele said...

This looks AMAZING! I really love the way the back came out. Now that I've met Lynne, I can't wait for the retreat next year!

Claudine said...

Beautiful, what a great project!!!!

teri said...

This turned out great, Eileen. That Michelle Ward stencil is one of my absolute favorites. It goes with everything! I love the gothic look you achieved.

Isolina Perez said...

Wow it came out beautiful. I love all the layering you did on the back, I'm sad I couldn't take the lass :(. Looks like you gals had a wonderful time.

wendy vecchi said...

I am a lovely shade of PEELED PAINT!
This is absolutely AWESOME!
I would soooo love to take one of her classes.
LUCKY YOU! NICE work!

Patzee said...

Congratulations on the beautiful finishing touches and your radiant triptych. Love those guys and stenciling on the back! What a wonderful class. Lynne creates the most empowering collaborative atmosphere in her workshops.

goodling4 said...

So artistic, great job on those hinges, Eileen. Glad the class came before the storm. You have a wonderful masterpiece!

Unknown said...

You do such beautiful work. This piece is just amazing!

Socrates said...

It's definitely a WOW piece. Just gorgeous. And those hinges are fabulous, you are so clever. Off to Lynne's blog to see her tryptich and class. Thank you for sharing.

Elaine A said...

Eileen -

This is simply beautiful! What a wonderful piece of art. It reminds me of something you might see at the Cloisters! I am totally in love with it!!
Praying that you and Pat ride out Hurricane Sandy safely! I'm hunkered down here, just hoping we don't lose power.

Elaine

Seth said...

This is really sensational. And having taken several workshops with Lynne, I know the experience is as good as the art!

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

So cool, so unique, so goth! What fun to create!

Bearcrazyman said...

Beautiful aa always. I consider you paet of my tribe :-)

Barbara Mason said...

Eileen this is fabulous all the colors and stenciling and the bling and just all of it!!!

Elena said...

Wow!! Eileen that is gorgeous! I have never made one of these. What did you use for the stain glass effect?

bockel24 said...

just one word: beautiful!

Kathy Eddy said...

Wow, this is just fabulous Eileen!

Clara said...

Oh Eileen.....beautiful art, as always....

lilyandthelotus.blogspot.com said...

Eileen..i am so jealous i am turning green...well not totally but i am happy for you wow awesome...
susan s.

Heidi Bound said...

Eileen, the finished piece is absolutely gorgeous! Lynne is a gem-it's so understandable why you are so inspired by her.

Lynn Stevens said...

What a Fabulous Triptic. Love all the wonderful colors you used.
Praying you and everyone stays safe!
hugs Lynn

Ivy (Ivette) said...

Amazing Eileen!

Monica said...

I hope you are safe. Thinking of you.

Lori said...

Weellll..I'm slowly trying to catch up with blogs, but yours is usually the one I visit first. This class looks ultra fabulous, and I DO love the stenciling on the back of the piece. Very cool. There's always something different coming from Lynne's classes! Glad to hear you survived the weather, was thinking of you!

craftyM said...

Beautiful piece, Eileen! Especially love that stenciling on the back. Great job, as usual, girlfriend!
Marita