Little Bird Mini Canvas is such a sweet little size that packs a punch with color. I do love me some color. This canvas is 4" x 4" and i love how the tail hangs over the edge. I am going to share with you a little step by step on how to create this piece using Sizzix dies.
I started by spreading gesso on the background of my canvas. Then i added two leaves die-cuts using the Flowers, Branches, & Leaves set right into the wet gesso. I love adding texture this way.
Next i add another layer of gesso right on top of those leaves making them part of the background. I still want to see those leaves so i use a palette knife to scrape off the excess gesso.
I set the canvas aside to dry and meanwhile die cut a bird from the Birds die. After applying a light coat of gesso, i start layering color. The base of this bird are Neocolor II crayons. I like both the intense straight on color and the water color effect of these crayons. I play around with it until i find something i really like.
I stamped my purple onion Late 1800s script stamp on top and continued adding color. I used both the crayons and acrylic paints to finish off my birdie.
I really do layer on color. Here's a look at the canvas with just the first layers of color. I start with a color story and just keep adding and adding until i find something i love. The beauty of acrylic paints is you can cover up anything you don't like.
Here's the background pretty close to done. I just need to add in a few stamps here and there. With the background so colorful, i decided to add in a little white onto the leaves to really make them pop again.
I added in little bits and pieces of a background stamp onto the canvas. a black pen outlines the bird to make it stand out against the canvas. Lastly i used a black oil pastel to add the finishing touches to the outside edge of the canvas. It's amazing how a little black can transform a piece.
