Ronda Palazzari Designs

Gelli Plate Printing Book!

You know i am a big fan of my Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate. i have multiple plates & pull them out quite frequently to create. Some days it's just about loosening up and playing, other days i create with a purpose. Either way, you cannot go wrong using this awesome plate.  

You may remember this post from just a couple weeks ago about Gel Plate Printing with my Stencil Fragments.  

i also created the heart on this art journal page using my gel printing plate & deli paper. You can see the original post here.  

You may remember this video using my gelli arts printing plate in my art journal to create my Hello/Goodbye page!

i really love these pages and love how easy it is to use that plate. And i am happy to share with you that there is a new book about the Gelli Arts gel printing plate!

Joan Bess (of Gelli Arts) created Gelli Plate Printing Mixed Media Printing without a Press (North Light/F&W Media) filled with lots of techniques (50+) using this awesome plate. i am honored to be one of many awesome contributing artists. You will find three of my pieces in the gallery section. i cannot wait to try out some of the techniques in this book, especially the fabric ones!

 

 

 

Art Journal Super Close Up Details

i am always talking to you about layers and texture. You know how i love them and that they ALWAYS appear in my work. i love that slow build up of layers, colors, and texture.  The one draw back i find is sharing them on my blog. i find it really hard to capture the details of my work. The nooks & crannies, the details in all their glory and i am a pretty good photographer. But i found a solution...

 

Let me introduce you to my 20th anniversary present, a Canon 100 MM 2.8L Macro Lens. When my package arrived along with the biggest bouquet of roses, i may or may not have cried. Andrew knows me, he really knows me well. Not only will this lens come in handy for portraits (Hello GRANDBABY), fun art shots (Hello GARDEN VEGGIES & FRUITS), but for all the details of my works (Hello LOVELIES). i had to test it out so why not use my art journal pages to capture the details? i am sharing the original photographed pages with the new details photos below. 

Look at those details. Can you see the layers & texture? Those raised drips are on top of my journaling which is on top of all that color & texture. i love the rich details in this shot. 

 

i love that you can see the details in the scratches and layers of paint. The spot in the first detail photo (on the bottom right) is leftover paint i pulled off my palette and used in my journal. In the big photo you miss the texture details that quietly sits in the background but now you can see my ripples stencil peaking through.  

i admit i am very partial to blue. She may be my favorite art journal page ever. i love that this lens captures the brush strokes and texture in the background.  Even the details in her hair are so beautiful.  

The colors on Finding Balance really pop in this photo. You can see the details in each slice of the pie chart. All the mountains & valleys in the paint make me giddy!

Dream is such a colorful page that i feared you miss some of the details...until now. i always start my page building up texture. i love that you get to see some of the "clear" texture now in both detail shots.  

You can see all the underlayers (yes i am showing your my art journal knickers ;) in my calm page. i started this page off with paper collage layers and then added color and journaling. You really get to see the stencil shape & texture in this shot.  

You get those same details in my grace page that uses my And So On stencil. i collaged layers of papers and then added the clear medium through the stencil.  Next i painted the pie pieces and doodled on top. It looks so pretty!

Can you see my journaling under the And So On stencil? You can even see the first black gesso layer, peeking through as well as the tissue paper, & color.  

i love that you get the crackle details of the retrobursts stencil plus all the scratches in the paint.  You can also see the details of the tea bag tag i layered into this piece. Let's not forget too all the layers of colors.

So yes, i am in love with my new macro lens. i love that i get to share with you the layers and texture in my work.

Abstract: My Beginnings

Still taking classes with the fabulous Michael Gadlin. i had to take some time off thanks to illness but it's ok as Michael is getting ready for not one but two new shows coming up.  However, i am still creating on my own, taking in all that he has taught me.  What's has been fabulous about going for lessons in his studio is watching his work progress until he feels it's done. i feel blessed to watch art happening before my eyes.

Michael had 4 very large pieces hung on the walls and was working on each of them at different times.  When i came this particular time, he added a new piece on the floor. It is massive and beautiful. My favorite piece to date. And yes, he is standing on it. 

After setting up my supplies, i sat watching him create and snapping photos. i asked all about the mediums, the reasons why behind the piece, and what he was thinking. Have you ever been to a museum and wanted to ask an artist his thoughts? Imagine doing that as the art is happening. 

i admit i was fascinated with him walking on the piece. But it makes sense, Art comes within and he was pouring himself into the art. 

Michael told me how he was inspired by me and it was reflected in this piece. While the piece is completely his own, things we talked about pushed him in new ways. It was so much fun to stand in front of this and take pics of my favorite areas.  

Remember this photo? This is me set up to go working on a blank canvas. This day was about starting from scratch, letting go, and Michael watching me work to guide me.   i was scared and exhilirated to start!

i really wanted to stay loose so i made a conscious decision to do this piece mostly left handed. i am a VERY right handed person so this would force me to let go of too much thought and trust my instincts.  

and i did let go

trusted my instincts

i did do a few areas right handed

filling in 

and loving every minute of it

While i could leave it in black & white, this is to become the base of something else, filling in with color and all kinds of collage pieces.  Michael and i were pleased with my progress, my taking risks, and letting go. 

i set that piece aside to dry before doing a working varnish layer, readying it for the next steps. When i looked up, i noticed this scene before me. Michael utterly lost in his work like i was. 

i knew that i wanted to start another piece and had this idea in my head that just wouldn't leave. It was begging to be put down on canvas and i willingly obliged. i didn't have the full idea but once again trusted that the direction would appear in layers. 

After i got my thoughts out, i began sealing the piece knowing that some of the smearing would occur. i did it on purpose, getting the effect i wanted.  

Once i finished sealing it, getting ready for the next layers, i decided the piece was complete. It needed to stay black & white. Michael whole-heartedly agreed with me. i just need to put on the final varnish and ready it for hanging.  

and here's a peek at the progress of the other piece. It's still in the works but i am ever so excited at the direction it is heading.  Needless to say, but i will say it anyway, i LOVE art, painting, and taking classes with my mentor and fellow artist friend.  

 

Two new CRAFTSY online classes!

Halloween Decor, Fun & Fancy Projects.  It's spooktacular!  Purchase the kit filled with Jillibean Soup new Halloween lines, Owloween Stew & Witches Brew, and you get exclusive Video Lessons for FREE. As September is upon us, now is the perfect time to create some BOOtiful Halloween Decor!

Kit Includes:

• Jillibean Soup Owloween Stew and Witches Brew 6”x6” mini paper pads
• Jillibean Soup Owloween Stew Pea Pods Die Cuts
• Jillibean Soup Owloween Beanboard Alphas in Black Glitter
• Jillibean Soup Owloween Enamel Stars in Orange
• Jillibean Soup Owloween Multi Dot Paper Tape
• 3 HD video lessons led by expert Ronda Palazzari (<-- that's ME!)

In this free class (with the purchase of the kit!), I will show you how to use Jillibean Soup's paper pads, black glitter beanboard alphas and festive embellishments to create a witch’s hat, pumpkin centerpieces and even a spooky banner!  

Artful layering, stencils, ink, & embellishments is another FREE class with the purchase of the Stencil & Ink Kit.  Learn to expertly layer your way from blank paper to finishing touches throughout four HD video lessons.

Add interest to your projects by stenciling, masking, artfully tearing, inking your layers and more. Plus, create gorgeous paper flowers and follow along with Me as you assemble a special scrapbook page that's sure to inspire!  

Kit Includes:

The Crafter's Workshop Stencils

• Four 6" x 6" stencils (Rose Window, Wildflowers, Hourglass, Retrobursts)
• Designed by Craftsy Instructor Ronda Palazzari (<-- that's me!)

Ranger Ink Distress Mini Ink Kit

• Four 1" x 1" stackable mini ink pads.
• Pads feature a raised felt pad perfect for use on small craft projects.
• Designed by Tim Holtz

Ranger Ink Blending Tool

• Ideal for precise application of inks and other craft mediums
• Ergonomic, solid wood

I had a ton of fun creating these classes with the Craftsy crew.  I am really impressed with the online classrooms and have taken a few classes myself.  If you haven't tried Craftsy yet, you will love it! You can even download the Craftsy App onto your mobile device or tablet and take your classes with you! 

Hope to see you in my classes!

 

 

 

Stencil Round Up: May 2014

The new stencils have hit the stores, both online and brick & mortar.  Have you picked up yours yet?  i love seeing all the different types of projects & uses of something i design, both new & older stencils.  i am always happy when someone shares with me their creations.  Feel free to tag me on pinterest, twitter, instagram, or facebook, or add it to the Ronda Palazzari Designs Flickr group.  Here are a few of the latest i spotted & pulled from all over the place.  Thank you for sharing with me! 

Sanna Lippert - Wild & Enjoy Life

Sanna has some step by step tutorials on her blog using my Hourglass & Texturized stencils.  She is always willing to share her creativity so stop by her blog for a closer look.

Tina Walker - To Infinity & Beyond and Home Sweet Home

Tina is the owner of Frog Dog Studio, a mixed media kit company that has so many cool cool kits.  The Home Sweet Home Stencil was included in her January Kit.  The two above canvases were created using the kit.  If you stop by her blog she shares how she created them.  

Wilma Voermans - Picture of You

Wilma used my 6x6 Climbing Vine stencil to create this stunning background for her layout.  On her blog, she has a video tutorial detailing how this page come together.  Just beautiful.  

Lena Schreijenberg - Jared Leto

Lena shared her painting with me via email.  Isn't is so very cool, just like Jared Leto.  Did you notice the Quatrefoil stencil on the canvas?  Love how it subtle sits in the background!

Sara Case Strickland - Breathe & Yes

Sara has many wonderful creations up in my flickr pool as well as on her blog.  These two pieces really caught my eye.  Her Breathe canvas uses my Kaleidoscope stencil to create texture in such a beautiful way.  The Yes art journal pages has the same stencil.  I love how these pieces look so different.

Riikka Kovasin - Mug

i found Riikka on pinterest and quickly added her to my "Ronda Palazzari Designs" board.  i loved how she used the Quatrefoil stencil in so many different ways on her layout.  And i have to say that mug is super cute!

and did you see the DT announcement from The Crafter's Workshop?  So excited to see what this team creates!

TCW Team Coordinator is Cheryl Boglioli.

Design Team Members:

• Rita Barakat
• Beck Beattie
• Sue Carrol
• Lynne Forsythe
• KarenLiz Henderson
• Sarinda Jones
• Karen Jiles
• Sanna Lippert
• Lydell Quin
• Miae Rowe
• Tami Sanders
• Yvonne Yam

Along with 8 Guest Designers

• Marion Linnenbank
• Fregny Lorenzo
• Kathleen Mann
• Magdalena Muldoon
• Miriam Prantner
• Keri Sallee
• Robin Tompkins
• Kirsten Varga

Congratulations to the new team and to all those who entered.  It takes courage to put yourselves out there.  A big round of applause for all of you!

 

a Day at the DAM

Last weekend Alexi & i went to the Denver Art Museum, affectionately known as the DAM.  i have been slowly doing "outings" since all the illness and a small trip to the museum seemed doable, especially with a big long nap after.  She had to go for her Art class she is taking at college which just excites me.  It was a great time together as she knows my needs right now.  We also got to compare & contrast our likes as well as talk about the pieces in detail.  

The art muesum often has new exhibits and this latest one was a dream come true to me, Modern Masters: 20th Century Icons from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.  Be still my beating heart.  Van Gogh, Gauguin, Kadinsky, Pollack, Kline, Stills, de Kooning, Motherwell, Rothko, sigh.  i have to say Alexi & I are quite diverse in our tastes.  it really made me laugh.  Despite our difference we we able to enjoy the afternoon together exploring & talking about art.  We aren't allowed to take photos in the exhibit so i purchased a book with lots of wonderful photos of the pieces.  Alexi even used it in her paper for class.  

After spending much time in the Modern Masters, we only went through a few other exhibits/halls at the Denver Art Museum. I was able to take photos in these exhibits. Here are a few that drew me in. These are a recent addition to the exhibit, Epic, drawings by Jospeh Stashkevetch. They are incredible & huge!  

The details on these are incredible.  They looked like photographs until closer inspection.  The lines of the charcoal are beautiful, the way they capture the light & dark.  You really do look like you are looking over the edge in the above piece.  Alexi and i were fascinated by these.  

This is one of my favorite paintings found in the Western Art section of the museum. Unfortunately i don't know the name of it. It is so striking, bright colors on a black background. The brushstokes are fascinating and beautiful.  

Another favorite of mine. The layers of paint to make up this mostly white & black painting is incredible. There is more than meets the eye, with layers of color under the white that make it beautiful.  

Stephen Hannock's Mount Blanca with Ute Creek at Dawn is a mixed media piece, although just a quick glance at it does not seem so. But step up and inspect it closer and you can see all kinds of things in the piece.

including pages from the Lorax

and notes about his late wife.  it is truly a piece that deserves a second look. 

This installation piece of sorts is quite intriguing. i really like how this and her other pieces are arranged. i love the strings hanging down as much as the art in the frames. Annette Messager has a few pieces in this collection and they are equally as cool.

Create Daily: Typography

i have such a love of typography, the art of arranging type in pleasing ways.  That's a simple definition to such a broad art that touches every day of our lives.  It's a great way to add another layer of design to whatever project you are working on.  Here are some fun typography designs found in my "the art of typography" pinterest board to inspire you to create daily.

Hugo Werner -Source

Think strips, think printed material in your art journal or on your art pieces.

Lucy Stephens - Source

Love how she uses the font to become the city.  

Typo/Graphic Posters - Source

A beautiful grid design that splashes a word in the whole design.  

Steph Baxter - Source

Absolutely adore this and she has many others.  I think it's a brilliant way to write out recipes.  

Arleigh - Source

My friend arleigh is so very brilliant.  i love this example how the type becomes the portrait.

How do you use typography in your creative life?

 

Studio Revitalizing

i have always loved my studio.  It's a beautiful open space that has a spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains.  My talented husband and father-in-law first built my table and then all my custom built-in cabinetry & shelving exactly to my design.  As things shift & change in my life, i reorganize my studio to fit my needs.  During these last few months while i was on rest, i have been thinking about reorganizing the room.  The more i thought about it, the more i came to the conclusion it wasn't a reorganization i wanted but a bit of a remodeling.  

So with Andrew coming home, now was the perfect time to put some plans into action.  He's so good about implementing my plans.  The first new addition are these custom made wall mounted easels.  My father-in-law Phil made them for me and they turned out perfect.  i took down the gate & other decor to put these up as my new painting area.  

Next we took out the old berber carpeting.  It took me a long time to decide what kind of flooring i wanted.  i went back & forth on the types, weighing the pros & cons.  When Andrew came home, we went shopping and asked lots of questions.  In the end we ended up with a floating engineered wood floor.  i picked the white-washed wood color to bring lots of light into the room and to contrast the hickory & walnut woods.  It's so easy to clean up too.  

Finally we reconfigured the one long table into an "L" shape table.  It was orginally designed for another room.  Since living in this house, the table has felt tight at both ends.  It was too long for this space.  

Changing the table into the "L," it opened up the room and gave me more space for painting near the wall easels.  I completely love how it feels now.  i lost a drawer but i gained so much.  Now i am ready to reorganized the shelves and purge through my supplies.  

Document December More Art Journal Pages

i have been keeping up my art journal pages in my Document December Art Journal.  It was easy to bring it along my supplies on my travels to Doha, Qatar.  i've packed some older Cocoa Daisy stamps (Life Bits for Ronda; Months, Years, & bits) along with a new acquired Hero Arts Alphabet to use in the album.  i am really enjoying this process and love being able to pull my pages out of the album to type or sew on them.  Here are a few more of my latest pages.

Document December Art Journal Pages

i have been keeping up my art journal pages in my Document December Art Journal.  It was easy to bring it along my supplies on my travels to Doha, Qatar.  i've packed some older Cocoa Daisy stamps (Life Bits for Ronda; Months, Years, & bits) along with a new acquired Hero Arts Alphabet to use in the album.  i am really enjoying this process and love being able to pull my pages out of the album to type or sew on them.  Here are a few of my latest pages.

Are you keeping up Documenting your December?