Monoprinting Madness!

I had so much fun with this creative prompt that I forgot to take pictures, yesterday! I bet you know how that is...I don't like having to stop in the middle of my flow to document my progress.

Sometimes, I wish I could *blink* my eyes to take a photo...if only it was that easy!

These monoprints were created using pages from a phone book and acrylic paints on a homemade gelli plate and file folder. 

Do you recognize any of the tools I used here? ( HINT: I showed them off in yesterday's prompt... )

I LOVE grungy textures!! I like the repetition of circles and the positive and negative shapes from my punchinella stencil.

In the next monoprint, I used a technique called "sgraffito"...it's one of my favorite ways to bring focus to my handwriting.

The first layer of acrylic paint is Pthalo blue. The second layer is Primary Yellow and the final layer is white tempera paint. (Each layer was nearly dry before adding the next. I like when the colors blend! That's how that fresh green color was created.)

I used an angled end of a paintbrush to scratch into the wet paint. The Pthalo blue paint is revealed through the white paint. This technique is called "sgraffito".

"Seal Your Destiny with FAITH"

detail of "Seal Your Destiny with FAITH". Look at those subtle shifts in color!

My next monoprint happened COMPLETELY by accident! I discovered a new way to use the sgraffito technique as a stamping technique as well. Serendipitous!! Here's what happened: 

I was doing the sgraffito technique that I just explained, above, and I set my print down by a fan. The wind blew the page across the floor and it landed (painted side down) on top of another sheet of paper. 

At first, I was irritated because I thought my sgraffito had been ruined. BUT, when I pulled the two sheets of paper apart, I could see that my handwriting created a "negative image" (or outline)!!!! I WAS IN LOVE!!   

my "happy accident"; I created a new way to use sgraffito as a stamping technique!

Aww man, monoprinting madness has set in!! You know I had to make a few more, right?  :)

For the next monoprint, I used brown kraft paper, some vintage lace, and Krylon spray paints. ( the blue one is another example of the sgraffito technique )

I used the lace as a stencil for the monoprint on the left. The monoprint on the right reads "Yes, Your Story Matters"

(Side note: this post has been added to the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge #2: Around the House)


Thanks for looking! Day 3: Hot Glue Stencil is up next...

Printing & Texture Tools

Have you ever looked at a work of art and asked "How in the world did they make this?!!" (Okay- as an artist, who hasn't uttered those words before? Ha!!)

Most mixed-media artists like to use a combination of mark-making tools to build up dimension and layers of visual interest in their work. As a result, a story emerges and further piques your curiosity.

Today, I will share many of the tools I use for creating expressive marks and textures. I list a few places where you can find items to help you tell your story. Learn how to build an eclectic repertoire of found items you can be proud of. This will help your work be more authentic.

I create artwork traditionally AND digitally (most of the time, they're combined techniques), so my archive of sketches, found objects and photographs are always on hand to help tell the story of a particular illustration. (The items I will share with you today, have been used in one or more of my mixed-media creations.)

 For the month of July, I will be celebrating with Artist Traci Bautista!! She's having a virtual book party for her newly released book, Printmaking Unleashed, and has invited other artists to play along.

I have many deadlines hanging over my head BUT I will do my very best to keep up with this! I hope you can play along, too ^_^!

For Day 1 creative prompt, we are to "look with new eyes" for items with textures that will make interesting prints. 

Some places to look: 
* in your garage/basement/attic
* in the kitchen drawers
* recycled items
* in NATURE!
* on your desk 
* in a child's play room

Join the party! Post a photo a day on any of your social media platforms...Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Flickr or your blog and use this hashtag so that your photos are easier to find: #printmakingunleashed 

 ((you can add more if you want, but be sure to have this in your photo upload))

for more info or an explanation of each prompt, click here

Here are some photos I took for Day 1: Found Printing Tool

things found in nature / nature inspired items: walnut, dried palm leaf, peacock feather, decorative feather on my naturally-weathered, fiber crafting table

soft & flexible items: button template from inside a remote control, a notched spreader, organza fabric, doily, package wire mesh on foamboard, hand-carved cereal box number stencils, hand-carved mylar stencil, plastic doily-looking-thingy (not sure what the proper name is) and screen cut-out

I love organic shapes! from left to right: tape dispenser (I use the edge where the tape gets cut off), plastic fork + plastic, bottoms of pastry containers (honeycomb & circle patterns), metal piece from truck footstep, spool of thread, bra tie back, cork, found metal pieces, tambourine jingles, bottle cap, large stucco spreader

continued from above photo...from left to right: my Grand Mama V's vintage shoe clip, a remote control (for stamping), tracing wheel, calligraphy nib + holder (both ends are great for bold, stylized writing/mark-making), zebra print cut-out bracelet, ceramic tile with splash pattern, embroidery floss, mardi-gras beads.

 Oh yes, there's more! Take a look at what I found in my hair supply stash...

items found in my hair supply stash: 3 different sets of rollers, quilted facial pads, broken wide-toothed comb and hair clip

paper ephemera stash: Intricate Paper Stencils (from my tutorial, here), bubble wrap, vintage sewing pattern, baby wipe, aluminum foil, old paintbrush with dried industrial glue on the bristles 

LOL! Yes, I've printed with my rainboot before! I think the chevron pattern is cool. I learned this technique in my undergraduate days while I was taking a ceramics class. Thanks Mr. Driver :)!

Another quick place to look: right outside my front door! Here are two different finishes on the walls of a neighboring apartment complex. I use textures like these in my digital work.

don't forget to look DOWN...the look of this concrete splash block is rugged but the diamond pattern is great for visual textures in creating digital backgrounds.

I have used all of these "tools" to create some very unique and intuitive marks. I really appreciate how (most of) everything I am looking for can be found right where I am!

Sometimes, when you are unable to find the words to express yourself in your art, you can rely on your intuition to help guide you into making expressive marks with your tools.

Don't push back by second-guessing yourself! Learn to listen to your inner self- explore what resonates within you. Allow yourself to be curious and take a closer look...

As I like to say, "Stop waiting for your muse to come. Keep working and let your muse catch up with YOU!"

Thank you for visiting! I hope you'll come back tomorrow for Day 2: Monoprint.
 

What kinds of "tools" do you like to use in your art-making? If you're joining this challenge, leave a link to your photo in the comment box!

Buried Treasure 2014

Seth Apter, from "The Altered Page", has called on the art bloggers to help him celebrate "Buried Treasure" day!

Welcome to Buried Treasure: an online, collaborative project that invites art bloggers to go into the depths of their blogs and dig for buried treasure...

6th annual Buried Treasure - A Call for Collaborative Participants!

In his words, Seth explains:

      " Buried Treasure is about digging deep to uncover some hidden gems. The premise is simple. On Thursday, June 12th all participating bloggers will re-post one (or more) of their favorite posts that ever appeared on their blog. As you might already know, I don't like too many rules when it comes to art. So anything goes. "

Hello and a warm welcome to the Uneek Art blog, written by Martice Smith II! I'm so glad you made it this far because I have a few wonderful gems to introduce to you. Get ready to experience a soulful interpretation of my art life. I hope you enjoy! Let's get started...

Last year, November 2013, I started my blogging adventure. It was a way to "put myself out there" by becoming more transparent for those who follow my art journey. (My word for that year was ACCOUNTABILITY) and I tell you what- I studied every sense of that word! Ha!


At the beginning of this blogging adventure, I announced my very first 30 day illustration challenge, which proved to be a GREAT success!!

So, today, I bring you a post from November 3rd, 2013 -------- (edited to include more photos!)

From this challenge, this post and VIVA! (pictured below) were tributes to my Grand Mama V.; a woman who harnessed the most spiritually awakening peace that I've ever felt. I was compelled to share it...in doing so, my healing process began.

This illustration was an extremely personal one, considering how private of a person I, typically, am. I really wanted to make this one shine...

DAY 3/30


Title: "Viva!"
Media: graphite, acrylic, cut paper collage, watercolor paper, white gel pen, ink pens; digital collage
Size: 8 inches by 10 inches
© 2013 by Martice Smith II.

The theme for WEEK 1 is: {Artist Discovery}

PRINTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE! inquire here

here are some close-ups...

detail pic of my maternal Grandmother's vintage shoe clip. Unique textures help build up the narrative and gives a greater, visual appeal.

-This was a very sensitive subject for me to share with the public because my emotions are still raw and I still feel vulnerable- yes, even after (nearly) 4 years of my maternal grandmother's passing.

On the brighter side of things, I can say that I've healed and have already taken action in preserving my memory of her! Please take a step closer and notice a few elements that reveal personal sentiments of our relationship:

♫ ♪ Can you see the blue music notes? ♪ ♪♫

Did you find her age embedded in the illustration?

Oh, look at the scribbles in the upper right and middle areas!! It's a hand-written note I wrote to her!  (It's illegible and mainly used to give some visual weight to the bottom of the illustration.)

   

the cardinal bird is a strong, personal symbolic reference of mine. It stands for the abundance of faith and peace; it also represents my prayers being heard from God.

I'm forever grateful to have such a positive and wise woman to help guide me along the right path. Her legacy will not be forgotten.
It was an honor to share my memory of her with you.
 
 -----------

I want to leave you with this quote as you venture off to the next participating blogger's blog haven:

"Live life and love strongly." ~ Vivian Smith, aka Grand Mama V.

So...what do you think? Go ahead, leave your comment! 
Don't sit there behind the scenes. I'm here waiting for ya! Step up, Brave One, and reach out... ;)

Here I am!

3 Times the Charm!

celebrating 3 years of business! Woo-hoo!

HIP HIP HURRAY!!!!

Oh my goodness, I can hardly believe that my company, Martice Smith Fine Art +  Design, is celebrating 3 years of being in business!

As I walked across that stage, back in 2011, college diploma in hand, I set an intention to go forward with my dreams of sharing my art, owning an online boutique and to turn what I do into a service - not to glorify me, but to glorify Christ.
 

I remember that day so vividly...I remember feeling my spirit soaring above all expectations, limitations, and discouragement. Creating art was no longer optional- if I was to continue thriving, it was something that MUST be done.

That's why it's so natural/intuitive for me to incorporate inspirational and motivational words or phrases in my artwork. I LOVE what I do for a living!!!


Every month, I write down a list of accomplishments. Whenever I feel, even a little discouraged, I whip out that list and read every line (out loud!) to motivate myself and to re-establish my purpose. I went back to visit some of these and re-discovered achievements I'd lost track of...


To name a few: 
* I've had over 50+ art exhibitions (mostly solo and a few juried ones)

* 15+ speaking engagements (via demonstrations of my art process, private workshops, elementary and college events, mentoring & tutoring programs, radio, film, and online interviews...)

* Landed my first, commissioned project to illustrate Sneaky Snakes, my 1st children's book (I loved it! I hope to do more, soon)

* Designed and completed 3 large murals

* Initiated and COMPLETED my very 1st, 30-day illustration challenge AND was approached by a gallery director to have an exhibit, showcasing each one!! (I'm thinking about doing this challenge again, this year...stay tuned...are you willing to join me, if I do???)

Needless to say, I am "proud as a peacock" of my many accomplishments and goals!
photo credit: Ariel-Rose Mattive

So...how did I achieve all of this? I'll share with you my

3 Success Tips:

  1 * Accountability is important! I find that it helps to run ideas by my creative tribe and get feedback on my projects. Don't isolate yourself! You'd be surprised just how many people are genuinely curious about what you're doing! Explaining your process could help restructure or clarify your initial idea(s). Try it!


2 * * Establish deeper connections. Embrace the opportunity to develop new friendships with kindred spirits in other career fields than your own. I've made it my priority to know a little bit more about my collectors, fans, and followers of my art.
 
Great places to start: Online art groups (Facebook, Flickr, Yahoo, etc.), community outreach programs, church events, or simply, get to know your neighbors!
 
It can be exhilarating when someone proclaims their love and appreciation for what you do and propels you into more opportunities you probably wouldn't have explored. ( Like the time I assisted in a photoshoot and got to meet the legendary Mr. Harry Belafonte!! Yeah, true story ;) )

3 * * * Continue your learning quest. I'm so thankful to have an abundance of sparkly creative desires! I've learned how to 'sift through' and decide on which projects complement my current focus.

Be curious about the things that interest you; seek out people who you think might help you on your learning quest OR point you in the right direction. Above all, KEEP ASKING QUESTIONS!

I've been following CreativeLIVE during my career as an artist, designer and photographer. (I use this site, often, to cultivate myself as an entrepreneur to develop and master a wide-range of skill sets.) Their free broadcasts and workshops brings the experts to you, no matter what skill level you may be at. (I recommend this as a great resource (and no, I'm not getting paid to say this!), if you don't mind taking online workshops, which typically, lasts from 2-3 days.)

Another resource I like to utilize is smART History: a multi-media web-book about art. I can't get enough of Art History...

I want you all to know that I'm very grateful for all your comments, well wishes, love, generosity, feedback, etc. you've given me to help make my business what it is today. THANK YOU!! I appreciate y'all sooo much and I'm blessed to have God's favor upon me.

In essence: 

"Be clear about what drives you. Don't succumb to external definitions of what success is supposed to look like. Rather, dig deep to uncover and honor what truly fulfills and serves you." ~ quote by Jennifer Lee, artist coach

Go ahead and claim YOUR bragging rights!

What are some of your accomplishments/goals/intentions YOU are most proud of, so far, this year? Share away! I read every comment ;)...

Graffiti Charm Bracelet Tutorial

For all you mixed-media jewelry lovers, washi tape lovers, gelli plate enthusiasts and the like, listen up 'cause this one is for YOU!


     "Lately, I’ve been experimenting with creative ways to incorporate more color into my wardrobe and accessories. I shopped around my local art store’s jewelry section and I had a serendipitous moment: why not transform my art into ‘wearable art’? I grabbed up some fun-sized, canvas ATCs and some basic jewelry making supplies and imagined infusing them with my own..." click here to read more


Learn how to create bold Graffiti Charm Bracelets with ATC-sized canvas sheets and basic jewelry making supplies. Transform your art into a focal piece that’s sure to strike up a conversation!
 

 article + tutorial is up on the Mixed Media Art.net website...check it out here.

detail view of a Graffiti Charm Bracelet

What kinds of creative projects do you create from your paper, canvas, or fabric scraps?  Add a link to your comment to show it off!

Mixed Media May GIVEAWAY!

What's up, lovelies!! 

Just in case you missed it, I was one of the featured artists on the Mixed Media May blog on May 6th. It was such a great and fun opportunity to share my artwork and my story with other people who appreciate my God given abilities.

To top off the success of this year's Mixed Media May blog celebration, there will be a GIVEAWAY!!! Yes, you heard me right...Be sure to check out which of the artists are participating in this. 

 Just for fun, I created two collages that feature my favorite pieces from each of the participating artists (in no particular order). Needless to say, I am blown away by all of these eclectic styles and techniques! WOW!

 

Now that I've piqued your curiosity, head on over to the Mixed Media May blog, read the interviews, enter the giveaway and most importantly, I hope you enjoy the richly inspiring artwork!!!

You can read all about my creative process ( like my meditation practices, what inspires me, and other motivational bits ) right here.

Did you discover a favorite artist? Which artist's interview resonated with you the most?