inky waters

"inky waters"

~ Ann Barnes

there's a peacefulness that exists just below the surface, 

following the ebb and flow.

the sun's warm glow filters through inky waters,

 reflecting off the life in tow. 

this gilded light is cast upon flora and fauna,  

while swaying to and fro.

As with much of my art, I start out with an idea in mind and let the process lead me. This piece was born from the backgrounds. 

Experiments with the IZINK dye sprays in varying color combinations evoke thoughts of a vivid undersea world of sunken treasure.

A heavyweight cold pressed watercolor paper is sprayed with IZINK dye sprays and then more of these inks are layered on by dipping the paper into poured puddles and flicking the dye ink onto the surface, always allowing to dry in between layers to increase the depth and intensity of color. Oxide inks add to the push and pull of the inky depths.

                                                                                                             

I envision the shadows of a sailboat's ribs, decaying at the bottom of the ocean's floor.

Using the ancient mariner's map stencil, I layer paint onto the stencil and then transfer this onto the background.

A seahorse lurks in the depths searching for its mate.

Crackle texture paste through the stencil absorbs the dye inks and provides base colors. Once the crackle is achieved, the dye inks are pounced over the raised areas and allowed to dry, increasing the depth of color. Some dabs of paint give shadow, and when it is completely dry, I use my finger to rub cold gold ICE along the raised edges to highlight the lurking form.

 Having grown up learning navigation of the waters, the value of the compass is priceless, providing direction for those adrift at sea.

Paints are sponged through the stencil and highlighted with gold ink to create an unmistakeable  beacon.

Life springs from the ocean's floor, whether it be a piece of coral or a swaying plant. 

Paint is pounced through a stencil and quickly wicks the dye ink up, blooming color through the wet medium. When the first layer has dried, I add another layer of paint to random sections allowing the coral to show itself in all its glory. 

Patterned and text papers are sprayed with layers of spring green dye ink and die cut to form the plants. A layer of cold gold ICE is smeared randomly onto the vegetation and allowed to dry. 

When the sunlight is caught by this translucent gilded glaze, the plants appear to glow.

Such a glorious environment for the school of fish to encounter.

The fish images are stamped and painted with IZINK pigment inks. Mixing some unlikely colors, I am able to achieve the perfect shade of green to allow for a partial camouflage, protecting them from predators. 

I am truly honored to be part of the Seth Apter/Aladine IZINK and StencilGirl Online Hop. It's such a pleasure being able to share my love for companies that I have so much respect and appreciation for, but also to work with their products creating art to share with you.
Many thanks to Seth, Aladine, and StencilGirl for this wonderful opportunity, and thank you to everyone that has taken the time to stop by the blog, it is greatly appreciated.

There are a number of other fabulous artists sharing their art for this online hop.

It is a two day event, taking place today, May 28th as well as tomorrow, May 29th, 2020.

You can find links on Seth's blog for the artists posting their work today, and on the StencilGirl blog for the artists posting their work tomorrow. Seth is hosting a giveaway on his blog here.

I do hope you can make time to see all of the amazing pieces.
~Ann
 xxx


supplies
Seth Apter Aladine IZINK:
dye ink sprays - blue moon, lavender,  spring green, sunflower
ICE - cold gold
pigment ink - after dark, avalanche, burnt orange, ultramarine
StencilGirl stencils:
ancient mariner's map mask small with stencil
atc mix-up - daley
compass stencil


other
Daniel Smith acrylic gesso - gold
Dina Wakley Media gesso - black
Distress collage medium - matte
Distress Oxide inks - peeled paint, forest moss
Distress texture paste- crackle
foam tape adhesive
Golden fluid acrylic paint - anthraquinone blue
Liquitex acrylic ink- gold
PaperArtsy fresco paint - butter, lime
patterned and text papers
Tim Holtz Sizzix alterations dies - funky florals, garden greens
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps - sea life
watercolor paper