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IF THE CROWN FITS – THE BLACK & WHITE EXHIBIT

by  shepaintsforponies

IF THE CROWN FITS – THE BLACK & WHITE EXHIBIT

If you know the look of my paintings, you know that black and white is not something I normally do, but when I saw the Hallberg Center For The Arts had a call for artists for their 8th Annual Black and White Exhibit, I wanted to challenge myself with something new, and challenge I did.

Let’s just say I went through all the creative processes. 

“This is going to be great.”

“Ugh, this is harder than I thought.”

“I can’t do this.”

Eventually, my confidence grew, and I said to myself, “YEP, this is me. I dig it.” 

I titled the piece If The Crown Fits and entered it into the Black and White Exhibit one day before the application deadline.

The artwork is mixed media on canvas, measuring 30″ x 40″ with a 1.5″ profile.

You’ll find a supplies used list towards the end of this post.

MORE ON THE DETAILS

Looking at this piece, you’ll see a lot of fun textures, from the extra heavy molding paste used to pop butterflies off the canvas to the embroidery floss, faux pearls, tissue paper, and glitter throughout the artwork. It’s a mixed media piece of work that you just want to fun your fingers all over.

All of the larger detailed butterflies and the queen bee were painted and cut out from scrap pieces of canvas and then adhered to the painting.

When I use butterflies in my artwork, I like doing them this way, painted separately and cut out because I can lay them out and decide where I want them on the piece.

The faux pearls were individually adhered, and an embroidery floss was sewn between each one along the female’s crown line. The crown outline is also embroidery floss, the feathers are real, and the flowers slightly pop off the page. They are also cutouts from scrap canvas.

I used small rubber stamps for the wolf and deer images that I stamped with black ink onto small sheets of torn tissue paper.

As I was challenging myself to do something different and work in black and white, I imagined the piece would not please everyone.

Like with all art, you have to accept criticism with a grain of salt. Not everyone’s going to like it. That’s just part of the game.

So as I created the piece, I wanted it to represent acceptance since I myself was trying something new.

Be an introvert, extrovert, daydreamer, queen bee, or lone wolf, but overall be YOU, and if the crown fits, wear it.

Some will accept you, and some will not, but always put your best foot forward and be proud of YOU.

BLACK AND WHITE EXHIBIT OPENING NIGHT

Opening night of the Black and White Exhibit had me feeling a little vulnerable. As I mentioned, black and white isn’t something I normally do, I love using color, but I’m so proud of myself for reaching the application deadline and displaying my black and white piece in the show.

It was a fun evening, walking through the gallery and taking in techniques and inspiration from other artists.

This exhibit was a pat-yourself-on-the-back moment, and it felt good to see my piece hanging with others on the gallery’s wall.

I was even lucky enough to get a really good photo with my black and white painting during the show.

I’m kidding, but at least the hubs, my professional photographer for the night, tried.

Yep, seriously, this is as good as it gets.

Black and White

I did it!

And to my surprise, The Crown Fits was one of the People Choice Leaders for opening weekend.

XOXO

Emily

Check Availability HERE.

SUPPLIES USED

SUPPLIES USED

You can find these supplies at most art supply retailers. My top shops are Blick Art Materials and Amazon for the best deals.

View more artwork under the PAINTINGS BY EMILY category of the blog. 

If this is your first time visiting SHE PAINTS FOR PONIES, start HERE.

Please feel free to explore my paintings for inspiration, but note the artwork you are viewing is copyright to Emily Carlson, and She Paints For Ponies.

You DO NOT have permission to copy, download, digitalize, and so forth without written permission.