Sunday, October 03, 2010

Tree WIP - Ready to Paint?

I spent a good part of yesterday finishing the sculpting portion of my Tree Lady and adding some texture elements to give her skin more of a bark-like texture.  Tonight I plan on adding tiny touches of apoxie here and there to flesh out her hands and cover up some flaws in her branches, but other than that, I think he is ready for her first coat of paint!


I am just really REALLY relieved that I don't have to twist up any more leaf clusters.  I estimate that I used about 10 strands of chips, both gem and glass, as well as 2 spools of 26 gauge wire.  If I had known what I was letting myself in for when I started, I probably wouldn't have given her leaves, LOL.


This girl is BIG, about 19" from bottom to the tip of the tallest branch.


I think I am going to add a few more leaf cascades around her face, but I want to see what she looks like painted first. 

I love the way her root system turned out, especially once I added the banana silk fibers to tone down the "sculpted" look of the clay.  The effect is subtle, but it really made her come alive.


A few years ago I would have been too paralyzed by the fear of ruining her to touch her with a paintbrush, but I have learned that layers are the way to go, and if all else fails, there is always starting over, LOL.


Wish me luck!

3 comments:

Shashi Nayagam said...

All that twisting and turning to create those leaves was worth the effort Judi. She already looks stunning and I can't wait to see her painted now.

ruthanne said...

Judi, Shashi has the right word. Stunning! I wish I could see her in person and can not wait to see her painted.

Healing Woman said...

I really like her a lot. I have also done tree women and have a whole series devoted to them. I have titled them, "Grandmother Tree." There is something so Druid-ish about them isn't there? I create mine in clay and use moss to cover the clay tree. I love the idea of all those beaded branches. She will be spectacular when painted. Go for it!