Thursday, January 22, 2015

Winter Cardinal

When I see a Cardinal, I always think of my grandmother.
She loved these gorgeous red birds too.

In my last post below I shared a few of the birds I've painted over the years. I also shared  a background technique called "Smoked"

It is done to place a shaded smoke look to a background of a painting.
Designed using a burning candle and a real silver spoon.
By holding the spoon over the flame, it will begin to create black smoke.
Then carefully you hold the spoon with one hand and place your project over the smoke as it
swirls up from the flame. With the other hand you hold your project and move it around placing the smoke in areas you want it to go.

Please ignore the big mess of my studio.


See how black the spoon will become?
This should be done with a real silver spoon you no longer want to use.
It will discolor so basically it becomes an artist tool.


Yesterday I painted this Cardinal design from a study in Birds by Nancy Kinny.
I used a light weight catering tray from the dollar store painted with chalk paint in the color called Timeless.
Only this time, I painted my design first, then did the smoking technique.

I was able to place the smoke around the bird and balance out the design
adding more or less here and there.
Seal with a spray matte varnish using
Krylon Matte 1311.
If you brush on the sealer over the smoke it will move or come off on your brush.
1311 dries incredibly fast too.



Sitting on a snowy branch, he looks puffed up and keeping warm.


In this pic you can see I added a bit more smoke.


I sanded all around the tray to give it a distressed time worn look.


This sweet blue bird is another I painted right over a musical graphic paper 
printed on card stock from the Graphics Fairy.

Sorry for the glare of the glass.
It's very hard to get a nice shot with the glass over the painting, but you get the idea.
I placed this one in a distress soft grey frame with a burlap matte.

The musical graphic had an antiqued shaded look in browns and similar to the smoked look
but done in ink right on the vintage graphic.



Since a few commented about the smoked technique, I just wanted to share the process again
and I enjoyed painting this recent Cardinal.

I also want to say thank you for your kind comments on my painted birds in my last post.
I am thankful for the gift of painting 
and the studies I have done ~ and artists I have learned from over the years.

Any little bit of talent I may carry is simply a blessing from God 
given to me to use for my time on earth.
 I always hope to use that gift to pass some joy on to others.
I will always continue to learn my decorative art form and practice as I go.
There is still so much to do, learn and share.

I heard from a customer a few years back who said a tray that she had purchased
from me was for a gift to give her great aunt who was in a nursing home.
It was for her aunt to look at while she lay in bed.
Something for her to enjoy in her last days.

That's what it's all about my friends.
That joy is far greater to me then any price I could place on a painted work.
To God Be the Glory!


Wishing you 
Southern Day Dreams

~Be Blessed~
Celestina Marie

50 comments:

Crissi said...

Hello Celestina Marie I love your beautiful painted birds always
Be blessed
Hug Crissi

Tete said...

I am new to your blog, and I love to paint, too. I have never seen anything like your smoke technique and love it. Your cardinal is wonderful and something I could do. I do my pine branches pretty much like yours. I am here to learn as much as I can and love that you know that this is a gift to share to others. Its all about the joy. Blessings, Tete

decorayadora said...

hi dear Celestina!!! que bonito pintas esos pajaros.. deseo que tengas un buen dia
cariños

TexWisGirl said...

very sweet paintings. :) the smoke technique is very cool, too.

Julie Marie said...

So beautiful dear Celeste!... I know how much you love Cardinals and the precious memories associated with them for you... I am blessed to own several you have gifted me too over the years... much love, xoxo... Julie Marie

Valerie-Jael said...

Your bird paintings are incredibly beautiful, I just love what you make. Hugs, Valerie

Stacey said...

How beautiful! Cardinals are so special this time of year. They just really stand out in the dreary days of January. Your painting is amazing! How lucky you are to have that talent.

farmhouse-story said...

gorgeous birds, celeste! love the story of the aunt's last days--how great that your talent gives comfort to those in need:)

Alessandra said...

Your cardinal is just gorgeous in every detail. Your smoked tecnique is amazing. You wrote so lovely words about your painting. Your creations show your love, your passion, your great talent.
Kisses
Alessandra

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh how beautiful your birds are. They look like they are going to come right out of the tray and picture - so real. You have a wonderful gift from God.
Blessings to you my dear sweet friend.
Hugs Mary

Sola Scriptura said...

Your paintings are so beautiful. What a lovely story about your customer's Aunt. What a blessing it must be to your heart.

Lisa in Texas = ) said...

Cardinals remind me of my Grandma that was from Colorado. She has passed away- but when I see cardinals in my yard I am reminded of her. I love your painting- you did a wonderful job!
Lisa :O)

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Celestina Marie,

I was not aware of the smoke technique, wow I love the effect it has in your painting. The cardinal is so beautiful. You did a wonderful job! I love seeing cardinals in the yard too!

Linda Walker said...

Celestina, these are beautiful! What a talent! I love them both! The smoke technique adds such a nice touch. So happy you share your work with us!
Happy weekend,
Linda
mysewwhatblog

cynthia lee designs said...

What a beautiful cardinal you painted!! Love it!!
~Cindy

living from glory to glory said...

This was just so lovely and the painting of the different birds always blesses me! My Hubby and I truly enjoy feeding the birds and seeing the different ones that come to feed at our bird feeders.
Your technique is very vintage looking.
And I believe giving God the glory for your gifting and talent is wonderful!
We have a Rocky Mountain Blur bird that we see once in awhile and they are so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing, Roxy

Stephanie said...

Precious, simply precious, my friend. Your paintings are incredibly beautiful and the love that flows from you only makes your work lovelier.

The smoke technique is fabulous! I had no idea you could do that :)

Hugs to you, dear one!

Jan Hermann said...

I love how you use your talents and gifts God gave you - everything you paint is just beautiful!

Hugs,
Jan ♥

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

BEAUTIFUL job Celeste!!

Claudia said...

Hi Celeste,
you are such a great Painter, this Cardinal is georgeous, liek all your Paintings! They look so real! Thank you for sharing this wonderful talent with us!
Wishing you a wonderful and blessed weekend and sending Love and hugs,
Claudia XOXO

Dianna said...

My dear Celeste,

I sit here with tears streaming down my face after reading your beautiful post. You are an incredible blessing and I thank the Lord for your sweet testimony for Him in the way you live your life.

Love and hugs to you,
Dianna xo

Cynthia said...

Good Morning Celestina!
What a beautiful post, full of written and artistic praise for our Father! Thank you, for sharing your work and inspiring us to give praise and thanksgiving. Your art always makes me smile~. Cynthia

Linda M. said...

Hello Celeste, Your birds are beautiful. Thanks for sharing how to do the smoke background. Thanks for inspiring and sharing.
Joyous Wishes, Linda

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

I love that smoke affect and I love the story about the tray bought for the Great Aunt. What a thoughtful idea. Have a great weekend! Liz

Anonymous said...

Celeste, what a lovely technique; I am not familiar with it. Your birds are beautiful and you are so talented! Red birds remind me of a dear friend that let us way too soon. You are such a special friend! You have such a sweet spirit and the love of the Lord shines though you!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

My heart rejouces to see your work here, celeste! I love these fiesty little guys, and you capture them so well. I want to cry, however. I miss everyone, though I am visiting, I am no longer a part of this sweet community. But from a distance, I rejoice. So much sweetness here! Anita

Sherry @ Thrift My House said...

Thank you so much Celestina for sharing this technique. I've never seen it before. Your birds are beautiful! Your talent is truly a gift from God. Love this post!

Rose L said...

Quite an unusual idea with very nice results! Usually the only people burning spoons are drug addicts!

Okio B Designs said...

Wow, just wow! Beautifully done and I'm intrigued with the smoke technique. So gorgeous!

Jeanine

Kathy said...

Thank you for sharing the smoke technique. The cardinal painting is beautiful!

Debbie Harris said...

Celestina, you simply bring joy and delight to my heart and soul.
Your beautiful work graced in the work of your hands and used for the glory of God, makes me love you all the more.
Our Heavenly Father desires to use each one of us with the gifts and talents He has blessed us with, and it is always to His glory not our own.
May you be blessed as you have blessed us in allowing God to use you.

I love visiting you!

Joy in Jesus !
Debbie

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Your cardinal is gorgeous, Celeste! One of my favorite birds because it is always a pleasure to see the male when it is bleak and/or snowy out in the winter months. They are a little bright spot on a winter's day!

Heaven's Walk said...

Your artistry never ceases to amaze me, Celeste. So original, so beautiful. God has blessed you with an amazing talent, my friend!

xoxo laurie

Deborah Montgomery said...

You are talented to do the smoke after you've painted! I would be afraid of scorching the bird!
It's really a pretty cool technique. And your cardinal -- I love his inquisitive eye, and those little claws gripping the branch. And the bluebird -- I love that on the sheet music, so beautiful.
And what a blessing that your art was used to bring beauty and hope to a dying person's bedside. Isn't that the best -- to use our talents and gifts from the Lord in such a way that others are blessed?

Donna said...

Wow, your birds are just gorgeous, Celestina! The cardinal looks amazingly real, it even looks as if he is smiling:) I'm just amazed at all of the details you paint so realistically. Yes, the Lord certainly blessed you with talent, my friend! And I love,love, love the bird you painted on the sheet music! Will you be adding some of those to your shop? I can't say enough how much I love your work, I treasure all of the gorgeous creations of yours that I have in our home:)

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

What a beautiful job you have done....You are certainly blessed with a great talent. I love the smoke effect that you created. Have a great weekend!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Celestina, I love what you do with that smoke technique. It adds such dimension to a piece. Do you know that I have never seen a cardinal in real life. So pretty and just adore the little blue bird painting and how you framed it..Happy Weekend..Judy

Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie said...

I love seeing your artwork Celeste! It's so fun learning one of your techniques. The smoke look is a great method to add that bit of intrigue. It gives such softness and depth. I love learning how artists get effects, thanks for sharing with us! Your birds are so beautiful.

I'm so glad you could come to our little tea party! Didn't the Queen look wonderful? We've got to whatever we can to get through the bleak days of winter. LOL

Big hugs & lots of love, Edie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

So relieved to know you aren't doing heroine lol Only I would say that as I glanced at the burn't spoon. What a great new technique ( to me) to give a painting a little age. Yep, girlfriend you have an amazing gift of painting!

Carol

LJS said...

Celeste, Your Cardinal paintings are beautiful. Your words are a blessing!
Mr. LJS

Unknown said...

Celeste,

Your birds are so lovely. I love cardinals and bluebirds, so it was so nice to see what you created with them. Your birds are so realistic, yet you can feel the love you put into your paintings. Yes, you are so right, the joy that you can get from sharing your gift, is so much more wonderful than earning money. But I knew that about you.

You exude love in whatever you do.

Karen

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

The birds are so pretty. I do enjoy watching birds. We always try to have bird seed on hand for them. I love the red cardinals and I do have special dishes with their image. Thanks for sharing your lovely paintings. Have a super weeke-end. xo

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

The birds are so pretty. I do enjoy watching birds. We always try to have bird seed on hand for them. I love the red cardinals and I do have special dishes with their image. Thanks for sharing your lovely paintings. Have a super weeke-end. xo

Christine said...

You are so talented! Though I will never be able to paint like you I can admire! The red cardinal is wonderful!
Have a great day!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Celestina Marie,

Love the sweet red cardinal bird and how you got the smokey effect - very clever and many thanks for sharing this. also love the bird on the sheet music.
Hope you are enjoying the weekend dear friend and thanks for the kind visit to my blog.

Hugs
Carolyn

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Lovely celeste! I've never heard of the candle technique. So unique and the results are quite stunning and realistic. You possess an amazing amount of talent!

Jillayne said...

The smoke technique is quite amazing - I do love the effect.
These paintings of yours are so special Celestina. I am always in wonder of your talent, it's truly exceptional.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

I can testify that your talent does bring joy to others. I find joy just seeing the beautiful images on your blog. These Cardinals are so pretty, and what an interesting technique the smoked silver spoon is.

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Celeste,
I love your paintings always and the cardinal is gorgeous.
I have a pair that come to eat in my back yard feeders and I love seeing them. They are gorgeous birds.
Happy Week End.
Kris

Connie said...

What a lovely story. I love cardinals too, and yours are so pretty.

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Celestina Marie
Celestina Marie

Welcome To Rose Garden Market from Celestina Marie Design. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Celestina Marie named after my grandmother and my friends call me Celeste.My creative journey extends over 30 years enjoying the love of painting and redesigning vintage and new treasures. I love to go treasure hunting and the fun of finding great vintage pieces to redesign..