Friday, January 29, 2016

Springtime Inspiration, Going Up in Smoke

Well, maybe not exactly~~

Many years ago
 I did a study with one of my favorite artists,
 Nancy Kinny 
and
 I learned a pretty soft background technique called smoked.

This technique is done with a block pillar candle and silver spoon.

 As the candle burns, 
you hold a real silver spoon over the flame until it turns black 
and starts to send up smoke.

 Then, holding your item that has already been based coated,
 you hold it over the smoke moving it around to evenly, 
or with good balance, 
give it a soft misty, smokey look.

This can take some practice, but the effect is gorgeous.

Once you have the background the way you want it, 
you proceed to paint or decorate your item however you choose. 

This will not work with a stainless steel spoon.
It has to be real silver.


This is how it should look below when complete. 
At this point, you would lightly varnish the smoked piece to keep it in place 
and to keep it
from smudging 
while you are working on the painting or other design. 
This way, the soot won't come off on your hands or smear.



 I did this art technique on an old vintage cake pan
 and 
then painted a design from Nancy Kinny on the pan.
 It's a Carolina Wren sitting in ivy leaves.
 Can you see the smokey look on the soft ivory background color?
It's very subtle but gives a soft effect.
Can you see this done on a treasured furniture piece?
It would be tricky to do, but oh how pretty.



Such a sweet little birdie.
 I loved working on him. 
The next two pics are taken on a magazine holder.
 I also painted  this technique while doing a study with Nancy's design and techniques. 
One side of the holder is a winter blue jay and the other side a springtime robin.
 I painted this wooden treasure about 16 years ago.



Love how strong and wintry the smoke technique looks here.


 I love to paint birds and also little nests.

 After completing the Carolina Wren,
 I painted another vintage pan with a rose nest,
 but this one without the smoked background.


I was on a roll and painted another little nest on a pretty pink vintage spoon.

These have long since gone to their new homes.



This large wooden spoon below lives with me.
I painted this a few years ago 
after a dear friend from Norway,
brought it to me after a trip to her homeland.

It hangs on my hutch in the dining room.


With spring, hopefully around the corner
 and
 warmer days ahead,
 I can't wait to be outside in my garden
 and 
of course in the studio creating pretties for the season.

Are you done with winter?

We all know February can be brutal
but we can dream right?

Enjoy this last weekend in January.

See you again soon.
Celestina Marie 
xo



49 comments:

Anna said...

You are a talented woman !!! Your paintings are gorgeous !!!!
Have a creative weekend !
Hug
Anna

Anonymous said...

These pieces are so beautiful you are so talented. What an interesting technique this is. It gives a beautiful background to work on, very wintery! Love it!

Dee said...

That smokey look really does create a beautiful effect. The pretty birds and nests are gorgeous and I am so in love with those spoons.

Have a wonderful weekend...:)

Unknown said...

Oh my god! How beautiful!!!

Nancy Chan said...

Such lovely and sweet paintings of birds and flowers.

Unknown said...

Celestina Marie,
How smoke makes it look so much better! Great Job!
Larry

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

What a lovely look the smoky technique does to a piece, Celeste! All your creations are soooo pretty. My "Blessngs" hat box just makes me smile every time I look at it.
I'm not ready for Spring, as I love Winter, here in Texas. The cooler weather just makes me happy!
May you and your sweetie have a wonderful weekend! xo

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Wow what a neat technique. I wish spring was close for me it won't be until April. I just read a prediction from the Farmer's Almanac that indicted February would be just like last year! I was soooo disappointed to read that. We've had an easy going winter so far. I hope they're wrong - way wrong!! Well I can always buy some store bought blooming tulips and bring some spring in here! Have a wonderful weekend!!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Good Morning Dear Celeste!

Oh, how interesting is this technique...and just look at the finished product. You are an incredibly talented artist and all of your creations are done with meticulous care and attention to detail.
I going to visit your etsy shop this very minute!
Have a perfectly wonderful beautiful sunshine filled Texas weekend!
xo
Jemma

Kelly-Anne said...

What a beautiful, interesting painting technique, dear Celestina...again I am absolutely in awe at your gift...your creativity is incredible, and I adore each of these paintings!
So lovely to be creative!
A blessed weekend to you!
Kelly-Anne

Karen@Southern Gal Meets Midwest said...

The details on the spoon are just amazing!! Thanks for sharing your technique and incredible talent with us Celestina :)

Donna said...

I just love your painted birds, Celestina! They are all so realistic, and I think the wren is my favorite, such a sweet little face! Love your painted nests and the spoons are amazing! Wow, that smoke technique sounds tricky, but you have mastered it for sure!

Anonymous said...

Love the smoke technique, Celeste, but your painting always leaves me speechless. Such a gift, my friend.
Thank you for stopping by. Your kind words are so encouraging to me. We move this weekend, and again very soon because the house we're buying won't be ready for a little longer. I was looking forward to a little rest after the wedding, but not yet. ;)
Have a lovely weekend.
xoxo

Jan Hermann said...

You are so creative, Celeste...and I love the smoke technique as well as your birds...and that spoon is just the prettiest spoon ever!

Hugs,
Jan

Valerie-Jael said...

Love the birds and the wonderful smokey texture. I would have to try that outside because of the smoke alarms. Hugs, Valerie

Lisa said...

Your paintings are just gorgeous! I'm in love with the tin and the pretty spoons! So beautiful!

Daniela said...

I didn't know you were truly an artist, my darling Celestina, and what an artist !
Your birds and your spoons with the nest ... I'm fascinated by them and love them all !
Congrats on your ability, you're so much talented, my dearie !
Sending blessings on the end of your week,
with so much love
Dany

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Celeste,
Your creativity is amazing and I love your birds. You pour your heart into your art and it shows. I wasn't familiar with the smoke technique and ever appreciative you shared it. I am going to experiment with it.
Have a wonderful weekend
xoxo,
Vera

Denise said...

you are so creative

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Oh my gosh, this posts sings to me - oh you are sooooo talented, holy moley, these paintings are amazing! WOW! You are so gifted. ♥♥♥

Rose L said...

Love the painted spoon. I have 2 with scenes painted on them!

Alessandra said...

This technique is very interesting. You are very very talented and your paintings are absolutely beautiful and perfect. The shabby chic wooden spoon is gorgeous!
Hugs
Alessandra

Jill said...

That is such a neat technique! Never seen that done before, interesting :-) Love all your beautiful designs of the birds so lovely. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,
Jill

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Y O U A R E A M A Z I N G.

What gorgeous, perfectly done works of ART, CELESTE! First of all, I am late....to many early morning dashing off to work....I am so glad the weekend is here.

This technique is truly effective and makes your already professional work look even more professional. You really, really know what you are doing! And these birds, so charming, precious creatures. Thank you for this lift dearest Celeste! Anita

Decor To Adore said...

I have never heard of this technique and it truly is wonderful Your wee birds are a sweet treat.

Have a wonderful, sunny weekend!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Such a beautiful technique and backdrop for your gorgeous painting, Celestina! Such sweet little birdies! Hope your weekend is filled with sweet blessings. xo Karen

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Wow. Wow. So pretty. love that little Wren. You have such talent.

cynthia lee designs said...

Love the smokey technique. Hope you have a great weekend. Can't wait to hear about your trip to the silos.
hugs,
Cindy

Joy Junktion said...

Where does the time go, Celeste? I can't believe we are days from February! Your pieces are always lovely and I really enjoyed reading about the process you learned and use. Thank you for sharing some of the techniques you use. Blessings for a wonderful weekend! Cindy xoxo

Conniecrafter said...

Oh my these pieces just blew me away, such a wonderful artist you are. I had heard of this technique but have never tried it, it does give a wonderful effect to the pieces. Your painting just brings them to life, what treasures these are to the people that have them now.
Oh yes I am ready for spring, it has been fairly mild winter for us here in central Illinois but I know winter is over yet. They are saying we could reach 60 today so we are heading out and am going to enjoy the very rare warm day. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

craftyles said...

I have never seen this technique, and It's such a soft effect. I absolutely love your birds, Celeste. Beautiful art-you keep me inspired. Now I need to get into action on my crafting!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hello Celestina,
Wow you are such a talented artist. I never heard of that painting technique before but I like it. You are so inspiring and talented and creative. I wish that we lived closer so that I could learn from you. I bet you would make a great painting teacher. I used to love watching the artist Bob Ross on tv paint his paintings and did some of his techniques. Have a wonderful weekend sweet friend.
Sending hugs, Julie xo

Roosterhead Designs said...

Wowzer Celestina, This really is a beautiful technique! but pretty tricky too! I don't think I could trust myself! : ) LOL
Your painting is divine my friend! Simply gorgeous and such a favorite for me. You know - some things (in the crafting world) come and go, but I believe birds and nests will always stay <3 Take care, Karen

Kim said...

Very cool. I love learning new things and when they work out well, it's a bonus! Lovely.

quakerhillfarm said...

Your paintings are beautiful! I have never heard of that technique. It looks as if you have perfected it! Have a beautiful week, Lynn

NanaDiana said...

I remember seeing that technique and thought it gave a really interesting effect---but you have to know what you are doing...looks like you do!
Celeste, your talent never ceases to amaze me. You do the most beautiful decorative paintings-your love for your work just shines through.
It is fun to see some spring things here--Along about mid-February I despair that Spring will never arrive.
I have not picked up a paint brush in years-but may do that again one of these days. I sewed yesterday for the first time in months. It was nice to have a "down-stay-at-home" day. They are rare commodities around here right now.
Hope you and your hubby have a wonderful weekend. xo Diana

Art and Sand said...

Your art is beautiful.

I am not over winter because I want to be able to water my garden this summer. It really suffered last year. We are expecting a big rain tomorrow and I am really hoping it happens. I'll live with rain and cooler days now if I can have a magical garden this summer!

Ingeborg van Zuiden said...

Oooooooooh Celeste! How pretty are thos birdies you have painted! So so sweet! I am totally in love with them!!! And that spoon with the nest on it! So gorgeous and so unique! I absolutely adore it all. You are such a talented painter. So pretty all is and so romantic. Bless your pretty heart! You are something! Big hug and xoxox Ingeborg ;-)

Kathy said...

I have not heard of that technique before and the results are lovely. The painted spoon is gorgeous!

Createology said...

I have heard of this smoke technique and you have done it beautifully dear. Your little birds are so sweet and have such precious personalities. I love everything you paint. Yes, we can dream of Spring. We had a wild night of weather...rain, hail, lightening, thunder and a dusting of snow. I shall enjoy perusing my David Austin Roses catalog while dreaming of Spring and Summer...my favorite season. Healing Energy for your son.

Red Rose Alley said...

Ooooo, that is cool, Celestina. Nel does something similar to this when she puts ribbon against the heat to get a cringed look. It's so pretty. And you're working on the sweet birds, how I love them. The pink vintage spoon you have painted is so soft and lovely. You have lots of creative ideas up your sleeve.

I wanted to let you know that I think I got the felt roses at Hobby Lobby, but not sure. That's why I didn't mention where I got them, but looking back I may have picked them up there. You should get some - they're not expensive at all, and you could use them for so many things. I bet you can even make them yourself, like you said. :)

Have a peaceful Sunday.

love, ~Sheri

chateau chic said...

Very interesting art technique. Your paintings are so beautiful, Celestina Marie! You have such artistic talent.
Mary Alice

Katie Mansfield said...

Your little nests are too adorable. I love this technique. So cool.

Claudia said...

Hi Celeste, my dear friend! You are such a great and talented Artist! I LOVE your wonderful paintings!
Wishing you a great new week,
sending, Love, Hugs, Blessings and Joy!
Claudia xo

Claudia said...

Hi Celeste, my dear friend!
Your paintings are wonderful and I LOVE them so much!
You are such a great and talented Artist!
Sending love and hugs and blessings for a joyful new week!
Claudia xo

Crissi said...

Hi Celestina, you are so talented woman!
Your paintings are very gorgeous!
Blessed week
hug Crissi

Gypsy Heart said...

Your talent continues to amaze me!! Your attention to detail just makes each item perfect. My daughter loves birds so I'll share this with her. The pink spoon is adorable!

Thank you for sharing all this beauty with us ~
xo
Pat

Anonymous said...

I am missing your notifications in my inbox. :( I tried to sign up and it won't let me. So sorry I missed this! Your birds are adorable and I love the technique for adding the smokey background. You amaze em, my friend! You are a beautiful lady inside and out! You are one talented gal!

Ana Love Craft said...

Wonderful paintings, Celestina! I love your gorgeous birds and sweet nests. YOu are so talented!
Hope you have a wonderfulday!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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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..