Twisted Tree

Thursday, June 30th, 2011

Twisted Tree by Amy Crook

Today’s art combines a number of techniques into one unusual piece. The base is a heavy, handmade postcard from India, part of a set I bought years ago with irregular, natural edges. The wash was made with strong black tea, and the texture comes from salt crystals placed on the wet paper. Then, I added a touch of blue paint and a little more salt to create the shape of the bird.

I have to admit, once I saw a bird in the blue, I couldn’t help but think of Twitter, but I think that’s just a sign I spend too much time on social networks.

I broke out my fine-point sharpies in brown and black to create the tree and the detail on the bird, using a loose, scribbly style to create an organic shape that fit with the background.

Twisted Tree, 4″x6″ mixed media on paper, nfs (sold).

The bird ended up with a bit of an attitude, and I rather imagine him saying something like, “Yeah, yeah, tweet, whatever.” Despite that, he’s got a bit of sparkle to his personality, as you can see here.

Twisted Tree, detail 1, by Amy Crook

Actually, there’s salt crystals in a fine layer all along the lower part of the painting, giving it texture and a subtle glimmer.

Twisted Tree, detail 2, by Amy Crook

It looks quite nice in a simple black frame, and this painting, like always, will ship wrapped up safely and ready to display.

Twisted Tree, framed, by Amy Crook

Categories: Daily Art, Flowers, Trees and Landscapes
Tags: bird, nfs, salt, sharpie, sold, tea, tree, twitter