Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Project Green Gables Update...

Hi all! It's time for an update... August has crept in, so I'm juggling all sorts of projects right now including our front gable design! I've been snapping a few "work in progress" photos of my steps along the way and will include those in this post. At this point,  each half of the gable is completely filled in with layers of papier mache. If all goes well, I have just one layer left to apply which will create the woody texture and other detailed elements in the scene. Stay tuned for more photos in a week or so...

Gable-Project-WIP


* After I pencil-sketched my design in place outside on the the front gables, JP removed the halves and brought them indoors for me to work on. Then, I roughly outlined the art in black marker pen.

Gable-Design-Oulined-Birds-WIP


* Scrolling vines, perching birds, dots, and....

Gable-Design-Oulined-WIP


* Flowers of course!.....

Gable-Vines-Layer-1-WIP


* After the lines were drawn, I spent a few days adding layers of papier mache skim coat to cover the plywood. I roughly filled in the spaces between the design with this layer build.

Gable-Sculpt-Layer-1-WIP


* Once the base dried, I began filling in the elements with a thick layer of papier mache to create dimension...

Gable-Bird-Layer-1-WIP


* The shapes and characters started to pop with this step! All have been drying out in the sun, awaiting the last layer of papier mache that will create the dimensional texture I hope to achieve. Wish me luck, and check back for more updates soon! (And yes, Jack enjoyed watching me work in a novel place. He was initially intrigued with my project, although I think he's sleeping in this photo :)


Tuesday, July 12, 2016

House of Green Gables...

Home is where the Heart and the Art is. For years, JP and I have been building and designing our front addition vestibule to mark a warm and inviting entrance to our home. Local passersby and neighbors alike have been watching the slow transformation with kind anticipation. We too are excited to make discernible progress, but as artists, we also take our time. Decisions often morph and evolve as our perspectives change, and with an artist's budget, development happens in steps and in between show seasons. After much contemplation, we have determined a medium and a design for the front gable! Rough sketches and renderings for this triangular front facade started with traditional shingles, to scallops to custom sun rays and bursts of waving patterns, all cut from wood. However, with some persuasion, JP enticed me to bring my indoor art to the exterior. With a few sculpted papier mache artscapes and a large fire screen under my belt, I have decided to take my technique to the peak, or in this case, to the front gable! That said, a ply board backer has been positioned, allowing me to sketch in place, my scrolling pattern of woody vines, blossoms and birds. And, of course, neighbors are already intrigued. Next, we take the boards down, and then I will begin applying the necessary layers to build my dimensional artscape. This will be a summer project as the heat of the sun will be my means of drying this large sculpt. Wish me luck as I will be juggling this project with all my other creative to-dos. For those of you who have been itching to see what's next, here's a sneak peek....

I will post photos of the finished composition when more of the elements are in place. As always, thank you for your patience and your support. We look forward to sharing more of our artistry, from the inside, out!

Happy Summer,
~ Johanna  & JP

Johanna-House-Front-Gable

* That's me in my owl apron, perching on our front scaffolding!

Johanna-Draws-on-Gable

* No projector needed... I decided to just eyeball the layout from my printed rendering.

Johanna-Ladder-Gable-Project

* I'm not a fan of heights, but the extra ladder made me feel more steady. Safety first ~ Thank you JP!

Johanna-Gable-Sketch

* Use your imagination here... There are a few elements that eventually will manifest!

Johanna-Sketches-Gable

* I'm reinforcing my rough sketch with more confident pencil lines.

Johanna-on-Scaffolding

* Looks like I'm about ready to call it a night!  :)

Johanna-Gable-Rough-Sketch

* Here's a snapshot rough of my graphic rendering over a photo to help us visualize the final look! The color palette consists of an aged turquoise with a vintage pistachio muted blend. The architectural vines will have a dimensional woody texture.


* And for reference, here's a peek at the "BEFORE".....

Johanna-Peeks-under-Peak

* Peek-a-Boo!

Friday, June 24, 2016

Gone Buggy!

Hi all! I'm just taking a moment to share a sneak peek reminder image for this Sunday's June Bugs Web Sale of originals. The collection is now complete, and on June 26th, I will be sharing a medley of whimsical folk art bugs with you. Stay tuned to my Folk Art Originals page for more details and the buggy update! Thank you for your interest in my one of a kind collectible characters.

Best Wishes,
~ Johanna


Saturday, June 18, 2016

Bzzzzz... June Bugs Web Sale!

Hi Friends,

Once again, it's been a while since I've been in touch, and that goes to show that I have been a busy bee! Right now, my sunroom studio is filled with wire wings and delicately curled antenna, all awaiting to be attached to their whimsical bug companions. I have sculpted a collection of 10 one of a kind folk art bugs, including bees, butterflies, beetles and more for my June Bugs Web Sale! With the garden in bloom and the pollinators bouncing from one flower to the next, I was inspired to take a moment (or, in this case, a few months) to celebrate and create my interpretation of these garden characters. It's been a fun diversion from my classic fall & winter holiday palette, and I am looking forward to sharing them with you on my Folk Art Originals page this month!

I invite you to join me, so please Save the Date: Sunday, June 26th
Please Join my Mailing List for the Start time and more details.

Happy Summer & Enjoy the Garden!

~ Johanna


 Johanna-Parker-June-Bugs-Web-Sale-Announce


Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Collector Candy Bowls for Halloween ************* Pre-Order by March 15th!


Hello friends! A while back on social media, I posted a teaser photo of this year's Halloween Candy Bowl collection that I created for Bethany Lowe Designs. Response was very enthusiastic for these sweet ball characters that also double as 2-part trinket treat bowls! Your inquiries for these special pieces have prompted me to offer you a chance to Pre-Order them before they sell out for the fall season. If I receive your orders by March 15, and all goes as planned, you'll be the proud owner of one or more of these collectible delights when they ship mid summer! Visit my Halloween Candy Bowl page for more details, price & payment info! EMAIL ME soon to place your Pre-Order and thank you for your interest...

Have a BOOtiful Day!
~ Johanna ~


Johanna-Parker-Halloween-Candy-Bowl-Orders


* See more at my Folk Art Reproductions page..


Johanna-Parker-Halloween-Candy-Bowl-Collage

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