Thursday 21 July 2016

DecoArt Under the Sea Challenge

Are you ready for another DecoArt Media challenge?
The theme this time around is 
Under the Sea 
Be sure and stop by the DecoArt Media blog for some fabulous projects to kick start your imagination.

The winner will receive a $100 DecoArt Gift Card for use in our online store, come and join in the fun. 
You have before the 12th August to upload your projects and the winner will be announced on the 19th August.

Steam Punk Aquarium
Come under sea and swim away with me
Well at least come and play the challenge, any project using DecoArt Media Products
more details can be found over on the blog here

I love marine life and am totally fascinated by the creatures and colours, I also love the illustrations of  Ernst Haeckel and have hopefully captured the vintage colours

I also love steampunk so when I came across this sweet dispenser in a box I knew exactly what I wanted to create!

 Applied DecoArt Media Texture Sand, allowed to dry and applied a second coat to get lots of texture

The Sea life was textured with Modelling Paste & Texture sand along with pearls and seed beads



 White Gesso was applied to Plain chipboard ready for painting
 I looked online for inspiration on the colours and patterns

I've illustrated one of the large Starfish as you can imagine it took a while to do them all and it was great fun experimenting
 Applied Green Gold Media Fluid Acrylic blended Cobalt Turquoise in the centre and Burnt Umber around the edges 
 Highlighted the Pearls with Cadmium Orange

Applied a layer of Interference Magenta to the crab

 Interference Turquoise is just perfect for Marine Life! the Seahorse's and Shark loved it!!

  The main body and elements were painted with Raw Umber


Once dry a heavy wash of Carbon Black followed with Quinacridone Gold for a old rusty iron effect

 Mixed Metallic Silver and Gold 80/20 and dry brushed onto the decorative cogs and around the edges
 Fixed the corals and reeds into the base of the aquarium with Air dry clay and filled with fine grit
The sea creatures were glued onto the corals and reeds
I had to make sure that the glass could still fit over the top and then fix the lid on





DecoArt Products

Thank you for looking and I look forward to seeing all of the wonderful projects you create

Jools :)

18 comments:

  1. WOW Amazing piece of art. It's gorgeous.

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  2. I cannot find the words to tell you how amazing this piece of work is, it has taken my breath away! Brilliant! Angela x

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  3. Oh my gracious..... what a SWIMMINGLY SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF SEAWORTHY SCRUMPTIOUSNESS Jools. YOU just push me deeper and deeper in love with your artwork with every post. After all this time... I never tire of you amazing creativity. XXj.

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  4. Whoa, Jools! I didn't think it was possible, but I do believe you have outdone yourself this time!! What an amazing project!! I have been on the lookout for an old gumball machine for a fun project of my own, but you have just changed the game on me. I am seeing so many other options now. Thank you for the incredible inspiration. Just stunning!!

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  5. One of the most amazing summer projects I have ever seen, Jools! LOVE love love it!
    Claudia xxx

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  6. Fabulous, what a gorgeous idea!!

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  7. wow. i love it ! so many details....great

    greets

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  8. Wow!!!! Can I say it again? WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!!
    Sandy xx

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  9. What a genius recycling idea! I love the bright colours, wonderful sea theme project!

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  10. Oh my gosh Jools this is the most incredibly creative project full of wonderful elements and ideas. LOVE it xxx

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  11. WOW WOW WOW, you sure made something from this item. So creative , love it!

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  12. WOOZER!!!! I totally love all the elements and hues of your project!!! It so AMAZING!!!

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  13. Superb! Fantastic finished piece and loved seeing how you created your steampunk aquarium. Totally brilliant ! X

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