Artist Introduction- Claire

Say hello to one of our newest Etsy Team Members! Claire Bentley.

How did I start Silk painting... well, I have been surrounded by arts, crafts and in particular Embroidery all my childhood as my Mum is a very talented Embroiderer, which she teaches too. She used Silk painting as part of her work, so I had seen her do it, then embroider over the top. I had a go at Embroidery, but it wasn't for me and went in a completely different route, becoming a Jewellery Designer as my career, where I have stayed for the last 20 years.

I wanted to try something different and had done some internet research on silk painting, finding the most amazing painting. I have a passion of colour, so as a Christmas present a couple of years ago, my mum gave me a Silk painting kit.

I created a few paintings which hang on my walls at home, but I thought I would like to see if I could create some others with the views of selling them.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, my head is full of it and usually have too many ideas and can't get them down on paper quick enough. Nature is a big one, painting flowers and a few animals, but my 2 latest projects I am working on are a patterned VW camper van and Peter & Paul Catherdal in St Petersburg - just at the drawing stage, but very excited about getting the design onto silk!

I am a novice Silk painter and learn as I go, but I love it, especially when its colour time and the paint spreads into the silk!


Her Shop

Sarah Wisemen- Featured Artist

Introducing one of our newest members of the silk artist team on Etsy, Sarah Wisemen and her story how she got into silk painting.

I first tried silk painting about 15 years ago. I was staying with a friend whose mum is an art teacher, and she ran a silk painting workshop for us in her kitchen. I painted a gecko on a tree, surrounded by flowers, leaves, berries and ferns, and I loved the painting so much that I still have it on the wall of my living room today.

From that moment I was hooked. I went home and bought all the gear, and I’ve been painting on silk ever since. I usually paint wildlife and plants, and my paintings are inspired by the wildlife I have encountered in the UK, and on my travels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

I also paint in watercolour, and I’ve done watercolour illustrations for three children’s books, on trees, invertebrates and birds.

I live in Scotland, and I’ve worked for a variety of nature conservation organisations. When my last contract finished at the end of 2013, I decided to focus on painting and trying to sell my art. I’ve just opened my Etsy shop.

Website – www.sarahwisemanart.co.uk

Etsy- www.etsy.com/shop/SarahWisemanArt
Facebook-  www.facebook.com/sarahwisemanart

Lost Gutta- A Tutorial by Leanne Holt

I stumbled upon a technique that has some useful applications. I am calling it Lost Gutta. I'm sure it's not new, just new to me.

This involves placing your gutta line over an existing background color. You use the gutta line the same way you would use batik wax - to create shape or an edge.



Adding the next layer of color gives you the chance to create an edge. Wherever the new color touches your gutta line, you will have an edge.
 

If you do not place any color next to the gutta line, like the pink flower in previous picture with the arrow, the line will be lost when the gutta is removed.



This gives you the opportunity to create edges where you want them, without having a solid gutta line around your entire design.




The finished scarf


 

Happy Creating!

Leanne Holt
Flingamo Scarves