Elysian Field Originals » fairy

Leaf Art ~During~

vashley — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 05:25:54 +0000

A few days ago I posted some pictures of assorted leaves I’d done and what they look like before I draw or paint them. I thought today I’d show you a progression of how some look so far. I have so many ideas and things I’d like to try but for now here are a few pics of current works in progress.

When I’m painting faces or images on my leaves I work in layers of color so that from different angles you can see the face but in a more subtle way. As in nature the hint of life and personality are “just” there beneath the surface.

The gilded leaf was a practice in doing a bas relief on a leaf and I had fun playing around with it. The leaf was such an odd shaped one and I still don’t know what it was or is. I’ll post some pictures in a few days of the finished pieces.

Till then…

FAE Magazine and Silas…

vashley — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:29:35 +0000

Yes, I know, dear reader, I am a bad blogger, and as many of my artist friends would say, “Valerie stand in the corner!”

Ok…now that my stint in the corner is over, I’ve trudged back over to my laptop in tutu and combat boots to write to you. (I am very unorthodox fey you see in dress and deed)

For those of you who are newly come to my art…WELCOME! For my regular readers and friends, I’m glad to see your lovely shining faces once again.

Things have been crazy busy at Elysian Fields, many new techniques to try out and I’ve been working on stretching the boundaries in my work with polymer clay. I’m also thrilled that the medium is enjoying new kudos and has begun to be taken more seriously as “fine art”. Many amazing artists have pioneered and paved the way to make it easier for the rest of us to focus on creating, and for that I am truly grateful and inspired.

I also want to give a very special Thank You to Karen Kay, editor of FAE Magazine in the UK, for launching my first exclusive feature as an emerging fantasy artist. She is a truly amazing lady and I’m looking forward to the day I can fly over to give her a hug in person. Thank you also to the many emails I’ve received from all of you on my art as well, it really is great to hear from people and connect with you all…it is inspiring and always a welcome surprise when I open my mail.

So, now the seasons are changing and we’re heading into Winter, and that means all ten fingers and toes will be very busy creating new and unusual Nature Spirits, as well as a return to some

of my popular miniature sculpts. If nothing else that will silence, Silas, my house Brownie, who loves to sit amongst them like he is High King of it all and they his court paying homage. I don’t dare correct him for fear I’ll lose another necklace to his mini rampages. In the past if I forget to leave him his milk and honey he wreaks havoc around here and scowls most ferociously at me. I act duly chastened but really love the scolding he gives me, he sounds like a squirrel chattering away.

That’s it for the moment…I’m busy today finishing up on some new pieces to add to my Etsy shop. For those unfamiliar with Etsy it is a venue for all things hand made and a neat place to show and sell my art. Stop in, take a peek around and let me know if I can help you with anything, if I’m busy I’m sure Silas would love to help, although I’d keep a close eye on any sparklies you may be wearing…

Valerie & Silas

A Dryad’s Dream

vashley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

Winter’s here and tree spirits are slumbering. Here is a quick peek at a dryad as she sleeps in her Maple leaf.

Nouveau Tree Nymph

vashley — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:04:00 +0000

A unique blend of Nouveau and Nature!

This tiny art nouveau style bas relief of a tree nymph is set into an imprint of a 2″ Norway Maple leaf from Rhode Island. Both are sculpted using Kato clay. The leaf has been colored with inks and mica powders and the fairy nymph is colored using watercolors then sealed.
The brown leather necklace is 20″ with amber glass beads, silver beads, sterling silver bail and a hand crafted sterling silver clasp.

Lady of the Woods

vashley — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 18:38:00 +0000

Thought I’d post a few pictures of a piece I’m working on. I went for a walk yesterday and found some beautiful Birch tree and Silver Maple leaves to imprint. I have a few more tweaks to do, then I’ll create the bail and necklace pieces.
I also decided to do reversible leaf pendants, for an added option.

Update:Here is a picture of the finished piece. I listed it on Etsy Monday and it sold that night! Nature rocks!!