Art is Not Magic: Planning a Project

Closeup of Mardi Gras Mask

Hello! Today I’d like to share a Mardi Gras Mask that I made in honor of my sister, who loves all things New Orleans.

Luminarte Silks Acrylic Glazes

First I’d like to introduce you to Luminarte Silks Acrylic Glazes that shimmer and shine as shown in the photo above. These brand new acrylics are similar to Twinkling H2Os, but are more versatile.

And, I’d also like to share that…

Artists plan projects

Some people think that artists just sit down and create as if by magic – but that’s not at all how it really works. Artists have to plan and practice just like everyone else. So when you see a Design Team project that you truly like, please do not be intimidated by it! Instead use it as inspiration to stretch yourself and try something new-to-you.

Bigger, three-dimensional projects like this Mardi Gras Mask are easier when you break them down into steps. No one step is too difficult. Just concentrate on doing one next thing, and little by little you will get there!

Here is a photo of the final Mardi Gras Mask:

Mardi Gras Mask

Supplies

Luminarte Silks Acrylic Glazes: Key Lime, African Jade, Teal Zircon, Sky Blue, Moonbeams, Snapdragon, and Pixie Pink.
Artistcellar.com Stencils: Brain Coral and Apparatus (gears).
Balzer Design Stencils: Blazonry and Mini Chevron.
The Crafters Workshop Stencils: Harlequin.

Do you plan projects?

Do you practice on scraps or practice materials? Do you test color combinations or patterns? How do you prepare for big projects? When is the last time you challenged yourself to try something new or something bigger?

Thanks for stopping by!

{ 5 appreciated comments }

1 elle February 1, 2013 at 8:16 am: Thanks for sharing your tips and tests. The value of this is pretty evident! Nice job!
2 Paula W February 1, 2013 at 2:54 pm: It’s very rare that I prepare for big or small projects – I’m very much go with the flow…..I found if I think about it to much it doesn’t work but we’re all different in the way we work – there’s no right or wrong way.
BTW Great project.
3 charlene February 1, 2013 at 5:19 pm: love this mask!
4 Indigene Theresa Gaskin February 3, 2013 at 11:57 pm: I find that I do practice, but it’s usually practice I’ve done several years before, that comes out in my work today. So I do believe we practice, and it comes out eventually, maybe not as fast as we’d like it to. :)

I adore masks and I love how you did this. :)
5 Arlene February 5, 2013 at 11:03 pm: Gorgeous mask. Great colors and designs on the mask. Striking!