I was working on a different post and started processing some images... and realized I had some nice photos of some of my recent hand painted stones, so instead I decided to add these as my official entry for the "Monday Red" in @kalemandra's ongoing photography #colorchallenge.
A fairly large handpainted stone-- this one took about 5-6 hours to complete
As some of you who follow these pages regularly may know, my creative outlet has long been to paint intricate mandala designs on stones my wife and I find while beach combing on local beaches.
A smaller stone in mostly shades of red, with a central spiral
I have been somewhat fascinated by sacred geometry, patterns in nature, church window mosaics and more since I was quite young-- my favorite toy as a youngster was the "Spirograph;" anyone remember those?
I started painting on stones in part as a personal meditation, and in part because some friends asked me if I would make them some "meditation objects."
As it turned out, not only do I really enjoy the process... but they have become quite popular as art objects; most of the stones I create end up being sold in our local small art and gift gallery, as well as through my online shops on eBay and Etsy.
This one is a little larger, in shades of red and pink
Depending on the sizes, the smaller stones (about 1 1/2" to 2" -- 3-5cm-- across) take me about 30-60 minutes to paint; larger designs generally 3-6 hours or more. The stone in the top photo is about 5" (12cm) across.
I use a quite thick flowing oil-based paint, which is applied with a combination of very fine brushes, a type of paint "pen," toothpicks and even old fountain pen nibs I can dip in paint to make tiny marks. After the stone dries for about 5-6 days, it is treated with a clear coat of lacquer to protect the design and highlight the colours.
Anyway, these were some recent designs with a considerable red element, so I thought I'd present them here-- hope you like them!
A fairly large handpainted rock-- one of the few I have done on a pale stone
How about YOU? Do you have a creative or artistic outlet? Do you paint or make something by hand, either for relaxation or as a business? Leave a comment-- share your experiences-- be part of the conversation!
(As usual, all text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is original content, created expressly for Steemit)
Posted 20170904 23:34 PDT
At first glance there is a resemblance to the motive and color selection with the motive of my province. this cool @denmarkguy
Thank you.
Those are very cool denmarkguy! I remember Spirograph :-)
Sacred geometry came to mind when I first seen your beautiful stone art! I like to work with beads, crochet and drawing geometry patterns mostly for enjoyment and to give as gifts.
Thank you for the kind words! There are definitely lots of interesting ways to find creative expression.
This is great art I like it, very beautiful indeed. Have you done any sacred geometry of the vikings?
Thank you! Yes, I have done a little bit of work with Viking inspired geometric patterns-- mostly running borders and what they called "grabbing animals."
Ok, that sounds great. I'm just inspired of that old viking style, their building style, embroidery style and geometric patterns etc. to be honest anything old and ancient :-)
Wow that's really cool. In India we create rangolis outside our home, its not on the rock but on the road.
Something like this
PC : http://discoveringindia.net
That's quite beautiful-- made with chalk powder?
Yes they are made up of chalk powder, especially in south India you will see Ladies create this outside their home every morning. Not in this grand way but relatively smaller.
Amazing job... I hope this post get more upvotes 👍
Thanks!
Amazing art! Stones are so beautiful
Thank you @pepe.maya!
I'm not sure if I have mentioned it before but I really like your painted stones. Obviously many others do too. It's wonderful that you use different "hobbies" to make a living!
"my favorite toy as a youngster was the "Spirograph;" anyone remember those?" Oh yes, that was all the rage when I was a kid!