Easy Frame Update Idea Inspired by the Book, Paint Lab

Today, I have a fun little idea that is simply the combo of a line, a square, a marker and an Ikea natural wood mirror. My inspiration came from Lab #37 in the book, Paint Lab: 52 Exercises inspired by Artists, Materials, Time, Place, and Method. It uses the simple square shape as its base. I got a brand new pack of BIC Metallic markers and nothing inspires a new project than a new set of supplies.

I simply took my quilt ruler and drew squares with the different colored markers. It was easy and added a nice touch to the plain natural wood mirror. And guess who I found that looks really cute next to my new decorated mirror? My little Retro Fawn I made using the little stuffed retro deer pattern.

So look around your world, see what could use a little personal touch, grab a set of markers or paint and draw concentric squares or try on another shape. I bet you will be happy with the outcome!

More about the Quarry book:

Paint Lab: 52 Exercises inspired by Artists, Materials, Time, Place, and Method

by Deborah Forman

Paint Lab is packed with unique and experimental techniques and ideas in painting. This hands-on book is organized into 52 units, which may, but don't need to be explored on a weekly basis. The labs can be worked on in any order, so that you can flip around to learn a new mixed-media technique or be inspired by a particular painting theme or application. The underlying message of this book is that, as an artist, you should learn and gain expertise through experimentation and play. There is no right or wrong result, rather you will find new forms of expression in your work and gain confidence in your skills.

 

Designed to inform and inspire new artists and rekindle passion for painting in experienced artists, this book offers a range of exercises broken down by theme: Who (artist-inspired), What (tools and materials), When (a time-based concept), Where (a sense of place), and How (inspired by a technique or method). 

 

Deborah Forman is a practicing artist and a passionate teacher of art with twenty years of experience instructing students from ages two to eighty. She is currently a visiting assistant professor at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, and an instructor in continuing education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Deborah specializes in teaching the fundamentals: drawing, two-dimensional design, color theory, beginning to advanced painting, and conceptual approach to painting and materials. In her own painting practice, Deborah works within the realm of geometric abstraction, with emphasis on the phenomena of color interaction. Visit her website at www.blueorangeworkshop.com.