In times of Yore a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift would be to have family members, especially her children sit for cut out Silhouette Portraiture. In modern day the process can be shorted to these few steps:
Step 1 – Take Photo. Take a side profile photo (your phone is fine) of the child against a white wall.
Step 2 – Upload Photo.
Step 4 – Tape Paper To Computer And Trace.
Step 5 – Cut It Out.
Step 6 – Glue Onto Black Paper.
Step 7 – Glue Onto Final Background Paper.
Step 8 – Sign And Date.
An Easy Peasy DIY Reimagining of an Ancient Tradition.
These are the inspirations for this artwork.
- Gather Supplies.
- Clump on Metallic Paint of Copper and Gold with an Old Paintbrush on GSLC Steampunk Lady.
- While Paint is Still Well Sprinkle with Spices-I Used Cinnamon, Apple Pie Spice and Chili Powder. Spray with Cheap Hairspray to Seal.
- Use Back Portion of GSLC Layered Frames Carlon to Cut Out a Metallic Blue Card Stock Back.
- Use WeldBond to Glue GSLC Steampunk Lady to Metallic Blue Card Stock.
- Paint Back Portion of GSLC Layered Frames Carlon With Dark Green and Brown Acrylic Paints.
- Paint Top Portion of GSLC Layered Frames Carlon With Ocean Blue Stencil Butter.
- Glue Top Portion to Back Portion of GSLC Layered Frames Carlon. Dry Flat and Weighted Down.
- Glue GSLC Steampunk Lady Prepared Pieces to Back of Frames.
- Use Green and Blue Paints to Add Patina to the Combined Pieces.
- Use Ranger Glossy Accents to Seal in GSLC Steampunk Lady, When Fully Dry it Will Appear as Glass Inside the Frames.
Final Thoughts
A Steampunk Woman’s Silhouette might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it a fun nod to an olden art form that may one day come back into fashion. As it is spoken, “Everything Old is New Again”.
Silhouette (profile) portraiture was the popular way to recreate an image of oneself or loved one before the invention and common use of photography in the mid 1800’s. During the years of 1500 and 1860, professional and amateur artists would either paint or cut profiles – using paints or scissors.
This past Summer I visited Glenstone , a unique art museum in Potomac, Maryland. This museum integrates art, architecture, and nature in a serene contemplative environment. Throughout the nearly 300 acres landscape is a form of art. The landscapes include path, trails, streams, meadows, forests and outdoor sculptures.
One of the artists on display was Kara Walker , she takes silhouettes to grandiose level. They covered museum walls, and are haunting and provocative. Her silhouettes depict a historical narrative one with hidden sexuality, violence and subjugation. Her silhouettes are thought provoking, boldly bringing the secrets of our nations past into light. The sharp edges of the cut papers reminds us of the broken hearts and dreams of these antebellum figures portrayed in many of her art pieces. Her artwork is witty and unsettling.
This would be a nice poem to attach to your DIY Silhouette Portraiture if you choose to create one.
Mama's Shadow
When I was a kid (you know, last year)
I was like your shadow, always near.
While learning what the world was about
I followed your footsteps day in and day out.
There were so many things I wanted to know.
You answered my questions and helped me to grow.
All too soon Mama I will be grown
And making my way in this world on my own.
When you remember the good times we had
And wish I was with you, don't be sad.
Just stand by this picture and pretend
That I am your shadow once again.
~Wanda Atkinson
Supplies: Supplies: GSLC Layered Frames Carlon, GSLC Steampunk Lady, Metallic Paint Copper and Gold, Paintbrush, Spices-Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Chili Powder, Cheap Hairspray, Metallic Blue Card Stock, Scissors, WeldBond Glue, Dark Green and Brown Acrylic Paint,Blue Ocean Stencil Butter, Green And Blue Acrylic Paints, Ranger Glossy Accents
I cannot wait to see your interpretation of this project. Share it on the Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts Craft Group Page on Facebook. I would love to see what new creations you are working on!
