“It looks like I’m listening to you, but I’m really thinking about the paper I just ordered.” -Funny Quote

I am participating in the 61 Day ICAD 2021 challenge hosted by Tammy @gypsy999 Instagram! Last year, I did a hundred-day challenge independently and this year I was just going to do it on my own again but was encouraged by others to partake in Tammy’s challenge.

This past Tuesday started the annual ICAD Challenge and I usually don’t follow prompts on demand but so far, I have gone with it and have really enjoyed this week’s challenges.

Day One: The prompt for this day was, Contraption. I was delighted with this challenge. I had thought about doing clock gears or something along those lines, but knew that many others would probably do the same. I had this sticker transfer I have been wanting to use and thought the bicycle perfect for this challenge. When bicycles first came about, I can imagine people wondering all sorts of things about the contraption and that it will never take hold or wasn’t ladylike for women to ride them. Ha! Sure enough…

Supplies: Index Card/Ink/Sticker Transfer/Faux Postage Stamp/Dollartree Butterfly/Tim Holtz words/Paper Studio Sticker

Day Two: The prompt for this day was, Snapdragon. The flower is symbolic in a big way and I wrote a poem about it. Alas, I didn’t not share it on Instagram but perhaps I will share it on here at some point. I did have a fellow artist read it, and he really liked it.

I’m an abstract painter so the snapdragons were a bit of a challenge for me to create on a small scale. Though I must say, at least the colors are pretty and the houses give a whimsical feel to the piece. I did doodle paint the sky and doodling is a theme in this challenge. I got a lot of great response with this card.

Supplies: Index Card/paper collage/Acrylic Paint/Ink/Stamps

Day Three: The prompt for this day was, Lyrics.I chose Fall for You – Secondhand Serenade. I was going to go with Fade into You by Mazzy Star when I first read the icad prompt. Her song has such soulful meaning, heart- wrenching depth, and pure raw emotion.

However, after much thought, I decided to go with Fall for You. This song came to my mind while I was painting yesterday afternoon, for various reasons, and it really struck a chord with me for today’s prompt.

Afterthought: I was a teenager when Mazzy’s song came out in the 90s. I’ve always felt her song poetic, her voice other-worldly and everything I mentioned above. Will have to create a special piece in homage of her.

Supplies: Index Card (4″ × 6″)/paper collage/Words/Ink/Stamps

Day Four: The prompt for this day was, Snow Globe.

Blizzard

I have never made a snow globe before and I could have easily just printed out a pattern and paint over it. But I wanted to be authentic and create mine own from scratch. I knew I needed to do a lot of shading on the globe, so it looks like glass and to make it look like you’re seeing through it. I drew a circle and the base separately, then started my painting process. The background of the card is painted grey and I used a stamp for a wallpaper look. I’m thrilled with the outcome and this project has boost my confidence in my craft.

Supplies: Index Card/Snow Globe Sketch on paper/Acrylic Paint/Ink/Stamp

Day Five: The prompt for this day is, Verdigris. I LOVE this challenge. I’ve created using this method and colors before and enjoyed re-visiting the process. Verdigris meaning, “A bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass by atmospheric oxidation, consisting of basic copper carbonate.”

Supplies: Index Card/Tissue Paper/PVA/
Acrylic Paint -Yellow Ochre, Raw Umber Dark, Teal (Bleu Lagon), and Satin Teal/Distress Ink around the edges

I look forward to sharing the rest of this week’s challenge and the following week with you next Saturday! My wish is for you to be inspired and encouraged. -Stephanie Hopkins

Check out my art journey on Instagram and at my Mixed Media Art Gallery here at Layered Pages!