Silver Lining

Continuation of this post.

Sorry this is such a disjointed couple of posts but I was jumping from the box room (finishing the nightstand) to my office (finishing the painting) so its a little bit of a chaotic timeline.

As I was saying, I decided I would try my hand at a little painting with some supplies I had laying around. My original idea was of a woman's legs from the knees down, hanging off a pretty bench. (She would be wearing fabulous shoes of course!) But I needed a photo to work off of and despite some serious internet searching, I never found just the thing I was looking for.
LadyJumpPainting1
But while I was searching I found this photo of an incredibly chic woman jumping over a sidewalk curb. So off I went putting a grid down on the canvas.

After finally locating a pencil (how is it possible I only have 1 pencil in my entire house??), I sketched it all out.
LadyJumpPainting2
As you might be able to see, I made a big mistake when I was sketching it on the grid by starting one row down. I realized it too late which required me to redraw the lower half a little bit more squished than the original photo. I'm pretty sure this model was 6 feet tall or more based on the proportions in the photo - so I don't think it was a fatal flaw.
LadyJumpPainting4
I thought about using colors instead of keeping with the black and white...but lets face it, this was already way beyond my pay grade. So I just stuck with black and white and shades of gray.

At this point, it was late so I called it a night on both the painting and the nighstand. Sunday was a new day.

On Sunday morning I got back to work on both the nightstand and the painting. Pointing my attention back at the nightstand, I got back to work in the box room. I had already decided to mimic the look of the mirror by painting it black, now I wanted to go the extra mile by applying a silver leaf effect to the top. Using this kit I had picked up at Dick Blick on Friday night, I started by reading the instructions 3 times.

I think the gold antiquing kit is pictured above. The version I bought was just the plain old silver leaf that came with the silver, the sealer, the size and two brushes. Don't know what those other two bottles would hold but I guess thats the antiquing stuff.

Have to be honest here, the kit sort of stunk. The instructions were too vague but more importantly the included brushes were just aweful. I made the mistake of using them against my better judgement and it made for a messier than necessary job. Next time, I'll make my own kit than you very much.

Anyway, I applied the sealer to the dry black paint. (not pictured, there isn't anything to see as the sealer is clear). As per the box, I had to wait two hours for that to dry. So guess where I went next? To my office to finish the painting.
LadyJumpPainting5
And before long, it was all done. I initialed and dated the corner, wraped the edges in black gaffers tape and set to dry.
LadyJumpPainting8
Pretty sure the Met won't be calling anytime soon as it has some very distinct flaws in perspective and shading but I was pleased with it. I think it will make a nice addition to the gallery wall I'm planning. I just might try to another painting if I can find a photo that strikes me again.

After the two hours are up, I go back to the box room and the sealer is still really wet. I leave it for another hour until my impatience gets the best of me and I pull out my hair dryer. It was finally dry but when I ran my hand across it, it was bumpy. I suspect this was the fault of those aweful brushes. So I did a quick sand down. I think I made the right call on that but who knows.

Finally, its ready for a coat of adhesive "size" (aka glue)
NightstandBefore3b
See how terribly that brush distributes the glue? Ugh. Here is where it gets tricky. The glue goes on white and dries clear. As per the box, the wet to dry time is 60 minutes. But they don't explain at which point you should apply the silver paper. You just sort of have to wing it to determine when it is tacky but not wet. Easier said than done. I ended up waiting almost the entire 60 minutes and it was still wet to the touch but getting much more clear. I'm still not sure I picked the right point but it was a guess just the same.
NightstandBefore4
So I covered the top in overlapping sheets of silver leaf. Not fun to work with really. Its extremely thin and fragile and never landed exactly where I wanted it to. Sorry, no in progress shots as my hands were covered in glue and silver leaf mid install. I let the leaves sit there for a few before using a proper brush to wipe away the excess. Im so glad I didnt use those aweful included brushes because they are so stiff, they would have certainly ruined all my hard work. After the first pass, I had a few larger broken areas which I "patched" with extra pieces.
NightstandBefore6
Let me tell you - what a mess!!! That silver paper flies everywhere.
Silver Leaf Nightstand 5
There are still small imperfections in the finish where the black shows through but I'm okay with those. I'm less happy with how the very edges aren't even. I could go back with some more size and silver and see if I can even it up. Or I could just leave it and let the imperfection read as old world charm. I couldn't decide so I opted to think a little more about it before I covere the whole thing in an acrylic sealer and attach new hardware.

So while I was thinking it over, I repainted the gray chair I plan on using in the guest bedroom. Looks so much better black, don't you think?
ChairGrayChairGraytoBlack

I still haven't decided what to do about the nightstand in a weeks time, I'll be posting the as-good-as-its-going-to-get completion of the guest room.

Until then, here are the silver leaf photos and sidewalk jumping lady photos in case you couldn't take my long winded explanation of it.

Sheesh, I certainly do ramble on and on.

19 comments:

  1. Wow....really cool! I've never "seen" anyone draw like that. You make it look easy but I know I wouldn't be able to do that! You rock! I like your other projects too...you've been a busy, busy lady.

    Hope you don't kill your hyacinth...that smell so good and spring-like.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are way too hard on yourself! You are seriously talented! Love the chair in black!

    ReplyDelete
  3. OK, are you serious...like how much talent do you have...I am weak here..WOW what a great job...How about you just open an antique shop with custom art!

    ReplyDelete
  4. WOW! I think your painting is fabulous! Are you kidding? It's wonderful and you did it! I think it is great how you delve in and get it done. Your home is such a nice reflection of your resourcefulness- I love that!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fabulous! Love the painting and can't wait to see the night stand in action :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really like the silver leaf on table-that's a fabulous idea! We'll see if I'm brave enough to try that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love it! Especially the painting. You are so flipping awesome

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are seriously talented.
    Honestly, your ingenuity and talent leaves me dumbfounded sometimes...

    I can't wait to see the finshed nightstand!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Love your painting! You got mad skills!!!!!! That's way beyond me...

    But, I do have some leafing experience. If you go to my blog today I have a WHOLE ceiling in the stuff. I have a few pointers...

    1) keep baby powder on your hands all the time... otherwise the leaf will stick to the oils in your skin.

    2)cut wax paper out in a square just a bit bigger than the leaf. Use it to help pick the leaf up and lay it where you want. That way you are tearing the edges off.

    3). Sometimes rather than try to apply it in squares, you can crumple the leaf up and almost dab it on.... it will show more of the underneath, but it sure is easier.

    4) Use an old sock to rub all the excess leaf off cuz sometimes the brushes do scratch.

    With all that being said.... I want your nightstand, it look beautiful!!!!!! You did a marvelous job on it!

    Don't give up on leafing.... it's messy, but looks so great!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous6:58 AM

    The chair is perfect. You did wonderfully (much better in black - does the fabric justice)
    Love the shiny table too...just great!

    ReplyDelete
  11. great job on all of your projects!

    in case you were curious, the picture is a Richard Avedon from 1957 when he shot with Harper's Bazarre and Vogue. he's one of my all time favorite photographers.

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh, and my name is Pamela, btw. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. You deserve waaay more credit than you're giving yourself! The painting's absolutely lovely. B/f I read mxq's comment I thought to myself, it has the feel of one of those vintage Vogue covers. LOVE.

    And the new black paint makes your chair fabric just pop!

    ReplyDelete
  14. and wow, did i butcher the spelling of BAZAAR! whoops!

    ReplyDelete
  15. The chair is awesome! Wow, that black really makes the fabulous fabric rock. And, hello -- you've got pretty mad drawing skills. I think Jumping Gal looks amazing.

    I've never tried silver leafing but my friend Jim has warned me against. :-) He silver leafed the inside of an old secretary and said it was a p.i.t.a. That said, it is GORGEOUS.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, you are so talented. I just love that canvas you did. Everytime I come in to check your blog you amaze me.....

    Yep definitely agree, chair looks great in black.

    ReplyDelete
  17. you're awesome. i love the artwork you did of the girl with the umbrella. so inspiring, thanks for showing the process.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous8:28 PM

    Mrs. Limestone:
    I love the Grisaille look of your drawing! I also like your blog and love your beautiful home and office.
    I thought you might look here http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevboy/sets/986975/ for some similar photos. There's a great one of a woman walking a dog that might lend itself as a companion piece. (toward the bottom are the 50s models.
    I think you draw great.

    ReplyDelete
  19. WOW!!! I love love love the painting. You did an incredible job.

    ReplyDelete

There is nothing that thrills me more than hearing from readers. Please share your thoughts. ♥

Follow @ Instagram

© 2007-2020 Brooklyn Limestone. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
Back to Top