American Folk Art; Index Card Conclusion

Theorem painting.

Sharpie pen and watercolor

 on an index card.

This index card art was inspired by

theorem painting, a turn of the 19th century

art form that was taught to young ladies in

the New England area of America. Women in

academies and boarding schools were taught

to embroider samplers and paint theorems,

as a way to become 'accomplished ladies.'

A true theorem was created using stencils.

(so my work, above, is not a true theorem,

but inspired by the fruit still life often depicted)

Theorems often featured fruit, flowers, and 

sometimes birds or insects. They were often

painted on velvet, but also on paper or wood.

Folk art flowers

I delight in the varied flower shapes

and leaves on one stem.

Traditional American folk art

would have used primary colors,

but actual antiques would have a

subdued color palette due to their aging.

The angel, above, is created using 

flourishes and a flower.

Trees, flowers and birds would have been

used on family records, award certificates,

and even mourning art.

The bird above, inspired by an

image that was termed a "peacock."

I have modified its design, but the

long, thin shape is true to the colonial art.

"Pop Ten"

The one card on this post that isn't American Folk Art.

Collaged from a root beer soda carton,

 a Chinese calendar image, a postage stamp,

and a scrap of vintage wall paper.

Was the Index Card a Day Challenge

successful for me?

1.  I didn't make art every single day, but I did keep going for the entire two months, even if I had to make several cards in one day. 
2. I found myself working "in series," which helped me explore a subject, medium, or style in more depth.
3. I did more 'drawing from life' on the index cards than I usually do on my art journal pages. I consider that a positive thing.
4. At first, I spent quite a bit of time visiting other bloggers' sites and commenting on their work. That became time prohibitive, so I was unable to keep it up. Perhaps that is the same situation other artist bloggers found themselves in, because not many visitors commented on my posts after a while. I wonder--were you tired of seeing index cards?
5. I did stick it out for the whole challenge, and have 61 cards to show for it. Some may become mail art, some will go into art journal pages.  I plan to make something to hold the rest of the cards to keep them together.
6. I didn't do any acrylic painting. I think time constraints were the reason.
7. I found that I don't require a "challenge" to make art, but it did give me a "deadline" and a focus. I was more conscious of my commitment to make art. When I go for a few days without drawing or painting, I get that restless feeling, as though I've missed something important. Something as simple as drawing on an index card (or in my art journal) helps me feel happier. A specific deadline brings that need to the fore. A self-imposed deadline could be what is needed.

In the next few months, stop by to see wedding crafts!