How to be Resilient

How to be Resilient

5.5" x 6" x .5"

Mixed media- acrylic paint and colored pencil on wood burned oak board.

Often overlooked as a common weed, Plantain is a small plant with a lot of strength and medicinal gifts to offer. I often find this leafy plant growing up through the rocks in my gravel driveway or pushing between the cracks in the sidewalk. I am so grateful it is resilient and easy to find because whenever I need a quick balm for a bee sting it is close by ready to help! Just mash up the leaves and put them directly on the ouchie and things start to feel better.

My process began by layering gesso on oak boards. On this clean white surface, I made an observational drawing of the arrangement. Then, using a wood burner, I engraved the bouquet into the board and sanded it to create a clean surface to paint on. Next, I brought the image to life with acrylic paint and colored pencil. My final step was to scratch fine details into the painting with an x-acto knife.

All of my paintings are finished with an archival varnish to ensure longevity.

I recommend putting the painting in a space without direct sunlight to ensure color preservation.