A Broken Art

2010-09-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

I finished another Torso. I call her Miss Scrappy, because i used all left over pieces of glass, hence the name Scappy!

2010-09-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

I finished my first Torso!
Used my handpainted glass cut down to 1/2" squares or smaller, will grout her grey. I call her "Out of The Pacific"

2010-08-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Well, here is my latest experiment. My friend bought a bathing suit at Costco and the hanger was a plastic mold of a female. I had my guy fill it with cement and put a hanger on the back and wa'la....i have a torso to mosaic!

2010-08-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

I urge all of you that are serious about mosaic art to join CMA (Contemporary Mosaic Art), here is the link.

mosaicsandceramics.ning.com

Sign up for acceptance, they do screen, as it is not a social network site, rather a site for mosaic artists. When prompted to, send photos etc. and you will be accepted. It takes a few days.

You cannot sell unless you are a paying advertiser.
It is a great site for learning and inspiration.

2010-08-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

In between commissions and i get a chance to work on my Virgin.

Jan's Butterflies Complete

2010-08-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

2010-07-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

We have been having lot's of fun with polymer clay this week,
inspired by a book written by Laurie Mika.

Jan's Butterflies Installed

2010-07-27T08:29:00.001-07:00

The Insallation God's were with us on Saturday.

Only took 3 hours to install and the customer loves it.
Will be back next Saturday to grout.

Jan's Butterflies (WIP)

2010-06-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have been commissioned to do a Bamboo Forest with Butterflies.
The funnest part is inventing the Butterflies.
I kinda feel like Mother Nature herself!

I am using Han d Made Mexican Tiles.

Kane's Mirror

2010-04-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my latest mirrors for my good friends Carol and Pat Kane. They ordered 3 in all, i guess they like my work!

It is my handpainted glass that was produced to match the 2 glass balls that were already on the dresser. I also made a small dish to hold the balls for a "thank-you".

Kane's Mirror

2010-04-20T09:08:00.001-07:00

Here is a close-up for detail.
In case you wondered.......
Over 9,000 pieces!

2010-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have started a mirror for my beautiful friend Lee Ann and thought i would share the process with you. My inspiration is the gorgeous antique wood furniture in the room. It has layers and layers of paint ranging from turquoise to red and gold.

Lee Ann is a good friend and a masterful artist (check out her blog at www.sunsoulart.com), the pressure is on and i hope she likes it!

2010-04-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the glass after i have painted it. The customers get a little worried when they see it like this.

2010-04-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the glass flipped over and stacked........looks a little better huh?

2010-04-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have prepped the frame with copper colored metallic paint.

2010-04-14T07:32:00.000-07:00

I have cut the glass and am ready to start gluing down. Doesn't it look cool? My inspiration is the antique wood furniture in the room which has layers of old paint.

2010-04-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

I told you i would be back!

Knocked out this piece, called "Easter 2010", in 2 days. It is my own hand painted glass mounted on wood, and measures 1 ft. x 2 ft. It hasn't been grouted yet, waiting for customer approval. The customer has purchased the piece to hang in the hospital room of a friend recovering from cancer.

Religious pieces are my favorite to do and it is AMAZING how fast you can accomplish a piece when you enjoy doing it.

She's Alive......She's Alive!!!!

2010-04-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

I just looked at my blog and cannot believe i have not posted since August of 2009! Where has the time gone?

Life in my little pueblito is different than most as we are totally reliant on the tourist season which is November 15th until March 15th and WOW has it been a good year. Tons of workshops, private clinics and i have contracted consignments to last the whole summer.

I founded The Bucerias Art Walk (check it out at thebuceriasartwalk.com) back in '06 and we had a stellar 4th season. This is also the second season of my art center which i named The Bucerias Art Walk Plaza....."Where Life is an Art Walk". We have 4 Galleries a Cooking School, a Painting School and of course a Mosaic School. The FOX Network out of San Antonio, Texas was here to do a tourist segment. Check me out at vamostravelshow.com Episode 6, Part 5.

Then in January i hosted the First Annual Bucerias Chalk Art Walk and Taste of Riviera Nayarit. We had 3 chalk artists from the U.S. and 3 from Mexico creating art on the streets of Bucerias, with 13 Restaurants participating in the 3 day event. It was capped off with classes for over 30 Mexican children in the art of chalk drawing on the streets.

Last month The Wall Street Journal was hired by The Mexican Board of Tourism to do a 17 segment article on Mexico called Memoirs of Mexico and guess where their first stop was? The Bucerias Art Walk Plaza of course! The writers partook in mosaic workshops and cooking classes. The articles should start around April 17th, 2010.

Whew.........see, i have been busy........with a capital B and a capital Z!

I will start to post photos of all these events soon, but got to go now, the photographers from Maxwell Magazine are here to do a feature article on A Broken Art.

It's all sunglasses and autographs from now on!

Mesh Mosaic Installation Tutorial

2009-08-12T05:18:00.000-07:00

First layout your project on paper.

2009-08-12T05:15:00.000-07:00

Now place your mesh over your layout and trace the image onto your mesh. I like to use a regular black permanent marker. I save my layouts, you never know when you can use it again!

Here is a close up of the mesh. I purchase mine at a local upholstery fabric store, but you might be able to find it where you are for less $ somewhere else. Just make sure it is strong enough. If you can tear it.....don't use it. Make your sections no larger than 3ft. x 3ft. if possible. You will have to lift the sections later and they can get heavy.

2009-08-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

Place wax or parchment paper under your mesh. This is to prevent your mesh from sticking to your work table. Now start adhering your mosaic to the mesh. At this time I would like to discuss your adhesive. Remember, the adhesive that we will be using at this point is only to adhere the mosaic to the mesh. The mosaic as a whole will later be adhered with thinset and grout. I LOVE to use a hot glue gun. Many mosaic artists are surprised at this, but I swear by it for this method. It is fast, clean and leaves a nice small bead that allows alot of thinset to seep through the mesh.
I have used hot glue for this method for over 10 years with no problem.
(Note: we will be switching to another project for the following sequence of this tutorial)

2009-08-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

When you are finished mounting your mosaic, trim away any excess mesh. Trim as close to the tile as possible, even trying to "under cut" the mesh. You will be tempted to dissect your project now, but wait until the next step.
(Note: we have switched over to another project, you are not going crazy!)

2009-08-12T04:55:00.000-07:00

Now that you have finished mounting your mosaic on the mesh, it is time to turn it over to remove the wax/parchment paper. If it is a large project you will need help. You might have the urge to cut any large project into sections now, don't. It is much easier after you have turned it over, removed the wax/parchment paper, and then use a box cutter to cut through the mesh.

It is very important to remove ALL of the wax/parchment paper. Note the little beads that are left behind when I use the glue gun. This allows maximum seepage of the thinset through the mesh.

2009-08-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

We have traced the image on the wall and are prepping the wall to receive the mosaic. If the surface has been painted it needs to be "roughed up" a little. Then the thin set is applied.

2009-08-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Now we are mounting the actual mosaic. Use a float to "slap" it good.......don't worry it likes it! Do not be surprised when some pieces fall off. About 10% of the pieces will, that is normal. I just go behind my helpers and put a little thin set on the piece and stick it back in place.

2009-08-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here we are grouting..........Whenever my mosaic is not "wall to wall",
I like to create a small lip around the subject.
Check it out on the final project.

2009-08-11T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished project!

Finito!

2009-07-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Now all I have left is the last panel.
I love the leaf, I think it softens up the mosaic.

The Customer is ALWAYS right!

2009-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

More Orange!
So I did....

Last Panel

2009-07-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here I am starting the last panel.
I had to re-do the layout due to a change
in the electrical outlet.
Also
Notice how I changed the direction of the stem for the center flower. I want it to "tie-in" to the last panel so the last flower doesn't seem so isolated.

Round & Round

2009-07-29T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well the customer picked brown. A tip for solid circles.......draw a circle in the circle to make sure that you are staying true to the curve. It will be a great guideline and you will see if you go off center right away.

Let's Get Centered

2009-07-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

OK, I have re-done the petals for more red.

Now we have to get centered.
Which one do you like?

Beachcombing

2009-07-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

I pulled in a great haul this morning.
It is amazing how the beach changes each day.
I am so blessed
to have this at my doorstep.
Meet Rhett Catt
Frankly dear I don't think he gives a damn!

The Customer is Always Right!

2009-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

I sent a progress photo to my customer and she wants more red, so
I say let there be RED! I have flagged which petals will be changed
and I think that will give her the effect she wants.
Thank goodness for this modern day technology.
We are about 2,000 miles apart....that would have been an expensive re-do!

Work Overload

2009-07-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

Now I'm REALLY jammin on this.

Received some bad news and this is my therapy!

Back to Work

2009-07-06T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well it's time to get back to work. I have accomplished quite a bit, just haven't had time to post photos. So here you are, some progress photos. I've got the blue background down and have started the "cross over" to the next panel.

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:55:00.001-07:00

I use 4mm windowpane strips, that measure 1" x 12". I have my glass guy cut them in the strips. They run 2 strips for one cent. There is thinner glass, but I use 4mm because it is the same thickness as mirror. What ever thickness you decide, make sure you ALWAYS get the same thickness, so you can mix the leftovers of one project with another. Sometimes there is an oil on the glass that must be wiped off with a paper towel before you paint.

............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

I use any acrylic paint I can get my hands on.
The metallics are great for special effects.

........Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:52:00.001-07:00

We are going to be putting 3 layers of paint on each strip of glass, so remember LESS IS MORE. The first coat I call Press and Swirl.
Use a little dollop and hold the glass strip firmly. Press down hard and swirl the paint down the strip. You will have to get more painton your finger about 4 more times for each strip. Don't get lazy and put a lot of paint on your finger, it won't work. Always go in one direction and don't go back over your work. the paint dries fast and you will just wipe it off. I can't stress enough how you must embrace the irregularities of this process. One strip will be cut into 48 pieces and each one needs to look different. NO UNIFORMITY!

..........Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here are two pieces that are complete after the first step
"Press and Swirl"

........Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Now We Tap and Drag. After the first step of Press and Swirl has dried completely, get another dollop of another color of paint. Tap a spot on the glass and turn your finger to the side and drag the paint back and forth. Lightly now, this is a wet on wet process and you do not want to wipe off the paint underneath. This is the most difficult step, so be patient. The metallic paints seem to move easier and I strongly suggest you use metallic paint for this Tap and Drag step.The secret to this step is to put the glass right on the edge of your work surface. It will keep your fist out of the way.

After you Tap and Drag about an inch down the strip of glass, stop pick up the glass and turn it over. Hold your hand under the glass to get a true read of what the colors will look like and make sure there is enough contrast between the two colors. If not, change to another color and continue on to finish the strip of glass.

........Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here are two photos of the finished Tap and Drag.
First from the painted side, and then from the glass side.
Please accept my apologies for the photos.Glass is REALLY hard to photograph, especially with a flash.

The most important thing here is to make sure you put on the second coat shear enough to be able to still see through it and the third coat can be seen.............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:44:00.001-07:00

Finally the third step which is The Flood.
Here we put on the last coat. Just rub on a solid coat of the third color. Don't go overboard and make it two thick or it will never dry. Again after the first inch, turn it over and make sure you like it. If not it is not too late to change the color. I have used 4 different Flood Coat Colors to show you how you can change the effects.

...............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:42:00.001-07:00

Now I have finished painting my strips.
Next turn them over and mark off 1" intervals.
It is important to mark on the glass side and not on the painted side. The marks will come off during the grouting process.

..........Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

I use regular tile nippers to cut my glass. First cut the strip in half, it is easier to handle. Then cut them down to the 1" pieces and stack them. This will prevent them from picking up shards on the back.
Keep a brush ready to sweep up shards in between each strip.

............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T21:36:00.001-07:00

Now cut the 1" squares into 4 pieces.
Remember to wear protective eyewear.

............Continued

Hand Painted Glass Tutorial

2009-06-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished pieces. They look like little jewels don't they? I hope you can see the different effects with the 4 different flood coats that I used. I have tried using brushes, sponges and feathers to get different effects, but always return to my fingers. Mostly because the "tools" make the pieces look too uniform and the cut pieces all turn out the same. The last piece of green painted glass is a sample of the Press and Swirl pattern I use when I keep the pieces in the large 1" size. You have to mix it up a little more. If you are going to apply the glass onto a mirror surface, just use step 1 & 2 so you can see through to the mirror. I use regular white Elmer's glue to adhere. Then grout when the piece is dry. Remember if you are in a hurry, use a hand held hair dryer to dry the layers of paint. Don't get to close, or the paint will blister. HAVE FUN!

Good Night Sweet Prince

2009-06-25T18:54:00.001-07:00

Good Night
MICHAEL

Fellow Mosaic Monsters

2009-06-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

I want to welcome both Rachel and Beth as new followers!

I took the day off and spent it on the computer.
It is AMAZING how time flies when you are glued to that tiny screen!
I looked up different blogs and organizations and here's a couple
you have to check out:

mosaicartistorg.com
mosaicartist.org

And some Yahoo Groups I checked into where great too,
like mosaicaddicts group.

Here is another photo of Garisol, it's coming along!

Back to Earth

2009-06-19T18:15:00.001-07:00

I have been off on an adventure!

I celebrated my sister's 50th (May 25th) in Las Vegas.
Saw Cher, Cirque de Soliel O, gambled and just plain had a good time.
Thanx Sis..........GREAT PARTY!!!!

Temporarily touched ground and then it was off again
to celebrate my birthday, June 15th
(don't even bother trying to guess which one!),
............now my feet are firmly planted.

I did manage to get some work done
and here are some photos to show you the progress....

The first flower is almost complete, just the leaves and stem to go.
I have started the second flower, mostly reds and oranges.
The last photos shows the two together.

More to come!

She Loves It!

2009-05-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Love it, Love it, Love it!!! I called my electrician and I am to call back on Monday to get someone back out there to move the one outlet. You were correct. It is above the gas cooktop! I'm so glad you noticed!! Will you please send me color pictures of tile: turquoise, red, yellow, orange, green, etc. so we are on the same page for color. Again.... I Love, Love, Love, Love, Love it!!!! You're the greatest!!!!! Have a terrific weekend and keep thinking health! Love ya, D

This is the email I received from my client and well.........I guess she likes it!

I have sent a suggested color scheme to the customer in
advance and while waiting for her approval of the layout I have been busy cutting and nipping the tile. The tiles come 4" x 4" and I cut them down to 1" squares on a wet saw. Then I nip by hand each 1" square down to the 4 micro mosaic pieces.

Now that the client has approved the layout (there may be a re-do on the far right panel due to a misplaced electrical outlet) I will transfer the images to a "mesh" type material. I place wax or parchment paper under the mesh to prevent the project from sticking to my worktable when gluing the tiles down.

Here is a close-up of the mesh I use. You can find it
at any upholstery fabric store. Be sure to test the
strength of the mesh. If you can tear it, it is not
strong enough.

Finally!..........I get to start laying (gluing) down tile. A photo will be sent each day via email to my customer in Texas (remember I am in Mexico) for approval and we are off and running!

Getting Started!

2009-05-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new commission and thought you all might enjoy the ride!

This project will be a backsplash for a customer in Texas. Thank God for all this technical stuff.....who would imagine that someone could order a full kitchen mosaic from my little cobblestone town in Mexico!

This project shall be known as Cocina Garisol
(English translation: Kitchen Sunflowers).

Cocina Garisol is 26.5 sq. ft of micro mosaic with 1" squares for the field background. She will be produced on mesh panels, packaged and sent to Texas where it will be installed. I send photos of the project each day to my customer for approval and I hope you enjoy being kept in the loop!

Here are photos of the layout taken in in my studio...........Let's Get Started!

Blogging Etiquette

2009-04-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

I've been informed by my blogging guru, Lee Ann, that proper etiquette is to "link" blogs to your own.

Easier said than done!

So until I learn how to, do check out her blog, Sun Soul Art Thought. If you enjoy the spirit of art, the spirit of the ocean and the spirit of sisterhood you will love her blog!

Welcome to the 21st Century!

2009-04-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well here it is almost May 2009 and I am FINALLY blogging! Thanx to my good friend Lee Ann who has pushed me into the 21st century.

I guess my goals with this blog is to share and share alike. It will take me some time to figure out how to post photos etc. But I am looking forward to reaching out to the art world and the world finding me.......

More to come & Blessings to You All!