Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Bunny Bowl

Today I get to start painting so I will be absent for a few days as I mix and apply paint on the new pieces. Before I get too deep into the paint, I thought I would show you the nightmare piece of my studio this month...the Bunny Bowl. I had this crazy idea of making a fastmache bowl instead of using the papier mache bowl I purchased to build on. (That would be the Virgo in me) It actually went pretty smoothly and I was pleased with the lack of shrinkage and warping.

What I hadn't figured out in my sketch was how I was going to translate that drawing into a three dimensional figure lounging in the bowl. I wanted him to look like he was in a round bath tub so he would be charming when the bowl was empty, as well as when it was filled with jelly beans so that he would look like he was bathing in them. It took some tweaking and a little grumbling, but I think he kind of got there. I'm happy with the hand dropping down off of the edge and the other hand looking like he is holding on to the surface. He seems content.

I don't think you will be seeing too many more of these figures in bowls. They are tough to create on a concave surface and I thank my friend (you know who you are!) for whining at me until I made at least one. I learned some new things on this piece and that is what it is all about so we will call it a good experience...even if it felt a bit like a nightmare.

Have a great day (we will be in the 60s....hooray!) and happy creating!
Laurie

20 comments:

nikkinikkinikki72 said...

Really really love this. And he will look fab with jelly beans in, but even better lots of mini pastel coloured eggs with speckles. You could even make a few eggs as ornaments for when its not being used as a sweet dish.
Off to check out where you are selling this one... really love it!

Diana said...

AMAZING!!!!! Simply AMAZING!! WOW..lol he makes me smile...I cannot wait to see him painted :)

2 foot of snow here :) 60's what's that?? have fun painting :)Diana

Mónica Zúñiga said...

Wow, this is fantastic! I would use this every day! Great idea! :)

~Tonya said...

OMGoodness Laurie!!! ABSOULUTELY AMAZING! I simply cannot wait to see this sweet guy painted.

LOVE LOVE LOVE him Laurie and I bet it was quite a bit of work...and just think, you are not done yet.

Have fun painting.
Hugs,
~Tonya

Flora said...

Hurry up and finish so I can see your fabulous end results!!!
blessings,Flora

Unknown said...

Laurie,

That is MARVELOUS...I really like the hand...It gives the impression bunny is chillin'...You must repeat for anything if not for a signature specialty piece and the challenge of it all. Im around been sick again (cedar fever, bad allergies) this year. I always sneak in and stay imspired by you though.

Smiles (snotty red nose smile),

Sonia 8)

PJHornbergerFolkArtist.com said...

I cannot imagine how you did this. You amaze me. He is awesome... can't wait 'till he's not naked.... ~PJ

Christopher A. Klingler said...

BUNNY BOWL is FAB!!! I got SUCH a chuckle from him!!! LOLOLOLOL '-)

He looks like he is relaxing...

PS: Thanks for stopping by today and glad you enjoyed the video too.

Hope you are having a nice week.

Chris (-:

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Nikki,
This little stink was a nightmare and a pleasure. I'm glad you like him!

Diana,
So sorry you got more snow!! We were over 70 degrees yesterday and 60+ today so I am cheering on spring!! Glad you liked the chillin' bunny!

Monica,
Thank you. I'm thinking of making one for my husband with a Halloween figure now that I sort of have the sculpting figured out.

Tonya,
Thank you girl!! I'm glad you like the bunny bowl. I didn't have a clue if what I was trying would work or not so I'm thrilled the sculpting is done...now to paint...hmmmm, you're right, more work!

Flora,
I have to wait at least 5 days on this little guy before painting. His feet and chest are thick and I just want to make sure they are dried and cured before I start on it. I'll post a picture when I finish...promise!! Thank you for stopping by!!

Sonia,
Are you sick again?! So sorry to hear that you have allergy problems...are you blooming in Texas?

This little devil was a challenge and had to be done in steps to make sure I didn't ruin the bowl. My personality isn't well suited to this type of piece so I'm thrilled the sculpting is done so I can move on to the paint in several days. Get better!!

PJ,
I look at your books and wonder the same thing about how you make them. Sorry I posted another naked critter!!! (You always make me laugh!)

CK,
The only thing missing is a margarita or martini in his hand! I wanted him to look like he "owned" the bowl, so he has a little sas to him. I didn't know if I'd get him finished or not, so I am really-really happy that this piece is finished and drying so I can paint him next week.
Laurie

Thank you all for so generously leaving me a comment and feeding my need for communicating with others of a similar mind-set.

PEA said...

OMG laurie,
it seems like that is all I ever say but my word woman YOU AMAZE ME!! Oh this will be my new favorite. well they are all my favorite. That is the cutest idea. I adore it. Can't wait to see them all finished and you work durn fast girl. Here in rainy ville it takes 2 weeks to dry that stuff.
have a good one girl.
Hugs,Pea

Anonymous said...

You are amazing! The bowl looks great even with no paint but I know will be fantastic when you finish. :)

Chicken Lips said...

Laurie - I LOVE this piece. Despite being a nightmare to construct, you've got yourself a real winner here! You come up with ALL the great ideas...how do you do it?!

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Pea,
Oh you are so sweet...I'm glad I amaze someone! HA!! Fast?!! Oh gosh, you have me confused with someone else!

Caroline,
Thanks, the painting will be interesting I think. I'm use to being able to turn and access areas on pieces with the figure upside down or whatever and this isn't going to allow me to do that. It will be a lesson in patience, which isn't necessarily a bad thing!

David,
I'd love to take credit with the idea to make a bowl, but I have this friend that suggests things sometimes in a very assertive manner, and she is on target 99% of the time. I just put the bunny in the bowl after the bowl was done. I do think he looks like he needs a margarita!! HA!

Thanks so much all!
Laurie

Gail Lackey said...

Oh wow! this is such a fun idea! I can't wait to see the finished piece!
Happy hauntings, Gail

vintagepaletteart said...

Rubbing my third eye again..........................It "sees" this as another amazing creation! LOL You are the most productive person that I know!

Oh and Congratulations...........;o)

Hugs, *Lori

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Gail,
Thank you so much for stopping by. The bunny is slowly drying so when I get him done I will do a post!

Ms. Lori,
You and your third eye are very scary! This was a testing piece so I'm hoping for an easier time painting.

Thanks on the congratulations. I'm giddy as can be and will post next week about it. Still letting it soak in!!

Thank you all again!!
Laurie

Sheryl Parsons said...

Oh, I love this bunny bowl Laurie! You have a unique style and this is totally you! I did a pumpkin head bowl for Halloween, and wow, it is difficult to sculpt into a concave piece like that! Can't wait to see this finished!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

BIG congrats Laurie (H&V)!!!

I just read the post at the STJ blog.

Wishing your much continued success in the future!

Have a great weekend.

Chris (-:

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Sheryl,
Kindred spirits!!! HA I have been looking at the piece and thinking about the painting aspect, and I'm thinking painting is going to be interesting too!!

CK,
Oh, thanks Chris. It is just now soaking in I'll be going to California to Halloween and Vine. I'm excited and overwhelmed about it all. Seven months to get enough to take to the show...WOW! I have a game plan and list started on what I need to do, so as long as I can start crossing things off I think it is manageable. Cross your fingers for me!!!

Laurie

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Thanks Laurie on the new piece AND you truly deserve getting into H&V!

Good to know that NICE people can still get ahead in this cRaZy thing called "life!" '-)

Wishing you much success!!!

Chris (-:

XOXO