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"I do believe in an everyday sort of magic...the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we're alone." Charles de Lint

Monday, August 25, 2025

Painted Sumac

Another tiny corner of my day yesterday was a mixed media art project inspired by the hints of fall in the branches of the neighborhood sumac trees. 

I gathered a few small branches...including this larger one for color inspiration...and brought them home for some layered cyanotype/sunprints. 

This was my favorite print...with three very distinct layers. I like it just the way it is.


But these two were destined for some hints of fall watercolor. 

I started with the one on the right....a total sunprint flop. But there was just enough distinction between the two branches for it to become a painting project.

The cyanotype print wasn't on the best watercolor paper...so that makes a difference for the painting. (an excuse?) And....I was a little rusty....but it was good practice. I think the dark blue cyanotype background really sets it off.


For better or worse...I added a little loose penwork giving a the leaves just a bit of definition. Could have done better...but I'm happy enough with it.



I enjoyed this tiny corner of my day yesterday.

And revisiting yesterday's corner...a big thank you to Paul for delivering the buttons to Marita's door knob on his bike ride. She was so appreciative. 


And you know how I love sharing your art. Lynne sent me this photo of her "leave no scrap behind" art moment above her sewing machine. It features buttons, bobbins, and 1 inch fabric scraps. Well done Lynne! Button button...she's got the button!


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2 comments:

  1. dotty seiter: now playingAugust 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM

    SO many terrific tiny corners here, MaryAnn!

    The color-inspiration branch of sumac is a stunner, and I'm especially noticing the red-and-green of it b/c we have red peppers in our garden that are half green and half red as they find their way to red-all-over.

    That first cyanotype photo is a definite winner … as a straight-up cyanotype print, with its three very distinct layers but, boy howdy, that "total sunprint flop" turned out to be stunning as a painting. I am smitten! I can SO envision myself thoroughly engaged in painting such a project. The penwork is fabulous. Did you paint over the blue with watercolor as well? Just adore this!

    What fun for Marita to receive her buttons in that manner. That's a tiny corner if ever there was one.

    And, oh my gosh, Lynne! Buttons and bobbins and fabric: OH MY!

    I will have such sweet dreams tonight with all this spectacular art to be further savored in my sleep.


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    1. MaryAnn ShupeAugust 26, 2025 at 8:18 AM

      Thanks for the glowing validation Dotty and I can visualize your peppers turning from green to red.

      No, I did not paint over the cyanotype blue. It was perfect just the way it was. Although blue is the only option....this is such a great way to get a saturated background around watercolor botanicals. It's bleedproof!

      I'll have to do more printing with watercolor mind. I think the key is quick layering keeping the white...white enough to paint over but still see the leaves or flowers. That's another tiny corner to visit....but could end up being a whole room.

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