Through One's Eyes

[Maggie]

Wow @Zoe7  i love recycling. I had no idea looking at the pic though, all looks new. I can imagine the excitement from the kids, and getting involved in it yourself.

I’ve been asked to teach rock dotting to some kids in therapy next school holidays. I said yes, suprised myself!!!!!! I love kids @Zoe7  especially those going through though times.

I was touched by your experience today with a difficult student in a difficult situation. You are a decent human being, never forget that, no matter what. ❤️💜

[Zoe7]

It really is lovely to see the kids get so into making things like the bird houses @Maggie - and they get to take them home too so it is very rewarding for them.

The kid today was so wonderful herself. It could have been a really difficult situation for her but she came and told ne straight away and we organised some clothes for her and quickly cleaned up the 'mess'. I didn't blink an eye - just got it done and I think the quick action by us both really helped. The other kids for amazing too - one went with her to help her get changed and was so caring. Kids really do show us what compassion is all about 

I am so pleased you are going to help with the kids in the school holidays. You have a real talent and if you can show some kids how to do that then it will be wonderful for both them and you - so pleased you said yes Hon - huge kudos to you 

[Maggie]

She will never forget how you treated her @Zoe7 speaking from experience, though I was much younger. Yes, kids are amazing little teachers if we open our eyes and treat them with respect.

I have only done rock painting for a few mths now. I’ve never used paint before. I started to get myself through some tough times. Creating something beautiful, while a mind is locked in darkness is helpful when you can.

I think the kids are going to be very proud of this bird box, memories are being created, and self esteem developed. And a plus is, birds get to have a new home. A win win.

[Zoe7]

One of the kids said that they don't have any trees @Maggie but I told them that the bird house can sit anywhere - it doesn't need to be in a tree - they seemed to like that 

I can't believe you have only been doing the rock art for so little a time - they really are gorgeous. I have painted rocks with kids before too - they usually paint faces on them to become pet rocks - gotta love kids hey!

[Faith-and-Hope]

👋💕 @Zoe7 @Maggie ....

[CheerBear]

👋 awesome arty people ❤

I have a paint related question which might not make any sense because I'm a bit clueless when it comes to paint, but I thought I'd try here as Google isn't helping me find my answer.

I've been playing with acrylic paint which I'm dotting on canvas that I've painted with black gesso. I'd like big vibrant/bold colours and for the most part I'm getting them. But every now and then I find a colour that looks like it will set big and bold, until it dries. When it dries it almost completely disappears. It's happened with some purples and blues mostly (but that could be coincidence maybe). It doesn't seem to be brand specific (if brand is what you call it with paint!) as different shades/colours of the same brand can do it. I think maybe it's something pigment related in the specific colours but I don't know enough to work out what it is and how to fix it or how to avoid the disappearing paint colours without trial and error.

Any ideas (if anyone has any and wants to share) please and thanks? 🙂

And tagging you @Zoe7 as I just mentioned this.

Thanks again.

[Zoe7]

That happens a lot with acrylic paints @CheerBear I add in Impasto (to create texture) and that often keeps some of the brightness too. You could add a touch of white to each colour as it will still dry darker and give a bit more volume to the colour you are using. Painting on black will absorb some of the colour too. Unfortunately a lot of acrylics dry much darker/duller though so it is a bit of trial and error. 

@Faith-and-Hope might have some better ideas so tagging her here too.

[Faith-and-Hope]

Nope.  I think you’ve got it covered @Zoe7  👍

@CheerBear  🎨💕

[CheerBear]

Thanks @Zoe7. I had a quick look at what I think is impasto gel which I'd like for the texture and brightness but I'm needing to thin the paints with flow medium as it is so thickening them might not work? Adding white is a good idea too. I also just had a quick read up on pigment stuff and think maybe I have used a couple that are transparent rather than opaque (didn't really ever consider the difference between those things!). I've got some learning to do!

Thanks again. It's good to know acrylics do that and that they dry duller - at least it's not just me then!

[Zoe7]

That is half the fun about painting @CheerBear - we learn as we go. Goodluck with it CB - something maybe to help relax you this week