Many times when I’m working with RELICS & ARTIFACTS® pieces, I never know exactly what my finished artwork will look like! Especially when I’m working on what I call 'home decor' pieces that are built on canvases – it becomes a journey determined on what embellishment pieces I select with a general idea of a color palette that I want to work with.

When I start to work on a piece, I simply begin picking random embellishments that I want to use, often without much thought except that I like the piece and want to use it. Once I have the pieces selected I lay them out roughly where I think that they end up on my canvas. Next I select my color palette, which usually for me begins with a base of black highlighted with metallic colors. 

Besides adding color and texture, dimension is often an important element I like to add to my finished pieces. An easy way that I enjoy to add dimension to my decor pieces is to incorporate one of the Relics Wooden Trays to use as a frame on my pieces. These frames not only create a focal point in the middle of my decor pieces, but also allows me to build textures and added depth along the sides of the wooden frames.

Sometimes the details hold more hidden treasures than the  focal point of the finished piece. Quite often I like to add smaller Relics onto frames or even by themselves.

Although the embellishments and other elements used don’t always begin with the same color or finish, it is easy to use the same color palette to bring everything together. That’s one reason why I incorporate so many Relics pieces into my artwork – it is so easy to simply color with a base color and then quickly highlight with metallic paints and mica powders.

Many of my pieces use Dresden Trims to give a finished look and help not only add a border to my decor pieces, but also add color and texture. It is so easy to transform either the gold or silver Dresden trims to match your artwork. I like to keep the long strips of the Dresden Trim together, quickly coat with the same colors pain ts and mica powders that are being used, then trim to size.

Take a chance on your next project – let your project grow and evolve while working! Let the process decide on how your finished piece will look, you’ll be surprised at the results. For more inspiring projects and upcoming classes visit John’s website at artnewwave.com.

Supply List:
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® "Chivalry"
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® "Regalis"
RELICS & ARTIFACTS® "Archangels"
Dresden Trim Gold Scallop and Fleur