Code Red

The worst of the heatwave in Europe is over! Although temperatures still remain in the higher-end of more than 20℃, it’s a bit more managable now. Last weekend, the Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a Code Red warning for the first time in history for extreme heat. Yes that bad! And how did we survive? I for one just stayed in and thanks to aircon (which I hardly use but now came handy) I was fine. And rather than engage in strenuious activities, I seized the opportunity to paint! The short on-line class with Juliette Crane on Kitty Survives the Heatwave! further inspired me to create another heatwave-themed art journal piece, this time involving LIttle One!

Red Metaphor

The poor little girl! But don’t worry she was also wise enough to stay in with us. Only an imagery is being created to depict this extreme heat and a metaphoric play with the word “code red”. First a chalk sketch followed by tracing with Faber Castell’s Pitt Artists Pen on a scrap piece of red drawing paper I found in my heap of art supplies. So far so cute! Just set that sketch aside for the time beng and worked on my background…

Cooling Down

Meanwhiile, I adorned the A4 page from my Strathmore Visual Journal Bristol Paper with blue and white paint, brown paper and patterned paper napkins for the background. A bit of a trial and error with gluing on the Little One sketch later but on the second attempt, I came up with the idea of red wrapping tissue paper first then the sketch on top which may explain the rather wrinkly texture. Little One was then colored in. I hesitated at first but decided to take the plunge and glad I did! This time, she is not in her usual pink but in a cute icy blue sleeveless frock to cool down. Love the hot and cold contrast in colors, especially after scattering neon red paint to enhance the heat. And now… how sweet!

Mediums Used

Although collage papers played a vital role in this piece, the rest involved acrylic paints both craft and professional standard. I quite like the Dylusions Paints due to their rich colors which work well for me as much as the higher-grade Golden Fluid range. Whatever works for me! It’s an art journal anyway so not too fussed. The collages were glued on with Matte Medium and Mod Podge.

I am very happy I went ahead with this painting! Having to stay home during this unbearable heat outside certainly kept me creative. Although heatwaves are not very pleasant, it was important to stay inspired. Hence after having painted a cat in the previous piece, I knew I had to make another one, this time dedicated to Code Red and involving Little One. Glad I was able to. Meanwhile, though, I do hope that everyone in the area is staying safe and cooling down… the worst is over now!