1.25.2012

one year and five months later...

We started this art project full of energy and enthusiasm.  That soon ended.  I was completely unsuccessful at every attempt to create the giant modern art piece I had in my mind.  I finally gave up.  We painted over the hot mess I had created and started with a white canvas again.  Then inspiration struck and I painted it black.


 I spent about a week creating a word document listing all the major cities Andrew Henry and I have visited together. Solo trips didn't make the cut.  A few cities aren't all that "major" but have special meaning to us.  It took so much time because I wanted the font to kind of go with the feeling of the city.  I think I might have OCD tendencies.  We then projected it onto the canvas and I traced it all out in pencil.

Then my daughter, husband and I took turns with a paintbrush and white paint and finally one year and five months after I decided to make my own giant piece of art for the living room - we finished!  Okay wait, it didn't take that long to do it.  I left it unfinished until a few weeks ago.  It only takes a matter of days depending on how much time you have each day to paint.


I left some spaces for all the exciting places we still have to visit.  I also forgot Washington D.C. and Las Vegas!  Will be amending shortly.

Here's a close-up...


This can be done much more quickly with peel and stick letters.  Just stick the letters on, paint over them, let dry and peel off.  Problem for me was the fonts - I wanted lots of variations you can't find in peel and stick.  I just discovered the Sharpie poster-paint pen in water based paint which would have been MUCH easier to use - maybe next time.  I love having art that is meaningful to us and that we all had a hand in making.  Though, to be honest, I would have gladly let anyone else make it for me.

What place would you most like to add to your list?

22 comments:

Julie of Monkey Grass Hill said...

So Cool! and even more special since it includes memories and was a family effort. You are very talented. Now, I'd like to see more photos of your house. The little photo shown here looks like it's out of a magazine.

MJM said...

It's so great! Glad it's finally finished.

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

What a fantastic and creative piece of art! How clever are you!

Art has no rules and this is one of the most creative pieces I have seen recently. Congratulations!

lisaroy said...

It looks great! And I love that you worked on it together! I've had a list of places for exactly this reason all typed up and waiting for the mood to strike. And so smart that you left room for more adventures xo

Andrew H. said...

It does look absolutely awesome!

I was part of the problem in getting this done. The thought of having to complete an artsy painting was paralyzing. Fortunately my creative wife was there to drive this thing home!

Nice photos too!

KR said...

It looks fantasti! Great idea!
Hi Julie of Monkey ......
There are lots of pics of the house in back posts on the blog.

Diana Mieczan said...

That is such a brilliant piece and I love that the whole family helped out! One place I would love to add to my list is India:) Happy Wednesday, my dear. xo

Stitchfork said...

Love! And brilliant that you left room to add more - what a fun family tradition! Hmmm - have a whole list of places yet to be seen!
xo Cathy

Anonymous said...

That looks great! ..and yes, the style of print certainly suits the cities. Clever!

Anonymous said...

LOVE!!! Too bad you don't enjoy making them because they would sell like hotcakes!! xo

Decor To Adore said...

Oh this is great! I am still hot to visit Ireland. :)

Maria said...

Gorgeous!
I'd love to visit any and all of those places and more with my hubster. The places we go are more mundane - except Budapest.

But first on the list would be Phoenix, but this time with kiddos in tow :-)

Silver Strands said...

Jeanette, that is one of the most beautifully meaningful pieces of art I have ever seen!!!! I absolutely LOVE it. You have so much talent it tickles me to think I "know" you. Have a wonderful day
Xxoxoxox

Stacey said...

genius and i agree with Deb, these would go quickly! i have yet to visit London and have heard so many great things about that place! beautiful art piece. xx

Punctuation Mark said...

i love it... looks great! hope you have a great weekend!

quintessence said...

Fun!! I agree with what everyone else has said - love that it was a family project and that there is room to add. I wish I had such a list of places visited!!

OneCraftyFox said...

Absolutely beautiful!! As is your home :)

Felicity said...

Love it!

Karena said...

Jeanette you may end up having a pair/ a diptych of your travels! I love it!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

koralee said...

Oh I love it!!! What a great idea...and it has so much meaning. Happy filling up those spots. xoxoxo

Brandi said...

Such a sentimental art piece of all the places you traveled. I love that you left space to add to it!

Anna@Directions Not Included said...

This came out great!! I love that you hand painted it and that there is space left for future locations. Love it.