Grand Illusion

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In the September/October issue of Somerset Studio, I've presented recent work on an unfinished wood castle.  You'll see I have a guest in my column – my friend Andrew Borloz shares his design treatment on the same item.  It's really terrific example of how there is always a means to "make it your own", the name of my column 😉   Be sure to click through to Andrew's blog post that further illustrates his colorful process and inspiration: HERE

This was such a fun project – working on the surfaces, then creating chess characters to inhabit the fortress.  My first impression, upon opening the structure on the store shelf:  Escher.  Scroll down for samples of his black and white work, with dizzying staircases.  You can see why he inspired my design direction.  Lots of stenciling on the outside, and collage on the inside – not as easy to paint in there so I relied on some favorite old engravings and copies of my own previous work.  Had to add in a few dollhouse ladders too – definitely a fun-house for adults.  This castle is still available at Michael's in the event you want to give a try.  (Don't forget to use your coupon).

Magazine is available now, thru Stampington.com or at your favorite bookstore.

Michelle Ward Two Castles article Somerset Studio SeptOct 2017

Michelle Ward Castle details

MW Escher

 Sending positive vibes to our friends in Texas and Florida.  I'm working a fundraiser with some friends – you can help!  Stay tuned.

Comments

22 responses to “Grand Illusion”

  1. Andrew Borloz Avatar
    Andrew Borloz

    Fantastic! Love your Escher style treatment. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration, and also for giving me the opportunity to share mine, too!

  2. Andrew Borloz Avatar
    Andrew Borloz

    Fantastic! Love your Escher style treatment. Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration, and also for giving me the opportunity to share mine, too!

  3. Kim Collister Avatar

    Michelle,
    Absolutely loved your castle and Andrew’s in the newest issue
    Of Somerset Studio Studio! So much so that I did use my coupon and I am in the process now of creating my own. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

  4. Kim Collister Avatar

    Michelle,
    Absolutely loved your castle and Andrew’s in the newest issue
    Of Somerset Studio Studio! So much so that I did use my coupon and I am in the process now of creating my own. Thank you for the inspiration!!!

  5. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I just bought the new issue at lunch. Can’t wait to dive in.

  6. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I just bought the new issue at lunch. Can’t wait to dive in.

  7. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Unbelievably cool. Yep.

  8. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Unbelievably cool. Yep.

  9. Carrie Avatar

    I absolutely love it! That’s always been my favorite Escher piece, especially since I first saw Labyrinth and how they used it for inspiration in the film. I also love how you incorporated chess pieces — another favorite motif that you and I have in common!

  10. Carrie Avatar

    I absolutely love it! That’s always been my favorite Escher piece, especially since I first saw Labyrinth and how they used it for inspiration in the film. I also love how you incorporated chess pieces — another favorite motif that you and I have in common!

  11. Carrie Avatar

    P.S. I spy a heartagram!

  12. Carrie Avatar

    P.S. I spy a heartagram!

  13. michelleward Avatar

    Thanks for coming by Carrie – I’m cracking up that you spied the heartagram <3

  14. michelleward Avatar

    Thanks for coming by Carrie – I’m cracking up that you spied the heartagram <3

  15. michelleward Avatar

    *thumbs up* thanks Stephanie

  16. michelleward Avatar

    *thumbs up* thanks Stephanie

  17. michelleward Avatar

    Kim – cool to hear you got yourself a castle! Keep me posted!

  18. michelleward Avatar

    Kim – cool to hear you got yourself a castle! Keep me posted!

  19. michelleward Avatar

    Andrew – so fun to share the article space with you as we both took such different approaches. Loved your post showing all your inspiration and details! Bravo!

  20. michelleward Avatar

    Andrew – so fun to share the article space with you as we both took such different approaches. Loved your post showing all your inspiration and details! Bravo!

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