Camp Dularge goes artsy fartsy!
What do the once dull, panel-covered now revealed and gorgeous beadboard walls of Camp Dularge need to enhance their beauty?
How about some original artwork?
My friend and fabulous artist, Ellen, was very open to the idea of displaying some of her original artwork and prints on the walls of the camp.
Because her pulp paintings have a Louisiana theme, they compliment the ambiance of the camp completely.
This one, called Big Redfish, is the largest of her pulp paintings. She has done an excellent job of capturing the essence of this game fish! One of the most sought-after species, they are delicious fried, grilled, and in a savory soup called court bouillon.
This is Ellen’s version of a “blue crab”. However, I think he’s just coming out of the boiling pot! Blue crabs are a staple of many a bayou diet. We enjoy them boiled, in a stew, gumbo, and stuffed.
Of course, this is art work and not table fare; and while it seems we eat just about anything that comes out of the water, one thing is for certain–we will never go hungry.
In days to come, she will be placing more of her pieces in the camp for others to enjoy and purchase. Until then, please visit her site and enjoy all her talents there. She has some amazing renditions of old houses in New Orleans. If you don’t know what pulp paintings are, you can learn that on her site as well. It is quite an interesting process. Each piece is unique and one of a kind. I wish her great success with her art!
Coming soon: Weekend progress report!
BW
These are beautiful! When you say pulp painting, is she using dyed paper pulp for the pictures? I’ve seen that done and even tried it once with kids at my library–big mess and big fun. But it is not easy.
Or is there some other method she uses? Whatever, I think she did you proud. Visitors will enjoy (and probably buy) these.
Those are awesome! If I ever stayed at Camp Dularge…I promise I would steal them off the wall!
I love, love, love them! I’ve heard of Ellen and I’m familiar with the technique through art classes I took many, many years ago. I went to her website and she even looks farmiliar. Wonder where from? I hope she’s successful selling some of these gems. Her art is just perfect for C.D.
Granny Sue, she starts with recycled paper, grinds into fine shreds in a blender, adds some sort of slimy liquid, then uses pigments to dye it different colors. I’m not sure how she shapes it into a canvas nor how she shapes it into a painting, but she does. Then she uses chalk to highlight the artwork to give it depth. In some of her pieces, she has different textures of yarn, string, fabric, postage stamps, etc. So unique!
Katy, you would have seen her at Dotter’s wedding!!!!
Warren, that is a SCARY thought. I hope the clientele do not decide to haul off with one of these babies!
BW
That is a technique I’d like to see from start to finish. The colors look so vibrant. I want a viewing (of Camp DuLarge and the art work) the next time we’re down on the bayou.
Then it’s like what I thought. Children’s author Denise Fleming makes the artwork for her books using a similar process, and the books are gorgeous. I went to a workshop with her and saw her make a page; then went back to the library and tried it with the kids. It’s fun, but intensive work. I cna’t believe these pictures were made that way because they look like paintings. Beautiful work.
Yes, they are beautiful, Sue! She does the “painting” with squeeze bottles, somehow! I’m just amazed at her abilities to do this, but it’s truly her “medium”, I’d say!
You should make people book by credit card the way hotels do, that way if they take off with those prized artworks or fluffy white towels you can just bill them!