14 March 2015

The Digit-al Dozen Does Nature, Day Five: Mountain Landscape

Hi everyone! At the end of a Digit-al Dozen week I always feel exhausted, no doubt because I'm not used to posting five days a week. However, I really enjoyed this week's theme, and was happy with what I came up with. I also really appreciate everyone's comments - after my sporadic blogging these past few months, it's been nice to read all the encouraging words. So thank you!

Mountain landscape nail art


About this look:

Sometimes with Digit-al Dozen themes I get really lazy so I Google the theme - in this case "nature" -  and go to the image search to see what pops up. That was how I came across this image of a mountain landscape. I wish I could tell you something more romantic, like I saw this picture in a dream, or I took this picture while I was hiking and this place has a deep spiritual meaning for me. But nope, not even close. ;)

Mountain landscape nail art

Mountain landscape nail art

To get this look: 

I started with a base of grey polish. You can't see it, but I felt it would be the best colour for a blank canvas. I painted the landscape using acrylic paint, and used black, white, van dyck brown, sap green, ultramarine blue, magenta, red, indian yellow and (regular?) yellow. I built up the design in layers - so I did a thin wash, sketching in the different areas, then started filling it in. I use slow drying acrylics, so I was able to do a bit of blending on my nails, in the sky for example. In other areas, like the snow, I dragged the paint on top of the already dry layer.

Mountain landscape nail art

Final thoughts: 

I'm not sure if I explain my process well, but if you have any questions, let me know in the comments! I really enjoyed how the landscape turned out, but it's always a challenge translating an image with a lot of detail onto your nails. I feel I could have pushed the values and colours a bit more, but lessoned learned for next time!

Mountain landscape nail art

See also:

Day One: Poppy Seed Pods
Day Two: Floral Watercolour
Day Three: Squash Vine
Day Four: Peas and Carrots

So what do you think of this? Did you enjoy nature week?

---


34 comments:

  1. Such a gorgeous scenery on the nails!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Out of them all I think that this one is my favorite! You're awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm in love with this! It reminds me of The Sound of Music!! Brilliant!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I never would have thought of that, but I get the connection. Thanks Bee!

      Delete
  4. This is really lovely. I'm finding it so helpful when you describe how you built up the layers and the colours you've used. I'm wondering now if the acrylic paints I'm using are not the slow drying kind, because mine do become unworkable very quickly. What brand are you using? I love how you've blended the sky and suggested the flowers in the foreground. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Kathryn! And to answer your question, I'm using Golden Open acrylics. I really like that I can mix colours and they don't dry out while I'm working. Instead of buying a new set of acrylics, you can get an acrylic retarder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylic_retarder Liquitex has one called "Slow-dri blending medium." I would recommend just testing a tiny amount with your paints to see if you like it.

      Delete
    2. Oh thank you Meghan, that's a really useful tip. I will look for some of that product to add to my next painting supplies order! Thank you :)

      Delete
  5. You did a beautiful job. I think I would like to see few pictures in between the stages or a video but I understand it's a lot of extra work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Lucie! And I agree, in between pictures would probably help, I'll keep that in mind for a future post. :)

      Delete
  6. Your nails look great!
    I wonder how you get your inspiration for such a lovely and pretty manicure!
    Keep on sharing your creativity!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Julia! I just do A LOT of searching for images - nothing special! :)

      Delete
  7. haha - I'm just like yourself: I usually don't have mello stories for my inspiration images - Google is my pal. :)
    But then again where we get our inspiration from is not all that relevant, specially if the nails end up coming out this wonderful! Love your mountains, specially - awesome design, dear!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How did we survive before Google?! ;) I agree, it doesn't really matter much in the end. I'm glad you enjoyed the look Mina.

      Delete
  8. This is so beautiful! I bow down to your talent!

    ReplyDelete
  9. First of all, this is amazing. Second, googling themes is not lazy! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this completely. I love how you got the wildflowers in the foreground!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You mani has totally blown me away!

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are so perfect! Makes me want to sing and spin around a la Julie Andrews. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow Meghan! This is stunning. It reminds me of the Rockies where I live. It's mind-blowing!

    ReplyDelete
  14. OMG,the details. Is it wrong they make me want to burst into The Sound of Music? x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Really nice! Love the landscape motive!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just found your blog and I love it! I love nails and just getting started with nail art :) wow im going to have fun on you blog for hours!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. I really do appreciate every comment and read all of them. <3 Also, I try as much as possible to respond to comments, especially if you have a question, so please check back.

Please do not use comments for spam or to leave links. Those comments will be removed. If you would like me to check out your blog, please email me and I would be happy to do so. :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...