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Thursday 12 February 2015

AYLI (GDT) CAS or FAF

What an honour, to be asked to GDT for AS YOU LIKE IT challenge!  I was rather bowled over as those girls are a serious bunch of talent.

The theme (and the reason why) is CAS or FAF (Clean And Simple or Fussy And Fancy).  Funny isn't it how we all know what CAS means, but you rarely see anyone use FAF.  I think it is the perfect acronym really, because if I add embellies it is what I end up doing, FAFfing around!

Anyway, here is my style, and of course it is CAS:


Oh you just have to love that bear!
Peek A Bear from CC Designs
Painted entirely in Distress Inks (ReInkers)
Sentiment is by My Favourite Things
And the papers are from my leftovers box

I was asked by AYLI to define why I prefer the clean and simple style to fussy and fancy.  Blimey, I never thought it would be so difficult but this is what I came up with (sorry if it sounds pompous, it wasn't meant to).

Am I an artist?  Technically, no, I can’t draw for toffee, but I am a colourist and, despite opinions to the contrary, this is an art-form in its own right.

I find that there is something magical, almost meditative, about taking a black and white line drawing and breathing life into it with colour, light and shade.  I can spend hours with inks and brushes, losing myself in the joy of seeing something transform by my own hand.  I can often come back to a coloured image after a couple of days and find it hard to believe that I created it.  A dear friend calls it a “warm glow” effect, and I cannot disagree with that.

So why clean and simple instead of fussy and fancy?  After spending hours painting, the last thing I want to do is hide the image under a ton of fluff, I want it to be front and centre and allow the artwork to sing solo and be heard rather than being a small voice in the back row of a large choir.

So there you have it folks, CAS - definitely showing my style!

Hugs to all
Squirrel xx

17 comments:

Doreen said...

A gorgeous card,fab image and details.xxx

Sarah said...

Great to have you join us this time Squirrel!! Love your fab card and your definition of both CAS and FAF...brilliant, I shall remember that one!! xx

Rainey's Craft Room said...

A fabulous image and card. I admire all CAS artists as I find this a most difficult style to achieve.
Lorraine

Whisper said...

Oooo what a super image and a great sentiment too - congrats on your GDT position too, luv Sam x

Gibmiss said...

Fabulous card Squirrel.....
Cute image...
Hugs Sylvie xxx

Alison59 said...

I'm with you on CAS - why detract from your beautiful colouring. Super card :-)

Chrissy said...

Fabulous CAS card Squirrel and your colouring is wonderful..I love the fun Bear and sentiment.

luv CHRISSYxx

Lorraine said...

A fabulous card Squirrel and a lovely fun image.
Lorraine x

Annette said...

I'm so pleased that you've joined us this fortnight. Your card is gorgeous, I love the bright colours and your gorgeous CAS style always inspires me (though I'm not sure I necessarily want all that attention on my own colouring!!!) Love the image and the sentiment is perfect.
Huge hugs my super talented furry friend.
Annette
xx

Wishcraft said...

Such gorgeous colouring Squirrel, it really is fab! Lovely card :o) Hugs, Lisa x

Marianne's Craftroom said...

Catching up after my hols and what a cutie, congrats on the GDT spot. Can see what you mean about CAS, I like both styles but I do think some do too much FAF, embellies should enhance not overpower x

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I love FAF! We must bring this acronym to the forefront! I know many a person who makes FAF cards or at least Faffs around.

Love the bring colors in your card. That's a lot of candle, must be an enormous wish.

Jackie said...

You superb colouring is second to none Squirrel. A stunning card. I am totally with you on your reasons for loving CAS, you put it so well :o)
Jackie xx

coops said...

so gorgeous S, i love the fun image and fabulous vibrant colouring.Huge congrats on your GDT too :D

xx coops xx

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Oh! such a poetic way of describing your style, true though, in what you say and this card proves it, beautiful colouring and we can see the image. LOVE it.

thecraftycavalier said...

Congrats on your GDT spot hun! Absolutely stunning card. Love the striking colours and the fab image. I'm with Princess Judy on the FAF though ;-) Stunning card. Big hugs, Jayne x

Juls said...

Love it, love the bright colours :-) xx

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