Janmar, your art is simply wonderful. I love the iridescence as well as the lovely layered look you've achieved. I've seen so many gourds over the years but yours are unique. One of them reminds me of stained glass.. how in the world did you manage that look? How gorgeous! :)

Hi Casey, thanks for the kind words. I use Lumiere acrylic paint. It comes in amazing colors that create all kinds of opportunities. You can find the full range of colors at Dharma on the internet. The stained glass look comes from painting in many translucent layers until it feels finished. Not many things in life are as much fun as gourd painting! J

Very nice...thanks for sharing.

I have to share something interesting...I showed a couple of gourds at our local fair, as usual. I took fourth place with one entry, but I am thrilled that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place gourds were done by friends who have asked me about gourds, and have developed their own artistic approach on the gourds.
Also, my grandkids entered their own gourds...three of them earning 1st place ribbons, and a fourth with a 2nd place.
Its like having our own little gourd festival. LOL

Jan

they all looked great, but my personal favorite is the one in the very last pic. the design looked like the gourd vines. I wish I could do that!! (but I'm definitely gonna go and get me some iridescent acrylic paints one of these days. thanx for the tip~) You should give names to your pieces of art.
oh, and the gourds themselves have such beautiful forms as well. are they apple gourds?

Hi Naluwan, Yes, they are apple gourds! My several seeds yielded close to 70 almost basketball-sized gourds which I am slowly cleaning and painting. The gourd you commented on was my 'mop gourd' on which I cleaned my brush during the painting of several other pieces. I just liked the way the colors evolved. J

Lovely..do you sell them...they are very unique..I have tried my hand at painting..but have stuck to the traditional Native American style...using natural dyes..I am going to experiment with carving and burning..haven't got up enough courage to try and sell them yet..usually give them for presents...Good luck

Marmee

Hi Marmee54, No I don't sell my gourds, largely because they are so labor intensive. Right now I mainly give them to my family and friends although I have been asked to donate one to a church for a raffle - fund raiser. Perhaps one day I'll make a commitment to being a 'real artist' instead of a Friday painter!

Love the gourds. They are beautiful. If you want to check out my gourd art - please do

Here is a link that might be useful: my gourd art

Janmar

Was lurking around trying to find info on painting gourds. I purchased 15 at the pumpkin patch. I fell in love with your's. Took me to a whole other idea for what to do with them. I would quit my day job if I were you..and start painting!