See Upcycling
LARGE PAINTINGS
If not purchasing originals, all prints are archival quality made via “High-resolution printers that use water-based pigment inks to print onto 100% cotton rag acid-free watercolour paper.”
In this project I upcycled many computer circuit boards. I didn't pre-plan it but I think these parts together could not help but look like an overview of a city.
This piece went through multiple “not-happy-with-myself” transformations (https://youtu.be/yLCZBm7PVJc) and I finally had to say “no more changes” and let myself be happy with the way it is now. Is that a life lesson or what?!
This piece sat in my gallery for 3 years before I finally saw what it needed to be complete. Watch for the process video on my YouTube channel (Dorothea LeBlanc Art). There’s always cutlery somewhere in the world, wanting to be upcycled!
After over 10 years of collecting old junk jewelry, I had more than enough metal chains to create this piece. The jewelry I use almost always has something wrong with it, often the metal coatings are worn off, sometimes the clasp doesn’t work, sometimes it has lost a section, often it’s out of style, sometimes it’s so tangled it takes too long to untangle (except for an artist with patience who wants to paint with it (like me)). See the process video on Dorothea LeBlanc Art YouTube.
In an attempt to use up a LOT of my supplies, I applied lots of shell and beaded jewellery on this one, along with some glass stones.
I saw a beautiful image of an ancient angel mosaic on a documentary. I immediately took a screen shot because it spoke to me. I was inspired to paint it and make my own mosaic with costume jewellery (etc.) however, I still can’t find it anywhere to see from where the original mosaic originated. This piece really sparkles in certain lighting.
Mixed Media. The underlying base of this texture is created from multiple test pieces for a radio housing that my husband was making for a ham radio that he had made. And then a black necklace made of disks along with little flattened brass balls from another necklace (and other jewellery) created the fun textures on top.
I wanted to reuse an old mesh material but it was very determined not to lie straight; I used a lot of glue and weights to flatten it as much as possible. But the resulting texture was beautiful to work with and as I worked away with my paint, an unintentional landscape was born, so I added wildlife with silver painted buttons.
My husband and I often stay on the St. Lawrence river when we travel to Ontario, this landscape reminds me of the view across the river with distant mountains.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame.
This piece has an underlying texture of feathers, then a layer of chains were glued on top of that and then I added beads during the lengthy painting process. It amazes me that these pieces have a successful end, because sometimes I feel like I'm working blindfolded.
I created this piece close to Easter season and without intention, a resurrection scene emerged. I see the red as the blood of Christ being applied to the earth and because of that blood, many people arise to glory.
A game of “How Many Things Can You Find”?
This was actually my first painting of this size. I searched through my kitchen drawers for odds and ends - things that I didn’t want to throw out because they might be useful “one day” (you know what I’m talking about).
This piece has gone through 3 different “final” painting processes (the last in 2015) to get to the finish line but it’s still a fun painting of discovery for the one who gets to have it in their home.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
My husband has a 3D printer and each piece he makes with it has excess plastic that needs to be removed. Those excess pieces along with some mistakes that he prints are my treasures for new works of art, like this one.
This piece is named so because of the nature of the texture I used, which is was totally chaotic. Nonetheless, it emerged with a slightly organized yet still organic type of beauty. The perfect combo.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on board with 5 cm painted edges.
I had been cutting out hundreds of letters for a children’s mural project and when I saw the pile of leftover pieces I’d thrown in the trash, I noticed a very interesting texture. I lovingly pulled them out of their pending doom and began this upcycled piece which is painted with reflective colours of silver, gold, bronze and brass.
The image is a picture of following the light. As we walk along the path it grows brighter and brighter.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, canvas with floating frame .
My husband teaches at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) and one day he brought me a handful of old-fashioned brass printing letters. Thank you Michael! So I decided to see how big of a crossword puzzle I could make from them.
And as usual, I didn't discover until near the completion of the painting that I had a playful message between lovers! (translation, "Call me. When? Now! Ok, Bye). Boop is one side of a lovers good bye, Beep is the other side (not seen in the painting).
A lying down 3 for is my "w", a backwards 4 is my "A", an upside down L is my "r", etc.
The textures in the background are mostly beads from old necklaces and dried leaves from my garden, all embedded with copious amounts of glue, medium and paint.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on board with 5 cm painted edges.
Upcycling in Painting (using old, broken, discarded jewellery (in this case) to create something beautiful)
Mixed Media 48 x 20 inches
I was inspired with an idea for an "Eye" painting, along with the colours I wanted to use (blue, teal, purple types). Then it was a matter of finding what I could scavange for circle shapes, how to make the arrangement and how to make the colours work.
A bag of old, black and red, lick ‘n stick letters was the inspiration for this piece. I played a little mental game while creating: There were hundreds of letters but not all the letters of the alphabet were present, so I figured out which letters were missing and tried to make words with those letters… . It could be that they might have been used by the local department of defence - maybe 50 years ago.
I created this for a contest commemorating Viola Desmond’s experience with racial unjustice. I did not have to purchase any letters for this Upcycling project, they all came from my studio collection. The jewellery on this piece was also from my past 2nd hand store finds. At the posting of this, the results of the contest are not yet out. (If you like this painting, please go and vote here http://lp.macgillivraylaw.com/protestart/?contest-search=Dorothea%20LeBlanc)
There is a lot of worn out silverware to be found in second hand stores. And because the coating of silver or other metals has worn off, they’re not good to eat with any more. So why not make a beautiful painting with them instead of throwing them out!? I made this to be a companion piece to my previous cutlery upcycled painting. But I still have more cutlery, so it may become a triptych, or a series!
I began this piece by cutting an old tablecloth to size and gluing it on the canvas. Then I used glue and molding paste to attach the utensils (which I flattened as much as possible with my mini table vice). When all was dry, I painted the whole thing white with a couple of coats of gesso, not at all knowing that I was going to be painting the utensils to look like themselves!!
That's what I love about abstract art - you never know what you're going to get!
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas, with floating frame added.
This piece also began with 3D printer rejects from my husband’s electronic radio projects. After the initial ground texture was laid and painted, I added teal, gold, and purple jewellery items, and then some acrylic paint to balance everything out. The story is about a women’s private jewellery collection and how it is built up over the years to become precious, not because of the jewels or the metals but because of the memories it has created.
In searching for junk jewellery, I incidentally came across a large collection of safety pins. I imagined I could use them in a fibonacci type of swirl, but things were more difficult than I had anticipated. My husband's favourite saying, "Nothing's ever easy" – is a true one. See my blog on this project.
I love combining solid design with randomness. The random results of my shaky hands when I’m painting or when I’m trying to arrange things carefully along straight lines, is pleasing to me. And then to increase the effect of organic shapes, I throw on some pearls that go every which way.
This painting reminds me of people. As God’s structured gems, we are a motley crew, free to create and roam; yet we remain within the confines of God’s eternal design.
Again, this was a time consuming project of arranging, gluing and using molding paste or glue to attach my items. A lot of this jewellery came from my own stash but the watches came from a very lovely neighbour Emily Crumback (Thanks Emily!).
After everything dried, I painted it all with gesso and then looked for what wanted to happen as I applied layer after layer of colour.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
I discovered a collection of souvenir spoons in a second-hand store on one of my texture hunts, and a year later got inspiration for their application on this upcycled painting. There are also jewellery chains and round bracelets keeping the spoons company.
I called it the Bird of Paradise because one day as I turned around to look at the canvas in progress sitting against the wall, I saw the form of a bird out of the corner of my eye. And as it turns out there are many Heavenly numbers in this painting: 24 elders around throne, 3 for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 7 for completion, and 1 gold fork for the Son of God who was pierced.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
The recycled material in this bas-relief is minimal; I used a crocheted sweater along with my usual experimentation layers of paint. Below the beautiful "designer plant" is a layer of multi-coloured rectangles – my first attempt at finding the right treatment for this lovely and unusual texture.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
Autumn is a season that provides a beautiful richness for our senses, it’s my favourite time of year.
The short-wide, long-skinny leaves in this piece, collected from my yard, are framed by a very thickly knitted wool sweater which really soaked in the paint! I’ll probably never use a thick sweater on a canvas again. (I love experimenting.)
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
After taking a two day trip to Cape Breton, driving around the Cabot Trail, and staying at a beautiful beach, I came home with a leather marble bag (made locally) full of sea glass. And I was eager to "put them to canvas" even though I had no idea where I was going with my various items of glass, old necklaces and very old shells. What emerged as I began working was a delightful painting that emanates the joy of summer, of playing in the sand, of exploring and collecting the things nature creates.
Items used: shell necklaces from thrift shops, sea glass from Cape Breton, 15 year old scallop shells the kids and I collected from the coast of Nova Scotia, and acrylic paint.
After using up most of my old jewellery on my upcycled paintings, I had to go find some more jewellery from second hand stores. One happy day I was in a store in the mall that happened to be selling out some of their stock. I was buying a few dollars worth of discounted beads and chains and quickly mentioned that I put jewellery on paintings. After hearing that, they proceeded to pull out a box of leftover stock from under their counter and offered it to me, free! And those chains became this painting!
I worked hard, and with love, to maintain the original brilliance of the metal, polishing after every application of a painted glaze. And when you see this piece in person, you'll see that it radiates.
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on canvas with floating frame added.
A friend dropped off a bag full of glass and pottery tiles a few years ago, and I recently came across them in some dark corner of my studio. They were very challenging to work with and hours of working on this project almost wore off my personal fingerprints! I used mostly gold and silver paint, and Xylotol for texture!
20 x 24 inch (51 x 61 cm) up-cycled mixed media painting, no tax, on board with 5 cm painted edges.
Medium PAINTINGS
This was a commissioned piece made from a collection of little shells and fossils that were gathered while this family travelled to different countries over the world.
Another commissioned piece made from memorable household items from the family’s man-drawer.
This is another commission made of small leftover slate pieces that were saved after the construction of a kitchen floor. Special memories were created due to the mother of the family designing the kitchen floor.
Another statement-piece made from items that Mike the Commissioner collected one morning while walking along the beach in Nova Scotia. It’s a shame that these items end up in our waters; as you can see, it does not make the animals happy. Please let’s be more conscious of caring for our environment.
I buy bags of junk jewellery wherever I can and on opening one of my treasure sacks, I found a yellowish brown fish necklace. It wasn't very appealing to look at but an image popped into my mind and I was off to create this piece.
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
There aren't a lot of brass items in the jewellery I find these days, so most I had at the time ended up on this piece which progressed very playfully indeed! I painted a jewel-like background first because I wanted to preserve the original brass colour of the brass!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
Out on another thrift store hunt, I found a few boxes of disorganized glass beads (yay!). So wanting to use them for their own inherent colour, I painted a colourful design on my canvas for a background, started applying beads and chains. And, voila, a landscape was coming into view right before my eyes. It's such a delight to find out what wants to come out of me as I create!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This painting started with a completely different colour theme which I was unhappy with - until I painted some more and added lots of pearl beads. Then I loved it!
9 x 12 inches
This was a fun piece to make. When I began, I had no idea where I was going, just that I wanted to use some of the large collection of bangles I had in storage. In the process video, you'll see how it all came together, and you'll hear a new piece of amateur music I created in GarageBand. To see my ongoing collection of process videos, join me on Patreon!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This is a story of "things" traveling to a fun meeting place. But in order to get in, the "things" need to become small enough to fit through the passages. When they do, they get to become colour and join in the fun!
Size is about 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on masonite with black floating frame.
Upcycled Painting – 9 x 12 inch canvas with earrings, bracelets, small curtain rings and acrylic paint on canvas.
Typically, my husband likes to take things apart and some of the pieces on this canvas were from his tinkering - from an old camera, from old watches, and then also some of my old jewellery.
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
I wanted to do a sort of "minimalist" up-cycled painting, using fewer items. This painting is made of only one necklace an some loose beads. I love the colour combinations!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This piece is made of a lot of small necklaces and chains, along with other beaded embellishments. The title came to me as I was reminded again of God's goodness; every good gift comes from Him - and He doesn't ever take back what He gives. It's ours forever to enjoy!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
Like me, you may have purchased a set of little fake candles for Christmas, they lasted a few years and then since all the batteries died, my husband recommended I toss them out. But I couldn't resist saving the batteries and lids to add to this canvas - which reveals the fun I had in creating it. A friend named this piece, "Congregation" and it resonated with me, so I decided it would forever be the title.
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This jewel painting was inspired by a jumbled string of broken beads which I cut up and laid on the canvas in a grid (my typical approach). But when I swung my chair around - OH NO - it caught the beads and pulled them off to the side of the canvas! When I looked at it, it turned out to be the opposite of a disaster! I liked it so much that I developed it. It became a texture on a sandy beach.
Size is 12" x 9" (30.5 cm x 23 x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
I'd found a beautiful silk scarf (from Talbot) in a second hand store and was determined to create an art piece with it - it was so lovely! I assure you when I got around to this creation, it was not easy to pour glue on, and cut the scarf!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This canvas actually has a number of 10Karat gold chains/pieces on it. I was caught between the thought of the laborious process of getting the gold appraised and the actual fun process of putting it on a canvas! Obviously this stuff is worth more to me the way it looks on a canvas - what do you think?
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
Having been given more beautiful fine gold-plated chains, I was eager to let them speak for themselves, so I painted a complimentary dark background and organized a summer field with hills in the background and a bird descending on the peaceful setting.
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This piece is made of chains, beads, bracelets and shells. I didn't gesso over with white because I wanted to maintain the original brilliant colours of the beads. Underneath the beads, I painted a simple landscape and so everything fell into place.
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
This piece came about as I tried to apply 20 identical sports team pins to my canvas. The reflective quality was making it an interesting piece but it became a challenge to maintain this mirrored quality. As I added more and more paint, I had to keep polishing the metal pins. At one point I gave up and painted the whole thing white, and then I had to scrape off all the paint from the metal pins. I'm happy I did it because now, whatever you're wearing, the colour will reflect in this painting and I think that's fun!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
Watch the process video of this one ... it was a round-about process but I love the final!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
I save a small container of jewellery odds and ends – eventually the container gets full and I have to use them. They do make for very interesting textures!
Size is 9" x 12" (23 x 30.5 cm x 2.5), mixed media on canvas with black floating frame.
SMALL PAINTINGS
I had a desire to make something recognizable. These crabs are “built” on wooden blocks with upcycled jewellery and acrylic paint.
I had a desire to make something recognizable. These crabs are “built” on wooden blocks with upcycled jewellery and acrylic paint.
I had a desire to make something recognizable. These crabs are “built” on wooden blocks with upcycled jewellery and acrylic paint.
I had a desire to make something recognizable. These crabs are “built” on wooden blocks with upcycled jewellery and acrylic paint.
I had a desire to make something recognizable. These crabs are “built” on wooden blocks with upcycled jewellery and acrylic paint.
This is a 5x7 mini upcycled painting. I use old jewellery and acrylic paint to create these Jewel Paintings.
The secure heart has golden bands of protection around it. It cannot be moved by fear.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
When the heart is full of love and kindness for others, you rule as Kings and Queens.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Blue Hearts will ever be true.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
And it Does! Without love the world will collapse.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Sometimes your heart leaps and everything bursts around it!
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
The Purple Heart is royal and loyal.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Many hearts together make a great shield of protection!
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
When many hearts are joined in love, they radiate much light
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
The stones of fire reside in the heart of God - He gives us one when we believe Him.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
The joyful heart emanates fun and delight in every situation.
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
I called this the "Perfect Heart" because no matter what our hearts look like, Jesus can make them perfect. And I think the colour is perfect!
Miniature Jewel Painting Series (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Miniature Jewel Paintings (5x7in/12.7x18 cm) $50 each (Canadian Funds). Because these are painted with iridescent paint, they magically and beautifully change colour in different light settings.
Another extremely challenging project was this one; upcycling some old pencils, pencil crayons, markers and pens. The most difficult thing was dealing with the colours which were very beautiful but also very strong. Watch the video to see how I struggled, lol. (https://youtu.be/ASVBWNK32VY)