We had the annual Art Vanseca event at Tuixent in October for the Festa del Roser.
This year I was inspired by the landscape of the town of Tuixent. On one of my many walks with my dogs I realised that I could make a work of art using leaves collected in nature. I researched the best way to preserve leaves for this project and found the two best solutions: drying them in stacked books and in a mixture of Glycerin and water.
Preserving leaves with glycerin
You need fresh leaves, glycerin (I used vegetable glycerin), water, a container and something to press the leaves down in the mixture.
In the container mix 1 part glycerin and 2 parts water, mixing it well. Then add the leaves with a container to press them down. Leave them for 3 o 4 days. Dry them with paper towels and leave them to dry on a cloth towel.
The difference with drying the leaves in books and in the glycerin mixture:
The first ones are brittle but the colours are well preserved.
The ones in glycerin are pliable and easy to use, but leaves that are red/orange in colour did loose some of its colour.
Then I drew a sketch of the silhouette of Tuixent on a piece of cotton canvas. I wanted to make the art piece as ephemeral as I could, although I did use «Cola blanca» (like Elmer’s glue) and I wanted it to stick properly to the canvas and last as much as it could.
I really has a great time making this piece! And was very happy with the collection of leaves that I had.
I am very happy with how it turned out:
