Many moons ago myself and some friends produced burlesque shows for newbie performers on the scene, we named it The Midnight Tea Party. The shows were an instant hit and sold out every time. With the moon as our logo a friends husband very kindly builds us a crescent moon photobooth for our audience members to enjoy during the show intervals. Over the years we captured so many wonderful memories on that moon.
As the pandemic arrived, babies were born and some friends were lost. The show quietly closed its curtains and hung up its tassels for the foreseeable future.
The moon sat, alone, missing the company of all of those shining stars.
After a year in storage the moon was very kindly left in my possession for use at my photography. So I decided to bring him back to life with a vintage makeover.
Now lets bear in mind that I haven’t painted anything in years. My skills as an artist were always very hit and miss back in my school days. So I was a little nervous to make a start on this project. But I figured if it went wrong, I could always just go back to yellow.
As you can see from the image below the moon stated out it’s life with a very softly drawn face, and I wanted to create the look of those old fashioned moon photo booths from the 1920’s. With strong features an craters covering the surface of the moon.
Once I set brush to canvas I found I very quickly had mapped out the face of the moon, with all of it’s fold and wrinkles. I used kids poster paints, left over emulsion and a combination of cheap artist paintbrushes, household brushes and an old car washing sponge cut into pieces -no expense spared here! 😂
Once I had started there was no stopping me! With every stroke I was shocked at my own creation. I really wasn’t expecting this to work for me. One of the reasons I pursued photography was over frustration of not being able to paint. I am under no illusion though that this was probably just one of my lucky “hit” days and that the next time I attempt to paint it will undoubtedly be a miss!
6 hours later! Yes I spent 6 hours painting this. I’m nothing if not committed! The moon and his clouds were complete. I can honestly say I have never felt more pride in myself than in this moment 😂
The next day I set up my backdrop and hung some twinkling stars (Christmas decorations I pinched from home). Until the moon can hopefully one day return to our burlesque shows, he takes pride of place at my studio. Where I continue to photograph some fabulous ladies nestled in the moon.
