Altered Ancestors

I've been working on a paint project that is interesting.  I decided to present my family ancestry in a new way.  I am collaging their photos and hints of their history in ephemera and other goodies.  I want to look at them every day and not just once in a while.  So, I sat down and got started.  I first layered about 8 layers of Gesso to prep the canvas and throw in a little sanding to give a good basecoat.  Pick out a couple of really fun colors and slap them around to create a festive background.  This isn't really going to be visible so don't fret too much about your color choices....Just pick your fav colors.

This is a collection of pics from my great-grandparents.  He farmed a hundred acres in Oklahoma.  My Great Grandfather passed away when I was young, but I knew my Grannie very well.  We always had great fun playing Croquet in the backyard.  She loved to fish and pick blackberries.  I just remember how hot and sweaty it was while I helped her!

Then I prepped a second canvas and did a grouping of my ancestors on my father's side of the family.  I was relieved to see the hair on my Great-great Grandfather!  Now I know why my hair goes 'Irish' and totally out of control.  These are still in the process of finishing and I am known to keep adding things months later.  So, all of them will be works in progress for a while. 

I have 2 more canvases on the table right now and are much smaller.  I have to think a bit harder about what I want to place where and what to add to tell the story of my family.  Sheesh, That is the really hard part....Thinking!!!