Abstract Neon Brushstroke Mani - LNTC

*** Update:  I passed! ***


Hey y'all!

So as this posts, I am setting off on my practical driving exam... for which I'll post an update once it's done, but if you're reading this between 10-12 GMT on Feb 26, 2014... wish me some luck!  That said, today's nails are all about the Llama Nails Technique Challenge: Brushstroke Mani.  The brushstroke mani automatically lends itself to abstract designs, so I added a neon theme in the secondary color scheme, and here is the result:

*** Update:  It occurs to me that it's possible that this look was inspired by Robin Moses' EASY Summer Neon Brushstrokes Nail Art video, although it wasn't in the forefront of my mind when I developed my look, and it was not a deliberate recreation on my part.  However, I know that I had definitely seen this video, and the similarities are enough to warrant me stating such here.  Robin's look is definitely more refined and precise, and whether this is a "recreation" or not, you should definitely check out her YouTube channel because she does AMAZING work. ***

This was a pretty simple look to achieve, because aside from the French tip guides, it didn't require any tools.  Brush-stroking CAN be done with different brushes but I opted to just use the bottle brushes for this result.  I began with a base coat of Models Own Naked Glow on all nails.  One dry, I taped off French tips on all but my ring finger, and painted those in with Models Own White Light and then removed the guides.

From there, I created a sort of brush-stroke brick pattern going vertically down my ring finger in White Light, which is kind of hard to see after I added the other colors.  I think it shows up best in this picture:

From that point, it was just a matter of dabbing on the colors, which I chose from the Revlon Neon Duosticks in Amped Up (Green), High Voltage (Orange), and Ultra Violet (purple).  I think it's fairly self-explanatory as to what "technique" I used.

Basically I wanted to mostly cover the white, but leave a little bit peeking out, and draw the color up over the nude without completely covering the nail (I was aiming to leave 1/3 of the nail free).

On the ring finger, I pulled the colors from the side to the center of the nail, effectively crossing over the white brush strokes underneath.  Once everything was done, I sealed it all in under a coat of SV, and was ready to rock this bright mani!

It's a bit of a mess, but I suppose that's kind of the way it's supposed to look.  The challenge to doing this look is really keeping an eye on the balance of polish and trying not to overwhelm or completely cover anything.  I still love using the secondary colors as a palette, but I hope next time I use them, I'll be able to do something a little more stylized - abstract looks are a bit too untidy for my taste.

I hope you're all having a fantastic day, and please make sure to take a stroll through the blogs of my fellow collaborators in this challenge, below!