Look What I Found!

red.   5.5"x8.5"   mixed media on a re-purposed book cover

Lately I have been noticing a lot of paintings being created from abstract backgrounds.  When I saw NatashaMay's video for the Butterfly Effect, it was the final push I needed to play with some paint, have some fun, and see where my background led me...

Look What I Found!

I started out with the cover from a recycled hardbound book, collaged some pages for texture, then splashed some red (and gold) paint on it.

It was so much fun... I can't believe I didn't paint this way sooner!  (Especially since I seem to "see things" everywhere  - like here, or here, or even here!)

I have a feeling I will be doing a lot more of this type of painting in the future!

1 Year of Paint Party Friday...

...And it definitely feels like a celebration is in order!  

When the amazing EVA and I created PPF last year, we joked and wondered if we would be the only ones at the party...  When I chatted with her earlier this week, we both kept saying how we continue to be overwhelmed (in a very good way!) by the enthusiastic response of the painters who join the party each week!  Paint Party Friday has turned into such a fun community of artists and we couldn't be more thrilled about the friendships that have been created and continue to be made - If it sounds like I'm gushing, it's because I am!  Thank you EVA and friends!

If you read my last post, then you already know that I am enamored with Scribbler.  Well, the obsession continues...  To celebrate PPF's first year I printed a couple of scribbler drawings on watercolor paper and added some paint... Fun, fun, fun!

And speaking of fun...

Be sure to stop by the Paint Party Friday blog to learn more about our very first giveaway!

29 Faces!

At the beginning of the month, Ayala Art set out a challenge to create 29 faces in 29 days.  I was definitely very interested, but knew that the craziness and uncertainty of my life at the moment wouldn't allow daily posting, so sadly I didn't sign up.

In the middle of February, Melisa from Toad in a Boat created a face using Scribbler and I was intrigued!  Well, once I used it I was hooked!  Have you tried it?  It is quick, easy, and so much fun!  (The perfect creative outlet for my currently hectic life.)

Here is a quick rundown in case you haven't seen it before:

Draw a picture. (I like to do a quick drawing using my finger on my laptop touchpad to keep it fast and loose.)

Click "Done Drawing", choose your scribbler settings, and click "Start Scribbler".

Watch it "scribble" before your very eyes - this part is mesmerizing!

Click "Pause Scribbler" when you think it's finished OR if you would like to add something else to your drawing...

(I decided to add whiskers to my original drawing.)

Start "scribbling" again.

Voila!

Doing these faces in scribbler turned out to be therapeutic... A very low-stress, easy peasy way to relax and create after a stressful day.  (And, before I knew it I had 29 faces!)

Pinterest Love Part 2: Artsy Tutorials

By now it is no secret that I love pinterest.  I also love sharing the very cool things I find there...

Gelatin Prints from the extremely creative Karen at I am Rushmore

I cannot wait to try this!  Printing using a block of unflavored gelatin... Why have I never heard of this before?!?

(She also has a very cool post that shows how she uses the prints she makes.)

Batik (Using Elmer's Washable Gel Glue) from the super talented CarrieEllen at CarrieEllen ArtStudio

Ooooh the possibilities... Another one I can't wait to try!

Screen printing using Mod Podge

(details here)

How to transfer an image to fabric with gel medium

(details here)

How to transfer inkjet images to wood (without acetone)!

(details here)

You may have noticed that this post is "Part 2"...

If you missed Part 1, you can find it here.

I'd love to know your favorite pinterest finds - please feel free to share them in the comments.

(You can find me on pinterest here.)

I Love Art Because...

... It's fun and it makes me happy.  (Simple, but true.)

... It's a great way to communicate when I don't have the words. (I've been doing this ever since I was little. I mentioned it before here.)

... It is a constant companion.  (No matter what else is going on in my life, I always have art.)

... It can be therapeutic.

... It brings people together.  (I have met such an amazing community of creative friends online.)

... Making messes can be magical.

... It inspires.

... It comes in many forms: paint, clay, fabric, collage, song, dance, food & sooo many more.

... Trash can become treasure.

... Seeing the creation of an idea from start to finish is very rewarding.

... The possibilities are endless!

If you love art too, consider sharing why at:

The Love of Art Blog Party

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Love Notes (Worth Posting Again)!

 

"you are beautiful just the way you are"

(Dressing Room Love)

The amazing Patience Salgado (a.k.a. "kindness girl") is at it again...

In honor of Valentine's Day, it is time to spread some love guerrilla goodness style!

Where would you put a love note?

I originally posted this downloadable sheet of blank love notes over the summer.  To make it even easier to share the joy, I have created a pdf to download and print.  (You can get it here.)

What are you waiting for?!?

Get out and spread some love!  

Wheee!!!