Inside My Sketchbook...

(a page from my sketchbook:  "things with wings")

I created this page in my sketchbook last Thursday.  Then, the very next day, Illustration Friday announced that their weekly topic was "wings"...

I love serendipity!

Random Fun!

2013: 11

(gouache, micron pen, white gel pen, and matte acrylics)

When Jessica Sporn asked if I would test drive some of the stencils from her new stencil girl products line, I was thrilled and honored.  And, when the "random squares" stencil arrived in the mail I was giddy... I love to play with new art supplies and her stencil looked like it was going to provide lots of inspiration!

I'm so happy that the Random Squares Stencil Test Drive Blog Hop is finally here, and I can show you what I've created using Jessica's very versatile stencil!

What better way to showcase the random squares stencil than to share the random artwork I've created using it?

2013: 5

To create this piece, I started by using masking fluid in the openings of the random squares stencil, then washing over it with watered down matte acrylics in earth tones.  After it was dry, I removed the masking fluid and added more random squares in a light golden brown.  Finally, I created the face over the background with matte acrylics, prismacolor pencils, graphite, and a wee bit of white gel pen.

2013: 6

I started this piece by lightly drawing an octopus using a plain old pencil.  After the octopus was sketched in, I dripped and washed watered down matte acrylics on the drawing, loosely paying attention to the lines.  Then, on top of that, I added the random squares all over using white paint.  When the stenciled squares were dry, I went back in with prismacolor pencils and more white paint to add details to the octopus.

2013: 7

The inspiration for this piece came from one of my (favorite) old drawings.  I quickly "sketched" the giraffe image using sepia watercolor and a very wet brush, encouraging drips.  After the watercolor was dry, I drew in the giraffe with sepia prismacolor pencil.  Then, I laid the random squares stencil down in the areas I wanted spots, and I used the sepia prismacolor pencil to color in the squares.  When I had all of the spots I wanted, I continued to add more details using a prismacolor pencil in dark brown.

2013: 8

This owl started as a white charcoal pencil drawing on a black matte acrylic background. I painted the owl, moon and background using more matte acrylics.  After it was dry, I added random square details to the moon, sky, belly, and branch.

2013: 9

For this painting, I decided I wanted to create a bold and simple image, using bright colors to showcase Jessica's random squares.  I had leopard spots on the brain, so I went with it.  This one is pretty straightforward, a matte acrylic base with the random squares stencil overlay.

2013: 10

(gouache, watersoluble ink pencils, micron pen, and white gel pen)

I had so much fun creating all of this "random" artwork... I think the possibilities are endless with this stencil!  

Since this is a blog hop, the fun doesn't stop with me...

Please be sure to check out these other talented artists:

(I can't wait to see what they've created!)

Seth Apter, The Altered Page

Carolyn Dube, A Colorful Journey

Corinne Gilman, Sparkle Days Studios

Diana Trout

And, be sure to visit our blog hop hostess with the mostess, 
Jessica Sporn!

(She's having a giveaway too!  Hooray!)

To buy your very own random squares stencil, please visit:

Juggling

2013: 14

Wow... We're already three weeks into 2013!  How did that happen?!?

I have quite a few balls in the air, so to speak, which has left me feeling a bit like the clown fish in the image above.  But, no worries...  I have every confidence that (at some point) I will find my rhythm and settle into 2013's routine (even if it takes me until March)!  Ha!

One of the very fun things I've been doing is "test driving" Jessica Sporn's "random squares" stencil.  I'll be sharing on Thursday (the 24th), so be sure to stop back.

Happy New(ish) Year

Hi Friends!

I hope you all had a fun holiday season!

You may have noticed that I've been away from the blog for a while...

I hadn't planned on taking such a long break, and I won't bore you with the details why, but I'm happy to say that I'm back!  

(I've missed you guys!)

On December 31st, I finished up a sketchbook.  Then, on the first day of the new year, I started a fresh one...  That kind of timing never happens (to me, at least), so I'm taking it as a very good sign of great artsy things to come!

I'm looking forward to catching up with all of you!

Kindness Gone Viral

For the past week, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I have struggled to find words.  The post that I had originally planned to publish last Friday suddenly seemed so trivial... As a result, I avoided writing anything at all.

Then, yesterday I read about Ann Curry's #26Acts of Kindness.  

Moments later, I read an email from a woman who was interested in purchasing the original or a print of my "Take What You Need" heart.  Well, the original is now at home in Scotland, but I am happy to say that prints are free to anyone that wants one! 

(More details further down...)

I believe wholeheartedly in the power of kindness.  I believe that all acts of compassion, both big and small can make a difference... In just the space of a few minutes, my mission was clear and the voice that I thought was missing had returned.

(download your free copy here)

In honor of Ann Curry's #26 Acts, and as a tribute to the precious lives lost in Newtown, I have added a kindness page on my blog where you will be able to find links to downloadable and printable kindness art including the "Take What You Need" poster above.  It is my hope that these posters make their way to bulletin boards, lamp posts, and utility polls around the world.

p.s. You'll also find a link to my free downloadable and printable kindness cards!

(Another great way to spread good will.)

"If you do good, you feel good."

-Ann Curry

Wishing you a holiday season (and beyond...) that feels good!

xo

Kristin

What I've Learned...

Today's post is inspired by a few questions for #reverb12:

#3: What do you really wish for?

#4: How will you celebrate YOU?

#6: What did you learn?

(I'm going to answer them in reverse order.)

2012 taught me not to take a single moment for granted.  A series of very serious family health emergencies that started in 2011 (and lasted up until last month), made it abundantly clear that life is very precious.  I have tried to become more actively aware of how I am spending my time, prioritizing, and focusing my energy on the things that are most important to me.

I think that paying attention, and really, truly living (rather than just existing), is the best way I can possibly celebrate myself.  I'm slowing down, taking notice, and enjoying the little things so much more now.

I have set many goals of things I hope to accomplish in the coming year, but the things that I really wish for are the health, happiness, and strength that are required to follow though on those intentions and aspirations.

#Reverb12

Hmmm... I'm not really sure where or how to start this post, which is actually remarkably appropriate...

December usually finds me a frenzied, scattered mess, and this year is no different.  So, when Kat from I Saw You Dancing suggested that I might participate in the December challenge, #reverb12, I was initially apprehensive...  But, after reading the description of this kinder, gentler challenge, I decided that it is exactly what I need right now.  (Thanks, Kat!)

Here is what #reverb is all about (in Kat's words):

* celebrating the successes of 2012

* honouring the challenges of 2012

*planting the seeds for a rich and rewarding 2013

It sounds fabulous to me!

So, for the month of December, 

(Well, what's left of December... I'm a "frenzied, scattered mess", remember?)

my posting will be based on some of the prompts provided by Kat.

Sound like fun?  It's not too late, you can play too!