Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Here Is...


I feel like there has been quite a bit going on behind the scenes in my little part of the (blog)world, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share some of the things I've been up to.


I was interviewed by Helen from Scarlet Designs as part of her "Blogs From Around the World" series.  (You can read it here.)


I receive many questions about my art, and this past week I received an email with specific questions about the painting techniques I used in my One World One Heart painting and also in the Bohemian Butterflies painting.  After I wrote back, I thought it might be useful to post my answer here too (just in case anyone else was wondering).

Here is the question:

I'm curious about your materials and technique for overpainting the bright backgrounds you paint. What type of paint do you use? How do you cover the background so completely? I've done some background/overpainting like that but never got the background covered as nicely as you! I'm using acrylics. I'm wondering if I'm using the wrong kind of paint or just not enough.

Here is my answer:

The truth is that I use whatever paint I have lying around - I generally use artists acrylics for underpainting, details, etc.  For the overpainting in the paintings you're talking about I actually used latex house paints - it's great for opaque coverage (and I always have lots - before I had Tyler I was the co-owner of a mural/decorative painting company).  I mix my own colors using white latex (usually satin finish) with the basics - red, yellow, blue, brown, black.  Sometimes to achieve a really intense color you have to rely on artists grade paints... it all depends what I'm mixing.

As far as technique, for the heart painting I used an expired plastic gift card to apply the overpaint (kind of like a trowel)... first a deep blue (I think that was actually some craft paint I had lying around - premixed), then I put on a layer of turquoise latex house paint, then a layer of light green house paint - I let a little of each previous layer peek through.  For the butterflies, I used a brayer for the overpainting - I actually used some saran wrap to dab on the colors, then used the brayer while it was still wet to blend it.

(I love receiving emails and I'm happy to answer any questions I can, so feel free to email me anytime!)

And, speaking of painting, I think Eva and I have kept you in suspense long enough...


On Friday March 18th, Eva and I will be launching Paint Party Friday!  I think it's going to be a lot of fun and I hope you'll join us!  (You can read more about it here.)

Since I'm still on the topic of painting, I would be remiss if I didn't mention...


The amazing wood mounted print I just received in the mail from the very talented Lori Diane!  I have loved this painting of hers from the moment I saw it and I was lucky enough to win a print of it during OWOH!  If you would like a piece of her gorgeous artwork for your very own, be sure to visit her etsy shop.

Thank you so much Lori (Bob and I know exactly where we are going to hang it)!


I would like to finish today's post with some gratitude by giving a shout out to some great etsy treasuries and a big thank you to each of their creators:


I'm so happy to be a part of these fun treasuries - thank you for including me!

14 comments:

  1. Interesting (and completely over my head!) The heart looks like stained glass to me.

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  2. Trust me, you can count on Kristin to use many, many, Many layers to achieve just the effect she's looking for. --- Ask her how many layers her dining room walls have!

    ♥ ♥ ♥ you, Honey!

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  3. Ha! Doesn't everyone have 6 layers on their dining room walls?!?

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  4. Wow what a great post Kristin! I really loved that heart painting so found it very interesting to learn about your techniques. Your paintings have such a bright vibrant look to them they are gorgeous!!! I'm going to check out this paint party thing you mentioned too, sounds intriguing! :0)

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  5. You continue to delight and amaze me...the heart painting is wonderful! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

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  6. Thanks for sharing the info - now I am off to check out the details for the Friday Paint Party!!!
    cheers, dana

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  7. Congrats on the treasuries! I have just came from Paint Party Friday! wahooo...can't wait!

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  8. This is an awesome post! You are like...famous yo! Your artwork is so beautiful...every time I come back my first reaction is WOW! The colors are so vivid and go together like they were just meant to be. They seem very magical if you know what I mean. I checked out that interview as well!

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  9. Thanks for sharing your technique! I like the Heart painting too. I will be joining you for Paint Party Friday. :-)

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  10. Wowzer...where to begin! Thankyou so much for the insight into your painting....there has been a big "aaaaaahaaa!" moment as to how you create such an amazing effect..though I would still like to see you doing it in person :)
    What an absolutely STUNNING print, how very lucky you are! I shall go and check Lori's shop out now..as you know I've got a hall to fill :)
    BIG congratulations on all those etsy treasuries..so lovely to see your work get the credit it deserves.
    And lastly..but not leastly....never one to miss out on a party(particularly a paint one) consider me there with bells on :) BIG hugs xx

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  11. Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing your techniques....I always love hearing what other artists do and how they create their pieces, so big thanks x and yay for etsy treasuries!

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  12. HI Kristin, great post! So glad to hear about all the wonderful happenings in your world! Thanks for sharing your techniques! It is a great piece! That print is beautiful! I will be sure to check out her link! :)

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  13. I'm so glad you posted the Q&A. I love finding out little tricks and tips from other artists. I can't wait to see what you will create in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Book!

    Congrats on the fab treasuries and that wonderful painting! You lucky girl! ;)

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  14. Oooh that painting from Lori is gorgeous - and interesting to hear about your own painting techniques. Thank you for your sweet comment on my post about Jesse Reno's class. It was seriously awesome - so freeing!
    Beth
    www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com

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Hi! I love and appreciate all of your comments! I turned off the word verification so please don't leave me spam. Thanks!

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