2018: 109/365

As I sit looking at the Spring snow out my window,

I wonder if May flowers will ever really arrive...

Even though my friend Christine has assured me that warmer weather will be coming soon, I thought I might have to take matters into my own hands...

Luckily, I remembered that I know how to make my own flowers!

(I even created a tutorial so you can too.)

Hopefully I'll see some flowers (or even the grass!) soon...

But in the meantime, it's good to have a back-up plan!

2018: 10/365

It's a snowgator!

Recently, a friend sent me a video of an artist using a stick to create snow calligraphy and then suggested I try snow painting.  Since I love a good challenge, I grabbed some watercolors (since I thought they would be the most environmentally friendly option) and decided to give it a try.

Things I discovered:

1. Snow painting is not easy.  Lol!

2. The colors don't spread easily with the brush,

but they do have a tendency to bleed some.

3. You have to work quickly because the colors seep into the snow

and start to fade away.

Things I will try next time:

1. Filling a spray bottle with premixed watercolor to fill in larger areas.

2. Using less watery watercolor for more detailed areas

(to try and avoid bleed).

3. Experimenting with "splatter".

My Illustration Process: From Start to Finish!

Since I love seeing how other artists create, 
I thought it would be fun to share my illustration process 
from start to finish...

My process always begins with sketching.  At this stage, I'm trying to get a feel for the character(s), the movement, and the expressions.  I also like to try and develop a rough plan for the layout of the page(s).

Next, I create more finished drawings based on my original sketches, but making adjustments as needed.  I create these drawings on plain old copy paper (but in the size the final artwork will be in).

After my my layout is set and my drawings are complete, I use my light box to trace my drawings onto 140lb. watercolor paper.  When my original drawings have been transferred, I use a dark brown prismacolor pencil to lay in my underlying values.  (I want to get a base down so that I can see where darks, lights, shadows, and highlights will go.)

When I finish my colored pencil layer, I cover the images with clear gesso and let that dry.  Then, I put on a wash of burnt sienna fluid acrylic.  This layer adds warmth and depth to the final painting that would be difficult to achieve if I left those areas white.

Now the fun really begins... I start adding color (using acrylic paint).  I start by painting the areas that would be furthest away (in the background), then moving to areas that are closer to the viewer (in the foreground).  
I build up my paint in layers, starting with darker values and gradually lightening them.  Not only does this allow for smooth blending, it gives the final painting more depth.

(It was at this point that I accidentally dipped my sleeve into my palette and smeared it across the page as I was working. 
I don't recommend that!  Hahaha!)

When I'm adding color, I try to avoid using paint straight from the tube.  I use a porcelain enamel butcher's tray palette and mix my paints directly on the smooth surface.  Once I've mixed my colors, I transfer them to folded damp paper towels.  (This keeps them workable for a long time.)  If I spritz my paints with water and cover my palette with plastic wrap, I can use the paints I've mixed for days.  (Also, the porcelain surface is great for easy clean-up!)

I keep building on previous layers, moving around the painting (avoiding working on any one particular area for too long).  The final step is to add the last little details and the whitest whites.

(Actually, the final step for this painting was fixing my "oops" paint smear digitally!)

I hope you've found this start to finish look at my illustration process helpful...
See you in 2017!

My Very First Video Tutorial!

I am so excited!!!

I am a BIG believer that creating art doesn't have to cost a lot of money.  I believe in saving money where you can, so that you can splurge where you want.  I am also a huge fan of sharing ideas.  (I have even created some written tutorials in the past.)

Today, I am so happy to share my very first video tutorial that combines my belief in saving money, and my love of sharing ideas... How to create a professional looking wrapped gallery canvas using things you probably already have laying around the house!  

I've shared the video over at the Willowing blog and I really hope you'll check it out... Who knows, maybe you'll end up saving so much money on canvases that you'll finally be able to get the supplies you've been wanting to indulge in, or sign up for the class you've been dreaming about taking...  Either way, I hope you enjoy!

Where Inspiration Comes From

Would you believe me if I told you that this drawing was inspired by an oil spot in a parking lot?!?

While walking through a parking lot after a storm last week, I came across a perfectly circular, perfectly beautiful oil spot on the wet pavement.  (Yes, I'm the crazy lady that stops in the middle of the road to take photos of the ground!)

The rainbow spot reminded me of the sharpie tie-dyed t-shirts that I had just helped Tyler's class make at their year end party.  That made me wonder if I might be able to re-create the same effect on paper.  So, after an unsuccessful attempt using sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol, and index cards, I pulled out my water soluble markers and started to play....

There is tremendous joy to be found in experimenting with supplies in new ways!  In the end, it turned out that the simple combination of water soluble markers and a spray bottle filled with water created some pretty remarkable results.

And to think, it all started after seeing an oil spot!  
It just goes to show how important it is to keep your eyes open, because...

Inspiration is everywhere!

Tutorial Try-Out: Glue As A Resist

This weeks tutorial, "Glue As A Resist" at Unruly Paper Arts, started off as a pretty straightforward process...

I did my first page using glue applied straight from the bottle (and watercolor once the glue was dry).  I guess I was still feeling a bit inspired by last week's tutorial, because I decided to add some gesso to help define leaf shapes.

I liked the results, but using glue straight from the bottle created a raised texture, and I was interested in seeing if I could create a resist that was flat...

For my next page, I applied the glue with a brush.  Success!  The "leaf veins" I had drawn completely disappeared when they dried.  When I applied the watercolor to the page, they magically appeared again!  I decided to add some micron & gel pen details, and some panpastel shading too.

This technique really got the wheels turning in my mind, and I thought since the images painted with the glue completely disappear, it would be really cool to create...

Top secret messages!

Well, with an idea that fun, I had to let my favorite little collaborator in on the "secret"!  Tyler and I have been playing with this magical technique ever since...

One of Tyler's "Secret Messages" That I Revealed With Watercolors

One of My "Secret Messages" That Tyler Revealed With Watercolors

Did you try this tutorial?
If so, please be sure to link up below.
(I can't wait to see!)

And, be sure to read all the way to the end of this post to see what tutorial I'm trying next!


Since the glue is already out, I thought it would be fun to try:
Belinda Del Pesco's Glue Collagraph Tutorial.

Faces 11 & 12

2013: 22

(prismacolor pencils)

Remember the process I told you about in my last post?

It works with paintings too!

For today's faces, I printed out copies of an underpainting I created last August...

2013: 23

(prismacolor pencils, watercolors, white gel pen)

And, started playing with the possibilities!

Faces 9 & 10 (And, A Favorite Process Revealed!)

2013: 20

(prismacolor pencils)

You may recognize this girl from yesterday's drawing.  

I created her by using one of my favorite techniques...

One drawing, endless possibilities...

When I make a drawing (like the one yesterday), I scan it into the computer.  Then, if I want to play with it some more, I lighten it up (in a photo editing program), and print it out on 110lb. white cardstock.

2013: 21

(gouache resist)

Then, I can play, play, play!

Underpainting Questions Answered

(Photo taken with my new favorite obsession, instagram.)

I have received many questions about my underpaintings (and my painting process in general), so I thought I would take this opportunity to answer them all at once (in case you're curious too)...

What kind of paint do you use?  Are these oils?  

How do you get them so smooth?

They are painted with acrylics.  I use whatever brand I happen to have closest to me when I start painting.  I use many different brands, but I personally prefer Liquitex - different brands have different consistencies, I just happen to like Liquitex the best.  I use a damp (not wet, not dry) brush for blending to achieve "smoothness".

How do you choose what color you use for your underpaintings?

When I was in college, I always used umber (raw or burnt) for my underpaintings, and I know many people use paynes gray.  Now, I choose the color based on what the final painting will be (then I choose the complement), sometimes I choose the color because of a feeling the background gives me, or sometimes even my mood... You may have already guessed, but dioaxazine purple is my favorite.

What is an underpainting? Why do you create an underpainting?  It looks like a finished painting to me.

For me, underpaintings are like sketches with paint... I am able to establish values more readily because I find it easier to focus on lights and darks when the painting is monochromatic.  It is my base layer and provides a ground that ultimately gives my finished painting more depth.

Thank you to all of the people who said that these look like finished paintings already!  I have to admit that sometimes I end up liking the underpainting better than the finished painting (which is why I always take a quality scan before moving on)!

Do you ever paint without using an underpainting?  

Do you notice a difference?

Yes, and yes.  There have been many times where I've painted without creating an underpainting first, and the majority of the time I've ended up regretting it.  I truly believe that the added depth that is achieved by doing an underpainting first is well worth the extra time it takes.

How long does it take you to create an underpainting?

 It really varies from day to day... It is usually somewhere between 45 minutes and 2 hours... If I'm "in the groove" it can be fairly quick, but some days I am nit-picky with myself, then it takes longer.  It also depends on the amount of detail and the size of the painting.  Some days I think "Oh, this will be a quick one" and I end up fussing over it longer than I thought.  And, some days I think, "This one is going to be tricky." and I end up breezing through it... I just never know what to expect (but I guess that's part of the fun!)   

What are you going to do with all of these underpaintings?

You can find an answer to that question here.

How do you create your backgrounds?  Do you hand paint them or are they patterned papers?

I use many different things to create my backgrounds, both paint and paper (and teabags, and phonebook pages, and old painting rags...).  Occasionally I use pre-made papers, but I prefer to create my own collage papers and use those instead.

Last year, I created 48 free downloadable and printable collage papers as part of my Carefree Fridays series.  If you would like to use them in your artwork (no strings attached), you can find them here.

***

I want to thank you all for your kindness, support, and questions...

I believe we all learn from each other and I'm happy to share!

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

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.)

Pinterest Love Part 1: "Recipes" for Artists

I love pinterest... There are so many fun and useful things to discover!  Today I would like to share some "recipes" for homemade art materials that I found while browsing:

(I haven't tried them yet, but they look great!)

Make your own watercolors!

(Details here.)

Homemade mod podge (matte & glossy versions)!

(Details here.)

Make your own chalkboard paint (in any color you choose)!

(Details here.)

Make alcohol inks using Rit powdered dye!

(Details here.)

Mix up a batch of paper mache clay!

(Details here.)

Whip up some air dry craft clay!

(Details here.)

If you haven't checked out pinterest yet, be sure to take a look. But beware... It's addictive!

(You can find me on pinterest here.)

Paint Party Friday... Work In Progress

(A sneak peek at my most recent Work-In Progress!)

I also wanted to take this opportunity to answer a couple of questions posed by 2 lovely and talented ladies, Nicola and Kat, last week...

"Are they done in acrylic or oils (or watercolors or pastels)?"

Both, last week's paintings and this week's work in progress are done in acrylics.  I always use floetrol mixed with my paint to increase it's blendability.  I love oils, but I don't love the clean-up, so acrylics it is!

"What sort of board do you use to paint on?"

Last week's paintings were created on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvases that had been covered in decorative papers first.  (You can see the backgrounds in this post.)

This week, I am painting on an old cupboard door that I sanded and covered with old book pages.

Be sure to stop back this weekend because this painting is for Inspiration Avenue's owl theme (which means I have to finish it by Sunday morning)!

Playing with Papers: Love Notes

For my final Playing with Papers, I wanted to create something that would be meaningful far beyond the walls of my studio, something that combines my passion for art with LOTS of kindness, and something that would be fun and easy to do...

I immediately thought of this post that was inspired by the amazingly enchanting Patience Salgado.  Patience is the kindness girl behind "guerrilla goodness":

"So much kindness you just can't help but smile and cry happy tears at the sheer joy of it all. The best part? Being kind, purposefully kind, is really so simple. Anyone can do it!"

(Taken from my post last year)

(click to enlarge and print)

For this week's project, I started by using last Friday's "Paper Love" FREE collage papers to create a template of blank mini note cards.  (Please feel free to use my template too!)

Then I cut out the cards, wrote words of encouragement, and headed out to spread the love around town...

In a dressing room,

In a library book about interviewing for a job,

In a friend's mailbox,

At a bus stop,

In the "self-help" section,

In the waiting room at the hospital,

And in the suitcase of my sweetie!

I am carrying the rest of the blank note cards that I printed with a pen at the ready - Opportunities to offer words of encouragement and share some kindness are everywhere!

Won't you join me for a little "guerrilla goodness"?!?