Friday, December 11, 2015

My Week In Photos + Upcoming E-Course

Sunday
Iris Van Herpen Fashion Exhibit @ The High Museum ATL


It was an amazing show!  I left recharged and full of inspiration.

Monday


Tuesday
I've been low on energy lately but I find getting up in the morning and stretching has helped so much.

Wednesday
 afternoon walk

Thursday
Works in progress - it's never really done is it?!?

Friday

I'm still in the planning phases of this course because I need your feedback!  Is this a class you would like to take?  If so, what would you like to learn?  What struggles do you have with painting brown skin tones?  Do you prefer a longer or shorter course?  I want you to be successful in your painting journey!  Please leave me a comment below and have a great weekend!


Friday, December 4, 2015

Hand Painted Holiday Ornament Series - 2015


Do you have your tree up yet??  I honestly don't know what our tree situation will be this year.  I found a really nice one at Hobby Lobby but I really don't feel like spending $175 on it...I might be able to find something after the holidays.  If you know if any good deals let me know.

I'm halfway through my hand painted ornament series.  I'm filming the process for each one and painting what is in my comfort zone because I wanted these to be enjoyable.

I hope you are inspired and subscribe to my channel for more videos.

Each ornament will be available for purchase over on my ETSY.







Sharing with Paint Party Friday

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Art is Home For Me - Studio Update

Thanksgiving was different this year.  New state, new home, and a break in tradition.  It's exciting, don't get me wrong but the whole family wasn't here so it just wasn't the same.  Next year when November doesn't creep up on us maybe we can plan ahead.


Lately, painting has been a comfort for me.


Ink illustrations have become a part of my everyday life now.  Over on my instagram you can catch daily sketches.  

A good friend of mine asked for a tattoo illustration.  She's a Gemini and knew exactly what she wanted.  I presented three sketches to her and she loved this one.


If you would like a tattoo or portrait illustration email me at msdaniellerenee2@gmail.com.

I recently received good news that I made the Canvas Corps Creative Crew.  Be on the look out for new projects from me in 2016!


Have a great week!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

How to Flatten a Watercolor Painting

Good Morning!
Today I wanted to share how to flatten a watercolor painting.  I just finished up this fall inspired portrait and before I package her up I took a few photos of my process.  It's pretty straight forward and easy to do!


I first saw artist Joe Cartwright do this technique on his YouTube video.  I just switched up my process and used things I had on hand.  

I took a short break from my art journal to complete this gouache and watercolor painting.  Each afternoon I set aside an hour or so to work on her.  Watercolor forces you to be patient and wait for each layer to dry.  Since I normally paint in acrylic I tried my best not to overwork the paint.  I have another one planned before all the leaves are gone.  


Tip: Make sure the watercolor paper and books are the same size of the painting so you don't create unwanted creases.

The original painting is no longer available but I will have prints just in time for the holidays.  If you would like notifications of when prints are in the shop please sign up for my newsletter!





Do you know if any other tricks for flattening watercolor paper?  Let us know down in the comments.
Thanks for visiting! Sharing with Paint Party FridayArt It Friday

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Awakening: Mixed Media Art Journal Page


After Inktober I had to reevaluate my artwork.  For a whole week it's like I was in a creative block. I tried to paint and make a video but nothing was coming together.  


Last Sunday my mom and I went for a hike and I took as many photos as I could because I thought it might help me get out of my funk...and it did!

I guess with me working and sketching everyday I ran out of steam.  Fresh air and exercise brought in new inspiration and ideas.

I put together a list of Fall Inspired Creative Prompts for November.  If you need a boost it's here for you to download!

Feel free to share & Pin this image!

The first prompt I chose was Awakening.

I have to say that this page is not my normal style.  It's a bit looser and feels a bit more realistic then what I normally do.  But I love the direction my work is headed.


Supplies Used:
Paint: Americana, Craftsmart, Grumbacher acrylic paints
Sharing with Thanks for stopping by!  

Sunday, November 1, 2015

I'm Published! - Free Issue Inside

Hey Friends!
I just wanted to let you know that I've been published in heART Journal Magazine.  heArt Journal Magazine is an online publication with lots of mixed media tips, tutorials, videos, and inspiration.  


To celebrate heART Journal Magazine has a given me a free issue bonus code to share with others.

Get your free issue of heART Journal Magazine today! 

Simply download the app on iTunes https://bit.ly/heARTMag or Google Play  http://bit.ly/Heartjournal
Then on your device follow these directions using subscriber code : voN2015 (case sensitive)
•             Install the App on your device
•             Launch the Magazine
•             On the Home Page, Tap on the Yellow subscribe button
•             Tap on the Current Subscribers button                         
•             Enter this: voN2015 (case sensitive)

or go to our cart for a pdf version choose the Nov 2015 Issue and use coupon code voN2015 in the check out process.

You will now be able to access your free issue.  Remember, the code is case sensitive. For help with the coupon code, email heartjournalmag@gmail.com   This code is good until Nov 15 2015!


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I also wanted to let you know that I have a free art journal printable available for the month of November when you sign up for my newsletter!  





Friday, October 23, 2015

Inktober Week 2 & 3



Here are a few faces from week 2 & 3 of Inktober.  Please see week 1 if you haven't already.  I feel like I'm getting a bit more comfortable with inking.

I'm not even sure why I avoided it for so long. Some of these ladies are posted on my Esty for purchase.  


I've also opened up a custom purchase option.  If you would like to illustrate a picture for you I can do that!  

These are done on watercolor paper, I just like to texture of cold press.  I want to do some larger scale drawings with a bit of color.  So, Im looking forward to that.


I'm teaching a class in November and I would love if you would join me.  After you watch this video check out the side bar and click the owl button. 



Hope you all had a chance to make something this week.  If you did leave me a link down below. 

Have a great weekend! Sharing with Paint Party FridayArt It FridayWWYOW 

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  If you purchase a product after clicking the affiliate link, I will receive a small percentage of the sale with no extra cost to you.  I appreciate your support!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Fall Paintings + Etsy Updates



I had a craft festival this past Friday and wasn't able to sell anything.  I will be moving almost everything to ETSY so they are available there now!!!  I love painting so much.  Once a vision starts coming together I get so excited.


I have more of these mini wood block paintings coming.  They stand up on their own so you can set them right on a desk.  These two minis are on sale for $22 each.  Available Here!


The larger canvases are 8x8 and I am selling them for $80 each.  Available Here! If you are international please send me an email (msdaniellerenee2@gmail.com) letting me know you are interested and I can get you an estimate on shipping.

I hope you all are enjoying your weekend.  It's getting cold here already.  I'm sorry if you have problems leaving comments.  I'm thinking about switching over to Facebook comments or Disqus.

Stay warm friends and please feel free to share this post and pin photos!  Sharing with Paint Party Friday

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Gratitude Junk Journal Workshop Blog Hop

Good Morning!  Welcome to the Gratitude Junk Journal Workshop Blog Hop!  Join me on a quick, artsy journey towards Gratitude and meeting the 8 AWESOME instructors of this workshop! And for a chance to WIN a free spot for you and a friend in the Gratitude Junk Journal Workshop, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Click Here, as well as a GREAT PRIZE PACKAGE! 



If you arrived here from Zoey Scarpelli then you are in the right place. 

If you are starting here just follow the link below to go to the next blog and continue on the hop. Jennifer Albin!!

Gratitude. A feeling of appreciation or thanks. So simple, yet so mighty. It becomes mightier as we practice it in our lives. Growing it in a group makes it all the stronger.   This journal will help to reinforce it and give us a great reference that keeps us grounded.  Just imagine after one month how your attitude, those around you and your life will change.  Change your heart. Change your mind. Change your life. A month of gratitude. A month of miracles.  

JOIN ME IN THE WORKSHOP NOW. Click Here to Join!


I would like to share a page from my journal that I am grateful for and why.  I'm always making mistakes in my journal, having to start over.  I think life is the same way.  But it doesn't mean failure. I'm not sure if you can tell but I had to cut her out of the "failed page" and add her to a new one. Starting again is good if you just keep going!

Now for the good stuff.  Here is how you can win A FREE SPOT FOR YOURSELF AND A FRIEND,  Share my link...Click here!  

Share on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and be sure to use #gratitudejunkjournal  and tag your friend when sharing.  Feel free to use the following button when sharing!  One lucky winner and a friend she tags will win.  

Contest is open October 14-18!  So hurry get your entries in!  Remember, #gratitudejunkjournal that is how we will find you!  And no worries, if you have already registered, your workshop fee will be refunded. Easy peasy!

Use this button below!!


Just for being an early bird registrant you have the chance to win this great prize package too!  Everyone, who signs up between 10/12 and 10/22 will be entered to win! 



Next on the hop is Jennifer Albin!!

What are you grateful for?  I would love to hear! 

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  If you purchase a product after clicking the affiliate link, I will receive a small percentage of the sale with no extra cost to you.  I appreciate your support!


Monday, October 12, 2015

Gratitude Junk Journal Workshop - Open Registration

Good Afternoon,
I'm excited to announce that I will be a part of The Gratitude Junk Journal Workshop hosted by Tiare Smith!  Join our 30 day workshop with 8 talented artists for step by step video and written tutorials!  

For the month of November you will get lesson after lesson of top notch art journal fun.  We will be focusing on what we are grateful for and how to incorporate that into our art journals.  Click here to read the instructors bios!  We have a blog hop coming up soon so stay tuned!


When you sign-up using my special link you will receive: 

  • Access to my class as well as 11 other unique journal page lessons
  • Private access to our FaceBook Group
  • Downloadable PDFs
  • Tons of mixed media tips, tricks, and techniques

Registration closes October 31, 2015!

I wanted to give you an exclusive sneak peek photo to my class!  If you love owls like I do this class is for you!  You will receive a start to finish detailed video (and downloadable PDF) showing you how to draw and paint this fall inspired art journal page.  Feel free to share this post with friends and family!!


Thank you so much!  I hope to see you in class!!!

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  If you purchase a product after clicking the affiliate link, I will receive a small percentage of the sale with no extra cost to you.  I appreciate your support!

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Inktober 2015 Week 1 + Crafty Haul Video


Drawing with ink makes me nervous.  Inktober is a sort of like a challenge where you sketch in ink everyday for the month of October.  Whenever I use a different medium my art work grows a little bit.

In the past years, I spent so much time being jealous of other artists on social media that I think it crippled my confidence.  Just in the five days of doing inktober, I feel so fulfilled about the direction of my artwork.

I do a sketch with pencil first and then ink over it.  Not being able to erase forces you to make confident and intentional lines.  I don't plan everything out, sometimes I make it up as I go along. 


I hope you are encouraged to try something new so you get pushed out of your comfort zone.  You might be pleasantly surprised!  Prints will be available at the end of the month.  If you would like to see my sketches day to day you can find me on Instagram.


I did manage to pick up a few things over the past few weeks!  There are a lot of sales going on so I'd thought I would share.  

Have a great weekend friends! 

Thursday, October 1, 2015

100 Faces Update



Hi Friends, I wanted to give you an update on my 100 faces challenge.  I have a few pictured here. It's a really diverse group.  I plan to keep focusing on trying new things.  There are about 21 finished. Hopefully I can get another 20 done this month!  Do you have any creative goals for the month?  Please share down below in the comments.

I got good news...I will be doing my first Fall Craft Fair this month!  I feel like the Lord has opened an awesome door for me.  If you have any advice for me please pass it along.  I still need to figure out my set up and what exactly I'm going to sell.

Is anyone doing Inktober?  If you haven't heard about it click here to learn more...I'm going to give it a try!

Have a great weekend!  Sharing with Paint Party FridayArt It Friday


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Art Journal Sketches & ATL Botanical Gardens


Hey Ya'll!  I really hope you all had a good week!  I was able to push out ten art journal sketches this week.  Sometimes I try way too hard to get everything perfect and I get blocked.  I loosened up and didn't use an eraser (until the last one) and just sketched whatever came to my brain.  I was able to record four of the charcoal sketches.

I picked up three canvases from Michael's a few weeks ago and plan to re-paint a few of these. Letting go really was fun.  This was only part one.  I have part two coming soon...not to sure if I will record it or not.  Anyway, I just hope you are inspired to open up and try a few new things.



Two weekends ago we went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  This place was insane!  I've never been anywhere like it.  I took a billion pictures and wanted to share them all!  They have an amazing restaurant inside where I ate something called Parisian Monsieur.  Ya'll I don't know how to say it but I cleaned the plate.  Click here to see a photo of it.


This sculpture is made up of plants and flowers.  I wish I could see her everyday!  



They have room after room of plants and flowers.  The bottom left photo shows the canopy walk.  It feels like you're in Jurassic Park.  The butterfly doors are in the children's gardens.  I want some in my house one day.


If you ever come to Atlanta PLEASE visit the gardens, you will not regret it!  
(Bring your walking shoes though!)

Have a blessed weekend! 

Friday, September 18, 2015

[Video] How to Make a Junk Journal


What is a junk journal anyway?  It's a journal made up of leftover paper scraps, photos, memorabilia, journaling, and recycled junk mail (hence the name "junk journal").  It can be anything you want it to be.  


I had to purge a lot of my scraps before I moved so I used some new products.  The journal itself is Recollections and I picked it up from Michael's.  I plan to do a ton of drawing and painting in this journal.  Getting printed photos in there is also a goal of mine.  I don't print photos like I used to.



I hope you enjoy this video.  It's just one idea of how to start your journal.  I will keep you updated as I add more.  Check out my Journals Pinterest board for more ideas.  Click here to see my progress!

Have a great weekend!  And please let me know if you've ever made a junk journal?  I'd love to hear!  Sharing with Paint Party Friday, MMW, WWYOW 

Friday, September 11, 2015

29 Faces #2 | Stargazer


Face #2 didn't happen overnight.  There was actually another girl underneath her who frustrated me so I just smeared over a bunch of gesso.  I wanted her to be some type of galactic princess.  She is painted on a jumbo wooden tag I picked up from Jo-Anns.  


Drawing and painting hair is always my favorite part.  I wanted her to have dreadlocks.  

I used an old flat bristle brush in the following layers; 
dark gray (base)black (in the creases or folds of the hair)  - gray (highlight) - light gray (highlight) - white (highlight).  

Dry brush in the direction of the hair and let each layer dry before adding the next.  You could also use a fan brush like painting grass.  I hope to demonstrate in an upcoming video.


I'm behind on responding to comments but I thank you so much for your support!!!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

29 Faces #1 | Curly Girl Painting



I just have a quick share for today.  I've started the 29 faces challenge for September (a little late) and here is my first girl!  Please enjoy my process video below.



Have a great day!

Friday, September 4, 2015

Mixed Media Decor in 10 Steps with DecoArt

Hey Friends,
We made it though another week!  Today I'm exited to share a mixed media project I created with DecoArt acrylic paints.  I decorated a wooden table sign I picked up from Hobby Lobby.  I hope you are inspired and are able to use these techniques in your own projects.


I pretty much broke my process down into 10 steps.  Most steps are self explanatory but I wanted to give you a reason behind why I do what I do!  

1. Gesso - I like to prime whatever I'm working on the accept paint.  
2. Stamp - This step instantly adds texture to the background.  Larger stamps cover more surface.
3. Collage -  Tissue paper with text is my go-to mixed media staple.  I adhere with matte medium.
4. Paint - I mixed a lot of the colors to create different values.  
5. Drip - I like to use a bright or bold color when dripping paint to help break up the background.
6. Stencil - Find a light area and stencil dark colors then find a dark area and stencil light colors.  
7. Paint Some More - At this step I was making space for my focal point by adding white. 
8. Add Focal Point -  Your focal point can be subtle or strong.  I went bold for this project.
9. Splatter - After I splatter I like to dab some areas with a paper towel to create a faded look.
10. Finishing Touches - At this point do whatever you feel the project needs.  I added a bit more color to the background and painted the base.


Colors used: Americana Antique White
Americana Jack O Lantern Orange
Americana Banana Cream
Americana Black Plum
Americans Bright Yellow
Americana Lamp Black
Americana Bahama Blue
Americana Forest Green
Americana Berry Red

Please enjoy my process video!  Grab some some supplies and paint with me.




To learn more about DecoArt products please visit DecorArt.com.  

Thanks so much for visiting my blog.  If you liked this post please share it and click the follow button in the side bar for weekly mixed media inspiration!

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

[Video] Mixed Media Art Journal Entry | Empty Nest

It's the 1st of September and I'm a video making fool!  I've put it off for so long, it feels good to put my ideas into action.  Anyway, the trees are slowly starting to shed their leaves and you can see a lot of the nests left behind.  Whenever the weather changes I feel so inspired.



A lot of the times the background will get completely covered up.  Sometimes I just have to cover the white page first and then the ideas start to flow.


I have a few fall inspired projects coming up and looking forward to sharing.  What about you?  What do you like about fall?


If you are new to my blog, subscribed to my YT channel or signed up for my newsletter I just want to thank you for spending time with me.  I hope you are inspired by this post and get to do something creative today!