New Fashion Illustrations + Goals for February

I recently did a few illustrations for M&M Fashion Bites blog.  Maria and Marina run this blog and are two very stylish girls.  I've been painting a lot lately so it was nice to switch it up for a bit.  

This is my first blog collab so I took my time during the drawing process.  I sketched each one two or three times before I was happy.  Pencil on watercolor paper makes for easy shading.  I chose to keep them clean and simple without color.  Can't wait to hang these in white frames very soon.

Since January is coming to a close here are a few of my goals for the coming month.  I plan to take them seriously and assign a date in my planner for each one.  Do have any special goals for February?  Please share!

My ETSY Store

Sharing with Paint Party Friday & Creative Every Day

P.S. I used Canva.com to make my to-do list!

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 6

Yes, week 6.  LOL!  

I only managed to get one painting done this week.  I took process photos along the way.

Painting 21 of 30.  The list for day 21 says to be inspired by fashion so I planned on painting a whole outfit.  Since, I don't have a ton of time I focused on one item.  I started with a pair a sunglasses and they were great but sorta boring.  But, I just kept painting and figured something would come up.

My inspiration was the butterfly I painted back on day 4.

I would have to say the hardest part of the painting was the glass.  I'm completely out of medium for glazing so I used a crappy old brush with a tiny bit of watered down white paint.  I was careful not to get too carried away and just let it be.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Sharing with Creative Every Day & Paint Party Friday

Creative Questions & Answers #1

I recently got a few questions on Google + and wanted to share them here on my blog.

How long does it take to finish a painting? 

Painting #19 Downtown San Antonio.  3 hr session.  My hands were hurting!

Honestly, it can take 2 to 3 hours to finish a page 

(in my visual journal).  

I know that may sound like to long time but I kinda get lost in the project I'm working on.  I've noticed that if it's not coming together by the second or third layer I might have to reconsider the direction of the painting.  My first idea for painting #19 ended up in the trash.  How long do you typically spend on a project?

What type of paints do you use?

#20 Abstract Sunset.  I plan to repaint this one on a large canvas.

I use Grumbacher Academy acrylic paints. 

I got a basic set from Michael's and they let me use a coupon.  The line has nice texture and great color payoff.  What are your favorite supplies?

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Have you joined the 30 Day Painting Challenge? Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, Creative Every Day.  Click here to see my previous entries.

4 Tips for Painting Everyday

Here I am in week 5 of my 30 day painting challenge and I've learned so much about the way I create. Painting everyday (or every other day) hasn't gotten any easier but I have fallen into a routine which helps me stress less and just get it done.  

Brainstorm - Sketch - Paint - Move On

Brainstorm - Although I'm following the 30 day list I created I still need to figure out how to make each painting my own.  Do I want to go abstract or realistic?  Should I use pastels or muted colors? Do I need reference photos or is this from my imagination?  I noticed in my previous art journals the same colors and ideas come up over and over because I wasn't painting from life.  Real life observations brings variety to your work.

#15 Abstract Purple flowers.

Sketch - I sketch with watercolor pencils.  They dissolve nicely under the acrylic paint and you can use a regular eraser as well.  If I'm doing a realistic painting I take my time sketching to get as accurate as I can.  I'm not reaching for perfection...it's not that kinda party.  I like when things are a bit off.

#16 Mason Jar and drinking glass.  I practiced on the right as I painted the left side.

Paint - This step takes long and longer each time.  It's good to stop painting and just let it sit for a few hours.  When I come back I can look at it with a new set of eyes.  If you don't like something change it.  For my umbrella painting, I painted over the background at least 3 times before I was happy.

#17 Umbrella of Hope.  Calm after the storm.

Move On - I learned in art school that a painting should have the whitest whites and the darkest darks (full range of values).  I don't always go by that rule but it does help me gauge where I'm at in the painting.  If I find myself painting highlights and/or shadows then it's about time to wrap it up.  Each painting is a bit different but the highlights are usually the last thing I paint.

#18 Mmmmmm...donuts!

I allow myself to feel like it's good enough so I can move on.

Hope this helps!  How do you keep your artwork fresh?  Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, and Creative Every Day.

ATC Swap with Natasa

One of my goals for the new year is to connect more with other artists.  Which includes swaps, blog collabs, and guest posts.  I'm exited to start with this ATC swap with Natasa over at NatasaMay.blogspot.com.  She makes lots lovely ATCs so please check her out when you get a chance.

Here are the two ATCs I am sending her.  I recently painted an ocean landscape in my visual journal and tried adding waves this time.  I grew up by the ocean and miss living close to the water.

 

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Thank you so much for visiting!  Please follow for art every week!  

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