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! 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art It Friday, WWYOW 

[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 

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!!!

Linking to Paint Party Friday/Art It Friday

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!

Sharing with Art it Friday/Paint Party Friday

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!

Linking to Paint Party Friday/Art Journal Everyday

[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!