Thursday, January 21, 2016

[Video] Paint With Me: Art Collab

Hey Friends,
Late last year, Martha aka Ayala Art and I decided to do an art collab.  If you visit her YouTube channel you will see that she's been doing them for a while now.  We each start a painting and then mail it to one another to finish (and then send it back).


I painted on top her her background and now this painting is ready to go back to Ayala.

I really hope she likes it.

It was relaxing painting her.  Lately, I'm trying my best to go with the flow and not panic when I run into an issue.  I was able to finish the portrait in one afternoon with drying times which is not normal for me.   


Please enjoy my process video.  The process portion got cut a little short because it started to get late but I hope you are inspired.  I talk about what colors I used for her skin and hair.



Click to see part 1

Book mentioned: http://amzn.to/23i48Mx

Paint mentioned:
Americana Jack-o-lantern
Antique White
Titanium White
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Ceramcoat - Butter Cream
Grumbacher - Raw Umber & Ultramarine Blue

I don't normally use all craft paints but again...I'm just going with the flow!

Hello to my new followers!  I love all the comments and interactions I got from last weeks post.  It feels like we are all on the same wavelength.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!

P.S. I want to switch over my comments plug-in to Disqus or Facebook comments so let me know what you think.

Sharing with Paint Party Friday/Show Your Face

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Mixed Media Room Sign - Let Go


Lately, I've been on a quest to "find my artistic style".  I don't really even know what that means.  I was on the internet reading about why artists should have a cohesive body of work.  UGH!  After reading the article was so depressed.  I think it's cause I like to jump all over the place.  And you know what.  It makes me happy.


Since college I've been trying to fit into this imaginary mold.  I'm over it.  Trying to create in a mold stops my progress.  I mean over the past week I've barely painted anything because I'm so busy analyzing.  I wonder sometimes if I secretly want to impress people as opposed to doing art that makes me fulfilled.


So, I made this sign which is hanging by my painting area so I can remember to stop judging so harshly and just create.  How about you?  Do you feel the pressure to impress?




Supplies: Art Minds wooden plaque (no longer sold); StazOn Black Ink; Ranger Foil Sheets
Handmade stamps; Super Vintage Prima stamps (no longer sold)

Friday, January 1, 2016

Thank you for a Supportive Year!


I just wanted to say Happy New Year and thanks for all of your support this past year!  2015 was tough.  Thank the Lord for his guidance.  Moving house is hard enough but moving to a new state is crazy.  My art journal was a safe place to express myself. I'm getting better at figuring out when I should push through a hard painting and when it's time to cover it up with gesso!

In the new year, I want to waste less time worrying about what everybody else is doing and just do me!  I've already started planning a lot more (and I mean setting realistic goals).

The other day I showed up 1 hour early to work by accident.  Can you believe I missed out on 30 more minutes of painting?!?  I was so wrapped up in my projects I must have mistook the time.  I thought to myself in a few years I won't have this problem because I'll be a full-time artist LOL!!!

My goals for the new year: 
  • Create more online classes.  I have a painting class in development right now.
  • Cut back on french fries (not completely though are you crazy)!
  • Make a Facebook page for my artwork. 
  • Post more YouTube videos.
  • Find a local art group to join.
  • Take a photography class downtown.


Here are a few of my fav art journal pages from 2015.

Dec 2015 - Waiting Room - Sometimes I'm not going or coming, I'm just here. Waiting for the next step.

Jan 2015 - Jar Study

 Jan 2015 - Seeing Beauty

Apr 2015 - Hummingbird

Aug 2015 - Journal Girls

Nov 2015 - Art is Home for Me

Nov 2015 - Awakening

What are your goals for 2016?  Are there any painting or art journaling techniques you would like to learn from me in 2016?  I'm still coming up with classes and I'd love your feedback in the comments below!