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.

Painted Burlap Pencil Case Tutorial

I purchased this burlap pencil case a while back from the craft store.  I needed a pouch to take with me when I'm out and about.

                       I used color pencils, watercolor crayons, and acrylic paint for the background.

As I started to paint I noticed that the fabric absorbs quite a bit of paint so please keep this in mind when painting on burlap.  The vibrancy of the paint will also be dulled a bit once dry so I pulled out my neon colors and stenciled away.

I wanted my focus to be abstract silhouette's so I used my charcoal pencil to loosely draw four figures.

The background was too busy so I added purple to make the silhouettes stand out.  I also added blue highlights to the figures to make them more cohesive.

The other side was treated the same way although I didn't know how it was going to turn out.

I really liked the stencil letters but it was too plain.

So I drew in one silhouette and filled the background with color and more stenciling.

I added two additional figures and blue to the background.

All done!!!

Sharing with Paint Party Friday

Creative Mondays

Creative Every Day

Moleskine Monday

I made some new rubber stamps the other day.  It's the horizontal bars you see on the far right.  I really enjoy using my own stamps.  I still dream of having my own line one day.  Well, anyway I have been trying to upload this photo all day today.  I got a new camera which came with new editing software....  I finally broke down and read the MANUAL!  Imagine that!  

I've been into abstract expressionism lately and I am trying to recreate it in my own way.  I wanted to share photos I've pinned on Pinterest for inspiration.

Line Juhl Hansen

Sandrine Merrien

Both the artists are women and they have great websites so please look them up if you have time.

Sharing with: Paint Party Friday

Create Every Day

In the Studio...

Today I wanted to share a snapshot of my desk.  I'm working in a brand new journal.  I don't know if these pages are finished yet, but I like where it's headed.

Sharing pages with:

Creative Every Day

Paint Party Friday

My very first (real) post! (kinda) ;)

I'm not sure what to write so I guess I'll just start with what I like to do...and that's art. The two paintings posted are undergraduate work from my senior year. They turned out completely different the initial sketch (more abstract).
So here is some of my work...two paintings in acrylic paint...called "him" and "her." I was happy when I painted these. There wasn't the pressure I feel now to perform. I've tried to paint since I graduated and no success. I hate the word burnt-out but maybe it fits. I was (during this painting) and still am influenced by the human form, body paint, tribal body paint, fashion and identity.

I need a better camera....