How to Sketch a Sunflower

It doesn't take much to get inspired but I did have to push myself to squeeze out some time for sketching. Here are a few loose sketches from the other night.  If you have any requests or questions please let me know!

Have a great weekend!

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!

Sharing with Art Journal Every Day/Paint Party Friday/Art It Friday, WWYOW 

June 2015 : 3 Things I Learned

June was a very creative month for me.  I had a few break throughs in my sketchbook and started using watercolors again (which I love).

Lesson #1:  Planning time to create is still my number one reason for successful art.  I made plans back in May for what I wanted to do in June and I tried my best to stick to it.  I'm happy to say it worked 100%. 

My June Journal Prompts was a success.  The sketch you are looking at today is a re-do of the summer moon girl because I wasn't feelin' the initial painting.  The sketch turned out much better. Click here to see my journey!

Lesson #2:  I need to give myself more time to play with one idea.  My last few sketches gave me so many more ideas.  I want to bring those to life before I move on to new projects.

Lesson #3:  Nature plays a big role in my subject matter.  I want to take note of that because often times I struggle with what to draw and paint.  I really enjoy blending animals and landscapes in my artwork.  What do you like to put in your artwork?

I'm currently reading...How to Show & Sell Your Crafts by Torie Jayne.  I'm trying to learn about more about marketing my work.  Hoping this helps.  If you've read this one please let me know.

Wish list for July: Dylusions Creative Journal (I know it's not new but it's the first time I've seen it at the craft store).  Watercolor Fairy Art is a book I flip through every time I visit the store.  Can't wait to order it!

Major Goals for July: Be more consistent with painting and drawing.   Post art to ETSY & Society6.

Be on the lookout for my new Artist Interview Series.  I have two interviews scheduled in July which will also include giveaways so stay tuned!  Click the link below to join my blog for weekly updates!

Follow

If you visit my blog often sign up for my free newsletter for upcoming events (enter your email address in the top menu bar)!

I would like to hear from you...how was June?  Do you have any goals for July?

Sharing with Art Journal Everyday, Art It Friday, Paint Party Friday

June Visual Journal Prompt: Week 4 - Flower Child

Good morning friends, today I'm sharing the last installment of my June journal prompts series.  I feel like this process helped me come up with a bunch of new ideas.  I've had some of these girls in my mind for a long time and it's nice to get them on paper.  

When I think of flower child it kinda reminds me of the 70's but I wanted to go a different direction and place her in a field of flowers.  I chose flowers I love and know how to draw which made it fun.

I didn't follow my mood board exactly but it defiantly gave me inspiration through out the drawing.

1/2/3/4/5

Although I struggled in a few places and wanted to ball it up and throw it away I kept going and decided to let it be.  I'm going to redo the first girl I started on.  Next month, I plan to add watercolor to some of these so you will see these girls again!

We have so many snails all over the place from the rain so I had to add one in her hair.  If you are new to my blog thank you for stopping by!  I post here weekly so please join if you would like to see more.  Thank you all for your awesome comments and words of encouragement!  I appreciate cha!

Sharing with Mix It Monthly, Art It Friday, Paint Party Friday

How To Draw a Rose Bud

A few weeks back when my mom's garden first started to bloom I was able to get out and do a few sketches.  Here is a quick and easy process share on how I like to draw rose buds.

Start with two lines for the stem.  Add a tear drop shape on top.  Draw lines to indicate the petals. Open the tear drop shape by erasing the line connecting the bud to the stem.

That's pretty much it!  You can now add shading and more details.  Shading is kinda like coloring with a pencil.  Use a light hand and shade or color in where you see dark areas on the flower.  I drew another example with different petals.  Break it down to the stem, bud, petals, and shading.

I straightened up the stems and used curved lines on the bud to show shadows.  Don't forget to use your eraser to open the form and give a realistic look.  I drew small triangle shapes for the leafy bits hanging off the bud.  Flick your pencil up and away to get a nice tip on the top of the bud.  Have a reference photo or the real thing close for observation.

I'd love to hear from you.  Let me know if this was helpful!

My other drawing tutorials.

Did you miss my last post?  Mermaid sketch!

Sharing with Paint Party Friday,& Welcome to the Weekend

June Visual Journal Prompt: Week 3 - Ocean Waves

I'm in week 3 of my journal prompts and pleased with the progress.  She is pretty much what I had in my mind.  I've wanted to paint a few mermaids this summer and here is my first!  My favorite part is her hair.  I would like to use this one to create a series.  I don't have a ton planned for July so that's what I'll be working on.

I'm now realizing how nice it is to create a mood board.  It really kept me focused.  Pinterest inspires me to organize my ideas.  Have you ever used a mood board to create a project?

1/2/3/4/5

She's done for right now.  Eventually, I will transfer this sketch to watercolor paper and add paint.

Thanks for stopping by.  See ya later!

Click to see more of my sketchbook. 

Sharing with Art it Friday, Paint Party Friday & Mix it Monthly

30 Day Doodle Challenge - Final Week

Yay!!! I made it! I actually finished something I started.  It wasn't easy but it was worth it.  Instead of talking about each page I wanted to share what I learned from this challenge.

Click here to see all four weeks. 

1.  I waste way too much time on the internet and playing with 

my phone (this time will now be spent making art).

2.  With time and patience I can draw just about anything I want.  

I noticed after the first week I give up on projects way too soon.

3.  Making a weekly plan each Sunday allowed me to spread out the work load.  I was then able tackle each day as opposed to trying to figure things out last minute.

I feel like I'm ready to move on to my next project whatever that may be.

Linking up to Paint Party Friday - Art Journal Everyday - Friday Sketches

You can find more of my drawings here.

Until next time...stay warm!

30 Day Doodle Challenge - Week 3

It's week three of my 30 Day Doodle Challenge ya'll!  Please see week 1 & week 2 if you haven't already.  I fell behind a bit but I am determined to complete the 30 days.  It seems like I have different styles of drawing depending on the subject matter.

If I draw from my imagination the lines tend to be more organic and flowing but when I draw from life (or something new) my line work is kinda stiff.  If I can find a way to marry the two and I think I will be INVINCIBLE! LOL, just kidding.  But seriously, this challenge is really opening my eyes about my personal drawing style and its a good thing.

Do you have different drawing styles?

#15 - Tree of Life drawing sat for two days because I wasn't sure what to do.  It took me 3hrs to finish and it one of my favorites.

#16 - Oak leaf...can't believe it's fall already.

#17 - This page is dedicated to Georgia O'keeffe 

#18 - I was drained during this session but I kept pushing myself.

#19 - I love antlers!

#20 - Hand traced drawing with lace texture.

#21 - My first shot at a Mandala - yeah, I need more practice.

Linking to - PaintPartyFriday - Art Journal Every Day 

Thanks for spending a bit of your day with me!

How To Draw A Mug

5.  Draw a square for the mug.  Keep your straight lines for the next step.

6.  Add two curved lines above and below the straight line at the top.  

Draw a curved line below the line at the bottom.

7. Go back and erase some of the shaded areas on the handle to indicate where the light hits.

I wanted to share a short how-to-draw with you.  I need your opinion.  Should this post have written instructions? (I have updated this post with a few written instructions - thanks for your feedback).  

I want to start a drawing series so please let me know!

Sharing with Creative Every Day

 Have a great Monday!

30 Day Doodle Challenge - Week 2

It's my second week of the 30 Day Doodle Challenge I started last week.  If you didn't see my first post please click here.  I'm finding it a bit easier to sketch each day.  Having my drawing pad out and open all the time reminds me to get at least 20 mins in.

Top left #8 - This drawing is a mix of my imagination and real objects.

Top right #9 - My fav type of shoes are flats.  This sketch was inspired by a blogger I follow.  

Click here to find her (The Ivory Lane).

Bottom left #10 - To be honest I was having a creative block so I just doodled my fav flower - poppies.

#11 - Yeah, so I don't normally draw celebs but this is supposed to be Kerry Washington.  I struggled with this one but I still like the face (even though it doesn't look like her)!

#12 - I don't think I've ever drawn fairy wings but now I want to draw them all the time.

#13 - Fun exercise for layering my drawings.

#14 - I guess dandelions are considered weeds but I love them.

Linking to - Paint Party Friday - Art Journal Every Day - Dion Dior Friday Sketches

Next month I will start sending out a monthly newsletter!  To be added to my mailing list please sign up in the sidebar.  My newsletters will include extra mixed media tips, a heads up on future posts, and exclusive tutorials.  I would love it if you joined me!

Novembers topic:  Visual Journaling for Fall

Have a great day!

30 Day Doodle Challenge - Week 1 Results

Have you seen this challenge?  I found it over on Pinterest.  This 30 day doodle challenge was created by Cate Edwards.  Click her name to visit her flickr page and see her amazing works.

I'm a week in and I wanted to share my progress.  Last month's challenge didn't go as well as I hoped but this month I have a weekly plan and I'm sticking to it.  I know I have at least 20 min to sketch so I turn off the TV and 20 mins quickly becomes and hour.

#1 - The drawing took me a lot longer than 20 mins because I used my large newsprint pad.  

#2 - I had fun with the steam.  I wasn't even sure how to draw it but the more I experimented the closer I got to this organic shape.

#3 - This girl is based off of a Picasso drawing.  

#4 - I can't say that I've ever drawn a cat in detail but I LOVE how she came out!

#5 - The cubes are a good way to warm up if you haven't drawn in a while.

#6 - Seashell from summer vacation.

#7 - Much like the cubes, the loops are good for loosening up.

 If you have done this challenge or plan to do it please let me know in the comments.

Linking to...PaintPartyFriday
Dion Dior Sketches

Art Journal EveryDay

Have a great Friday...the weekend is almost here!