Joyful Purpose

NE Journal Peek of the Week

Here are some random page peeks from my No Excuses Journal. So take a gander ...


Watercolor feathers, recipes, and pen and ink drawings inspired by photo images.



quick watercolor sketch inspired by restaurant promo card



Letter cards taped in with washi tape



Photo strips taped down with washi



 

Draw what you love!

When in doubt draw what inspires you, what you have a passion for, what you love!  If that is chickens, tea cups, hearts, faces, or critters then so be it!  I find that we often fight our natural urges to be creative for fear that it isn't current or hip or "artistic" enough.  When you are true to what you are passionate about it shows.  

For me more often then not that is horses.  They have been a constant part of life and being since I was 7yrs old and still are to this day.  I can't imagine my life without them.  For a long time I fought this constant attraction to put them in my artwork for fear that it wouldn't bode well with others.  I finally came to accept that hey, this is who I am!  I love horses, chickens, goats, owls, ravens, hawks and pretty much any furry or feathered critter.  LET FREEDOM RING!

So today be free to draw or paint or collage the things that you dearly love!




 

Card Peeks

Here is a page of my latest "card peeks" from my No Excuses Journal.  I choose fun little random images from my iphone snaps, pinterest, and the latest Victoria Magazine!

Awkward Teenager Phase

All paintings go through the awkward teenager phase.  I don't care how trained, accomplished, or fabulous you are; there is is always a point in the evolution of a piece where it looks awkward.  You will want to toss it and start a new all the while doubting your abilities to even put brush to paint.  Thoughts that may arise  - I don't know who I am kidding, I'm not an artist ... I really am wasting my time ... who do I think I am ... really? seriously?  to mention just a few.  But hold tight!  This is normal and even necessary!  Stick with it!  It is the process of the painting.  So I am showing you the evolution of my work to see that I really do practice what I preach.

I find it helpful to work on two paintings at once so when you are totally frustrated with one you can set it down and grab the other.  It is amazing with some time away how the spirit is refreshed!

 

 

 

sketch

 

 

 

 

laying in background

 

 

 

 

 

Layering (awkward teenager)

 

 

 

 

Starting to mature

 

So stay tuned .....

Progression with Paint and Horses

I often work on quick studies in my journal in preparation for the finished pieces - often just working on line and color as above ......

Here is the progression of my watercolor painting of a horse so far.  I often start something and leave it for months and just stare at it before I actually start work on it again.  So after doing some quick studies last night I woke up to feeling it was time to begin on this guy.  Stay tuned ....

Messin around with Paint

Color My World

A few new colors to play with from

American Journey Professional Watercolors

 

Where I sit as of late ...

 

Busily working on an important project and thought I'd show you some of my go to items.

 

folio Watercolor Album Notebook Moleskine artist Book

Koh-i-noor 5905CL Toison D'or All Metal Lead Holders with Sharpener

check out my video here

Staedtler Mars Lead Pointer Tub rotary lead pointer

Staedtler Mars Technico 2mm Leads 12-Pack HB

and of course my beloved Daniel Smith Watercolors

Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Pai...

Check out my favorites here

Creativity in Flight Student Work

My students never cease to amaze me! 

Just look at a few examples of their work from the Creativity in Flight Watercolor Online Workshop!

 

and if you can believe it most of them had never used watercolors before.

Class is still available til September 1st!

Inspiration from Susan Branch, Maryjo Koch and Sara Midda

 

One of my favorite things to do is sit down with a book to work in my watercolor journal. I find it so inspiring to copy from a watercolor artist that I admire. It gives me a chance to hone my skills without having to think too much. There is a reason why art students of old were made to copy master works!

 

Here are a few of my favorites:

 

Susan Branch

 

 

Sara Midda

 

Maryjo Koch