Holiday Buck

Here's a fun holiday subject, the deer that got tangled in the holiday lights! This is the Holiday Buck from a tutorial by Sarah Cray for "Let's Make Art."

I transferred the image onto my watercolor paper using my light box. I used Winsor Newton Cotman tubes on Arches paper. I used a Micron Pen for the thin black line of lights.

I'm enjoying some holiday fun painting!

Challenges:

https://crafterscastle.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-challenge-36-november-winner.html

http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-challenge-christmas-theme.html 

https://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/12/anything-goes-challenge_15.html
 

Xmas Gnome Acrylic Painting

 Aside from making gelli prints with acrylic paints, I haven't used acrylics since college, ages ago!

I've been wanting to get back into acrylic painting and wanted to paint another gnome. I went online and looked for some ideas. I found the perfect gnome by Cinnamon Cooney, The Art Sherpa. I changed it up a bit from a Valentine Gnome to a Christmas Gnome. Thank you Cinnamon Cooney!

I painted this holiday painting on an Artist's Loft acrylic sheet. I used a number of different kind of craft paints.

I'm really happy with this painting and look forward to more adventures in acrylic painting.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

http://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-challenge-christmas-theme.html

https://crafterscastle.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-challenge-36-november-winner.html 

Painted Bunting Watercolor

 Here's another painting at the request of my husband Sandy. although I found this image difficult, I was really happy with its outcome. The image of the Painted Bunting was on Pinterest, as a coloring page.

I traced the page onto watercolor paper using my light box and leaving out the parts of the page I didn't need.

I used Winsor and newton Cotman watercolor tubes on 140 lb. Canson watercolor paper.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

https://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/12/anything-goes-challenge_15.html

https://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2020/12/paint-party-friday-week-41-year-10.html?showComment=1607888406169#c1251334526293317375 

Vintage Santa Painted in Gouache

 

Unfortunately the "Let's Make Art," kit that contained the gouache paint, that I ordered to use in several projects was damaged in transit.The kit was originally going to be replace, but the company was out of the refills. I was credited for the payment and points were added to my account. I appreciate the way "Let's Make Art" handled this issue and look forward to work with their kits in the future.

I wanted to paint the "Vintage Santa," so I cleaned up the kit and made do with what I have.

I completed Santa following Sarah Cray's tutorial for "Let's Make Art."

I used five colors of Holbein Gouache which are included in a kit titled "Forever Field." I used a white Gelly Roll 08 pen for the background dots and a black Micron 03 pen for a few details.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

https://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/12/anything-goes-challenge_15.html

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-challenge-130.html 

https://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2020/12/paint-party-friday-week-41-year-10.html?showComment=1607888406169#c1251334526293317375

A Red VW Bug

After painting a couple of holiday vehicles, my son asked if I could paint a side version of the VW Bug with the holiday tree. I picked up the "Watercolor the Easy Way, 30 Minute Projects," by Sara Berrenson and found the Festive Car outline and details. It was so fun to work on and show my son what I could do in a short time. I loved working on the shine using the wet method I learned from tutorial by Sarah Cray for "Lets Make Art!"

I'm so happy I got back into watercolor painting. I have really improved with all the lessons I have taken. Watercolor painting is such a joy!

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-challenge-129.html 

https://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/12/anything-goes-challenge_8.html
 

Watercolor Goldfinch

 I mentioned awhile back that my husband Sandy has an interest in birds. Since I was fairly successful painting two, now he wants three more. Without tutorials or traceable outlines it's kind of hard, but I persevered and found an outline on Pinterest for the Goldfinch.

I traced the coloring page with my light box adjusting it for what I needed. I looked at several of my husband's photos. It took all day to paint, but I'm happy to report it came out just fine! 

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on 140 lb. Canson watercolor paper.

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/12/anything-goes-challenge_8.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-challenge-129.html

https://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2020/12/paint-party-friday-week-41-year-10.html?showComment=1607888406169#c1251334526293317375 

Holiday VW Bug

 

Here's a vintage VW Bug all dressed for the holidays. The image was from Sarah Cray's tutorial for "Lets Make Art."

I transferred the image onto my watercolor paper using my light box and painted the card with Winsor Newton Cotman tubes on Arches paper.

I add the gifts to the roof of the car with pencil and the decorated the gifts with Faber-Castell watercolor pencils. I blended the designs with a brush of water. Three small bows using gold Ranger Liquid Pearls Dimensional Paint added to the festive look of my painting.

I'm looking forward to some more holiday painting using Sarah Cray's tutorials.

Challenges:

http://pammiesinkypinkieschallenges.blogspot.com/2020/12/pip-challenge-2049.html 

http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/2020/12/challenge-12-2020-anything-goes-winners.html

https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/creative-moments-challenge-204-anything.html 

Perfect Holiday Truck

 

Here's everyone's favorite vintage red Pick Up Truck with the Christmas Tree. This is an image from a tutorial by Sarah Cray for "Lets Make Art."

I transferred the image onto my watercolor paper using my light box and painted the card with Winsor Newton Cotman tubes on Arches paper.

I'm looking forward to some more holiday painting using Sarah Cray's tutorials.

Challenges:

http://pammiesinkypinkieschallenges.blogspot.com/2020/12/pip-challenge-2049.html 

https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/creative-moments-challenge-204-anything.html 

http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/2020/12/challenge-12-2020-anything-goes-winners.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/12/morgans-artworld-challenge-12.html 

Cardinal Watercolor Painting

 

 Here's my holiday gift in watercolor for my hubby Sandy Brooke. The red "Cardinal," has always been celebrated at Christmas time. This was a painting tutorial designed and taught by Sarah Cray for Let's Make Art.

 I traced the bird onto watercolor paper using my light box.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on 140 lb cold press Canson paper.

This tutorial was such fun!

Challenges:

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/classic-design-challenge-december-12.html 

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/12/challenge-45.html# 

 https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/12/morgans-artworld-challenge-12.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2020/12/creative-moments-challenge-204-anything.html 

http://pammiesinkypinkieschallenges.blogspot.com/2020/12/pip-challenge-2049.html 

http://corrosivechallengesbyjanet.blogspot.com/2020/12/challenge-12-2020-anything-goes-winners.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

Bluebird in Watercolor

 

For Christmas, I decided to use my hobby, watercolor painting for gifts. My husband Sandy has always had an interest in birds. For him I painted the Bluebird following Sarah Cray's tutorial from "Let's Make Art."

I was so proud of my painting that I gave it to him early. Well, what he knew of the Bluebird, had no yellow in it. So I took the painting back and checked the colors out on Pinterest. I found the bird came also with a bit of red where I painted the yellow. I used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, sponge and took out the yellow. I painted a red in its place. It worked and my husband Sandy was happy.

I used Winsor and Newton, Cotman watercolor tubes on Canson 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Challenges:

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/12/challenge-45.html

https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/creative-moments-challenge-203-anything.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/12/morgans-artworld-challenge-12.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/classic-design-challenge-december-12.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/12/december-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

Four Hibiscus

 I wanted to do a hibiscus flower for sometime and when I opened my new Dana Fox, "Watercolor With Me in the Jungle," there it was!

After I traced the flower from the book, I transferred it to watercolor paper using my light box.

I used two tracings of the flower and drew two more by hand and added a variety of leaves.

I used Winsor Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on 140 lb. Canson paper.

Challenges:

http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-60-anything-goes.html

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/11/anything-goes-challenge_24.html 

https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/creative-moments-challenge-203-anything.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/12/classic-design-challenge-december-12.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

The Snowmen and Aurora Borealis

 There are some fun paintings at "The Art Sherpa," site. The artist Cinnamon Cooney, gives detailed instruction whether it's in watercolor or acrylics .

I was attracted to her work for the bright colors and varied techniques she uses in her work. She has numerous lessons and provides the traceable line drawings free to copy and coordinate with the videos. Information for the paintings are available for each.

The painting I chose is the watercolor "Snuggle Snowman." Go to:https://theartsherpa.com/videos/808/snuggle-snowman-watercolor-class-and-artbin-giveway.  I enjoyed the patterns and colorful elements of this fun painting.

I used Winsor and Newton Watercolor Tubes on Cold Press 140 lb. Canson paper. For the small patterns on the hats and scarves, I used a white Gelly Roll 08 pen and a Micron 01 pen.

I'll be visiting The Art Sherpa site often.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-challenge.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-128-challenge.html 

http://pearlysparkleschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-57-christmaswinter-critters.html 

Lighthouse Painting Using Line and Wash

 

I've been looking forward to using a line and wash technique to paint a lighthouse. I found an image perfect for this in the book, "Watercolor With Me in the Ocean," by Dana Fox. This is one of the three books she wrote on watercolor painting.

As usual I traced the iconic image and transferred it to my watercolor paper with the help of my light box.

When doing the line and wash, the process begins with sketching the subject in ink before applying quick, light washes of color to it. I used a Micron ink pen to trace over my pencil lines before I applied the watercolors. I used Winsor and Newton Cotman tubes on 140 lb cold press Canson watercolor paper for this painting.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-128-challenge.html

Christmas Gnomes

 

I found some fun paintings at "The Art Sherpa," site. The artist Cinnamon Cooney is a very interesting woman, who gives detailed instruction whether it's in watercolor or acrylics .

I was attracted to her work for the bright colors and varied techniques she uses in her work. She has numerous lessons and provides the traceable line drawings free to copy and coordinate with the videos. Information for the paintings are available for each.

The painting I chose is the watercolor "Christmas Gnomes." For outlines go to:https://theartsherpa.com/theartsherpacommunity/traceables/959/christmas-gnome  I enjoyed the colorful whimsical elements of this fun painting.

I used Winsor and Newton Watercolor Tubes on Arches paper.

I'm planning more visits to that site.

Challenges:

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-challenge.html 

http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-60-anything-goes.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-challenge-127_16.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/classic-design-challenge-november-11.html 

Dogwood Rose in Watercolor

 I remember a lovely dogwood tree in the front yard of the house I grew up in. While flipping thru Dana Fox's book "Watercolor With Me in the Forest," I found just the flower from that memory to paint.

I traced the flower and used my light box to transfer it to Arches paper.

The techniques in this lesson include learning to add points to the leaves, by using a detail brush with pointed strokes around the edges.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman Watercolor tubes to paint this pretty flower.

Challenges:

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/11/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-128-challenge.html

http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-60-anything-goes.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/classic-design-challenge-november-11.html

Jumbo the Elephant

 

I wanted to paint another picture using the elephant in my new Dana Fox book, "Watercolor With Me in the Jungle." I had already done two other elephant paintings. Then I got an idea from the movie hubby and I were watching, "Billy Rose's Jumbo," from 1962. It was a cute romantic musical comedy staring Doris Day. Jumbo was the main attraction in that circus.

So after I traced the elephant from the book, I drew the circus tent freehand, behind him. I also added a head piece and blanket for his back and the elephant in the book became Jumbo!

I transferred the tracing along with the added elements to my watercolor paper using my light box.

I used Winsor Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on arches paper. The additional details were done using a Gelly Roll white pen and a Micron Pen black pen.

Challenges:

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/11/morgans-artworld-challenge-11.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-44.html# 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/classic-design-challenge-november-11.html

Pandas Love Bamboo

 

When I got the book "Watercolor With Me in the Jungle," by Dana Fox, I knew one day I would have to paint a Panda picture. I also knew, I'd need a stencil for the bamboo. Pandas love bamboo! I ordered The Crafters Workshop plastic 6x6" stencil.

I traced the panda from the book and used my light box to transfer the tracing to my watercolor paper. I cut away some of the excess paper from the original tracing and used it to keep the panda clean of spatter. I taped the stencil down twice and brushed watercolor paint over it.

I painted the panda using one color, Lamp Black, but varied the amount of water to change the color from black to shades of grey. I added details with a black Micron Pen and a white Gelly Roll Pen.

I gave the panda a mountain to sit on with two shades of brown watercolor paint.

I used Winsor Newton Cotman Watercolor tubes on Arches paper for this painting.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-44.html# 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/11/morgans-artworld-challenge-11.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

Elephant and Three Palm Trees

 I just had to paint a second elephant! This time, I didn't use a  black outline around the image. I shaded the elephant with water using two different watercolors colors and a third color for the details: wrinkles and eye.

The elephant and palm tree are from traceables found in the "Watercolor the Easy Way," by Sara Berreson. I tried to freehand draw the foliage in the front of the elephant.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on Arches paper.

Challenges:

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/11/challenge-44.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/11/morgans-artworld-challenge-11.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/11/classic-design-challenge-november-11.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/11/november-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

A Mermaid Painting

 

I have been wanting to work on this mermaid in the "Watercolor With Me, in the Ocean," by Dana Fox, ever since I got my hands on this book! I traced the line drawing and transferred it to my watercolor paper using a light box. I freehand drew the foliage in front of the mermaid.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on Arches paper.

Challenges:

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-challenge.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 

http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-bit-more-to-craft-challenge-126.html

http://pearlysparkleschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-56-use-black-andor-purple.html 

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html

An Elephant and Two Trees!

 Wow if someone had said years ago that I would be painting an elephant, I would have said, "yeah right!" But that's just what I did today! I used a couple of lessons and traceables from "Watercolor the Easy Way," by Sara Berreson. The elephant and palm Trees are from the book and I drew the other tree freehand.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on Arches paper.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

http://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-43.html

https://cccdigicreations.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-119-anything-goes.html

Haunted House

It's time to take out those creepy themes and celebrate them! Here's my one offering a creepy Haunted House in watercolor. This was a painting designed and taught by Sarah Cray for Let's Make Art.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on 140 lb cold press Canson paper. I also used Daniel Smith Artist Masking Fluid keep the circle round and watercolor in its place.

This tutorial was such fun!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-challenge.html 

https://cccdigicreations.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-119-anything-goes.html
 

Prickly Love Watercolor Painting

While looking around online,to see what other watercolor lessons, I could find, I came across, "The Art Sherpa," site. The artist Cinnamon Cooney is a very interesting woman, who gives detailed instruction while talking with her live audience.

I was attracted to her work for the bright colors and varied techniques she uses in her work. The numerous lessons include watercolors and acrylic paintings. Traceable line drawing are free to copy and coordinate with the videos. Information for the paintings are available for each.

The painting I chose is the watercolor "Prickly Love,!" I enjoyed the contrast between the detailed flower and the loose and muted colors of the cactus.

I used Winsor and Newton Watercolor Tubes on Arches paper.

I'm planning more visits to that site.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/classic-design-challenge-october.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/10/morgans-artworld-challenge-10.html
 

Treasure Chest Painting

 

I am truly enjoying my journey back into watercolor painting. My latest painting "Treasure Chest," is from the book "Watercolor with Me, in the Ocean," by Dana Fox. This book contains wonderful line drawings which are meant to be traced and transferred to watercolor paper and painted.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman Watercolor Tubes on Arches watercolor paper.

I'm looking forward to doing another painting from this great book!

Challenges:

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-challenge.html#

https://cccdigicreations.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-119-anything-goes.html# 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/classic-design-challenge-october.html

Oh My it's a Dragon!

 Here's a new watercolor painting. The design for this painting is by Sarah Cray of  Let's Make Art. I traced the outline of this dragon onto my Arches watercolor paper using my lightbox and painted it with Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor paint tubes.

I really had fun blending the colors, especially the green and blues!

Challenges: 

https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-challenge.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/classic-design-challenge-october.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/10/morgans-artworld-challenge-10.html

https://cccdigicreations.blogspot.com/2020/10/challenge-119-anything-goes.html 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/10/october-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html

Llama and Cacti Painting

 I used the following two books to design this llama and cacti watercolor: Watercolor the Easy Way and15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces. I also followed a Michaels tutorial as well as one by Sarah Cray of "Let's Make Art."

I traced the llama outline onto Arches watercolor paper and painted it with winsor and Newton Cotman tube colors. I traced the cacti around the painted llama and painted using my tube colors.

I used a Micron 03 pen to add the stickers on all the cacti.

I never thought I would enjoy painting cactus plants or for that matter a llama, but I did!

I enjoyed this painting so much, I did another!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/10/classic-design-challenge-october.html 

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_29.html

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/10/morgans-artworld-challenge-10.html

https://creativecraftcottage.blogspot.com/2020/09/challenge-133-include-animal.html 

Classic 20s MD Cards

 I recently  took delivery of my stamp order from C.C. Designs and I loved working with these vintage 20s images. The three girls are from the 20s Gals and the boys are from the 20s Fellas, each have 3 images and several sentiments.

All the lovely images were colored using Copic Markers and the background were either embossed and painted with watercolors or are from the Graphic 45 paper collection. It was so fun deciding on the elements for each MD.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_22.html 

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html

Two Wonderful Books and One Painting!

 I recently took delivery of two wonderful watercolor books, "Watercolor the Easy Way," by Sara Berrenson and "15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces," by Anna Koliadych. I could not wait to get started and decided to use both for my next composition. I decided to design a cactus painting.

The book by Sara Berrenson has outlines to trace along with instructions and illustrations. The book by Anna Koliadych has illustrations and instruction. Both books are detailed.

I traced the large cactus in the Berrensen book onto watercolor paper and drew the two small succulents by hand from the illustrations in the Koliadych book. I followed the instructions from both books and added some knowledge I picked up from painting cactus previously.

I'm really very proud of the resulting painting!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_15.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/09/morgans-artworld-challenge-9.html

Classic Images from C.C. Designs

My order from C.C. Designs came yesterday. It was a large order, because I enjoy working with vintage era images and there was a really good sale. Here are my first two MD cards made with these delightful images. The first card uses one of the Rockabilly Girls (4 in the set) and the second are the two Rocker Boys.

The background of the first is a Gelli Print simulating a roller coaster. The image is colored using Copic Markers. I added some gems from my stash to illustrate the sentiment from the set. I used glossy Accent and stickles on her bow.

The boys are colored with Copic Markers and I printed the sentiment and the brick wall from my computer.

I'll be playing with more images from my order really soon!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html

http://pearlysparkleschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/challenge-55-tracis-recipe-challenge.html 

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_15.html

 

It's a Cactus Ouch!

While on Michaels website, I came across this cactus tutorial and decided to give it a try. I've done several cacti from tutorials by Sarah Cray thru the Let's Make Art lessons. I know they were a great help to me, when I decided to try this piece. This watercolor is on 140 lb cold press Canson paper, using Winsor & Newton tube colors.
Challenges: 
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html 
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 
http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_15.html 
https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2020/09/morgans-artworld-challenge-9.html 

Two Country Memorydex Cards

 

I couldn't wait for the mail to arrive yesterday! I got the two rubber stamps, which I had ordered from La La Land Crafts! Aren't they cute, one is Cowboy Boots Luka and the other is Happy Camper Marcie. Each stamped image was colored using Copic Markers and the MD background is printed from my Gelli Plates. The stamps came with the sentiments and I filled in with some interesting stickers. I love how they came out.

Challenges:
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html
http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/challenge-58-for-child.html# 

http://craftysentiments.blogspot.com/2020/09/anything-goes-challenge_8.html

It's a Flamingo!

 

 

This weekend my adorable granddaughter Princess Sunshine will be 3 years old! Several days ago I gave her my unicorn painting and she loved it, so I decided to paint another one of her favorites, the flamingo!

I've been painting from lesson that I have found online at "Let's Make Art." The instructor is Sarah Cray. Not only is she delightful, but she is a very talented artist and terrific instructor. I'm very proud of the many watercolor painting I've completed following her lessons. The improvement is easy to see and I'm enjoying it so very much. The many painting I have done will make for some great gifts.

I used Winsor and Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on Canson cold press 140 lb watercolor paper. 

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html

http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/challenge-58-for-child.html# 

https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/classic-design-challenge-september-9.html 

That Unicorn!

Princess Sunshine fishing with Pop

Soon our Princess Sunshine will be 3 years old. Since she loves unicorns (check her dress out), I tried my hand at painting one. Hope she likes it!

This was a watercolor lesson from "Lets Make Art." Sarah Cray the instructor draws outlines for her lesson, which I get online and then I follow her delightful videos. I use Winsor and Newton Cotman tube watercolor paints.

I began my lessons with these videos several months ago and I am so happy with how far I have come. I will show more painting on the blog in the future.

She loved the painting!

Challenges:
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-2020-anything-goes-woptional.html
 https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-challenge.html
http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/challenge-58-for-child.html
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html
https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/classic-design-challenge-september-9.html 

Those Boots...

I enjoyed working on this watercolor painting today. It brought back some happy memories spending time with friends at karaoke. No I can't sing, but it doesn't mean I didn't....the song that most people would associate with me, would be "These Boots are Made for Walking." When I had cancer taken off the bottom of my right foot and couldn't walk for awhile, I didn't go to karaoke, but a good friend, Sal was my stand in! It was so cool to get a video of his delightful rendition of "my song." He is no longer with us but the memory lives on! 

 Challenges: 
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/08/august-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html 
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html 
https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/09/classic-design-challenge-september-9.html 

Steampunk Valentine MD

This is my second Steampunk project this month. For today's My Besties card I used IMG 900 Steampunk Valentine to design a memorydex card.

The background of the card is a Gelli print, which I designed a while back.

I colored the digi stamp using Copic Markers and cut it out.

I adhered the colored image and a sticker clock in place and printed the sentiment, that I added to the card.

Challenges:
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/08/august-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html
https://cuteasabuttonchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/welcome-to-challenge-59.html

Steamin Stella MD Card

I haven't done a Steampunk project in sometime. For today's My Besties card I used IMG 602 Steamin Stella to design a memorydex card.

The background of the card is a Gelli print, which I designed a while back.

I colored the digi stamp using Copic Markers and cut it out.

I adhered the colored image and a sticker clock in place and printed the sentiment, that I added to the card.

Challenges:
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/08/august-2020-challenge-anything-goes.html
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html
http://pearlysparkleschallenge.blogspot.com/2020/08/challenge-54-anything-goes.html

Dreaming of a Trip!

Have you been dreaming of taking photos while touring the European landscape? Well, maybe some day. In the meantime I used the My Besties Carley Doll 12 digi stamp combined with an old Sheena Douglass rubber stamp from my stash in the "A Little Bit Scenic" collection called "Provence."

I colored lovely Carley with Copic Markers and the cafe scene with watercolor paints. I matted the scenic painting on a blank card. I cut out the image and placed dimensionals on the back and popped it on top of the card.

I love how 3D this card looks!

Challenges:
https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2020/07/challenge-235-july-2020-anything-goes.html
https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2020/07/world-wide-open-design-team-challenge.html
https://creativecraftcottage.blogspot.com/2020/07/challenge-131-add-flowerflowers.html