Mystical Doorway

 

Members of the Celtic Collective at Awesome Art School were treated to a live broadcast by Karen Campbell and Lucy Brydon. They hosted a class teaching this Mystical Doorway done in watercolor line and wash.

I drew this image on Strathmore cold press 140 lb. watercolor paper and painted it with Jane Davenport Watercolors. I used a black Molotow Blackliner and a white Gelly Roll pen for line and details.

I'm very happy with this finished piece.

Challenges:  

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://paperfundaychallenges.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-challenge-67-anything-goes.html 

http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/2024/07/anything-goes-weeks-657-658.html 

Dark Skin Tones

 The last couple of weeks, I have been concentrating on painting watercolor skin tones. I'm so proud of this latest dark skinned girl!

I transferred her face from a reference onto Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper. She's from a tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School.  I followed Karen throughout the tutorial using my Art Philosophy Watercolor Complexion Paint set. For details I used a Molotow Blackliner and a white Gelly Roll Pen.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-6-craft-card-making.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/07/classic-design-challenge-07-2024-julaug.html

Medium Skin Tones

 

I originally joined the Awesome Art School owned by Karen Campbell to improve my drawing skills. The school did that and more. Belonging to the three clubs in this school lets me focus on all that I enjoy.

I'm currently working on watercolor skin tones using the Art Philosophy Watercolor Complexion Paint Set. This piece is my second in the skin tone series. I traced and painted this girl following Karen's tutorial. I used Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper. The lines were done with Molotow Blackliners and highlights were with a Gelly Roll Pen.

I love how this girl came out.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-6-craft-card-making.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/07/classic-design-challenge-07-2024-julaug.html 

Gladys Showgirl

 Here is my second Showgirl from Karen Campbell's tutorial in the Mixed Media Society Club at Awesome Art School.

Using the reference provided I transferred this girl onto Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper. I used the Art Philosophy Complexion Watercolors to paint this girl and used Kingart Pearlescent Watercolors for her feathers. I used a Gelly Roll Pen for white highlights and a Molotow Blackliner for lines and details. I added the curls in her hair with a white Prismacolor Pencil.

This piece was a challenge, that I am so happy it all worked out just fine!

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-6-craft-card-making.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/07/233-rachelle-anne-miller-ram-stamps.html 

Light Skin Tones in Watercolor

I couldn't  wait for my new Art Philosophy Watercolor Complexion paint set to be delivered. When it did arrive one color was missing. I got in touch with the seller and a week later a new set arrived with the correct colors. 

The following day I began my new project with light watercolor skin tones. I transferred this lovely girl's face on to Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper and followed a tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School.

Besides the new paint set, I used Molotow Blackliners and Gelly Roll Pen for lines and highlights. I used Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils for the eyes and did the hair with Jane Davenport Watercolors.

I followed Karen and I'm so happy with the resulting portrait.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/07/morgans-artworld-challenge-78.html  

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/07/233-rachelle-anne-miller-ram-stamps.html

Colors of Machu Picchu

 

                 

Reference Photo

This mixed media piece is from a tutorial by Jenny Manno for the Kaleidoscope Taster Week. Jenny offered several reference pictures, all were scenes from Peru.

I loved working in watercolor along with the new Sharpie Creative Markers. I've had them about a month, but hadn't used them. The Jane Davenport watercolors worked well. I'm not so good at skin tones, but I'm working on it. I used a Molotow Blackliner for details.

Photographing for this piece wasn't easy. Having a photographer hubby come to the rescue was great.

Challenges: 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/07/morgans-artworld-challenge-78.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/07/233-rachelle-anne-miller-ram-stamps.html 

Merman in Alcohol Marker

 

This hot fellow is from a tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School. I enjoyed drawing him with my Graphgear 1000 Pentel Pencil on Bristol paper. I love coloring the image in blues and greens with Copic Markers.

It's always a pleasure to draw following Karen's videos. I drew some parts a bit differently. It's fun to go with the picture as it evolves.

I'm really happy with this fun image.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/07/morgans-artworld-challenge-78.html 

https://ilovepromarkers.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-562.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/06/232-paper-shelter.html 

Muscle Merman Drawing

 This stunning guy is from a tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School. I was so surprised how fast I could follow Karen using my Graphgear 100 Pentel Pencil in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketchbook. The more I draw her lessons the easier it gets!

I shaded this fellow with a Blackwing Matte pencil and added the white highlights with a charcoal pencil.

I'm delight with the final drawing Of this fellow!

Challenges:

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/07/july-2024-anything-goes.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/07/morgans-artworld-challenge-78.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/06/week-787.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/06/classic-design-challenge-06-2024-junjul.html 

Strawberry Girl

 

This mixed media Strawberry Girl was from a tutorial by Tamara Laporte for the Kaleidoscope Taster Week. I transferred Tam's drawing onto Fabriano hot press watercolor paper.

I used Jane Davenport watercolors, Prismacolor pencils and a black Stabilo All pencil. For detailed lines I used Molotow Blackliner pens and for white details I used a Gelly Roll pen.

I love how this girl came out!

Challenges: 

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-208-ag-add-ribbon.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/06/232-paper-shelter.html 

Dragon in Flight

 This enchanting Dragon is a mixed media tutorial by Lucy Brydon for Awesome Art School in the Mythical Creatures classroom of the Celtic Collective.

I used a limited palette of Jane Davenport watercolors, on Canson 140 lb. cold press paper. I used a Molotow Blackliner pen and a Gelly Roll for the outlines and additional details. The gold detail was done with a Marvy Opaque Metallic Marker.

 I didn't completely follow Lucy after drawing and transferring my sketch to the watercolor paper. Instead of using a wet brush to dot the dragon with water over the watercolor, I blended the colors on the wings. I loved playing with the colors and adding marker detail. I love the pink tail, which was also on Lucy's tutorial.

It was a great tutorial, I loved testing my drawing skills with this piece.

Challenges:

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/06/week-786.html 

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-208-ag-add-ribbon.html 

Unicorn in Watercolor

 

This lovely Unicorn in Watercolor is from a tutorial by Lucy Brydon. It's a fabulous addition to my Unicorn Collection from the Mythical Creatures classroom in the Celtic Collective in Awesome Art School.

I learned to use a limited palette painting with Kuratake Gansai Tambi watercolors on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper . I added some shine with the brilliant colors of Kingart Pearlescent watercolors. I used a Gelly Poll Pen for the starts that radiate around that shining moon. It was a great experience to follow Lucy through this piece.

Challenges: 

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/06/week-785.html 

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-280.html 

Wendy Showgirl

 

This is my first tutorial in the Mixed Media Society Club at Awesome Art School. I'm a Wonder Bundler and belong to all three clubs: Fun Fab Drawing, Celtic Collective, and the Mixed Media Society.

For this girl, I took the line drawing and transferred it onto Canson 140 lb. cold press paper. I used Jane Davenport Watercolors and for her feathers I used Fine Tec Pearlescent Watercolors to paint this tutorial by Karen Campbell. I used a Gelly Roll Pen for white highlights and for lines and details, I used Molotow Blackliners and a Pentel Arts Pocket Brush Pen.

I'm so happy I made the decision to be a Wonder Bundler!

Challenges:

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/06/232-paper-shelter.html 

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-280.html 

 

 

Two Unicorns

 Since entering the Awesome Art School, I've extended my drawing skills in the Fun Fab Drawing Club and gone onto the many themes in the Celtic Collective. With so many tutorials offered at this school, I keep going back to the Mythical Creatures classroom working on several unicorns. Maybe I need a few more hours in the day!

This is my first unicorn drawn in my Strathmore Tan Toned Sketch Book, from a tutorial by Karen Campbell, using a Blackwing-Matte Pencil and a blending stump.

 

Here's another fun and colorful Unicorn also from a tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School, using Copic Markers and Molotow Blackliner Pens.

I drew this unicorn on X-press it Blending Card with a Graphgear1000 Pental mechanical pencil, following Karen's step by step tutorial and went over those lines with the Blackliner pens.

It was great fun figuring out the Copic Marker colors to use.

Challenges:

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-256-anything-goes-wtwist.html 

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-279.html 

Jewel Zentangle

This Jewel Zentangle was so fun to follow Karen Campbell's tutorial. I used a variety of markers in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketch Book. I loved using the Copic Markers to add the jewels to the design. I enhanced them using Prismacolor Pencils.

I love the final piece!

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/06/morgans-artworld-challenge-77.html  

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/06/challenge-208-ag-add-ribbon.html

Gothic Fairy

 

This sweet "Gothic Fairy," is from a tutorial by Lucy Brydon for Awesome Art School.

I've been taking classes in the Fun Fab Drawing Club at the Awesome Art School. The owner of the school, Karen Campbell sent out a message, about a new deal to have a peek at the Celtic Collective, within Awesome Art School. I've been thinking about joining the Celtic Collective and decided to take advantage of the deal. I couldn't wait to begin. I had seen so many beautiful pieces done be students in the club. So I joined and I'm really happy I did!

 You can say, I jumped right in with both feet. The very next day I was in the deep end drawing this girl and working with my Copic Markers on Strathmore Bristol paper. With mistakes and changes that I made, I'm over the moon, with how the girl came out.

I'm looking forward to more of these challenging lessons!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/06/morgans-artworld-challenge-77.html

 https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/classic-design-challenge-05-2024-mayjun.html

Mermaid Portrait Mixed Media

 This Mermaid Portrait in Mixed Media is from a tutorial by Karen Campbell of the Awesome Art School.

First I sketched the mermaid on Fabriano 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper, following the video and the reference photo and using a Graphicgear 1000 Pentel mechanical pencil. I went over the lines with a Stabilo All pencil. I followed that up with a damp paint brush. I found it a bit difficult to control the water. Once the work was dry, I used a white Posca pen for the highlights.

Although this portrait looks nothing like the reference photo or Karen's, I learned a lot and plan to try another!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/06/morgans-artworld-challenge-77.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/classic-design-challenge-05-2024-mayjun.html 

https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2024/06/a-perfect-time-to-craft-open-challenge.html 

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/06/june-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

Retro Beach Bliss

 

I am a recent random winner at the Classic Design Challenge. My prize was to choose three digital stamps from The Paper Shelter collection. One of my choices was "Retro Beach Bliss," which, as soon as I saw this adorable beach baby, I had to have!

I printed the digital stamp on X-press It Blending Card and colored her with Copic Markers. I layered the coloring a blue mat and adhered it to a white card. 

I added three small flowers to the lower left corner of the card.

 I had fun coloring and planning this cute card.

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://www.stampingsensations.uk/2024/05/mid-month-inspiration.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/05/230-all-dressed-up.html 

Baby Mermaid in Her Bubble Bed

 

The current unit in the drawing club at Awesome Art School is mermaids. This Baby Mermaid in Her Bubble Bed is a mixed media piece.

I followed Karen through several videos going step by step, beginning with drawing this mermaid on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper and tracing a lot of circles from a template.

I followed her shading the figure in pencil with a paper stump and then added a bit of Jane Davenport watercolors.

I used my new Kingart Pearlescent Watercolors (Mother's Day Gift) for the bed of bubbles. I put additional shading around the mermaid with a Blackwing Pencil and a paper stump.

This piece was done in a lengthy process and I enjoyed doing it!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-278.html 

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-4-craft-card-making.html 

Mushroom Zentangle

 After working on several of Karen Campbell's Zentangles and seeing her latest Youtube Video, I looked for ideas on Pinterest and found so many. Hu Art Drawing provides several step by step videos showing his progress. This Mushroom Zentangle was inspired by his work.

I enjoyed working on my Zentangle for two days  in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketch book using Micron Pens and Molotow Blackliners.

I'll plan to make more of these in the future, they are so much fun!

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-255-anything-goes-woptional.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/week-781.html 

Calamity Jane

 This Speakeasy Girl renamed Calamity Jane is from a bonus tutorial by Karen Campbell at Awesome Art School. This is the second time I worked on this tutorial. I wanted to have her in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketchbook.

It started out just fine using my Faber-Castell brush Pitt Pens. But then I went off track and gave her face several additional highlights! Nothing I tried got rid of them.

Desperate to save this lovely girl, I resorted to paint! Paint is a no no on this type of paper! I have a Jane Davenport Matchmaker Acrylic paint set, that lets you customize skin colors. I mixed some skin tones trying to cover the white areas, with a limited amount of water. It helped a bit. Now she even has dark eye shadow.

The brush pens didn't work as well as I expected, so I painted her chest and shoulders also. I used Molotow pens for the black outline and the flower in her hair was done with the new Sharpie Creative Markers. I enhanced the shadow areas with Prismacolor pencils.

I'm very happy that I didn't give up on this lovely girl!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-255-anything-goes-woptional.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/week-780.html 

Confetti Owl

 

This mixed media owl was inspired by a tutorial from Tamara Laporte. I copied the line drawing using my Graphgear 1000 Pentel mechanical pencil onto Fabriano 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper. I began following Tamara as she brings her colorful owl into the light. Eventually, began to put my own ideas into this owl drawing. I used Jane Davenport watercolors, a Posca Pen and Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White.

I loved working on this bird and enhancing it with additional lines and color.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/05/229-mirtillamente-digital-stamps.html 

https://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-207-ag-baby-blue-or-pretty.html 

Winnie Sunshine Card

 I haven't worked with digital stamps and made greeting cards in awhile. A friend recently gifted me a coupon for Polkadoodles Stamps, so I picked a cute digital stamp. Her name is Winnie Sunshine Delights and she was a delight to color with my Copic Markers. I printed her on X-press It Blending Card.

I found some nice size rubber stamp letters and printed Hi at the bottom right of the image.

I made a white card from my stash of white card stock and adhered a blue sheet on top. I layered the sheet with the colored image adhered to the blue sheet.

This was a pleasant change, maybe I'll do more of these!

Challenges: 

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html 

http://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/05/229-mirtillamente-digital-stamps.html

https://www.stampingsensations.uk/2024/05/may.html 

Evangeline Hall Graphite Sketch

 

I love that I am a member of Karen Campbell's Awesome Art School. I get to choose what I want to draw in the Fun Fab Drawing Club. I chose that club, wanting to improve my drawing skills. I do love the projects that come out of the other two clubs, but my focus is on drawing or sketching.

This graphite sketch of Evangeline Hall, a Mature Woman was made easy by following the step by step Karen has provided. It was fun to draw this lovely lady on Mi-Teintes Drawing Paper (Canson). I used my Graphgear 1000 Pentel Mechanical Pencil and a Blackwing Pear Pencil.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/week-779.html

http://unicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-98-for-girls.html 

Cruella in Copic Marker

 

I'm happy to introduce Cruella. She's from an outstanding step by step tutorial by Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School. This was a bonus lesson for members of the Fun Fab Drawing Club. There is a fun mixed media tutorial for all, but I chose to do this Speakeasy Girl (cross over lesson) in Copic Markers on Bristol paper.

I followed Karen using a Graphicgear 1000 Pentel Mechanical pencil and covered those pencil lines with Molotow Blackliner Pens. I put the white highlights in with Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White. Cruella has silver trim on her dress and in the flower in her hair done with a Posca pen.

I love how Cruella came out, but I was so sorry she was unhappy! So to give her a more cheerful outlook, I turned the two ends of her mouth line up!

Karen Campbell thanks so much for this bonus tutorial, I love it!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-w-optional-twist.html 

https://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/05/challenge-207-ag-baby-blue-or-pretty.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/05/morgans-artworld-challenge-76.html 

https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-perfect-time-to-craft-open-challenge.html 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/05/may-2024-anything-goes-woptional-twist.html 

 

Rambunctious Red Panda Mix Media

 

I was really happy to get to work this Rambunctious Red Panda, a tutorial by Tamara Laporte.

I used Daler Rowney Acrylic Ink and Jane Davenport watercolors on Fabriano 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper, to paint this fellow. I used white Liquitex Acrylic Ink to do the many highlights. A Molotow blackliner brought out the details.

This mixed media painting was fun and I'm pleased with the finished piece.

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html 

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-276.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/04/228-patties-creations.html 

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-254-anything-goes.html 

Steampunk Books

 It's been a month of really cool tutorials from Karen Campbell for Awesome Art School. Steampunk was an awesome theme.

This colorful picture of a still life of books is the last lesson in this theme. It's an outstanding step by step tutorial following Karen teaching the drawing and then the coloring. I drew the books on X-press It Blending Card using a Graphgear 1000 Pentel Mechanical pencil. I went over the lines with Molotow Blackliners and colored the books with Copic Markers. That's when I decided not to continue coloring with additional media. I like my picture just fin as it is!

Thanks you Karen Campbell for these wonderful lessons!

Challenges: 

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-276.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/04/228-patties-creations.html 

Multi Colored Patterned Feathers

 
 This colorful page in my Strathmore Toned Tan sketch book came about from experimenting with my new marker sets. I enjoy working in this sketch book. The color I put down over the tan page is a nice contrast. Zentangles are a great stress reliever!

I drew the two large feathers with my Graphgear 1000 Pentel Mechanical Pencil. The stripes were colored using Sharpie Creative Markers and the details were drawn using a Molotow Blackliner Pen. I used stencils for three small feathers and colored them with Marvy Opaque Metallic Markers. I'm impressed with all my new markers. Each have wonderful color over my tan page and none of them bled through the page.

This page is so nice to come across in my book after so many black and white or the few colored pages.

I need to do more of these!

Challenges:

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-3-craft-card-making.html 

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-254-anything-goes.html 

Zentangle Mermaid

 This Zentangle Mermaid is from Karen Campbell's tutorial on YouTube. It was exactly as she said easy, relaxed pace and to calm music.

I followed Karen with a Graphgear 1000 Pentel mechanical pencil, in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketch Book. I continued to use my mechanical pencil and alternated with my Molotow Blackliner Pens (various size nibs). I added blue and green bubbles using my new Sharpie Creative Markers. I love how the colors look against the toned tan paper in my sketch book.

These Zentangles are fun, I'm looking forward to doing more in my sketch book!

Challenges 

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/04/week-776.html 

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-3-craft-card-making.html 

Steampunk Cat in Watercolor

 

I was looking forward to this month's Brain Stretcher tutorial by Karen Campbell. I had decided this will be a watercolor painting that I follow the tutorial. I did not attempt to draw the cat freehand. Although I did take liberties in his attire. I looked over the photos Karen provided for ideas. I did use a circle template for the many circle decorations.

The cat started off in graphite using assorted pencils. I painted the cat with Jane Davenport watercolors and I used Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White for highlights. I used a couple of different size Molotow Backliner Pens for outlines and the additional details and patterns.

Working this cat was fun, seeing how everything came together so well!

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/04/week-776.html 

http://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-3-craft-card-making.html 

Gazebo in Watercolor

 

This lovely scenic watercolor of a Gazebo, is from a tutorial by Paul Clark.

Clark designed this scene from a photograph and discussed how he decides what elements to use in the photo.

I used Paul Clark's template on my Arches 140 lb. cold press block and painted the scene using Winsor Newton Cotman watercolors. I used Grumbacher Miskit over the rails of the bridge to try to keep them white while I painted the scene. I used Dr. Ph Martin's Bleed Proof White for highlights.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/04/morgans-artworld-challenge-75.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/classic-design-challenge-03-2024-marapr.html 

Steampunk Girl

 

A drawing lesson for this girl is coming from Karen Campbell of Awesome Art School. I couldn't wait so I drew her on my own, using Karen's as a reference. I drew her in my Strathmore Toned Tan sketch book, using a Graphgear 1000 mechanical pencil and a blending stump. It was so fun and I was surprised, how well I did without Karen Campbell's drawing lesson.

I plan to work on more pencil drawings in my sketch book!

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/04/challenge-206-ag-beautiful-butterflies.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/04/week-775.html

Zentangle Whimsical Girl

 

This Zentangle Girl is from Karen Campbell's tutorial on YouTube. It was exactly as she said easy, relaxed pace and to calm music.

I followed Karen with a Graphgear 1000 Pentel mechanical pencil, in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketch Book. I continued to use my mechanical pencil and alternated with my Molotow Blackliner Pens (various size nibs). I colored in the eyes and mouth with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens.

These Zentangles are so much fun, I'm looking forward to doing more in my sketch book!

Challenges 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/04/morgans-artworld-challenge-75.html 

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/weeks-7734.html

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/03/challenge-253-anything-goes.html 

Spring Window Watercolor

 This Spring Window watercolor painting is from a tutorial by Sarah Cray for Let's Mark Art.

I used Jane Davenport watercolors on Canson 140 lb. coldpress watercolor paper. Most of the flowers in the bottom window frames were made from dropping salt on the wet paper. 

The window frame was made from using washi tape applied to keep the frame white. It's helps to keep edges bleed-free and doesn't rip the paper. I added Dr. Ph. Martin's Bleed Proof White for highlights, flowers and to clean up the frame a bit.

This project was delightful and has several other applications using the window frame idea.

Challenges:

https://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/03/challenge-253-anything-goes.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/weeks-7734.html 

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/03/226-polkadoodles.html

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/03/challenge-205-ag-thank-you-give-thanks.html 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/04/april-2024-anything-goes-wopitional.html

Birds and Blackberries Line and Wash

  This watercolor line and wash is included in a sketch book called Summer Hedgerow by Diane Antone. In the book it's called Birds and Blackberries. I love having this book on my computer. I have lots of choices to paint at my fingertips with youtube tutorials to go with each sketch. I can transfer these sketches onto my watercolor paper paper and follow Diane Antone's tutorial.

I used Winsor Newton Cotman watercolor tubes on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper to paint this sketch. The line was done with a Micron Pen.

There are a lot more sketches in this book.

Challenges:

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://craftygalscornerchallenges.blogspot.com/2024/03/challenge-253-anything-goes.html

https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/weeks-7734.html 

Steampunk Hot Guy

 Here's another Steampunk character I drew on my own challenging myself to draw without following Karen Campbell's up coming tutorial. I used Karen's character of this Steampunk Hot Guy for a reference.

I drew this guy in my Strathmore Toned Tan sketch book, using a Graphgear 1000 mechanical pencil and a blending stump.

He may not look just like the original, but I'm pretty happy with how close I came to Karen Campbell's drawing tutorial!

Challenge: 

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/553.html 

https://pinkgemchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/wk-6-anything-goes-card-making-paper.html 

A Proud Peacock

 

This mixed media Peacock painting is from a tutorial by Tamara Laporte. It was a challenging piece to work on, but I'm so glad I did!

I used Jane Davenport watercolors and a variety of markers, pencils and pens, on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper.

Challenges:

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/classic-design-challenge-03-2024-marapr.html  

https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-perfect-time-to-craft-open-challenge.html

Blue Hat

 

 I love to wear hats! This lovely girl is wearying a clothe hat. She was a delight to draw from Karen Campbell's book Vol. 1 Learn to Draw Art Deco Style.

Although the book uses alcohol ink markers to color these drawings, I used Jane Davenport watercolors on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper. I added a bit of white highlights with a Uni-ball Signo pen.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html 

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/classic-design-challenge-03-2024-marapr.html

https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/challenge-273.html 

Tulips Line and Wash

 

This was an easy relaxing watercolor tutorial. Cinnamon Cooney thoroughly explains each step in painting this delightful floral watercolor.

I used Jane Davenport watercolors on Canson 140 lb. watercolor paper and used a Faber-Castell Pitt Pen for the crisp, defined lines.

I copied this pretty drawing onto my watercolor paper and went over my light pencil lines with the Pitt Pen. When the black lines were dry, I added the watercolor washes following the Art Sherpa's (Cinnamon Cooney) steps.

I love how this simple piece came out and plan to work on more of The Art Sherpa's tutorials.

Challenges:

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.com/2024/03/553.html 

 http://mmmchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/221-spring-flowers-weather-etc.html

Steampunk Hat

This Steampunk Hat is from an upcoming tutorial by Karen Campbell of Awesome Art School. I couldn't wait so I drew it on my own, using Karen's as a reference. I drew her in my Strathmore Toned Tan sketch book, using a Graphgear 1000 mechanical pencil and a blending stump. It was so fun and I was surprised, how well I did without Karen Campbell's drawing lesson.

I will be trying more Steampunk pencil drawings in my sketch book!

Challenges:

 https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

 https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/03/morgans-artworld-challenge-74.html  

https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/classic-design-challenge-02-2024-febmar.html

Santorini Line and Wash

 

Santorini is a Greek island of whitewashed blue-domed houses along the Aegean Sea. It all makes for a perfect painting for a tutorial by Paul Clark,

I used a template provided to put the outline on my Arches 140 lb. cold press block and painted it using Winsor Newton Cotman watercolors. I also used a Molotow 0.2 liner and put highlights in place with Bleed Proof White.

I love this scene and look forward to more around the world tutorials with Paul Clark!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html 

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/03/morgans-artworld-challenge-74.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/03/225-all-dressed-up.html 

Pin Up Girl Mixed Media

 I watched a Youtube video of Karen Campbell working on a mixed media vintage collage and loved the entire idea. I decided to work on the Pin Up Girl with that super personality showing for the world to see!

So I drew my version of this girl and used Jane Davenport watercolors on Canson 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. I worked on blending her skin tones with Faber-Castell Gelatoes and Pitt Brush Pens. The highlights in this piece are from a Gelly Roll pen.

I enjoyed the challenge of blending skin tones on this girl and look forward to working on another pin up sometime!

Challenges:

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://morgansartworld.blogspot.com/2024/03/morgans-artworld-challenge-74.html 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-2024-anything-goes-woptional.html

https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2024/03/a-perfect-time-to-craft-open-challenge.html 

Galaxy Forest in Watercolor

 This "Galaxy Forest," watercolor painting is from a tutorial by Sarah Cray for Let's Make Art. Sarah has several books out. The origin of this tutorial is in one of those. The outline for the trees in this painting is there. I don't own the book, but Sarah described how to draw those trees at the bottom of the painting. 

My painting was done on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper with Jane Davenport watercolors.

I enjoyed working on the steps leading to this finished piece.

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-monochrom-you-pick-palette.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/02/224-beccys-place.html 

http://everybody-art-challenge.blogspot.com/2024/02/552.html 

Girl with Pearl Earring

 

This pretty Girl with Pearl Earring is from a Youtube tutorial by Karen Campbell. I really enjoyed working on this project following Karen in my Strathmore Toned Tan Sketchbook.

Johnannes Vermeer was a Dutch artist, who painted life in the 1600s.

Karen colored her drawing with alcohol markers. I used Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens and Prismacolor Pencils. I used a Prismacolor Colorless Blender over most of my coloring and a Gelly Roll Pen for the highlights.

It was fun following Karen Campbell drawing this famous piece step by step and listening to the music in the background! I hope she does another famous piece one day soon!

Challenges:

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-monochrom-you-pick-palette.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/02/challenge-204-ag-polka-dots-andor.html

https://alessandrasangels.blogspot.com/2024/02/challenge-79-challenge-78-winner-top.html 

The Old Guitarist

 

 

 

For  months I've been enjoying the tutorials at Awesome Art School, My drawing got better and I learned to use new media, as well as techniques.

I decided to use the Presidents' weekend to get back into some watercolor painting. I found a tutorial by Sarah Cray at Let's Make Art, that I knew I had to try. She used The Old Guitarist by Pablo Picasso to give a bit of art history lesson, as well as painting a monochrome color painting. 

The Old Guitarist was created during Picasso's Blue Period. His focus was on feelings of loneliness and sorrow. He repeated and varied the blues, which created unity in his work.

I painted this piece on Canson 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper, with Jane Davenport watercolors.

This was a challenging, but fun piece to paint. I'm glad I devoted some time to get back into watercolor painting.

Challenges: 

https://hereisaplacetostart.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-monochrom-you-pick-palette.html

https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2024/02/february-2024-anything-goes-w-optional.html

http://letscreatechallenges.blogspot.com/2024/02/challenge-204-ag-polka-dots-andor.html 

https://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2024/01/challenge-9.html