A trip to the beach - in real life or vicariously through paint is enough to give one a bit of perspective on busy life. Take up a paintbrush and paint away your cares…
figure drawing
Keep the heart of childhood
Series of the MonthChildren are a subject matter that calls to me so often for this very reason. There seems to be something so fitting about capturing a little of the spirit of childhood in paint.
I think that because of this reverence in which I hold the very idea of childhood, and the fact that drawing children means drawing people, it is a subject that can be as terrifying as it is attractive.
What is an Art Collaboration and Should You Participate in One?
art tipsIf you are feeling a little creatively stuck, find yourself procrastinating in your lonely studio and struggling to make art, then an art collaboration might be just what you need.
Let’s talk about exactly what an art collaboration is and what benefits it might have for you.
Art Challenges - Pros, Cons and How to choose the best challenge for you
art tipsThere are a lot of good things about art challenges, but let’s be honest - that is only half the story.
Before diving into an art challenge you might want to consider these pros and cons of art challenges and how best to make an art challenge work for you.
How to add a watercolour background to your paintings
art tipsChoosing the right background for your watercolour painting can make or break the whole painting.
Don’t be alarmed though - even though the background is important, it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are lots of options available to you and once you know what there is to choose from I am sure you will find the whole process far less vexing than it might once have appeared.
Let’s review your options…
How to draw people for beginners (to add to your paintings)
art tipsLearning how to draw figures for beginners can be something of a daunting challenge. If we are honest, it's not just beginners - I have met quite a few experienced artists that still have some reservations about drawing and painting a human figure.
I have a few tips for the terrified to get you on your way, if you think you fall into this camp.
Dance in the Rain
Series of the MonthThis month I have been playing with an entirely new medium - Brusho. New art supplies are an inspiring treat and always offer something new to learn. I always feel as if the medium and the subject work together to bring me a message. As is so often the case these days, this one seemed to be about control.
Yoga Values
Beginner Resources, My art journey
Yoga Values No 3 Upward Dog arttally
This month I am drawing value studies in pen. I have chosen yoga poses as my subject because I love drawing figures and I am a something of a new convert to yoga.
I took a course with the lovely Julie Johnson over at the Jeanne Oliver Creative Network (a place of many lovely art classes, if you are looking...). This course is entitled Scribble Art, and was a marvellously fun way to study and practice the all important values. Here is the first one I did, Tree Pose.
Yoga Values No 1 Tree Pose arttally
I loved using loose and messy scribble to bring form to this figure in a pose that is known for bringing stillness. Rather apt, it seemed. We take our messy, scribbly jumble of thoughts and emotions into yoga class, and hopefully leave with a little more stillness and calm.
The second pose I tried was Warrior III. Somehow I couldn't help but add a little bit of coloured pencil. I had originally thought that I would leave these black and white - just pen and paper. But the muse suggested some subtle colour. Who am I to refuse?
Yoga Values No 2 Warrior 3 arttally
The third pose I tried is Upward Dog, shown at the very top of this post. My favourite so far.