Last week, I had the most wonderful time with sixteen lovely women on an art walk in Spain. I attended with my dear friend Marge (who introduced me to stamping) and Mary Beth Shaw (who I adore). What an absolutely fabulous experience!! We spent our mornings exploring and afternoons working in our journals, which would capture our Spain experiences. Mary Beth shared techniques and ideas to spark our creativity.
We spent the first two days in Barcelona.
We walked the neighborhoods, rode the trains, and tasted the food. We also visited the Raima art store, which has six floors of scrumptious art supplies, including a rooftop bar/grill!! I bought a journal (as if I needed another one 😁) and lovely paper.
There are so many beautiful buildings and rich history. We had a tour of Sant Pau.
We also went to a flea market to pick up goodies for our journals. That was quite the experience! So many beautiful textiles and just lots of stuff - any kinda stuff you are looking for - including an art store on the top floor! 🎨😁
The rest of the week we were on the coast! We stayed in Callela de Palafrugell and WOW! The view from our hotel inspired my journal.
The hotel let us gather on the terrace to create art. Many visitors stopped by to see what we were doing. They were friendly and kind.
Our walks included the quant town down the steps of the hotel and surrounding towns Sant Feliu de Boada, Peretallada, Platja de Castell, and Palamos. Also, the countryside, and, of course, the beach of the Mediterranean Sea (insert happy squeal)!
I am still glowing from the beautiful experience! I took all the photos above. You are welcome to use any of them as inspiration for your own artwork, whether personal or commercial. Below are some additional fun photos that were shared by my travel buds, including a great shot of Marge and me in our fancy sun hats.
Shout Out:The Blue Walk. I highly recommend Jeanette and Suzy as tour guides!! You will experience a leisurely, small-group, guided walk and art workshop along Europe's beautiful coastlines, village squares, and open spaces.
Today I'm sharing three journals I painted for the conference vendor fair I did last weekend.
But first, I want to let you know that tomorrow is the last day to sign up for Sarah's class!
I’ve been taking classes from Sarah for the last two years and love her teaching style. She breaks information into understandable blocks. I learned Ps and worked independently to clean up my artwork and complete patterns. I highly recommend Sarah, so much so that I became an affiliate to help share information about the class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me! I'd be happy to share my experience.
Now onto the journals!!
This painting adventure started as a request. In June, I spoke at one of Dr. Carmen's Zoom events about the different ways to journal and the benefits of journaling. She saw a journal I made for myself and loved the look of it. Last weekend I attended a Women's Conference in Lansing, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Carmen, who asked me to make a journal as a giveaway during the conference. I had so much fun making it I made a couple more to sell at my vendor table.
I love using disc journals! There are a host of paper designs you can order, plus you can purchase a punch and put in whatever type of paper you want. You can move your papers around. I ordered the journal covers from Amazon and added a variety of papers - lined, graph, storyboard, blank, to-do lists, hot pressed, and bristol. Most papers are from Levenger, where I first got hooked on disc journals.
I used paint mediums and sealers before and after painting and various acrylic paints from my stash.
I love the look of creating layers that build upon each other.
Shout Out: Dr. Carmen Thomas, who leads Transformation GEMS, a 501c3 Public Charity, focuses on the engagement, education, and empowerment of women passionate about starting a business, sustaining a business, empowering communities, and creating legacies while eliminating poverty.
I've been hanging out with Tangie Baxter! She is having a joyful impact on my journaling. Last time I hung out with her, we were mixing colors, having fun and experimenting. 🙂🎨 I get excited when I find new ways to think about and use supplies I already have. hehehe
I don’t know what it is about faces! I just find joy in painting them 😊. One thing I heard from @janedavenport ...”let ‘s see who falls out.” Which was so freeing for me. I don’t have to get the exact face that’s in my mind,I can just enjoy the process! Woohoo! I am! Hehehe .
I laid down the face basic shape.
And, then just embraced the journey, through the ugly stages, boo-boos and adjustments - all of it!
Hello Beautiful and welcome! You have arrived at the StencilGirl® Creative Team’s Spectacular Squared-Off Swap Hop.
My piece of art work incorporates beautiful design papers created by some of my StencilGirl® creative sisters: Tina, Claudia, Katie, and Sunila&Aditi!
Before sharing the tutorial, let's talk about your chance to win!!
The more blogs you comment on the more chances you have a chance to win one of four $25 gift certificates for stencils from StencilGirl® Products. Comment by May 3, 2019. Winner notified by email May 6th.
Here are the original lovely design pieces I received.
I painted the piece in an art journal that I transformed form a large paperback booklet. I created the journal for a Jane Davenport workshop - Express Yourself. I've been doing my workshop homework in this journal, as well as my homework for another workshop I'm taking - Ady Almanza's Dark is beautiful painting workshop. Below is a painting I did on the cover (inspired by Ady).
This particular face started our as home work for Ady's class. I had previously created the outline.
As I thought about how to use the papers, her hair came to mind - a collage of the papers would give her hair texture, fabulous color and volume. I tore the four designs into smaller pieces and adhered them to my page. I love how the designs add interest and depth to her big hair.
After everything dried, I used color pencils to fill in gaps and used the background paint to remove the black outline.
Next, I sketched in her face with a white pencil and used acrylic paint to add in some highlights, fill in a base coat for her flower and clothing... and here we have "the ugly" stage - or should I say "one of."
After that, it was all about the details - buildings layers, adding highlights and shadows, and of course covering up what I didn't like and re-painting. 🙂So easy to do with acrylic/mixed media supplies.
There's just something about putting color on a page that makes my heart smile and I find a sense of peacefulness. Sometimes I find there's just too much noise coming at me - news, new information, old information, chattiness, my own thoughts, etc... I need to make time to allow my senses to rest...
I am so drawn to faces - big eyes... luscious lips. What makes your heart smile?
This month's theme is "Gratitude." The Creative Team is sharing some diverse projects! I have a different way of thinking about gratitude. As I was creating this post, the scripture of the day was from James 1:2-3
Trials and temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Today I'm sharing how I made this vibrant vase of flowers. I'm working in my large Jane Davenport journal - that has fabulous paper to create on! It's a nice quality watercolor, hot pressed on one side and cold press on the other.
My first step was to spread Golden fiber paste with a palette knife through StencilGirl® Spring Flower Vase L406 stencil. NOTE: this was the first I used it and had not cut it out yet. I dig the little boarder that showed up - I think it adds interest.
After allowing the paste to dry completely, I wrote some words/thoughts with a Sakura clear glaze pen. The gel pen acts as a resist. I learned this cool technique from Pam Carriker at a retreat last year. After the words to dry completely, I spritzed the page with water and dropped color, dripping warm colors in the flowers and cool colors near the leaves. I chose purple as the dominate color for the vase, dropping in some other colors and spritzing water to balance the page. I repeated the process until I was happy with the colors. For a couple highlights, I used Peerless transparent metallic gold.
When I got too much color in any one area and lost the detail of the stencil design, I dabbed with a paper towel or baby wipe - which turned out to be so pretty! I will save and use for collage!
I thought I had the adjacent page protected, but the color spilled over, so I just went with it - spritzing and dripping more color, pulling in some interest by wiping away color through StencilGirl ® Swirl M197. Had a ball and my fingers got REALLY inky [insert joyful face!].
Shout Out:MaryBeth Shaw for creating an awesome company that provides so many ideas for creating. I never know stencils could be so much fun!
Do you like contrast? How do you use it? I really dig it and I'm learning to use it more. For this layout I worked on the outer edges with vibrant color left the center light. I used one of the brush word stencils I designed for StencilGirl®. I am just bubbling with joy and excitement as I'm typing this.
In my Jane Davenport 9x6" journal, I put a strip of journal tape to protect the seam from liquid. I then laid down a thin layer of gesso and let it dry overnight. I then stamped some of my hand-carved images in black.
Next I added areas of resist with a stencil (SC-01-2016 Shaw) and light molding past. NOTE: Be sure to clean your stencil and tools right away. I use a soft brush and warm soapy water get all the paste off.
Now to add color! I sprinkled colorbrusts and spritzed with water, allowing the colors to dry in between. I used a white paint pen to add some white lines. The flowers and bee (Stampin' Up! In Full Bloom -retired, can find used online) were stamped onto watercolor paper, sprinkled with clear embossing powder, and heat set. I then added sprinkles of the same colors that are in the background. After I spritzed water, I "kissed" the color rich piece of watercolor paper to a journal page down to pick up the excess color - that will make a lovely background for a future design. I used a brush to paint more yellow into the bees and added sparkle 3D paint to their wings. I then cut out the pieces.
The words are added with paint. To make the words crisp, I used the "dry brush" technique - only I didn't use a brush, I used a round blending tool. I dabbed most of the paint off and then dabbed the color into each letter. After the paint dried, I used Sharpies to complete some of the open spaces on the letters and add a white shadow to the letters in the darker color.
I actually made the colorful background a few months ago and had it as a draft post waiting for something else to finish it...I didn't know what, but I felt it needed something more. Little did I know I would have the awesome opportunity to create brush word stencils for StencilGirl®! You just never know what wonderful things are in store for you... I encourage you to continue doing what you have a passion for and know there's a connection out there somewhere just for you...
Shout Out: to the talented woman on Youtube who inspired the techniques I used in this layout. It was a random mixed media video I saw and unfortunately I was not on my device so I do not have it my history. If anyone knows that video (she used butterflies, where I used flowers), kindly include the link in the comments below this post.
To celebrate, I'm giving away stencils with my new designs!
For a chance to win:
Leave a comment on this post and tell me how you would use the stencils in your artwork.
Leave the comment before June 21st noon USA Eastern time.
I'll pick 3 comments at random (2 USA, 1 outside USA) to receive one large and one small stencil.
Please be sure to include your email address.
I'll post the winners on my blog on June 22nd and also send email.
Enjoy reading through the comments to see all the creativity from around the world!
Now to tell you about the stencils and my artwork today!
I was inspired to create a brush alphabet and fun/positive words stencils because of how versatile letters are. Brush letters add flavor and style to any piece of art work. Letters can be used soft and subtle in the background, they can be used as elements in a focal point - they can be THE focal point! You can use the same letter over and over, or a group of letters that do not even spell a word, yet add interest to your art work. Plus, letters are just plain fun and part of our every day life!
Below is a two-page spread I created - can you feel her confidence!?
Before I get into the step-out tutorial, a video is available for you to see ideas and projects using the stencils.
Now for the step-out tutorial! In my Strathmore 400 Series mixed media journal I started with scribble writing using a Sakura clear gel pen. After it dried, I colored the two page layout with Distress Oxide Inks - direct to paper and also using a round blending tool. Since it was my first layer, I was not too concerned about how smooth or blended it was - just getting down some color.
Next I spritzed water to get that very cool effect that the Oxide inks make. I also used a baby wipe over my Brush Alphabet stencil (L645) to remove color and allow the letters to show through - this technique works best on darker colors.
For the next layer, I used Kristie's Diamond Dot stencil (L539) and a stencil brush to start adding depth and interest with the same three Oxide ink colors.
Added splatters with watered down Silks shimmer acrylic paint - staying with the same color choice.
At this point, I wanted to add some contrast. Using a darker shade in same color family that I already have on the background, I laid down some color. I chose Golden Turquois... so pretty! Before I added color, I added texture. I spritzed Distress Resist Spray in a couple areas through the Diamond Dot stencil (L539). I knew where I wanted my focal point, so I sprayed away from that area. NOTE: Be sure to spray inside a box or contained area and wash your stencil and any tools the spray touches with soap and water right away. The spray is a glue and will stick to everything it touches.
After the spray dried, I lightly stippled and swirled Turquois with a stencil brush over the resist spray. I also added color in other areas through the stencil. I brought in Golden Titan Buff and add a little more color with Oxide inks. I'm still following along in my color scheme.
Now to rough in my focal point - a face, Karen's Cool Attitude Large L613. I think she is fabulous - so confident! I used Golden Burnt Sienna - a darker color so I could easily see the image over my light backgroud. Since I had a lot of area to cover, I broke out my Smudgee to to apply the paint. I drew in a little face detail with a color pencil to envisioning her features and thinking about how I wanted to paint them in.
I started with her hair. To give it some texture, I combined Dylusions (thicker paint) black marble and Tourquois and used a paintbrush, picking up lots of paint and applied over the stenciled area. I filled in the gaps with Turquois. I added highlighted curls of black, Tourquois and Titan Buff with a little wooden stick.
Next I blocked in color in her face - not adding much detail yet, just getting mid tones and shadows in. I used Golden Yellow Ochre and Burnt Sienna for her skin tone.
I know what you're thinking...I covered up all the beautiful features of her face! No worries - one of the wonderful benefits of stencils is that you can lay the stencil back down in place and add back in her features. Please stay with me through the ugly stage! I'm trusting the process of building layers and imaging what could be...
After that layer dried, I smoothed out the color in her face with a mixture of the Yellow Orchre and Burnt Sienna , and also added some highlights and shadows. At this point, I thought she should have a scarf and I also decided to color her whole head of hair with texture. I'm just going with the flow of my mojo.
I also added words to melt into the background. Placement is so easy with stencils because you can see thorough the stencil to align!
For the impact words, I added a phrase from my These Jeans stencil (L647), coloring in with a Sharpie. I believe this is how we all should feel!
TIPS/Suggestions on using Alphabet/word stencils:
when applying paint, use a dry brush or dry sponge and dab off most of the paint to get crisp lines. If you want a different, more painterly look, use a slightly damp brush or sponge - totally up to you, go for the look you want.
press the stencil firmly to the surface and follow along the letters just as you would if you were writing the words with your handwriting - as with all stencils, be mindful of the tiny bridges that make the connections for the stencil.
use a thin paint brush or same color marker to connect the letters to each other to make them look seamless
if needed, smooth the letters with a thin paint brush or the same color marker
for words/phrases "in the center of an area," count the letters and start in the middle. I actually write them down so I don't get lost along the way. hehehe
for words ending at a specific place, start at the end of the word
I encourage you to take your time, just like with hand brush lettering
have fun!
Here's a photo of the supplies I used during my detail stage, in addition to the supplies I listed above:
Shout Outs: Sending a big THANK YOU and hug to Carol at StencilGirl® Products who is awesome! The background techniques were inspired by one of Vickki's wonderful videos.
I made the decision to jump in - in to Bullet Journaling. I've been thinking about it for while, learning about options (many youtube videos ).
What appeals to me about the concept, is that it offers a way for me to organization my tasks in visually at different levels and also allows me to integrate my artwork. I was already doodling and using color in my calendar and now I'm starting to do it in a more logical manner that works for me. That's what's great about it - you tailor it to fit you!
I'm using a notebook I already have. No need to buy a special journal (unless you want to - you know "bullet journals" are available ). The photo above shows my future log page. For each month, rather than drawing an outline of boxes, I'm using my March StencilClub large stencil (MaryBeth's design) to create boxes. I went old school and got out a stencil brush to lightly add color. In those boxes I'll fill in the things I want to make sure I get done. I will look a the page often as it helps to me to focus. There's so many in life want to do! I need a reminder to help keep me on track. hehehe
I admit I am a LLL - Life Long Learner! I love to take workshops, on-line classes, self-study courses, etc... - all in the spirit of getting better and better. That's one of the reasons I subscribe to Skillshare. They offer so many different types of classes! This week I'm focusing on my face drawing skills and I created a journal just for that. I used spray inks and stencils to create the cover on Bristol smooth. The March StencilClub set designed by MaryBeth helped me create a lovely background. I really dig the thick and thin lines in this design!
To assemble the journal I used discs. This method allows me to easily take the pages out and work on them flat, the journal opens flat, AND it's so easy to add pages and move them around within the journal. For years I've been using the Levenger Circa solution for my day job organization and found them to be a great solution for adding various papers/cardstock (plus the benefits I mentioned above) for journaling. Office Depot now offers a similar solution.
After the ink dried completely, I added a face and one of my favorites words to the front cover, punched holes, and added the discs to complete the journal.
Sharing a couple practice pages from the inside (I also sprayed the inside cover - both back and front).
Shout Out:Gabrielle Brickey does a great job of breaking down the face for drawing!
Today I'm sharing how I get to know my supplies, featuring Seth Apter's new Baked Texture emboss powders. I've been baking! hehehe
I used a rubber stamp that I carved to stamp Versamark ink on to smooth card stock, sprinkled each color (I just had to have all seven colors), and heat set - I did one color at a time. I also wanted to "bake" in smaller areas, so I used a Versamarker pen to color inside spaces where I wanted texture. Some of the powders have larger pieces than others - each being unique and give different effects. I dig them all!!
I'm getting to know these lovely powders inside My Supplies Book. A few years ago, I started capturing samples of my art and craft supplies in a single notebook. I create swatches on different type papers and over various medium, test pens and markers, and try different techniques - just play. Well, recently I noticed the notebook was getting quite chunky and I needed to find a new space - a thicker space. I decided to use an inexpensive sketch book partially filled with drawings from my daughter, Allison's elementary school years, as well as some of my drawings. It has a spiral ring binder which allows for growth. The actual paper is not important since I use different papers/card stock to test the supplies on and adhere into the book. I moved pages from the old space to the new space, blending in with my daughter's and my drawings.
I made this piece without paintbrushes and I am digging all that texture!
To apply gesso and color, I used a hotel card key, a palette knife, and sponges. The hardest part was waiting in between layers. I outlined the little bird with a black Pitt artists pen and filled in color with a tooth pick. After I finished, walked away to let it dry. When I came back, I found my favorite part is the texture is my path - will never achieve that with a paintbrush. hehehe
Shout Out:Michelle Turbide, awesome teacher - she really made me think about my process of creating! This lovely scene was inspired by her lesson in Wanderlust 2018 this month.
Allison and I had the most wonderful time #AtTheImprov with MaryBeth Shaw (MB), Seth Apter and a room full of talented artists!
MB, Allison, me, Seth
A couple years ago Allison and I attended a workshop with MaryBeth and Seth at Mary Beth's studio in St. Louis and had a great time. Please click here to see the photos. We had the opportunity to do it again this past weekend. We spent our days in MaryBeth's Studio and our evenings at the cutest hotel. Words cannot express all the awesome moments of the weekend. Sharing a few photos to show how special it was for me.
There were lots of demos with cool techniques from Seth & MB.
Seth getting a little help - some techniques need multiple hands!
Me and Mary Nasser (awesome artist AND wonderful teacher)!
Allison in her creative groove.
Allison's beautiful art pieces and collaged journal cover
One of my favorite new techniques - alcohol inks dripped on metal sheets - die cut by Seth.
My journal and two canvases. I asked for tips, techniques and input from MB and Seth!! Ohhh, how I enjoyed the whole process!
Another favorite technique I learned involved fiber paste and yes, I have ordered some. :) I made this real cool texture with the paste and a stencil and then dripped Golden fluid and high flow acrylics over it.
I caught Seth working on his own piece of beautiful art.
Here are my absolute favorite two pieces from the workshop!
The one on the right is from a fun exercise the whole class participated in. We each got a piece of paper and put our name on the back, then we passed it around the room and every single person put some type of mark/stamp/stencil/drawing/etc... It's special because we each touched it. I'm putting mine in my journal!
The canvas on the left was used by Seth to show us attachment techniques - it has holes and a few splatters. After I add my contribution - color - to the piece, it will be a collaboration between Seth and me. LOL! A very special piece from the workshop!
The next several photos capture the theme of where we stayed, The Moonrise Hotel. The theme, decor and artwork was just so cool, and the food was delicious! Small warning - it is right next to a club and you'll hear lots of music, as well as you can hear your neighbors. That aside, we really enjoyed it! We knew it was going to be a fabulous weekend when we saw our room number - the street number of our first home.
My attempt at a selfie. Hehehe
Allison's selfie. Much better - in focus, includes entire faces, and she even added hearts!
Check out all the little things that make the hotel so cool...
Even the bathroom tissue was wrapped in cool artwork.
After I got home I hung up my artwork in my creative space (I keep looking at it and smiling).
On the first day, as we went around the room introducing ourselves, I wrote down each name. I just adhered the piece of paper in my journal from the first MB/Seth workshop, next to the names from the first class. I'll also put the class art piece in that journal. Ahhhhh, what a lovely, fun group.
Shout Out:Allison, MB, Seth, and all the lovely women I spent the weekend with - Thank you for a very special weekend in my life!
Today I'm sharing what's on my desk - more sketching, urban style. I cannot help myself... I am learning the techniques, enjoying the colors and growing artistically!
All the Images and Text on this site are owned by the original creator, Trena Brannon. Please do not copy or use anything without asking permission. These projects and stories are shared for inspirational use only. Designs may not be copied for the purpose of publication or contest submissions. Thank you for your support!
