Here's a painting I'm currently working on... I think it may be the largest one yet at 48x30. It's been on my easel for a month now, while I try and figure out where to go next.

The color combo feels right, but I need to block a bit out so it isn't so busy. Trouble is, I love so many sections of the painting (see the close up photos), I can't decide what to get rid of! Ha!

I'm sure it will sit for a bit longer, and then in a passing moment without thought I'll finish it.... seems to be the way of things re: my process.

Here are a few close up photos:

Let's dust things off a bit here with a few scrapbook layouts

It's been over a year since I've blogged.   I don't think it's unusual though, many of my favorite blogs have gone silent... Social media is changing things up, and blogging just isn't the current format to share anymore!

Figured I'd post a few photos and at least have ONE 2018 post under my belt... who knows, it may become a habit ;-)
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Process Video: Watercolor Cooper

Here's my very first attempt at a realistic (non cartoon-y) watercolor!  I've always loved custom pet portraits, but never thought I'd be able to create one myself.  I'm not sure if it's the #100dayproject keeping my limber and giving me courage, but last weekend I thought I'd give it a try.  

This sweet dog Cooper belonged to one of my dear friends, and his unexpected passing broke all of our hearts.  I wanted to do something to remind her that he was special and will be missed by all. 

I will probably attempt a few more portraits before gifting her with the final piece, but I wanted to share my process to encourage others to try new things.  

Practice makes progress.

Process Video - Abstract Cat with Acrylic paint

After a year-long hiatus, I finally set up my studio lights and recorded one of my art journaling sessions last weekend!  I'm not sure why I've been reluctant to record my process lately, but now that shaken the cobwebs and relearned my editing process, I'm hoping to do this more often :)

Here is one of my projects from the #100DayProject I've been participating in on Instagram.  The art journal I'm using is the large Dylusions journal (my fav!) with a coating of gesso applied/dried beforehand.  The paints used are mostly Golden Acrylics (fluid and heavy body).

Thanks for watching! Cheers, Steph

100 Days Project: 1-50

A couple of months ago I decided to take on an Instagram challenge that I had spied on a few artist profiles: #100DayChallenge.  There are many different variations of this challenge, as it can be tailored to accommodate any activity to complete for 100 consecutive days.

I decided upon completing an art journal entry every day, as it was always something I struggled with doing consistently.  Over the years, I'd pick one up, dabble for a couple of days and lose interest shortly thereafter.  No matter how much I loved the idea of art journaling, I just couldn't seem to be able to commit to it.

I'll be honest.  When I began this challenge, I didn't think I'd last a single 7 day stretch.  However, I couple of days into it I decided that I wanted to set myself up for success, and so I included a total of 3 art journals into my rotation: a Large Dylusions journal, a small Dylusions journal, and a sketchbook.

You see, I know myself.  I needed to have some flexibility, especially on days when I wouldn't always have the time, or even feel like pulling my supplies to create.  This way, I could sketch something quickly with my Stabilo pencil and still feel like I accomplished the daily task.

As I type this, I'm on day 63 of the challenge and I haven't missed a day yet.  I feel like I've grown so much, in such a short period of time.  I've never created this consistently before, so I notice the change in my creative practice: I'm using my supplies, finishing up those online classes, and practicing using ideas and techniques I've learned from those classes!  Finally!

I'm loving the daily practice, and how it's given me confidence to try new things in my art journey.  I have a feeling once I've completed the 100 days... I may start another challenge to keep my momentum going.

Please visit my instagram account for all of daily posting!
Cheers,
Steph

Today I'm up on the Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog with this layout of our Summer Girl!  I was asked to highlight a tip and/or technique, and since I'm a fairly simple scrapbooker I decided to write about the journaling stamping I do on almost all of my layouts!

Come on over and check it out!
Cheers,
Steph
xo

Funky Bird! Art class with Jodi Ohl

Ahhhh yes, the funkier the better!  I've always loved whimsical, quirky and colorful animals.... the further away from realism the better!  Animals that are created from my imagination are what I enjoy painting, so this "Dirty Flirty Birds" mixed media class by Jodi Ohl is right up my alley!

I love her style and her process, so this is one of a few of her art classes that I've taken over the last couple of years.

This piece is a 6x12, created using acrylics, bleeding art tissue paper, Faber Castell Pitt Pen and of course my trusty Fineliner filled with black fluid acrylic paint.

I've just purchased another of Jodi's DVD downloads calls "Zen Painting", so I can't wait to dive into practice this weekend!  Abstracts are so much more difficult than you think they are to create, so I'm really looking forward to watching Jodi's process.

When I take art classes such as these, I don't mind painting following the artist's style to the letter with my beginning practice.  Over time, I begin to develop my own style and although you can see the class influences, they become more of an original piece.  (already, after only a couple of paintings, I've incorporated my preferred googly, lidded eye)

As long as I give credit to the artist with whom I've taken inspiration from, and not profit from the pieces that I've created while trying to find my style within their teachings.... I see no issue with copying their work as I develop and learn.

Just my 2 cents :-)

Cheers,
Steph

ps  I'm not affiliated with Jodi, I just love her work and her classes!

Winston: I like what I like...

It doesn't matter what kind of media I keep trying.... my love for all things watercolor always wins. I dabbled into oil painting this week, and although I LOVE the texture, I'm still not convinced it's something I want to continue with going forward.  (I'll have photos up on the blog in a couple of months once the paintings I created dry... hello impasto addict! LOL)

Watercolor is just so immediate.  I also love how unpredictable it can be when you paint like I do: messy.  It's just my thing... and one of these days I may stop trying to find the next new media for me and just accept that I "like what I like" and there isn't anything wrong with that ;-)

Meet Winston... all black and white tuxedo kitties I paint are named Winston.  Named after a friends kitty, who was the most lovable, butt slap lovin' fella.  He is missed.

Steph
xo

Studio Calico: Far Far Away Kit Cards

These were two of my favorite stamp sets from Studio Calico, and I'm so happy I finally dug them out and put them to use!  The fruit set was from one of their kits: Far Far Away and the cactus set was from  Life.Love.Paper set that is no longer available (shucks! It's so cute!)

The fruit cards were stamped, colored with Copics, fussy cut and adhered with pop dots for dimension... and the houseplant was stamped directly onto the card using a masking technique.

I'll let you in on something: the little heart on the above pineapple wasn't planned!  It was a coloring error that I had to figure out how to correct!  I love happy accidents!  I may not have thought about adding the heart if it wasn't for that mistake, and I think it really brightens up the card!

Embrace your mistakes, and make the best out of them... they help your creativity grow!
Cheers,
Steph

Midnight Sketchbook Practice

I've been trying to get better with my daily practice, and I've noticed a trend in my behavior: midnight scribbles before bed!  On the days when I haven't had time to sit down and create, I find myself picking up my sketchbook and laying down a few marks before going to sleep.

They are usually quick and messy, and end up being favorites!  Maybe not anything that I would share or hang on the wall, but that's not what they're meant for anyway :-)

Keeping loose with my marks is such an important practice.  One that I never realized was so important until I actually started doing it and noticed improvements and growth with my drawings (I only started doodling/drawing a couple of years ago!).

Give it a try!  You may surprise yourself as I did!
Cheers,
Steph