Image from The Prayer Flag Project blog.
I've always been intrigued by the beauty and simplicity of Prayer Flags. Today I was researching the topic and came across this lovely prayer flag on The Prayer Flag Project blog.
Check out the blog to view more innovative flags and tutorials too.
Image from smARTISTcareerblog
Via the 99u site, I came across a thought-provoking post on Why Every Artist Should be a Great Storyteller written by Jacqueline Lara. Here are a few of the points that resonated with me:
Check out the complete article for more inspiration - and then start developing your unique story.
I was the winner of the August Big Kawaii Grab Bag from Kawaii Depot. And, as you can see, the grab bag is filled with adorable Kawaii cuteness - and generous too. Postcards, stickers, unique erasers, notebooks, memo pads and more - Oh My!
Each month Kawaii Depot chooses two winners to receive a grab bag, a $25.00 value. I'm a happy customer of Kawaii Depot because they offer quality products. Check them out!
In case you missed this: The FREE Strathmore 2016 Online Workshops are now offering Workshop Three - Colorful Creation with Markers - led by Instructor: Will Terrell.
Although the session began Sept. 5, 2016, the lessons are self-paced so you can still sign up. Read details about how the sessions work here.
Week One is now available. The topic is: Keeping a Sketchbook.
Check it out!
Drawing by Oskar Schlemmer.
Here’s an interesting site to browse this weekend. The Harvard Museum Website has released 32,000+ Bauhaus Art Objects online.
The Bauhaus era is the "20th century’s most influential school of art and design. Active during the years of Germany’s Weimar Republic (1919–33), the Bauhaus aimed to unite artists, architects, and craftsmen in the utopian project of designing a new world."
I was especially taken with this 1926 drawing of Costume Designs for the Triadic Ballet done by Oskar Schlemmer. The medium is: "black ink, gouache, metallic powder, graphite, and typewritten collage elements on cream woven paper, mounted to a cream card." The drawing reminds me of a mixed media art work.
Take some time to view more of Schlemmer's designs and/or other art in this extensive collection. You may just come up with some new mixed media art pieces.
I love Japanese pens, pencils and stationery. And lately, I've been on a Kawaii kick. I recently discovered Kawaii Depot which offers an abundance of cuteness. I especially love Rilakkuma.
I ordered these adorable stationery items from Kawaii Depot this past Saturday and my packaged arrived today. That is the fastest service that I ever received from a vendor. The company is based in California. Check out their site to bring a smile to your face.
While doing a search on another art subject, I came across this interesting page from Jerry's Artarama on Quick Tips to Help You with Your Projects. Here are just a few of the helpful ideas from customers and staff:
Grab a cup of coffee and take some time to read the other tips too for more handy ideas.
Image from the Sketch Book Skool blog
I saw this cool infographic - created by Koosje - on the Sketch Book Skool blog. The quote comes from Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic.
I definitely agree with the concept of Combinatory Play.
Image from BoredPanda site - Studio of Francis Bacon
Via BoredPanda, here is a post on 100 Famous Artists and Their Studios. Note: The images are quite large.
The introduction of the article reads, "A good studio for an artist is a very important place. Our creative studios might sometimes look like a pile of rubbish or a mixed-up room, but this is where great creations are born!"
I think that the studio of Francis Bacon gives new meaning to the words mixed media art. How does your studio look?
Butterfly Image from The New York Public Library Digital Collection
Via the Open Culture site, I discovered this post Download Free Coloring Books from World-Class Libraries & Museums: The New York Public Library, Bodleian, Smithsonian & More. Check it out. I believe the offering is time-limited.
Rather than coloring the images, I plan to use them for image transfers and/or collage.
Image from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Via the Open Culture site, I discovered this resource: Download 448 Free Art Books from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Now that's a staggering amount of books! But you never know when you might need some artful inspiration.
Image from Strathmore Online Workshops site
The Exploring Pen & Ink Workshop began on September 7. This course is part of the free Strathmore Online Workshops.
Part I focuses on Hand Lettering & Calligraphy. The instructor is Maureen ‘Marzi’ Wilson.
I've been doing so much painting and sketching lately that I've neglected my hand lettering practice a bit. This workshop gives me the opportunity to get back on track.
You still have time to participate in the workshop. You may also be interested in the other free workshops offered on the site. Check it out!
Image from Oh Happy Day site
Via Swiss Miss, I discovered this post, on Oh Happy Day, on how to Print on Brown Paper Bags.
I know that this idea is great for school or work lunches. But I'm thinking that there are many creative art applications too. What do you think?
On her site, Donna Downey offers a free video download on how to make newspaper book pages for your handmade art journals.
It's really a fun technique. Basically, you take ten, cut sheets of newspaper and stick them together with a glue stick. For good adhesion, run a brayer over the papers. Then you cover both sides of your paper with acrylic paint. You can see one of the sheets that I made above.
I have some old Trader Joe and Whole Foods circulars that would work with this technique too. For complete details, check out Donna's video and recycle some of your Sunday newspapers.
Image from The Postman’s Knock! site
Via Lindsey Bugbee, founder of The Postman’s Knock! site, download the free PDF for a DIY Envelope Stencil for Perfect Spacing.
The stencil is simple to make and it will simplify and enhance your hand writing skills on envelopes.
Via Artwork Archive, I spotted this article on: Twenty Five Online Resources Every Artist Should Know About.
You may have heard of some of these sites but I'm sure that you'll find a few new resources too. Grab a cup of coffee and check it out.
For some inspiration and lively reading, check out the post, from BuzzFeed, on 15 Charts All Creative People Definitely Need. The article was compiled by Kristin Chirico.
I love the colorful and eye-catching infographics. Get ready to be creative!
Today I discovered a blog that is new to me: The Art Instruction Blog. Resources on the site include free art lessons on: oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, pastels and more.
Check out the post on: How to Turn Your Artwork Into Museum-Quality Prints.
There's also an interesting tutorial from Sandrine Pelissier on: Watercolor and Mixed Media Painting: Playing in the Grass.
Munsell color system, 1915, Albert H. Munsell - Pre-Pantone
Via Swiss Miss, I discovered the Museum of Online Museums (MoOM). "The MoOM is a part of the Coudal Partners (CP) site. Based in Chicago, CP is a small design firm with big ideas." Their words.
You'll find a lot of your favorite museums: National Gallery of Art - Musée d'Orsay - The Smithsonian - MoMA and so much more. Check out the The Permanent Collection and Galleries, Exhibitions and Shows Lists too.
You must also view the Virtual Vatican Sistine Chapel. I actually felt as if I was standing in the Chapel once again. Such beauty!
Troll through the online museums for some quick inspiration for your next art work.
Image from Vintage Printable
I haven't visited the Vintage Printable site in a while but I'm glad I checked it out today.
According to the site, "They provide free, public domain/out-of-copyright images for you to print or download. Most of the images are vintage naturalist or scientific illustration, but there are loads of other images, too." I especially like the Typrography and Botanical images.
Look at the above cool German Alphabet plate. I believe it was created in 1655.
Image from Vintage Printable
This lovely Botanical Mushroom plate was created in 1878. Many of their images would work well with mixed media art, Check them out!
Sketches by Wouter Tulp from The Art Center site
Via Pinterest, I came across this cool site, The Art Center Blog (Sharing Ideas & Tips from Artist to Artist).
If you like to create characters, here's an informative post written by Wouter Tulp on Thoughts on Character Design.
Note: There's a wealth of information on The Art Center Blog. Make sure you check out the right-hand side column which lists the categories covered on the blog.
I have been searching for Essential Oils but noticed that they can be very pricey. I discovered the PipingRock site. The company also sells and manufactures their own supplements right in the USA.
Well, their Essential Oils are very reasonably priced. Here's what I paid for:
Every Essential Oil is priced differently. I plan to order some more oils and experiment with making oil blends.
Note: I have no association with this company. I'm just satisfied with their prices on oils and supplements too.
Image from the Student Art Guide, Artist - EVOL
Although the Student Art Guide site is targeted to high school students, you may find some art inspiration in the following three posts written by Amiria Robinson.
Check out the Student Art Guide and get some new ideas for your own art.
Image from Instructables site
I've been thinking of purchasing a light box but the least expensive ones that I found were about $60. Then I found this bargain-priced and easy idea on how to make your own DIY Tracing Light Box for under $20 on Instructables. The idea came from Amisiak.
You probably can get the supplies from Walmart.
Although the following post is targeted toward designers, I believe it applies to artists as well: Consumption: How Inspiration Killed, Then Ate, Creativity. It's written by Art Director Owen Shifflett on Viget. Here are a couple of points that resonated with me:
Check out the complete post for more inspiration.
Image from Do What You Love
Here are the details from their site:
"Do What You Love is sponsoring a 31-day experiment in carving out more time for the things you love."
"Starting August 1, you will receive one email per day for 31 days, each one providing a specific prompt to encourage you to create, connect or just have fun. This series is completely FREE – we want to make the most of our Summer and hope you will join us. Sign up to start Making Time."
I signed up. We all need more time to do what we love.
Being a writer, I love words - the sound of them, their definitions and usage so I was glad to discover the free e-mail list: wordsmith.org/awad.
The (new to me) list was created by India-born Anu Garg. While trying to improve his own command of the English language, Garg has e-mailed a word a day (wordsmith.org/awad), plus its definition, pronunciation and roots, to an increasingly large group of recipients.
His free e-mail list has grown to more than one million people in 200 countries and territories. This year marks the 20th anniversary of wordsmith. Check it out!
Image from Design Sponge site - Maxwell Tielman
Through Design Sponge, I learned of the British Library’s Flickr stream. The Flickr Stream "functions as a massive, searchable online compendium of scanned imagery, largely in the public domain."
Via Maxwell Tielman, Design Sponge offers free gemstone bookplates culled from the British Library’s collection.
In the comments section of Design Sponge, I re-discovered (from Debbie) The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam which has digitalized 150,000 of its works and uploaded them onto a Web site.
You can sign up on the site and save works of art in the Rijksstudio. All the works are free to be used privately for your own creations or for businesses. They also have their own Pinterest-like board on the site where you can pin your choices for future use.
Image from the Art History Archive
Via Art Marketing Resources, I discovered free Drawing & Painting Lessons with Edward A Burke.
I was especially interested in his Lecture Notes on Contemporary & Cubism Art and his Experimental Drawing Lesson: Cubist Portrait Drawing. I have always admired the art that was created during the Cubist Movement. In fact, one of my favorite paintings is Picasso's Portrait of Ambroise Vollard as shown above. Many years ago, I painted my version of this portrait using oil paints.
You can support Burke's site by entering your artwork in their ongoing international artist competitions - or you can make a direct donation.
Via the Red Lemon Club, I came across this motivating post on 7 Simple Acts of Daily Self-Discipline that Will Make You a Better Artist written by founder, Alex Mathers.
I especially like his point on Clarity Thinking. Alex says, "One of the healthiest and most refreshing things you can do for the benefit of your creativity, productivity and personal well-being is consistent thought reduction. This does not mean actively stopping your thinking, rather, bringing awareness back to exactly what you are doing in the present, whenever you notice it straying off."
Check out the rest of Alex's post - and then poke around his site for more inspiration.
I was looking for a resource on how to achieve watercolor effects with acrylic paint. Via Fashionarium, I found this post, How Does Fashion Illustrator Jennifer Lilya Make Acrylics Look Like Watercolors.
Jennifer details her technique and provides a photo of the supplies that she uses. Check it out.
About a week ago, I wrote about Sarah Schwartz, founding editor of Stationery Trends, and the force behind The Paper Chronicles and her Letter Writing Campaign.
Well, today I received a delightful package of cards and stamps from Sarah. I love the clean line of these cards. They look too pretty to use. The card collection, from Nicely Noted, includes:
Perry Nelson is the founder of Nicely Noted which is a stationery subscription service that delivers a curated collection of letterpress cards and stamps to your mailbox every month. Take a few moments to read why Perry founded Nicely Noted and view her beautiful card collection too.
If you're interested in more details about the Letter Writing Campaign, check out The Paper Chronicles.
Snow Postcard - Image from The Paper Chronicles
Sarah Schwartz, the founding editor of Stationery Trends, and the force behind The Paper Chronicles, believes letter writing is still very much alive. And to prove it, she had the fantastic idea to start a Letter Writing Campaign.
I'm thrilled to report that one of my Cinnamon Pink Girls (named Snow) is featured in this post. Here's more details about the Letter Writing Campaign in Sarah's own words:
"I am big believer in stationery (obviously), but even more so in using it…So send me a letter, card or postcard on your favorite paper and tell me what makes it so. My address is: P.O. Box 22133, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. I will share it here, and then send you some writing papers along with a note for your efforts."
Check out The Paper Chronicles to view the other submissions.
Do you remember the original 100 Art Therapy Exercises List that was circulating on the Web? It was originally posted online by the Nursing School blog.
Since many of the links had become out of date, Shelley, host of Expressive Arts Workshops, updated the List to feature the most vibrant and inspiring art therapy directives on the Internet today,
If you haven't seen this newest list, check out 100 Art Therapy Exercises - The Updated and Improved List! Take some time to check out Shelley's Creativity and Healing Articles too.
Need some inspiration for your next painting? Then check out 365 Quotes to Inspire You in 2014 written by DAVE KERPEN on the INC site. Here are a few quotes that caught my interest:
If you're interested in learning more about acrylic painting, you may want to check out the Will Kemp Art School site (Professional Secrets for Aspiring Artists). Kemp offers an extensive list of posts and free video tutorials on acrylic painting.
Topics covered include: Getting Started, Colour Theory, Acrylic Painting Techniques and more! Kemp also offers information on oil painting and drawing. Check the site out!
Image from Painting My World blog - Poppy Dance - ©Karen Margulis
Today I discovered the blog of Karen Margulis called Painting My World. Her art work is absolutely beautiful - and she generously shares both painting and technique tips.
I like Karen's post on Storing Finished Pastel Paintings (Part 1). She calls her system the Monthly Clothesline Wall. Check out Karen's blog for the details. And take some time to view her tutorials too.
I think I may create a Monthly Clothesline Wall too.
Image from Unstuck site
Via Pinterest, I came across this cool site called Unstuck.
Here's a description of the site in their own words: "Unstuck is an in-the-moment digital coach that's ready every time we're feeling stuck. The app helps us see and solve situations with fresh perspective through provocative questions, targeted tips, and action-oriented tools. It's an approach that works for all kinds of issues, large and small, so we can live better every day."
Pictured above is one of their fun infographs, Tip Sheet for Your Creative Stuck Moments. You can download and print the Sheet at their site.
You may also like their post, How to Spark Creativity when You're Feeling Blocked. Four working artists were interviewed to compile this informative post.
Now pour yourself a cup of coffe and take time to explore the site - Lots of good ideas here.
Image from Glitterville site
In the latest issue of Oprah magazine, these adorable Polka Dot Melamine Plates (Set of 4) are featured in The O List section. The plates are offered by the Glitterville company. The plates appeal to my love for shabby chic-style items. Good News - The plates are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. To me, the plates add such happiness to a meal. I hope they come out with coffee cups.
The first shipment has sold out. That's The Power of 0! However, sixty sets were to go on sale today at noon. So I went to the site and received an error message - Method Not Implemented. My browser was misbehaving.
I sent a message to the company about my dilemma. And Brian Crabtree, VIP Glittervillian called me and let me place my order. What excellent Customer Service! If you missed your chance to place an order, I believe new stock will be arriving mid-April. Check Glitterville out - You will love the site.
While trolling around the Internet, I discovered the idsketching site. Although the site is targeted toward industrial designers, I found some useful information that may be of interest to mixed-media artists. Here are two informative articles to check out:
Although the articles are a few years old, they still provide relevant information for artists. Check out these posts and more on the idsketching site.
Artist, Sandrine Pelissier, offers readers an informative tutorial on How to Apply a Wax Finish to a Watercolor Painting on Paper Mounted on Board.
Before applying the wax, Sandrine suggests covering your painting with a Krylon workable fixative. I have never put a wax finish on my paintings but I think I'm going to give it a try. Check out the complete tutorial as well as other helpful tips on Sandrine's blog.
Via the Fine Art Tips Blog with Lori McNee, I discovered this post entitled, 14 Ways to Improve Your Drawing Skills in 2014 written by Vikki Geary. Vikki is a freelance illustrator.
If you regularly read my blog, you know that I have an ongoing habit of sketching each night so I was especially intereted in this article. Here are a couple of my favorite tips from Vikki:
Take a few minutes to read the complete post. Then pull out your sketchbook and Start Sketching. In fact, why not buy a new sketchbook for 2014 to celebrate the new year.
I'm a note taker. I regularly write down new ideas for art projects, magazine articles and blog posts. I also record quotations that capture my fancy.
However, I'm not very organized about recording my ideas. I usually use what ever is close at hand - blue line pads, Post It notes, backs of envelopes, sketchpads, notebooks and more. Problems arise when I try to track down a good idea and flesh it out. I then need to go through piles of papers and clutter.
Enter the Bullet Journal as described on their site - "For the list-makers, the note-takers, the Post-It note pilots, the track-keepers, and the dabbling doodlers. Bullet journal is for those who feel there are few platforms as powerful as the blank paper page. It’s an analog system for the digital age that will help you organize the present, record the past, and plan for the future."
Ryder Carroll, Art Director and Interaction Designer is the developer of this great system. Check out the Bullet Journal site for more details. There's also a video describing the system on the site.
I'm wondering if a Bullet Journal might also be used for capturing art drawings. Regardless, I'm going to start a Bullet Journal. How about you?
Via Swiss Miss who cited Life Hacker, here is a post that you need to read and/or bookmark: Google Tips and Tricks Every Student Should Know. The information applies to life long learners too.
As the author Melanie Pinola says, "Everyone knows how to Google, but not everyone Googles efficiently." Lots of good information in the article. Check it out!
Take a few minutes to check out Carolyn Edlund's interview about Exercises in Creativity with bestselling author and artist Nick Bantock. He talks about Art, the Creative Process, and Writing his 27th book.
Edlund is founder of Artsy Shark. On her site, you'll find a wealth of articles on The Business of Art.
Image from Do What You Love site
Do What You Love is offering a FREE New Year's Revolution Kit. Here's a brief description of the kit from their site:
"A practical kit to help you make 2014 the year you do what you love. This FREE 24-page PDF will help you extract the good from 2013 - look ahead and shape your 2014 - into the year you want it to be. It includes a powerful technique to help you make dreams into reality, and make your ideas happen."
Check it out!
Image from Carol Nelson Web site
For the anniversary of their launch date, Empty Easel is featuring a "selection of best of' articles that continue to be great resources for artists at every stage in their career"
Here's one article that may interest you - How to Add Incredibly Thick Texture to your Acrylic Paintings written by Carol Nelson. For the details, check out Carol's step-by-step process.
Why not take some time to read the other best of articles on the Empty Easel site.
Image from Skinny Artist blog
Via the Skinny Artist blog, I discovered an interesting post entitled, Don't Break the Chain.
In the post, site founder Drew talks about how "Comedian Jerry Seinfeld created a system where he held himself accountable for sitting down and writing every day. Jerry put a big yearly calendar on his wall where he could see it everyday. Then he would put a big red ‘X‘ across every day that he sat down and worked on his material."
According to Seinfeld, "After a few days, you’ll have a chain [of red X's]” and then if you just keep at it, the chain will grow longer every day. You’ll like seeing the chain, especially when you get a few weeks under your belt. Your only job is to not break the chain.”
"After you have created a long enough chain, you’ll discover that you’ll do practically anything to keep going and not break the chain." Drew suggests that "The genius to Seinfeld's system is in the visual feedback of the calendar."
I definitely agree with Drew. I have used this tool to keep me on track to do daily exercise. However, I can see how this tool would also work with Making Art Daily. Take a moment and read Drew's complete post. Then go get yourself a big calendar
Image from Artist Daily site
Are you looking to improve your artistic skills with some quick art lessons? Then, check out the top quality Artist Daily site.
This link offers Free eBooks & videos from Artist Daily.
Currently, I'm interested in this e-book, Watercolor Lessons on Depth and Luminosity: 10 Watercolor Painting Techniques. The e-book features painter Ali Cavanaugh. The artist uses multiple layers and tiny strokes to build up color, sometimes using a dozen different hues and as many as 50 layers of paint. Check it out!
Image from Dreams Factory Blog
Via The Graphics Fairy, I learned of this Pinterest Board that Karen created entitled: Top Vintage Style DIY Bloggers.
Here's a description of the Board from the site: "Pins and projects, from some of your favorite Vintage Style DIY Bloggers, to help you beautifully decorate your Vintage Style Home. Whether your style is Farmhouse, Romantic Country, French Chic, Cottage, New Country Style or Eclectic, you'll find beautiful projects, tips, inspiration and DIY's to help you feather your vintage nest!"
I love this Tin Boxes Project from the Dreams Factory blog. Check it out!
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