12/30/12

Stream-a-thon Video Wall

I will be doing an hour on Ustream with this awesome bunch, NEW YEARS EVE!  It will be fun!  Don't miss it!

Art Journey (Lily) did this wonderful WALL for us.  Her link is at the bottom of my post.

Want to see who's live at the New Years Eve Stream-a-thon at a glance?

Then why not use the Stream-a-thon Video wall!

Each NYE streamer is listed and when they are live, it will show LIVE in the bottom righthand corner.  If you want to watch full screen and join in the chat, just click the USTREAM link next to the word LIVE and the streamers channel will open in a new window.

Have fun and if you get lost... just go back http://www.artjourney.co

Posted here.

12/23/12

Gelli Plate Journal Pages

I created these using a Gelli Plate and acrylic paints and then scanned them into the computer. They were created during a Ustream I did.

There are 10 pages in each set. Be sure to check them out by clicking on Image-Collections in the sidebar.







12/21/12

Some Art Journal Books I Have Made

I wanted to make some watercolor books and I have made a few.  Hope you like them!


This one is large and has a fabric cover and spine.


Handmade Book 1

Here is a top view:


My handmade books 002


Here is the next one, again fabric covered:


My handmade books 005


Here is Jouranl 3, which I have collaged inside:



Here is another view:


My-handmade-books-2b


I loved making these!  I could make them all day long!  Lots of fun!


11/28/12

Vintage Bags Freebies (Expired)

I created these about 3 years ago using photoshop brushes and print them on merchandise bags.  Set your printer to borderless and I usually manually print them.


You could use newsprint paper and print them too!

Note:  Please do not sell my designs.  This is for your personal use only.

vintage bags



Vintage Bags Freebies [EXPIRED]

I created these about 3 years ago using photoshop brushes and print them on merchandise bags.  Set your printer to borderless and I usually manually print them.

You will receive 2 papers in your zipped folder, one for the front and one for the back of the merchandise bags. if you like or print them the same.

You could also use newsprint paper and glue them but cut the tops first.

Note:  Please do not sell my designs.  This is for your personal use only.



Enjoy!

Link has expired



11/12/12

Youtube Giveaway

Youtube Giveaway

How to Make Your Own Fluid Acrylics



I thought this would interest many artists as I don't have any fluid acrylics and wanted to give this a try.  Let me know if this was interesting for you.

You can find this article here:

http://painting.about.com/od/acrylicpainting/tp/fluid-acrylics.htm


 

A step-by-step explanation of how to make fluid acrylics from 'normal' acrylics.


By , About.com Guide





Fluid acrylicsare acrylic paints with a runny or thin consistency, designed to flow and spread easily without scarifying color intensity. Fluid acrylics are ideal for pouring or dribbling paint, rather than applying it with a brush.Various paint manufacturers sell fluid acrylics, but if it's only something you're going to want occasionally, you can make your own version from your usual, more buttery acrylics. (It works best if the tube of paint you're using is artist's quality.) Here's how to do it:



Step 1: Find a Suitable Container


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Ideally you want a container that is squeezable, has a nozzle for creating a fine line, but also has an opening that's big enough to put a brush into should you wish to. I bought these are a store that stocks a lot of craft supplies, for less than a dollar each.If you know someone who does a lot of fabric painting or decorative painting, they'll likely have paint in a similar bottle so ask them to save you an empty one.




Step 2: Add Medium/Water


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

You can just use water to dilute acrylics, but remember you don't really want to use more than 50% water (to the volume of paint) otherwise you run the risk of the paint losing its adhesive properties. So I used a 50:50 mixture of water and a glazing medium.A dispersing medium would also work, but check the label to see how much is 'safe' to use. With some, if you use a lot, the paint may become water-soluble which could be a nuisance when applying further layers of paint.

See Also:
Intro to Acrylic Mediums
How Much Water Can You Add to Acrylic Paint?




Step 3: Add 'Normal' Acrylic Paint


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Once you've got your fluids in your container, it's time to add some paint. How much is something you'll have to figure out through trial and error. To much and the paint won't be fluid enough, too little and your fluid acrylic won't have much strength in its color. I'd say stick to opaque, colors rather than transparent, for a stronger result. Here I'm using titanium white.Another option worth considering is to use an acrylic ink rather than paint, as these have a very fluid consistency and intense colors.




Step 4: Consider Making a Funnel


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

If you're having trouble pouring medium into your container, make a funnel using a piece of aluminum foil. Fold it into a triangle, then around your finger or pencil to keep a hole open, and crimp the edges together. Don't stress over it; it's meant to be functional and disposable, not a work of art!



Step 5: Mix It All Together Thoroughly


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Mixing it all together is the boring part as you have to ensure it's done thoroughly. Otherwise you'll get medium on its own and little lumps of paint. So be patient and shake, shake, shake. If you can get hold of one, add a small ball bearing in the bottle to help with mixing.



Step 6: Using Your Fluid Acrylic


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage: ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc

Spend a bit of time practicing the kinds of marks you can make with your fluid acrylic. It will be influenced, for instance, by how narrow the nozzle is on your bottle, how fast you move across the canvas, and how hard you squeeze.



Step 7: Clean the Nozzle When You're Done


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Take the time to clean the nozzle of the container thoroughly when you've finished painting. Yes, it's tedious to do, but if you don't the paint will dry in it and clog it. I found a meat skewer useful for getting into the tip of the nozzle; a large sewing needle would also work.



Step 8: Ensuring an Air-Tight Seal


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

As acrylics dry when the water evaporates, you need to check that the container you're using for your fluid acrylics is air-tight or well sealed. To ensure the paint is sealed in air-tight and thus won't dry out too quickly, I unscrew the nozzle, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the bottle, then screw the nozzle back on again.



Step 9: Experimenting with Fluid Acrylics


Seascape painting by Marion Boddy-Evans using fluid acrylics.Image ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

The seascape painting shown here is one I struggled with for ages without getting anywhere satisfactory (read details), so it was ideal for experimenting on with some fluid acrylic paint. If it all went horribly wrong it really didn't matter. But in fact I'm quite pleased with the result, which isn't perfect but is something to be built on in subsequent paintings.Basically I squeezed paint directly from the bottle of white fluid acrylic I'd made, across the canvas. Some lines I then flattened out (a color shaper is a good tool for doing this). I didn't have a master plan of what I was going to do before I started, I simply worked quickly and intuitively. (I did have a damp cloth at hand to completely wipe off paint if it was a disaster.)


How to Make Your Own Fluid Acrylics



I thought this would interest many artists as I don't have any fluid acrylics and wanted to give this a try.  Let me know if this was interesting for you.

You can find this article here:

http://painting.about.com/od/acrylicpainting/tp/fluid-acrylics.htm


 

A step-by-step explanation of how to make fluid acrylics from 'normal' acrylics.


By , About.com Guide





Fluid acrylicsare acrylic paints with a runny or thin consistency, designed to flow and spread easily without scarifying color intensity. Fluid acrylics are ideal for pouring or dribbling paint, rather than applying it with a brush.Various paint manufacturers sell fluid acrylics, but if it's only something you're going to want occasionally, you can make your own version from your usual, more buttery acrylics. (It works best if the tube of paint you're using is artist's quality.) Here's how to do it:



Step 1: Find a Suitable Container


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Ideally you want a container that is squeezable, has a nozzle for creating a fine line, but also has an opening that's big enough to put a brush into should you wish to. I bought these are a store that stocks a lot of craft supplies, for less than a dollar each.If you know someone who does a lot of fabric painting or decorative painting, they'll likely have paint in a similar bottle so ask them to save you an empty one.




Step 2: Add Medium/Water


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

You can just use water to dilute acrylics, but remember you don't really want to use more than 50% water (to the volume of paint) otherwise you run the risk of the paint losing its adhesive properties. So I used a 50:50 mixture of water and a glazing medium.A dispersing medium would also work, but check the label to see how much is 'safe' to use. With some, if you use a lot, the paint may become water-soluble which could be a nuisance when applying further layers of paint.

See Also:
Intro to Acrylic Mediums
How Much Water Can You Add to Acrylic Paint?




Step 3: Add 'Normal' Acrylic Paint


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Once you've got your fluids in your container, it's time to add some paint. How much is something you'll have to figure out through trial and error. To much and the paint won't be fluid enough, too little and your fluid acrylic won't have much strength in its color. I'd say stick to opaque, colors rather than transparent, for a stronger result. Here I'm using titanium white.Another option worth considering is to use an acrylic ink rather than paint, as these have a very fluid consistency and intense colors.




Step 4: Consider Making a Funnel


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

If you're having trouble pouring medium into your container, make a funnel using a piece of aluminum foil. Fold it into a triangle, then around your finger or pencil to keep a hole open, and crimp the edges together. Don't stress over it; it's meant to be functional and disposable, not a work of art!



Step 5: Mix It All Together Thoroughly


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Mixing it all together is the boring part as you have to ensure it's done thoroughly. Otherwise you'll get medium on its own and little lumps of paint. So be patient and shake, shake, shake. If you can get hold of one, add a small ball bearing in the bottle to help with mixing.



Step 6: Using Your Fluid Acrylic


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage: ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc

Spend a bit of time practicing the kinds of marks you can make with your fluid acrylic. It will be influenced, for instance, by how narrow the nozzle is on your bottle, how fast you move across the canvas, and how hard you squeeze.



Step 7: Clean the Nozzle When You're Done


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

Take the time to clean the nozzle of the container thoroughly when you've finished painting. Yes, it's tedious to do, but if you don't the paint will dry in it and clog it. I found a meat skewer useful for getting into the tip of the nozzle; a large sewing needle would also work.



Step 8: Ensuring an Air-Tight Seal


How to make your own fluid acrylicsImage ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

As acrylics dry when the water evaporates, you need to check that the container you're using for your fluid acrylics is air-tight or well sealed. To ensure the paint is sealed in air-tight and thus won't dry out too quickly, I unscrew the nozzle, place a small piece of plastic wrap over the bottle, then screw the nozzle back on again.



Step 9: Experimenting with Fluid Acrylics


Seascape painting by Marion Boddy-Evans using fluid acrylics.Image ©2007 Marion Boddy-Evans

The seascape painting shown here is one I struggled with for ages without getting anywhere satisfactory (read details), so it was ideal for experimenting on with some fluid acrylic paint. If it all went horribly wrong it really didn't matter. But in fact I'm quite pleased with the result, which isn't perfect but is something to be built on in subsequent paintings.Basically I squeezed paint directly from the bottle of white fluid acrylic I'd made, across the canvas. Some lines I then flattened out (a color shaper is a good tool for doing this). I didn't have a master plan of what I was going to do before I started, I simply worked quickly and intuitively. (I did have a damp cloth at hand to completely wipe off paint if it was a disaster.)


11/8/12

Society 6

I just learned about Society 6 today and wanted to share:

What is Society6?

Society6
The artwork on Society6 is created by thousands of artists from around the world. When you buy a product from Society6, we produce it using only the highest quality materials, and ship it to you on behalf of the artist.

Artists! Learn more about selling your artwork as gallery quality art prints, iPhone cases, t-shirts and other fine products - without giving up control of your rights.

Click on image to take you there, or click on my items for sale.

 

10/25/12

Best Lobo Deluxe Easel - Gift From Hubs

It hasn't arrived yet but can't wait to get it!!

Built of solid oak, this quad base easel is perfect for the mixed media painter. It is inexpensive, compact but sturdy, reliable and very flexible. It can be used vertically for sketching or painting, and in just seconds can be adjusted to a horizontal position for watercolour, gessoing or varnishing. The Deluxe Lobo also features a built in shelf for supplies or books.

Maximum canvas height: 44".
Base width/depth: 25" x 27".
Extended easel height: 70" high.
Table height: 34".
Adjusts for sitting or standing.
Forward tilt for the pastel artist.

lobo deluxe easel

Best Lobo Deluxe Easel - Gift From Hubs

It hasn't arrived yet but can't wait to get it!!

Built of solid oak, this quad base easel is perfect for the mixed media painter. It is inexpensive, compact but sturdy, reliable and very flexible. It can be used vertically for sketching or painting, and in just seconds can be adjusted to a horizontal position for watercolour, gessoing or varnishing. The Deluxe Lobo also features a built in shelf for supplies or books.

Maximum canvas height: 44".
Base width/depth: 25" x 27".
Extended easel height: 70" high.
Table height: 34".
Adjusts for sitting or standing.
Forward tilt for the pastel artist.

Mixed Media Easel

10/17/12

Did Art With My Grandaughter "Genesis"

We had a great day today and worked on art! My grandaughter, Genesis loves little faces so that's what we did:)

I think this is adorable!

 

10/5/12

My First Canvas Collage Finished

I finally finished this canvas for our family reunion 2013 which will be donated for the silent auction.  I posted it in progress in an earlier post but I really changed it up!

Hope you like it.


What I've Been Up To

I have been doing some sketching in my little moleskine and wanted to share.

I am a newbie at this and I have sketched some faces, my hand and our end table and couch.  Let me know what you think.

 









 

8/9/12

Canvas First Stage

I have been working on a canvas for our family reunion for a silent auction.  Here is the first stage with much to do yet!




7/23/12

Been Neglecting My Blog

I have been neglecting to write in my blog.  I have been busy sketching girl faces and making some backgrounds for art journaling.  Once I get them scanned, I will post them here for you in a day or so.

Thanks for stopping by!

6/22/12

Inkwell On Ustream

I was browsing Ustream and came across a fabulous art stream!  Dede's channel, "Coffee and Art in the Morning" is so much fun!  She has introduced me to so many new things in art like how to collage, painting and books that she talks about!  I have been watching her channel for quite some time now and love the "Idea Collector".  I watched all of these and before Ustream put the clamps on, I downloaded all of them and keep up with downloading them.  I love to watch the videos over and over.  Totally addicted to "Coffee and Art in the Morning" with Dede!

Dede is on usually at 7:00 MST if you want to catch a live show.  You can find her HERE.