Wait till the Painting is Finished
What’s the definition of art? For me, art happens when something unexpected is allowed to step into the creative process. Today’s story begins with the watercolor background that I painted without further thinking. Just had some fun with my favorite media. Watercolors are so easy, light and forgiving!
After the background had dried, I decided to increase the color intensity in some spots with color pencils. I did not mean to start doodling but those pencils spoke to me: “Come on, let us dance a little”. How could I say no!
At some point, I got deeper into my thoughts. I saw something happening in the painting.
The strokes of acrylic paint shortened. Some collage papers were added. The smaller the area I worked, the clearer the big picture looked. That phase was so exciting! Like opening the door and getting ready for the view.
Style Change
Once the painting was finished, I heard my own comment: “You’ve been there before. The colors, the atmosphere – nothing new here! Get your greys and paint it over!” And then, louder: “Jump, JUMP!” And while my left brain cried and right brain celebrated, I mixed the greys and painted how I felt and what I longed for.
I could have stopped at any phase and declare the painting finished. But after jumping from cliff to cliff I found something new: the beauty of blacks, the simplicity behind the decorative style! So, my advice is: when you think about tossing that art journal page or craft project, don’t do that. Step towards the unexpected and let art reveal what you have escaped from!
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Decorated Business Cards
I had run out of business cards, so I made some! I blogged about this idea a few years ago for the first time. This time I made it a bit simpler.
I took a business cards sheet and sketched circles here and there. Then I colored them with watercolors, leaving white background visible in some areas.
Then I used markers to add details. The white is from Copic White Pigment Jar, my newest purchase. If you have not found the perfect white pen yet (Uniball Signo Broad gel pen is my favorite so far), the Copic pigment is a great choice.
Here’s a close-up. Drawing these little doily type flowers with circles was so much fun!
Finally, I tore the business cards out from the sheet. Here’s a finished card.
I feel like I am repeating myself, but again: why buy when you can make it yourself?
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