Do you like Chocolate Sundaes with a Cherry on Top? - Painting & Drawing Tips

SPECIAL NEWS - I'm NOw TEACHING ONLINE!!!
 See more at the the end of the POst. 👇👇👇👇

Not a Chocoholic?  What about a Butterscotch Sundae Instead?

Me I'm a Chocolate Lover - But only in moderation, Of Course!!!

MY First DIY Sketchbook!! - Can hardly wait to Get to Work 

You know the sundae with the hot fudge slathered over the vanilla ice cream with a wonderful warm chocolate brown underneath. A bit of whipping cream dancing around it. And of course don't for get the cherry on top. Maybe sprinkles of nuts too.  Sounds wonderful.

Its the little things that count.  Really a bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup is good but the extras like the hot fudge, brownie, whipping cream, nuts and cherry really top it off.

That's how I feel about Sketchbooks. . . 

I love to just take my sketchbook and go and paint/draw/fiddle.  Try new things. Paint the same old things.  Just Fiddle.  Sometimes with purpose and sometimes not. Art just for me.

I have lots of sketchbooks, big, small, expensive, cheap.  They all have a purpose and they are all good.  However, like the ice cream and chocolate syrup they don't have that extra touch.

I have always wanted to make my own sketchbooks. . . .

To me that is the cherry on top.  My own book, built and filled by me.  Decorated just for me.  Pretty special, eh?!

Well I did it!!

Simple materials to make your book.  You may already have them among your art supplies. 

It was easier than I thought. I have put it off for such a long time as I felt I needed 'special stuff'.  Turns out I didn't.  One of the bloggers I follow, Julia Bausenhardt, in Germany has a great little video on how she makes her sketchbooks.  It was easy to follow and required few materials. You can dress it up or leave it plain. (Below are lots of pictures and info to help you make yours but I do suggest you watch her video at some point.)

Gather Materials: 
When I gathered my paper I chose a variety of papers to add interest to my book and to see how they would work.  I started small, 5.25 x 7 inches (finished size).  Big enough to handle and use and small enough to finish easily.  My paper before folding was 10.5 x 7 inches.  Some pieces were smaller but as long as the folded edge will catch all the binding threads you can use it.  Having different papers, sizes and colours can be very inspiring.

Assemble Everything: Paper cut to size, cover decorated on outside.  You can decorate the inside too.  

Of course, I couldn't leave my cover plain so I decorated it before binding my book.

Fold paper and Mark the holes for Binding:
Next fold all your pages in half.  You can use a bone folder or just do it by hand.  Make sure the folds are tight.

Book covers and papers put together to mark spot for binding holes. Minimum of 4, could get fancy and do 6.  But for this size 4 is fine. 

Putting it together: 
Punch holes in all the individual papers at the marked spot.  Then arrange the papers in groups.  I put 4 to a group in my book and made 3 groups.

My sharp needle had no trouble going through the paper.  

Once you have your groups you are ready to sew.  Start at the outside bottom and go through the bottom hole of each paper in the group.  Then up and out the second hole.  Continue moving up the paper to the top.

Once the first group is done, put the second group beside it and sew it.  

As you sew the second group together overlap your threads with the first group where possible for a more secure binding.  Then add the third section.

I used coloured embroidery thread for the final stage just for colour.  

Add the cover
This is a little tricky.  The holes in the cover pieces should be 1/4 inch from the edge and line up with the holes in your book. (Punch the holes first, just like the paper.) Again starting on the outside, knot your thread and put the needle through the top cover.  Then knot your thread with each of the groups as you move across to the back cover.  Go through the back cover hole then cross the spine and go through the front cover. (Inside to the outside) Repeat the same process as at the first hole.  As you can see I referred to her video as I did this stage.  Work down the spine of the book and then work up it again for extra strength.  Your Done.

Try New THINGS with your papers

When book is bound the different coloured papers and sizes makes for interesting pages. 

Use old pictures, coloured papers, different textures whatever inspires you.  You can see I used a smaller piece of white paper so my brown paper acts as a boarder when I open to this page and I also glued on a piece of paper with a monoprint on it.  This is going to be a really fun page to draw on when I get to it.

Add old pictures you like - I never finished this ink drawing on watercolour paper.  Now I can play with it

I get double duty out of this old drawing.  I can revisit the drawing and the back is 2 pages in my book.

I know I was pretty conservative when I made my first book.  I wasn't sure how things would work out and I was really in a hurry to do it.  My next book will have a few more pages, more coloured paper and few more smaller pieces.  I like how you can make dutchdoors with these smaller pages.  I do like the size, 5.25 x 7.  It gives me a big enough page to work on that doesn't take forever to fill.

I do encourage you to watch Julia Bausenhardt's Video before starting your project.  She presented a very straight forward easy to follow video that I know you will find helpful.

So now I have my new book, I am going to get to work.  Next week, come see what I did.  In the meantime get your book out or try making your own.  Then crack it open.

Further Reading: 
Turn Your Sketchbook into your Own Personal Treasure  - Using Watercolour and Absorbent Ground to paint the cover of your sketchbook.
Finish Your Sketchbook with a Flair - Using collaging and acrylic pens to decorate your sketchbook cover.
Did you Test Run your Portable Art Kit? - Getting your portable Art Kit ready for the road.

WENDY MOULD IS ONLINE:  

I 'm Now offering Private Mentoring/Coaching ONLINE

Want to make pictures that sing?  Move your Art Career forward?  Get a handle on your art business?

Let's Talk

Imagine, your own personal coach, in discussion with YOUR images:  Discussing your goals; Ways to move your artwork forward.   Sessions: 30 minutes each

Package: 3 session: $75 + tx       Flexible Booking Schedule

Contact Wendy to book your session - Send me your pictures and let's Get to Work!

Get a Taste for Online Learning with my Blog & Video Combos: 

1.  Have you tried Monotypes?   - Blog post with video link on how to do Monotypes and ways to incorporate it into your art. 

2.  One Awesomemazonly Sketchbook Activity - Blog post with video link on a great Sketchbook Activity to inspire and challenge you.  

 (Be sure to like and comment while your are there. 🤗)

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied in early May 2020.  Thanks for your support.
When Life settles down: 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Time to Change it UP - Painting and Drawing Tips

As the World teeters from one Disastrous News Bite to another, it is Discombobulating.  There is a loss of HOPE. I'm feeling that way, you probably are too.  I nearly didn't post this week because of it.  But

I am Not. Ready. To give up. . . . 

We are all entering a life of self quarantine. I think, we are needing to learn new things more than ever.  So . . . .  here goes. . .

BALD EAGLE: SALMON ARE HERE WIP- Graphite 12 x 16 - Eagles feasting on the dead salmon is a common sight along the Fraser River in the fall when the Salmon Run starts.  Not all eagles want to share their food!!

As many of you know I love to golf.  I run a Tuesday night golf group and we golf every Tuesday night at the same course.  Have for many years.

Boring . . .  You might think. . . But no.

Golfing at the same course gives you a sense of calmness.  You know the course, you know the obstacles, you can focus on your shots.  When I play a hole well, I can compare my performance to previous scores.  I can measure my improvements.  Really golf is about playing yourself.  Comparing yourself to your performance, not others.

SHORT-EARED OWL: ON THE PROWL- Matted 20 x 16 Graphite $500.  Loving this new long narrow vertical format, turns out most of my work has been horizontal. 

Very much like your art work. . .

You draw/paint the same kinds of things.  Comfortable. Comforting.  Relaxing.  You can focus on improving your technique.  Knowing exactly where you are going.  And you do improve.  Slowly.

NOW you have time, so now it is time to Change It UP. . .

I golf other days but always on other courses.  The first time on a new course is always a major learning curve.  The hazards are different.  The greens a challenge.  The score is high.  But after a few rounds things change.  I start using different clubs.  Hitting different kinds of shots.  Approach the course in a new way.

Changing it UP can bring new changes to you. . .

When I return to my regular course I try these new things. My play changes and I definitely see a change in my score.

Taking those new techniques back to your 'usual work' will bring a difference to you as well. Your approach will be different. Your focus changed.  Growth will result.

ROBIN: ON HIS OWN - 5 x 7 Vanished Watercolour - $160 - This mix of Abstract with Realism inspire me to launch into a mini series.  Read more . . .

Does Changing It UP . . . mean getting a whole new box?

No.  Try just jumping in and out of the box. . . .

Change can be using a new colour.  Trying a new Perspective.  Zooming in or Zooming out.  Trying a different size.  Different shape.  New subject.  Mixing your Medium.  Mixing Abstract with your Realism or Realism with your Abstract.

HUMMING IN THE HOLLYHOCKS -  Matted 20 x 16 - tried hiding my bird inside the painting rather than making it the subject.  

You decide how big a Change Up to make. . .

My picture at the beginning of the post, Bald Eagles: The Salmon Are Here is a different view point for me - worms eye view.  It came about as I got my reference pictures laying on the sand behind a log. (I took many shots of this eagle and used different views to construct my picture.)

I find I like the idea of looking over the eagle's shoulder to see the other eagle feasting on the dead fish.  Several eagles gathering and fighting over their bounty is a common sight when the Salmon are running.

Have to get back to work, my Eagles aren't finished yet.

Further Reading:
The Trail: From Inspiration to Creation - focus on your goals and recognize Your Trail
Watercolour Surprises Many - looks at a new way to present your work
Catching the Light - Out Door Sketching - heading outdoors to sketch and using new medium (pen and ink with coloured pencils)

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied in early May 2020.  Thanks for your support.
When Life settles down: 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Have You Demoed During a Show? - Painting & Drawing Tips

Paints Flying. Brushes dancing. People cheering. 

It's Show Day!  

Really.  People cheering.  

Don't you wish it was really like that.

The realities of Demoing while doing an Art Show are not quite like that. But they can be pretty close.  People may not cheer but they certainly will watch. They will smile and definitely tell you how wonderful you are. 

Wendy working on a heron during the Art Show - No, people don't cheer but they certainly hang over my shoulder and want to talk about my work.  

The West Fine Art Spring Show is over.  While I was there I  talked with artists that were doing demos in their booths.  Serge Demetrius Dube had a big demo set up and painted with gusto.  He certainly had groups of people around and they did cheer when the picture was done.  (Sorry couldn't get shots of that as I was busy at my own booth).  Serge had a large area for his display, paints with large tubes of paint and paints very quickly.  Very conducive for a splashy display.  

Serge's Demos are fast and entertaining.  His paintings come to life very quickly. 

But what about other kinds of demos . . .

Not all of us are fast, our space may be quite limited and our medium less dramatic.  Can we do a demo too? and Why would we want too?

Working in detail with coloured pencils doesn't seem that exciting but many were stopping to talk to Allison.  There was a real fascination with 'all those pencils'. 

Allison Philpott is a coloured pencil artist.  Definitely more low key demo than Serge.  But she had a table set up for her demo and worked on a picture throughout the show.  "I find it draws people in and it inspires questions and curiosity.  I like the opportunity to educate people about my medium.  It also eliminates those awkward silences".

Joyce 's lion painting was very intriguing to look at.  Especially with his eyes looking out at you.  

Joyce Trygg paints in watercolour and acrylic.  She feels demoing her work is important and always has a table with some work in progress for people to see.  "I always like to have a portion of the painting near completion.  That way it looks interesting and people can understand what it will be.  You know how terrible the early stages of a painting can be.  If it is an animal I always have the eyes nearly done."  (Note her small portable palette for her demos. Working in a small space is crucial when you only have a 10 x 10 booth or smaller) 

Jim is happy to chat at he works away on one of his small pieces.  It is captivating to watch the dots 'become something'. 

Jim Pescott works with pointillism in acrylic.  His landscapes are vivid and bright with a very realistic feel from a distance.  But up close you can see the hundreds of dots of paint that make up the picture.  "People looking at my style can't understand my art.  I find it helps them connect to the images on the wall when they see me work.  It urges them to ask questions.  These are the things that help build a relationship with them."

I chatted with artist Ken Nash, he paints very large, realist landscapes.  He calls his work Realscapes.  Ken wasn't demoing this show as he was busy in the organizational part of it.  "I do realscapes, very detailed work that does not make for an interesting demo.  So I often demo little things, like how I paint rocks or trees. It gives a sense of how I work."

Certainly looking to the artists tells you how to set up a demo but I think my student, Karina sums it up as to why.  "When you get more information about the process to make the picture, you look at it differently. "  Certainly, my experience has born this out.

Side Note: After completing my research I have decided to buy another 2 x 4 table for my booth setup.  I can see that my table is too small. I have been demoing with my drawing on a board on my lap. However, after looking at other setups I think it would be more effective to have it out on a table.

Further reading: 
Preparing for the Big Show - points to think about as you get organized for Show Time
6 Steps to Victory over the Monster in the Closet - Planning and Showing in Art Markets
Set Up Day: A Day in the Life of an Artist - Steps in setting up for a show

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied for the Awards Dinner May 11, 2020.  Thanks for your support. 

Spring Shows Coming Soon

Sunday, April 26, 10-4pm  Artswest Spring Show & Sale  Elgin Hall, 14250 Crescent Rd, Surrey, BC.   Admission Free, Raffle for picture of your choice, Refreshments, and more.  Info: www.artswest.ca

Wednesday April 29 - Saturday,  May 2, 10-4pm     Paints’n Bloom Show + Bonus Workshop DayMandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby. 
Featuring Artists Wendy Mould, AFCA & Audrey Bakewell
in Support of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

Workshop Day, Wednesday, April 29 : 

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class $40 All supplies incl - Great opportunity to learn the secrets of watercolor
1-3pm Creative Card Class $40 All supplies incl. - See the magic you can create with butterflies and flowers.
Register Wendy   

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

FABULOUSLY AWESOME NEWS!! - YWCA Women of Distinction Awards - Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever wondered how a jury show happens?  A Plein Air Festival? A Community Gallery? Even the monthly functions of an Art Group?

All these things happen because of Volunteers. . .

Yep!  That's me, I am a Finalist for the Women of Distinction Award

I know because I am one of them.  I must admit for me it is a way of life.  My mom and dad always jumped in and helped no matter what organization they were with.  I find getting involved means I meet lots of interesting people, make some really great friends and have way more fun.  

As a kid I was always busy with one group or another. My dad ran the Sunday School at the air base we lived at in Nova Scotia. Over 600 kids.  My mom was a teacher and my brother, sister and myself were the gofers: collecting, carrying, running about, helping to keep it all running smoothly each week.  

As I got older I coached, I ran committees, I organized, cooked for cub camps, ran booths at fun fairs, took teams to out of town tournaments, even did group camps for 40 girls, 8-12.  (Very lucky with the weather on those trips.)  

So what has this got to do with my Fabulously Awesome News you ask. . . .

I am a Finalist for the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Arts, Design & Culture!!

Some of my Support Team - It is great to have them at my back.  

It is so exciting to be recognized by this group.  The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards honours individuals and organizations whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the well-being and future of our community.  

What are some of the things that I have been doing for the last 12 years that brought me to this point. Really things that I always do - when I join something I get involved. But volunteering is only part of it.  Each of the women Finalist have also started new initiatives.   

One of my big projects is working with emerging artists to teach them how to promote themselves and engage with the community.  This has been ongoing for 11 years - speaking at conferences, writing articles, giving talks to art groups, running workshops and one-on-one mentoring.  

It is so energizing to work with a group on Marketing Skills for a whole day!

The other big project, also ongoing, is The 3 Day Plein Air Festival at Kilby Historical Site.  This premier event is running into its 6 year and I have been involved with since the beginning.  It has grown to be one of Kilby's flagship events.  

Everyone wanted to paint the flowers - Join us August 14-16 at Kilby Historical Site  

I have other smaller projects: working with talented young artists, mentoring emerging artists, promoting the Arts in Surrey, executive for an Art Group, Director for an Art Groups, working on Steering committees. . .  

I am thrilled to be up for this award but I must admit.  Just being a Finalist is awesome.  Fabulously Awesome.  

There is something you can do . . .

There is one award that is a People's Choice Award.  It is the Connecting the Community Award.  It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by people's choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied for the Awards Dinner May 11, 2020.  Thanks for your support. 

JOIN ME at THE BIG SHOW!!!!

March 6-8, 2020 - The West Fine Arts Show
In support of Langley School District Youth Homelessness Initiatives
Friday March 6, 7-9pm              Saturday March 7, 11-7pm              Sunday, March 8, 11-5pm

 Peter Ewart Middle School, 7755 202A St, Langley BC. 

 Yes, I have teamed up with this great show event: 22 Professional Artists, Awesome Art, a show you shouldn't miss.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy