Competition: Mixed Media Challenge - Painting and Drawing Tips

OMG!!      What have I done??!!

It seemed like a good idea, enter a Mixed Media Paint Off - 12 artists, a box of supplies, 7 days!! 

But what do I know about gold foil, tissue, collaging. . . .  

Day 1: Picking up my Competition Package

Pretty exciting eh?  Especially when things are sooooo quiet at home right now.  The Paint Off began with all artists picking up 'their box' of supplies and a 16 x 20 canvas.  The job, use as much of the different mixed media materials in the box as possible to create a 'master piece' on the canvas in 7 days.  I could hardly wait to see 'what was in my box'. 

It was a bit like Christmas, opening the box and pulling out all the neat little containers of paints & mixes.  

Opening the Treasure Box . . . .

Ok, it really isn't a Treasure Box, but it seems like it.  All these new supplies for me to try out. 

 

One 16 x 20 Canvas

6 different Acrylic Soft Body Paints

Nepheline fine Gel

An Adhesive

Brushes

Metal foils, gold & silver

cheese cloth

rubber mat

Assorted colours of tissue paper and a few textured pieces

a box of watercolours

paint tray

An Opus apron  (yes, Opus Art Supplies was one of the sponsors)

WE were encouraged to use as many different things as possible, even the wrapping and the box itself were fair game.  

Next step - hit the Internet!!

I have never used metal foils, tissue paper or other things for collaging. I felt I needed a little encouragement.  After a few tutorials I felt much better and decided it was time to crack open the paints.  

Day 2: Taking paints for a test run and doing some collaging on the canvas

Day 2 - Test the materials

I read labels, opened containers and fiddled around.  I decided the best thing to do was pick up a brush and go for it.  I ripped up the textured paper and glued it to different places on the canvas.  Then I picked a few watercolours and let them flow.  It is amazing how much better you feel when that stark, white canvas is no longer staring at you.  Doesn't look like much to you but I was feeling very pleased with my start.  

Day 3 Already - Once my little squirrel made his appearance I knew I had a plan

Day 3 - Here Goes

After turning my canvas around and around I decided on this portrait face.  My next job was to see if I could get a little squirrel to perch in the corner and catch your eye. It was very reluctant to come out but after quite a bit of fiddling he made his appearance.  I was elated.  I knew what I wanted to paint and I was ready to roll.  

Day 4 - I am feeling flushed with success.  Things are really starting to work out.  Anxious to get back at it.  

Day 4 - Things are rolling along

Yes, I have reached that point of the painting where I think things are starting to hum.  I hated to stop.  'Just a minute', I kept saying whenever I was called.  But finally I had to wash up and get on with life.  I can hardly wait to get back at it.  

Sad news for you, my readers. 
I publish my blog on Thursdays each week.  My picture must be done by Saturday and I can not publish it before then.  I will have to leave you in suspense until next week post as to my finished picture.  Wish me luck.  See you next week.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes Starting Soon!! 

Yes, I will take 2 in a class for Outdoor Sketching starting as soon as the weather is more stable.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12;30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  $45  Get on the Wait List Now. Contact Wendy 

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. 🤗)

Great Opportunities for Fraser Valley Artists: 

Arts Council of Surrey 
 Artist Calls: 

Info@artscouncilofsurrey.ca for Entry Forms

1. Together  . . . apART - Juried Art Show hosted on Arts Council of Surrey Website. Digital Entry. Deadline May 15.  People's Choice Award.  Free to enter. See website info for information on Show  Theme

2. Arts 2020: Juried Show with Cash Prizes for 5 Different Categories.  Hosted by Arts Council of Surrey and Surrey Art Center.  Digital Entry.  Deadline: June 5.  Free to  Enter.  No Theme. 

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 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

The Why and What of ART BATTLES - Painting & Drawing Tips

12 Artists.  20 Minutes.  A few markers, a pencil, piece of  charcoal and a few pieces of Conte.

Why on earth would any Artist go into Battle with just that!!

Wendy in the Heat of Battle

We’ll definitely if I had a choice I would have taken more materials with me.  And for sure arranged for more time.  But for this Art Battle - a Sketch Off - that was it. 

Why did I do it?  . . .  The event was put on by our local Art Associations at the Surrey Art Center and I like to support them.  But for many this might be over the top as support.  I felt I would go ahead because it was bonus for me as well.   

Confidence

Confidence?!  I am sure you could have  thought of a 100 other things that I could have done to build my confidence as an artist.  But I just felt it was time.  It really made me step out of my box and announce “I Am An Artist”.  It was an important step for me and one I felt I wanted to try.  I have seen several of my artist friends go into an Art Battle and I felt I could do that too. 

Fiona Tang's work from Heat 1

Practice

No, this was not my first Battle.  I have tried two others.  Each time I participate I have learned valuable skills: how to think on your feet; how to shut out distraction;  how to relax under pressure.  And each time I have entered, I have felt a bit more confident and able to do more.  Competing in a Community Battle, no matter how small gives that practice.  Who knows, some day you might have a chance to go in a BIG One.  And you will be ready.

PJ Patten, another contestant, hard at work

Exposure

Art Battles are another way to get yourself out there.  They generally do lots of advertisement ahead of time promoting the event and the artists.  They certainly support and promote you while you compete and afterwards usually promote your art from the event.  Ok, I know, it is not your best work.  But don’t worry.  Everyone, including yourself, will cut you some slack.  They don’t expect it to look like a studio piece you have laboured over for days.  It is just neat to see you up there, creating something, with unfamiliar materials in such a short time. 

Tom Godin, 2nd Place, this was one of his drawings

Challenge

 Ok. This is really a challenge.  And one you may not want to take on.  I wanted to try.  I first tried in my studio to see if I could in fact, draw anything in 20 minutes that was decent.  I was surprised.  I didn’t realize I could.  So then, I thought, why not.  Really, there is nothing to lose. 

My drawing for the 1st Heat

Heron by the Shore - Ink & Graphite Sold

Fun

I know, you think I have a warped sense of Fun.  But really, it is pretty neat to be in the limelight.  Spotlights are on you.  People come up and tell you how wonderful you are.  (Believe me, that Feels Awesome).  Everyone makes you feel so wonderful.  As you’re busy drawing, they are praising your work.  It is a moment of being a star.  What could be more fun then that. 

Working on my picture for the Championship Round - Bald Eagle with his Salmon

But to go into Battle you need to not only think of the Why’s but the What’s. . .

What are you going to Paint/Draw????.......

Now that is a quandary.  Believe me, I had discussions with myself and others for ideas.  In the end, I felt I had to be true to myself.  I needed to draw wildlife.  I want to be known as a wildlife artist so it follows, that is what I needed to draw.  This is also follows in the Why of It.  If I am doing it for exposure, than I want viewers to see what I am known for.

Bald Eagle with his Salmon - Ink & Graphite -  My drawing for the Championship Round (Thanks CJ for this picture)

More What's to consider . . . .

What would you DRAW?? Here is some of the other Entries.  (I do apologize I do not have all the artists names. I thought I had them all but  . . . )

What are your goals and what will you do to prepare for the Art Battle. My goals were simple.  I wanted to draw good pictures of my heron and eagle.  I wanted to enjoy myself and not waste my time being nervous.  I felt I achieved both of those goals.  When it is a People's Choice activity, it is important not to be concerned about whether you win or not.  At these events people will vote for their friends first, and I respect that.  All the artists work is good and all need to be recognized for getting up in front of people and drawing.  Their friends are their supporters and they should vote for them.  

As to preparation, there is lots you can do there.  See my post for my last Battle, Art Battle Here I Come  to see how I prepared.  I hope it gives you some ideas.  The other side of practicing has a big personal benefit for you.  Practicing to draw your subject, in my case practicing my Heron was great.  I really got to know my subject better and I know next summer when I am painting at the beach, it will be easier to capture that heron on my paper.  Check out my post Do you know Your Subject, this is a 3 part series I did on the benefits of working in series.  

Yes, I WON - First Place.  As you can tell, I was and still am THRILLED!! (Thanks CJ for capturing this moment) 

A Special Thanks to Melissa Burgher and Joanne Dennis for all their work in putting this event together.  Also a  Special Thanks to CJ, one of my awesome supporters, she took some awesome pictures and shared them with me.  She even took a short video which I will share on Instagram.   And Super Special Thanks to my daughter, Cathy, who came and took LOTS of pictures of the whole Event. 

Have you been in an Art Battle?  Have any advice? Suggestions?  How did you decide what to draw? 

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Join me in November and December to Make Christmas Cards using Doodles and Candles.  See info below ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Get Ready for Christmas!! with a Fun Way to Improve your Drawing Skills

This year's theme is Candles, Holly and Poinsettias - Samples of things you can do with them

Christmas Card Classes 

Saturday, Nov 16, 10-12pm. Art by Wendy's Studio, North Surrey

Wednesday, Dec 4, 1-3pm. Gardenworks at Mandeville, South Burnaby

Treat your Friends to a Special Christmas Greeting

All supplies Incld $40      Contact Wendy

OR

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225
Drawing lessons in graphite, carbon, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils.
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

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

Art Battle - A Full Report - Painting & Drawing Tips

OMG!!!

Was that FUN!!

Scary. Challenging. Overwhelming. Surprising. Rewarding.

Ready to BATTLE - 25 minutes to Create

It was awesome to feel so supported and encouraged.  A special thanks to the many readers who came out to the event.  It was truly wonderful to have you at my back, your comments, smiles and attention really filled my evening.  I felt like a ‘celebrity’!!  (Not to worry, I am back to normal now. 😜)

Art Battle Report

What!! I am in the first Round! . . .

That was the start of this event.  No chance to see how others handled this medium, I was in the first group.  I tried to settle my nerves and organized my materials.  3. . 2. . 1 . .  Start! 

Thank goodness I had practiced.  I found I was able to blank out my surroundings and just settle into my painting.  Practicing with the pastels was a good idea. There was a lot of similarities in terms of blending colour and blocking in colour.  In the end, being in the first round was good.  I was able to relax and watch the other rounds and not worry about my performance. (What did I practise, you ask, see last post  Art Battle Here I come)

Some of the Competition - Every style was there

Being under the spotlight was Awesome! . . .

What a Rush, when they introduced me.  Felt so special.  While we painted people walking around the circle and watched.  Actually it wasn't that bad having someone look over your shoulder.  Only a few spoke to me, which was good as I really needed to focus to paint.  But for the most part I was in my zone and really didn't notice them.  I was shocked when I looked up at the end and saw how many were there.  

When I finished it was Unbelievable. So many people wanted to take my picture and to have pictures taken with me and my picture.  I felt like a winner.  

My Struggle was REAL. 

I'm in What? - The Championship Round! . . .

OMG!  I had practiced a few pictures for a second round but not that carefully.  I think I was afraid I would jinks myself.

Championship Round Underway - Lights, Camera, Action! (Thanks to Diane for this great picture)

Suddenly I was wishing I spent a little more time on that second idea.  I needed something different and so I went to my poppies.  I love drawing them and I thought that the soft creamy oil paint would give me a great flower petal.  

Working on my Poppy, nearly done

What a Thrill. . .

Finished my picture, people were cheering and clapping.  Again, lots of pictures and congratulations.  Wow.  Definitely a Moment in the SUN for Me. 

Had to show you this one, thanks to CJ for sending me the Picture

The Winners (Thanks to Diane for this great picture)

The awards were made, Fiona Tang - 1st, Sarah Power - 2nd and Myself 3rd.  (Right to Left)

My Takeaways. . .

If you decide to go into Battle, I have 2 pieces of advice.  One, practice your image ahead of time.  With all the things happening and emotions flying, you will find it very hard to 'wing it'.  And practice a second image, for the finals.  (You never know.)   Two, set some goals.  Mine were to relax and enjoy myself and paint good pictures.  I achieved my goals and more, getting into the Championship Round was a wonderful bonus.  

A Super Night - Thanks Everyone!! 

A Special Thanks to Melissa Burgher and Joanne Dennis for all their work in putting this event together.  And Super Special Thanks to my daughter, Cathy, who came and took LOTS of pictures of the whole Event.  

Have you gone into battle before?  What are you thoughts?  Takeaways?

Well Spring is coming fast, my trip to Italy will soon be here.  So you know what time it is for me - Sketchbook Time.  Next post, Let's Get Those Sketchbooks Humming!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Time to Register

May 1 - Workshop Day for Spring Show - South Burnaby

Want to experience the joy of watercolour?  Learn about the supplies? See paint in action as you create your first Masterpiece?  - Join Audrey and Myself on May 1, 10-12pm for a Beginner Watercolour Class - $40 all supplies incld. 

Itching to create but want some direction? Want to make exciting cards and notes for the special people in your life? Add design to your sketchbooks and journals? - Join Myself and Audrey on May 1, 1-3pm for a Creative Card Class - $40 all supplies incld.  This year's theme: Flowers and Ladybugs.  

Audrey Bakewell and Myself include this Workshop Day as part of our Spring and Fall Shows at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.  Both classes are very popular and fill up very quickly.  

REGISTER NOW

SPRING SHOW:     Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale

 in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

 Thursday, May 2  to Saturday,  May 4 

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Workshop Day: Wednesday, May 1 

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class

1-3pm Spring Card Making Class

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

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

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Art Battle, Here I Come!!- Painting & Drawing Tips

Art Battles are Happening

Not just on TV but EVERYWHERE

Have you ever tried competing in one?

Preparing to Battle - Practice Sketch 2 - 30 minutes

I have entered a battle . . . 

and its happening this Saturday, March 23, 5:30pm - Surrey Arts Center, 13750 88 Ave. - Painting with Oil Sticks - 25 minutes. OMG!! Not sure about all this but I had this crazy idea I wanted to challenge myself.  What was I thinking?

As you know, I am all about challenging yourself and trying new things.  So when I saw this Artist Call, I thought, oil sticks, how hard can that be.  I had entered an art battle before, well actually, several years ago. 2014 to be exact.   (Read about it here.)  We had 45 minutes then, 25 minutes is a real challenge.  

Preparing to Battle . . .

No one goes into Battle without a plan.  With only 25 minutes, 'winging it' just wont work. Here's what I did. 

1.  Research: I have never used oil sticks nor have I ever even seen them before.  I contacted an artist friend, Joanne, that had some and begged for some help.  Joanne was great. She let me come to her studio and play with them for a bit.  Not sure I mastered them but felt I could at least work with them.  (see last post Experimenting with Oil Sticks)

For the horizontals, I experimented with the horizon line.  The portrait version was my first choice. 

2.  Make a Plan: I decided I wanted something loose to paint and settled on a waterscape with lots of sky.  Then I drew a few value sketches to get an idea how it should look.  My first choice was the Portrait view.  

3.  Execution: Seems easy right.  Pick up your sticks and go for it.  Not!  First of all, I don't have any and there was none in the local store to buy and too late to order any. We only got word this week that we were for sure in the competition.  

I used the Nupastels for practice

I decided to use Nupastels, for practicing,  as they would give me an idea of what it was like to work with the oil sticks.  I had a limited palette with them and that would be the case for the competition as well. (I think we will only have 8 colours)  And the biggest reason I choose them, I had some.  

Practice Sketch 1 - 31 minutes - with reference material

My first choice for layout was the Portrait view, so off I went. I had my reference material in front of me, my timer on, my mind focused.  31 minutes. Ok, not bad, eh? I know, not the greatest paper, but I am just practicing.  

Practice Sketch 2 - 35 minutes - with reference material 

4.  Time to Re-evaluate:  I decided I didn't really like the Portrait view.  So for my next practice I tried my landscape view.  The main different with the landscape views was the horizon line and sky shapes.  I liked the horizon approx. 1/3 of the way from the middle to the bottom. And the sky shape in the top Value Study.   Practice Sketch 2 - 35 minutes - with reference material in front of me.  Ok, but I was hoping to be faster.   I do like this picture better though and feel I can work with this layout.  

5. Make Notes:   Now that I have a plan, I decided to make notes of the things I liked and didn't like. My intention was to make sure the good things were the things I replicated.  This proved to be a great activity.  It made me study each area of the picture and decide if I liked its placement and content. Things like: colour of foreground shadows, size and shape of background mountains, sky colours. I could also see I need to work on the cloud/sky formation more but I like the general overall look.  

Practice Sketch 3 - 29 minutes - no reference material

6.  More Practice: I set the timer and this time no reference material.  29 minutes.  I was pleased with that.  Still slow and still needs work on the sky but over all things are working out.  Making the notes really helped me focus on what needed to be done.  

Well Competition is this Saturday, still a few more dry runs to do before then.  There will be 12 of us, 3 groups of 4.  Then one artist from each group in a final battle.  I guess I should start working on a second picture, just in case . . . .

Come watch the Art Battle, I think it will be fun.  Saturday, March 23, 5:30pm - Surrey Arts Center, 13750 88 Ave  

Next Post - Art Battle - Full Report.

Wish me luck!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Time to Register

May 1 - Workshop Day for Spring Show - South Burnaby

Want to experience the joy of watercolour?  Learn about the supplies? See paint in action as you create your first Masterpiece?  - Join Audrey and Myself on May 1, 10-12pm for a Beginner Watercolour Class - $40 all supplies incld. 

Itching to create but want some direction? Want to make exciting cards and notes for the special people in your life? Add design to your sketchbooks and journals? - Join Myself and Audrey on May 1, 1-3pm for a Creative Card Class - $40 all supplies incld.  This year's theme: Flowers and Ladybugs.  

Audrey Bakewell and Myself include this Workshop Day as part of our Spring and Fall Shows at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.  Both classes are very popular and fill up very quickly.  

REGISTER NOW

SPRING SHOW:     Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale

 in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

 Thursday, May 2  to Saturday,  May 4 

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Workshop Day: Wednesday, May 1 

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class

1-3pm Spring Card Making Class

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

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

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy