5 Things that can spark a series of Painting - Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever worked on a Series of Paintings?  

Do you paint random pieces or are your works interrelated?

Is this a limiting exercise or not?

ROBINS: SIGNS OF SPRING - Nearly done 

From a marketing stand point, working in a series is wonderful.  You have a standard product.  You have a statement that covers all the work.  You have One central focus for all your marketing energy.  Sounds like a marketing dream. 

However, there is one problem . . 

As an artist you are not a machine.  You can keep producing the same material but eventually it will become stale.  You will lose interest and your work will reflect that.  And on the other end, your buyers may become weary of seeing the same thing. 

Ok sorry, I don't mean to confuse . . .

Are series a good idea or bad?  I feel they have lots of merit but at the same time they need to evolve and change.  If their purpose is to preserve 'the sameness' not such a good idea. In my mind, a series takes you on journey to explore.  You take ideas and work with them.  Finding your voice as you feel your way.  They cause you to think and expand your ideas.  When you feel you have told your story, they end. 

I have started a series.  Not sure how big it will be.  For now it is 3 pieces. 

Decided on a background and my main colours

What sparks a series?

1.  Your emotions: For me it was my struggle to mix my pen work into my wildlife art.  I had just completed my work on my Inktober Tangles 2019 project and I was pumped.  I wanted to do something with my tangles and patterns.  (Read more about Inktober Tangles 2019 here.)

I liked the 3 different views of this fellow - his quirky character called to me.  

2.  Your eye is caught: Like most of you I have huge folders with photos I have taken.  Mine are all about wildlife I see and settings that would work for them.  My photos are overtaking my life.  I was trying to sort, delete and file some of my pictures from this summer.  I know, an endless task.  Suddenly my eye was caught by a robin.  I had several shots of him, wondering about the yard.  Hmm. . . . I thought.  I can do something with him.

One was working well so definitely time to start planning the group

3.  Chance: My husband was busy making wood cradles for me as I needed some custom sizes for some commissions.  Of course, being the frugal person I am, (read cheap, if you were one of my kids) I suggested he cut up the scrap and make some small cradles for me.  We figured he could make 3-5 x 7 wood cradles.

Robin: On his Own - WIP  As he started to grow I began to really see how my other birds would fit in. Surprisingly my husband thought he looked interesting.  Hmm. . . maybe my robin will interest others.

4.  Desire to meet a challenge: As I walked the trails with Max I thought of my challenge - realistic birds (my robin) and abstract shapes (my tangle patterns).  What? How? Somehow, out walking with Max I can create better than in my studio.  Here my mind is free to ebb and flow in different directions.  An idea began to form. Suddenly I knew what I wanted to do. 

Robin: Curious - WIP  My second piece started to take shape. Now, I was starting to get excited.   I could see where I wanted to go.  

5.  Time: Christmas Commissions done, Christmas was over, and I actually had a bit of time on my hands.  Those robins were restless, my pens were calling, my paints were wet.  I couldn't stop myself.  I jumped in. 

What sparks a series for you?  Are they a small collection or large bodies of work? Have you considered the pros and cons of working this way? 

ROBIN: ON HIS OWN - Ink & Watercolour - 5 x 7 mounted on Wood Cradle $115

In continuing the discuss, you might find the following posts of interest: 

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 1
Looks at creating a series from the artistic point of view; benefits to the Artistic Soul. 

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 2
This looks at the benefits of creating a series from a marketing point of view.  

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 3
An interview with an artist, Jane Appleby, who spent a year working on her series.  

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 4
Short interview and examples of other artists and their thoughts on work in series.  

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 

February is Marketing Month for Artists!!

Each February I offer an all day workshops “Let’s Get Your Art Out There!!”
2020 Date: February 23, 10-3pm

Having trouble getting started or knowing where and what to do?

This workshop gets your Marketing Plans fired up to new and more successful levels. Learn the basics of today’s Marketing World, learn how to develop markets both online with Social Media and off line in your community, learn how to develop a productive network, and set up a Marketing Plan that will work for you. Taking this workshop is a valuable step in moving your business forward. Workshop runs 10-3:00 pm with a lunch break.    Class limited to 8 people

Cost $90 Tax Incl      Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . . 

January 18, 2020 - Opus Langley Demo:  Put WOW! into Your Mark Making with Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM  11-12:30pm and 2-3:30pm.  Free but must Register: (604) 533-0601  Morning session is full but still some room in the afternoon.  

See you there!!

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

Ta-Da!! My Inktober Tangle 2019 Collage is Done!! Painting & Drawing Tips

Yes, I have finally wrapped up my Inktober Tangles 2019!

PAGE 1 & 2 - INKTOBER TANGLES 2019
It ended up being 4 pages!!

As many of you know, I have been diligently working away on my Intober Project. (Read more on my Project here)   I know, it is not October anymore.  But really, who has time to do this, Every Day... 

PAGE 3 & 4
Started to try a bit more colour and worked in a bit of white on black

Yes I am one of those Crazy Pen Artists that just loves to see the crisp sharp line on paper.  It may seem strange to others but I enjoy the flow of Patterns and Marks as my pen skips along. It is often a moment of wonder to see how a shape evolves.  No,  it is not all about copying a shape and moving on.  

This pattern, Maryhill, looks so plain until you start adding colours and shadows.  

There is a sense of MAGIC. . . .

A tangle or shape will change and grow depending on: Where you place it.  How you embellish it. What you shade with.  Even the support you use.  You know how we thirst to take something and make it ours.  That is what happens with Tangling.  You take a shape and immediately change it up to make it your own shape in your own space. It is interesting to look and also interesting to see how others work with patterns.  Two of my favourite artists to study are: Utabar_34 and Jane_happyart on Instagram.  

This pattern called Abundies can be changed/embellished in so many ways.  I really loved the curves and and circles in it. Note the change as it moves into black and becomes white. 

Working/Studying this art form makes me realize things about myself and my work. 

I love black ink, other colours are nice but it certainly calls to me.  I love the movement of curves and bends.  There are many who work with linear patterns but they don't create the same passion in my pen.  I love the power of shading.  It takes a flat intricate shape and moves it to a new level.  More powerful and more interesting to the eye.  

I loved the googlie eyes and movement that can be worked into a collage with this little pattern, Tunnelvizion.  So simple but can express so much.

The Power of a Mark . . .

Whether drawing or painting the focus is always on Mark Making.  Each stroke is evaluated.  Is it in the right place? Is it the right colour?  The right value? The right shape?  But how often do you look at the mark and really see what it creates.  Not evaluate it on your standard.  ie. how it fits into your design.  But what is it telling you about what it can do.  It might not be the right mark for that spot in your design but it may be a great mark for somewhere else.  

The Simplest Mark, a dot or tiny circle can have huge impact. Take a look at my 4 pages of collages.  They are really a mish mash of shapes but notice the tiny little circles in the open spaces.  Yes they are randomly placed but note how they tie the 4 pages together into one united unit.  Awesome, eh?!

This to me is a classic tangle, simple but intricate when I add my own colours, embellishments and weave it into my piece.  It even has an interesting name "Well, Well, Who".  

How does this carry my work forward ? . .

Good question.  I have spent hours on my Inktober Tangle 2019 Collage.  Is it a marketable item? No. But then does everything have to be "A Masterpiece"?  Actually, to me it is a masterpiece.  I enjoy looking at it.  It makes me feel good whenever I think of it.  Each time I view it, I see new things.  I feel I learned so many new things from it.  What more can you ask?

In my earlier Tangle Post I talked about the things I done with Tangling.  (Read more here) Now that I have finished the collage I have one more item to add to the list. I realized I forgot to mention my cards.  I use my tangles in my Fine Art Work but I also create cards for various occasions with my patterns and teach classes with my own design ideas.
  

LET'S RIDE -  Part of my set of 3 different horse pictures -Available as Instant Downloads Cards at my Etsy Store 

Right now I have Bookmarks, Valentine Cards and my Horse cards available as Instant Downloads at my Etsy Store .  Of course more is always available from Art by Wendy Studio.ie. Christmas Cards and All Occasion Cards.  I even have a mini Doodle Christmas Colouring book.  ( I know, I get a little carried away, eh?!)

 As you can tell, I do have a lot of passion for my Pen Art. The real test is  I  know if I was stranded on a desert island, I would definitely want black pens and paper.  What about you?  What would be on your list for that desert Island. 

See you next week with my latest creation, Ink & Watercolour United BUT in a new WAY!!

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 lessons in graphite, carbon, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils.
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Christmas Comes early at Art by Wendy:

Thurs Dec 5 to Sat. Dec 7, 10-4pm

Paints’n Bloom Workshops & Show & Sale

Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.

Featuring Artists Wendy Mould, AFCA & Audrey Bakewell
 in Support of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

See you there!!

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

Have you tried your hand at Tangles? Painting & Drawing Tips

October is Inktober!!

Every artist that loves his ink pens knows that.  It is a time to get the ink flowing and marks flying across the page. Well, actually any time is a good time to draw but October is the month to celebrate it.  Artists that love their Tangles have their own way to celebrate their ink work.  They have . . .

Inktober Tanges 2019

My Inktober Tangles Collage - WIP

Yes, I am one of those crazy people that is drawn to the tangles.  What are tangles?  They are patterns that are created through drawing a sequence of lines and/or dots.  Often called Zentangles.  Since that is a trademark name, the name "Tangles" is used instead.  

Not too late to start. . .

I know the month is half over but really, who has time to draw something every day.  You can still get started.  Just do a few patterns each day and you will soon catch up.  Here is the official list of the patterns for Inktober Tangles 2019 plus links to each pattern. Many like myself do collages putting as many of the month's patterns on one page.  (BTW I am only on #11)

With the Inktober Tangles lists comes new ideas. . .

The 'tangle a day' for this month has already proved very interesting. Although many on the list I am familiar with it is always neat to learn new ones.  And to see how others use them and decorate them. (Note the presence on Facebook and Instagram)  Here are two that are now new favourites: Toodles and Lola.  But I must admit, the googly eyes in TunnelVizion really peeked my interest too.  (Bottom left corner of collage)  

Both Lola and Toodles have basic shapes but can be enhanced with shading and little extra marks

What do I get out of Tangling . . . 

1. Well of course, Enjoyment.  The feeling of a sharp line curving and winding on a crisp white background.  Yes, I have found I am driven to the curvy patterns more than the sharp corners of the angular ones. 

2.  Confidence.  Winging it with my Pen: Working with tangles without pencil guides really gives me confidence.  I have a better understanding how one stray mark 'doesn't wreck things'.  In fact, if I don't like a mark, I have many ideas how to change it to something else within my pattern.  (Actually if you count how many steps go into a tangle, you will quickly go to shortcuts.  Which of course means not a lot of pencil guides.) 

3.  Understanding.  Tangles are patterns.  Seeing a group of tangles and figuring out how to construct them helps in all my other painting and drawing tasks.  Determining the pattern in trees, feathers, hair are just some of the places I use it. 

4.  Inspiration.  I have taken my tangles and patterns into my other art.  Combining my Wildlife with my tangles was challenging but fun.  I really enjoy the new story they tell.  

FOLLOWING THE LINE - 13 x 19 $340 Matted Unframed
Can't you just see that eagle winding his way through the tall trees?

And another: 

HOME ON THE WATER - 8 x 10 Sold
Aren't those just the neatest rocks?!

And of course my first and still one of my favourites

TANGLED ADVENTURES - 8 x 10 Sold
Even my husband thought this was a great picture!!

Finished my Inktober Tangles 2019 Collage in early November - Coming soon on November 21 Blog Post. 


Are you using your pen to make your mark?  A fun way to start is with Doodles and Cards.  Join me in November and December to Make Christmas Cards using Doodles and Candles.  See info below ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Special Note:
Sketch Off - This Saturday, Oct 19, 6-9 pm  Surrey Art Center

Yes, back by Popular Demand *** An Art Battle ***

This time it is sketching, 20 minutes to draw something on a 11 x 14 paper.  There will be 12 artists, 3 heats then a final Championship Round.  Yes, I have thrown my hat into the ring.  I have an idea for my drawing but I need a second one - I am hoping to make it into the second round.
Come Out and support your favourite drawing.  All winners are chosen by people's choice.
See you there!!

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

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. 

FYI

I am scheduled for a Demo at Opus this fall: 

 Drawing: Values, Light & Shadows - Saturday, Oct 19, 11-12:30 or 2-3:30 Free 

Contact Langley Opus to Register  604.533.0601

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

Horsing Around with Pen & Ink - Painting & Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Or The Road from Inspiration to Reality

Step One: Inspiration
My road started off innocently enough.  I was planning my card rack for the Kilby Historical Site, Harrison Mills, opening on the Easter Weekend.  They have lots of family events and I thought my doodle cards would be of interest there.  I decided I would would add a few animals to my pack.  I drew a rooster first and then decided I needed a horse.
Don't you find new projects always start this way, with a simple idea.

Let's Ride, Little One & Free Spirit - 5 x 7 each, Pen & Ink

Step Two: Gather resources
Again, simple.  I looked through my reference file and find an interesting horse shape.  That's when the trouble started.  I found lots of really interesting shapes.  Now, as many of my readers know, I love to draw and I really love to draw with ink.  Doodle patterns with wildlife is a real passion for me.  (See my true confession here!)  Still I felt I could keep myself in check and just pick 1 horse to work on.

Step Three: Begin work
This to me is the high point of any project.  There is a sense of excitement in the air, you are powerful, nothing can stop you.  Don't get in my way, I am going for it.
I decided on my horse, Let's Ride, the top horse card, in my picture above and got right to work.

Step Four: The Midpoint
This is a strange spot in the creation process.  The project is underway, but somehow things are not quite as planned.  The excitement seems to have fizzled out. For me it is the step back point.  Time to regroup.

Yes this even happens with my favourite things, doodling with ink.

My horse was half finished.  Doubt starts to creep in. Will he look as good as my other projects? My patterns are all looking the same, I need new ones.  How am I going to finish his face so it won't be lost?

Definitely a time to regroup.  Study. Reflect.

Step Five: Moving Forward
Ah! New plan in mind. Excitement is building.  I am off.  Out of my way.
Yes, I tried a few new things and found some patterns I liked.  Suddenly I was on fire. The next thing I knew,  Let's Ride was done.

Free Spirit all done!!

Step Six: Follow Up
The spark was still there, and the fire still burning.  I couldn't stop with just one!  My mine was bursting with new ideas.  I was jumping out of bed, rushing to my studio and busy planning more.  Before I knew it, Little One and Free Spirit were finished.  Ahhh. . .  I felt much better.  The pace of life slowed down a bit.  Well, until the next idea hits.

Not sure how many more doodle animal cards will be on my Kilby Rack this year but there were certainly be 3 horse cards there!!

Is your Road from Inspiration to Reality a rocky road with lots of Ups and Downs?  Do you have pictures half finished, waiting . . . . ?   What do you do to regroup?

Special Offer: All 3 Cards = 1 Pack = Instant Download for only $12
 My 3 Horse Doodle Cards LET'S RIDE, LITTLE ONE AND FREE SPIRIT are 1 Digital Downloads Pack at my Etsy Shop: WendyMouldsArt.
Yes, you can print and personalize your own cards instantly. Your family and friends will love them.

Great Opportunity to get some drawing help: 

Come join me at the Expressions Art Gallery, Maple Ridge.  There is only room for 3 people at each session so contact me to register.

     Drop-In and Draw with Wendy Mould, AFCA:    

      Tues, Mar 28, April 1, Tues, April 4, 10-12pm & 1-3pm. 

       Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.

       Bring your sketchbook and your project and come draw.  I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on your drawing.  $15 Pre-Registration Required. Contact Wendy 

Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!!

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)

 Have a great artful day,
Wendy

Take the Plunge - Painting & Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Yes, Dive in and Create.  It is something you have always wanted to do but . . . . Life gets in the way.  We have all been there.

Looking for a start.  This could be for you.

With Christmas over I have been catching up with friends and I discovered something very interesting. My journey into Zentangle Doodles has really started something.

One of Jessie's Creations

Jessie, my friend in northern Alberta, was visiting when I first got my Zentangle book in 2015.  She thought it was very interesting and bought a book and materials before going home.  Well, she loved it. She worked away, showed her friends, they loved it too. Now they want to try.

Early pages from Jessie's Sketchbook - Aren't they Awesome!!

Talking to her this week, she talks about her excitement in her drawing.  She has got other drawing books and now she is trying trees, landscapes and more. Starting with the 'Zentangles' really gave her the skills and confidence she needed to move forward. She has always wanted to draw, not sure how to start and yes, a little afraid too.  Let's face it. That blank piece of paper can really stare you down, when confidence is low.

See what I mean, Something is really happening eh?

Carol, came to one of my Christmas Card Classes in the fall.  She has arthritis and a bit of shake but always wanted to try drawing. We found some patterns that really worked with a loose line and went for it.  Her comments "Oh Wendy, that was fabulous.  I am so glad I came. I have always wanted to draw, wait till I send my granddaughter my card.  She will love it. Let me know when you have more classes."  ( I must admit she was the inspiration that got me doing Valentine cards. but more on that later)

Carol's Fabulous Christmas Cards

Bonnie was also at one of my classes.  We did the cards on watercolour paper. She was so happy with hers she painted it and posted it on Facebook!

Bonnie's Awesome Christmas Card

See what I mean, there is something about working with patterns and ink that really brings that passion to draw, to life.

But what really brought it home was my walk with Marilyn, a walking buddy.  I was so blown away by her story I asked her to share it with you.

Marilyn
 As someone who is just beginning to explore drawing I find the Zentangles such a great jumping off point. After just 15 minutes with Wendy, exploring a few of the basic patterns, I felt confident enough to try a circle shaped like the ones she had done on her cards. There was no pencil drafting, no planning! I just separated the circle into three spaces with two wavy lines using my Pigma Micron 01 pen. I was working on a small watercolour pad which wasn't the best choice as the lines were not as uniform as they could have been. Nevertheless, I filled each of the spaces with a basic design.

Marilyn's First Christmas Card - Don't you love it!  I need her to show me how to do that fabulous font.  It really goes well with her message 

After twenty minutes the ornament was complete. I took the opportunity to colour it in with some Aquarel pencil crayons and a travel brush with a water reservoir since it was on watercolour paper. The result was so nice, my friend, Christine asked if I had just done that in such a short time. I was so thrilled with my little piece of artwork that I instantly gave it to her.

Marilyn's Nine Patch - Reminds me of Quilting

The next day I poked around on Pinterest and found so many other interesting designs I could try. Within a few minutes I had roughly eyeballed my page into nine sections and drawn a square in each one. I must have been so captivated with filling my sample sheet that I didn't realize two hours had passed.

Working in these nine little squares allowed me to be consistent even though there were many inconsistencies in my patterning. I played around with a bit of shading to create a 3D effect in the basket weave, saw how depth of field could be hinted at with different pen widths, deconstructed patterns on my own to replicate them on my page and even figured out how to remove unwanted lines with an x-acto knife with my page curled over a glass. 

For the first time I wasn't stressed about producing, or rather not producing, something I was pleased with, and was worth my time. Creating these patterns was very relaxing....a mindful relaxation. I had learned that I could be "artistic" without knowing how to draw properly. I could see from looking at drawings others had done that I could choose patterns for different reasons in my next tangle based on the amount of black vs white, the severity of the angles or softness of the curves, the thickness of the lines, the amount and shape of the pattern spaces..........Oooh.......I think I'll try a dragonfly!

Definitely good things happening here.  

These conversations were 'aha' moments for me.  I have felt I had found something.  Great for everyone but especially something for those wanting to get into drawing.  As my regular Blog readers know, I have been working away on my cards because I enjoy them, they're fun to make and I wanted to share the joy. (See last post).  But of course, alone in your studio, you don't really know how others feel.  I was thrilled to hear I had sparked all this creativity.

So, it's January, time to start new things - Take the Plunge and start drawing!  If you want some help I have several ways to help:

1. Zentangle Doodle Card Classes: Thursday, Feb 16, 1:30 - 3:30pm & 6-8pm Expressions Art Gallery, Maple Ridge.  Saturday, Feb. 18, 10:30-12:30, (FULL) and 2:00-4:00pm  Art by Wendy Studio, N. Surrey   $30 Supplies Included. We will be working with mice and owls in our Zentangle Doodle Cards  (you knew I would have animals somewhere) Contact Wendy to REGISTER

2. Buy a few of my Zentangle Doodle Cards and start  Colouring. See my collection here.   They are fabulous fun, just imagine how special your cards will be when you personalize them like that.  Those special people in your life will cherish your cards.

3. Private Drawing Lessons -  2.5 hr sessions in my studio, flexible scheduling to fit your schedule. 3 lesson package $225. Beginners to Adanced are welcome.  Adults, Teens and Younger Students. ( $35 for 1 hour sessions for younger students.) more info here

Time to make a plan and kick start your Passion to Draw.  Let me know how it works out.  Were these doodles a starting point for you?  What got you started?

Special Note to Artists: 

February is Marketing Month for Artists, time to really work on your Business Plan. Join me for a full day of getting ready to make 2017 your Best Sales Year ever.  

All day Marketing Workshop - Let's Get Your Art Out There - Sunday, Feb 26 or March 5, 10-3pm.  This is an opportunity to work with a small group focusing on ways that work for you, to market your art.  Whether you are looking at full time or part Art Sales, there are effective, proven strategies that will get your work out the door. $70 Limited to 8 per session.  Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey, BC.  REGISTER NOW  with Wendy.   Out of Towners  & Skytrainers give me a call and we can set something up.

 Be sure to like and share my posts.
 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)

 Have a great artful day, Wendy

Turn Doodles into Awesome - Drawing & Painting Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

OK, I admit it.  I am hooked.  I mean really hooked.  

It all started innocently enough.  My art partner asked me to plan a Christmas Card for our Christmas Card making class using my doodles.  Easy to do I thought.  I have been working on doodles with my animals and created a whole series I call Constructive Organics.  (You can see them HERE ).   I worked up a series using trees that was 'doable' for Beginners to Advanced artists and thought I was done. 

 Then I had one of those moments.  You know when you ask yourself, "What if . . .?"  Suddenly I was knee deep in ideas.  I couldn't sleep, those ideas were just tumbling around in my head.  I had to try new shapes.  I was giving classes and cards were flying off my drawing table.  Thank heavens Christmas came and everything stopped. 

But, one of my students said " This was so much fun.  I would love to do more.  Let me know if you are going to do any more classes."  

By Boxing Day, I was in trouble again.  "What if I did cats? Mice are fun? Will Owls work?"  More sleepless nights!

My Doodles entering Awesome Land

You see, hooked!!  I am really hooked on my Doodles.  

Yes, I have created cards.  Fun cards.  Great for any Occassion.  Fun for you and Fun for those Receiving your Cards.  Picture this: Snowy cold day, you want to stay home and curl up with something easy and fun.  Grab one of my cards and some felts and colour away.  In a short time you will have a Special Card.  Great for that Thoughtful Thank You, an Awesome Birthday Card, or a Special Note for Someone you care about.  Once finished, cards can be framed.  As a bonus, Cards can be given as a gift with a few coloured pens.  They will be a wonderful gift for someone of any age, they can colour away too.  Great Fun, eh?

Here are my cards:
Cards are 5 x 7, with envelope, blank inside.  Printed on 110 lb acid free Cardstock.  Cards are $6 each or 4 for $20.  Shipping $4 in Canada & $6 to United States.  Shipped within 2-3 days after payment through Paypal.  All sales final, no refund or exchange on orders. Contact Wendy to purchase. 

VALENTINES FOR THE CAT'S MEOW

THE CAT'S MEOW

SPRING TULIPS

SASSY CATS

OWLS: SPECIAL FRIENDS

MERRY MICE

Yes, I have got some classes happening as well - TURN DOODLES INTO AWESOME -  Create your own Doodle cards.  Beginners to Advanced are welcome.  Yes, even Beginners will find them fun to do.  With pens, paints, felts and more, create your own one-of-a kind cards for those Special People in your life.  

Class Dates: 

Thursday, February 16, 1:30-3:30pm, Expressions Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, Maple Ridge

Thursday, February 16, 6-8pm, Expressions Art Gallery, Valley Fair Mall, Maple Ridge

Saturday, February 18, 10:30-12:30pm, FULL Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery, North Surrey.
Saturday, February 18, 2-4:00pm, Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery, North Surrey.

Cost: $30 All supplies included.  REGISTER NOW to turn your Doodles into Awesome,  Contact Wendy

Special Note to Artists: 

February is Marketing Month for Artists, time to really work on your Business Plan. Join me for a full day of getting ready to make 2017 your best sales year ever.  

All day Marketing Workshop - Let's Get Your Art Out There - Sunday, Feb 26 or March 5, 2017.  This is an opportunity to work with a small group focusing on ways that work for you, to market your art.  Whether you are looking at full time or part Art Sales, there are effective, proven strategies that will get your work out the door. $70 Limited to 8 per session.  Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey, BC.  REGISTER NOW  with Wendy.   Out of Towners give me a call and we can set something up.

Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt  Come on In!!

Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you FOLLOW BY EMAIL or Like my Facebook Page.  Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar) Have a great artful day,

Wendy

Working Really Really Small?!! - Art Tips & Techniques

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

Have you every tried it?
Working Small?

I mean small. 

  Not a small painting but a miniature - 3 x 4 inches or less!

FEELING THE EDGE - 3.5 X 2.5- Ink & Watercolour

You big 3 foot by 4 foot painting artists may think I am crazy but I do love small things and I enjoy painting miniatures.  It really is a different kind of art.  It invites you to come closer and look carefully.  Get right into the art.

Painting a miniature is like every part of the creative process, it has its own materials and techniques. Some artists paint in oil and acrylic but I love watercolour.  My favourite is watercolour with ink work.

GATHERING ON THE EDGE - 2.5 x 3.5 - Ink & Watercolour

For mix media projects like mine, I find Arches 140 lb hot press paper works really well.  The ink flows nicely and doesn't bleed. I like a crisp line with my ink.  The watercolour works well on this paper but it does behave differently than when working with cold press paper.  I find it really grabs the pigment when I do wet onto dry.  However, it does allow for lots of neat blending of colours with the wet on dry process.  Check out the detail on the wing of my eagle in Watching the Edge.

Wing Detail from WATCHING THE EDGE - Ink & Watercolour (Full picture below) Pretty neat eh?! When you consider that whole eagle is no bigger than a loonie.  (Canadian slang for a 1 dollar coin)

One thing I do find with miniatures is that a magnifier is verrrrrrrry useful.  I don't use it all the time but painting the claws, eyes and beaks on these tiny birds is exacting.  A magnifying glass is good to have. This little one pictured here comes with an adjustable stand and light.  It also has a smaller circle inside the glass for even greater magnification.  

My set up - note the magnifying glass has a light that can be set to shine onto your work.  For an eagle's eye you need all the help you can get!!

To do my ink work I use the Micron Pigma pens - 005 & 01.  They have  a nice flow, are archival, dry quickly and will not smear when watercolour is applied.  If I want to go back later and add more detail they work well on top of the watercolour as well. 

My favourite brushes

I have a selection of brushes that I like to use with my minis.  These are my favourite right now.  From Left to Right:  

-18/0 Liner by Comell - It is wonderful for those tiny special strokes (from Micheals)

- Expression Series Robert Simmons, I have 3 from this series, nice to hold,  there is a Flat Shader, Liner, and Spotter
- No. 8 Chisel Blender- Simply Simmom, I use this for scrubbing and lifting pigment.  It does a great job without damaging the fibers of the paper too much
-No. 3 Cotman round.  Good for the larger areas (Yes, there are larger areas)
- No 4 & No 2 Jack Richeson Series 7130. These are new brushes that came with my new Jack Richeson Field kit.  They are great little brushes and again, very good for the larger areas.

Some of the issues with brushes is having a brush that carries enough paint to work with and has good water control.  Too much water and not enough water are still problems no matter what size the picture is!

The two miniatures Feeling the Edge and Gathering on the Edge  are headed for the International Miniature Art Biennale 2016 happening in Ville-Marie, Quebec, Canada.  It runs June 3 - September 18, 2016.  It is a contemporary art show so I thought it was a good place for my tangled forest theme with my eagles.  My tangled forest theme is about adapting to change and hope for the future.  As habitats are changing for mankind and the animal world change is the order of the day.  My eagles have adapted and are finding new ways to live in their strange new world.

WATCHING THE EDGE -  2.5 x 4.25 - Ink & Watercolour

This third picture Watching the Edge was not able to go to the Biennale as it is too big!!  4 Inches is the maximum for any side. So that little .25 inch needed to be shaved.  I just couldn't do it! So he stays with me.  I love the picture but it did mean quickly coming up with a second picture. Next time I will be a little more meticulous in reading the requirements for the show!!

Special Note: There are only 2 spots left in my all day Marketing Workshops running this month. Sunday, Feb 21 - FULL, Sunday, Feb. 28 - 2 Spots left.  This workshop is only offered in February each year.  More information

 Be sure to like and share my posts. You won't miss a single one if you follow by email or Like my Facebook Page. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar)

Have a great artful day,
Wendy