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

Words Artists Don't Want to Hear!!

Financial Records

Data Entry

File Management 

System Back up. 

Not exciting stuff!!!

 New paint, art books,  art show.  Much better!!

I was recently involved in planning an Art Business Conference.  One of the sessions was on "Managing Your Files for Your Art Business".  It was cancelled, not enough interest. 

You are an artist. You sell your work. You are a small business.  Let's take a look at your computer. What's on it, files for all your paintings. Yes, and you are probably going to say that you make a copy once and awhile on a flash drive or CD. 

Wait a minute, what else is there?.

Christmas Treats for Mr. Jay - This picture file would be lost
if there is no backup and my computer dies. 

Your sales record, your financial trail, and tax information.  What about your email trails for special events, shows, commissions.  Your contact info for collectors and future clients.  Templates for advertisement, course outlines for workshops and demos, images for publicity.  Oh, and now videos, slideshows, and more. 

Scary isn't it, how your computers has become the backbone of your business.  Not too long ago you would have paper copies of most of this information but now it is all on your hard drive.  

Is this information backed up?  Is a flash drive or CD really the safest thing to do?  Flash drives are small, easy to lose and if not handled correctly are notorious for failing.  CD can get scratched, need I say more.

For Backup think - 3, 2, 1!

Three copies of your data, on two different media and one off site!  This is considered the industry standard.

Don't panic.

It doesn't need to happen overnight but this is the direction you want to head.  Learn about external hard drives (they have amazing space for very reasonable prices), off site storage (the cloud is one possibility) and setting up file storage programs (many programs and devices have built in software to regularly do full and incremental backups, you don't have to rely on your memory).   No, this isn't rocket science, the computer world is ready for us non-techies and this is totally doable.  (Well  after a bit of research and the usual computer learning curve that sends me to the wall!!)

 The words Artists really don't want to hear are - your computer is toast and your files are lost!!

Google Backup Strategy 3-2-1 and start your research today.

February is Marketing Month for Artists and coming up fast. My Marketing Workshop Shop dates are set.  See Workshops/Private Classes for all the info.

Special Note: 

Did you notice the Change on my site? As we head into winter, gray and black seems to be the overriding colour in our clothes and the weather.  I thought I would try removing a bit of black from my world and give something new a try.  What do you think of the colour change??

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