Orange Spiral Arts

Bunny Ears for Easter

Someone got their first set of bunny ears today!  He wasn't too sure about them, but the adults thought they were really cute!

Spring brings an awareness of new life.  Spring feels hopeful and fresh.  

May this season be good to you and yours, wherever you may be.

Blessings,

Briana

Random Art Expression

I am working on a few projects tonight. They are little art pieces that express my feelings:
Gratitude
A birthday sentiment
Miscellaneous feelings

Can you place each one?

What things are happening with you? Any weekend plans?

Blessings,
Briana

Baby Pictures Time

Oh, the time is flying by.  I look at my little baby and know that before I know it, he'll be running around the back yard.  I love his little tongue.  He has been sticking it out a lot lately, as I think he is working on getting his bottom two teeth.  

What is a mother to do?  How can I bottle this stage?  He is so sweet, cuddly, and has the best little laugh.

I am still working on trying to balance motherhood with all of the things I used to do, wish to do, and have to do.

Of course, no time spent with this little miracle is ever a waste.  I treasure him.  He is such a gift.  I send out great THANKS to the gods/goddesses and spirits that be.  I love this baby boy!

Psst, Did You Hear the News?

Teesha Moore is teaching an online class with Jane Davenport.  It starts in April 2013.

Go to the class site http://www.mermaidcircus.com to register!

It is for 8 weeks

April 8, 2013-June 2, 2013.

Cost is $195 AUD (about $202 USD) for earlybird registration

Random Studio Photos

Working on a few projects in the studio tonight.
What are you up to?

Express Your Feelings Through Art

I needed to express some pent up feelings tonight. I thought about my options. I could exercise, meditate, call a friend, watch a movie and not deal, or go down to the art studio. Obviously I chose the last one. Give me some art supplies, a dish of water and a paint brush, and away I go! I mean that in more ways than one. Scribbling, coloring, and painting, especially on a large surface, feels really good when you are upset. I highly encourage you to try it!

Supplies used:
Large poster board or Bristol vellum board

Stabilo woody 3 in 1 pencils

Number 8 filbert brush

Acrylic paint

Tempera paint

Water

Go release some feelings, good or bad. Expressing yourself through art is good for your health!

Blessings and Peace,
Briana

The MCBA Visual Journal Collective Gets Digital

Last night, for the March Visual Journal Collective meeting, we had guest speaker James Nutt presenting on digital sketching.  

With the popularity of iPads and iPhones, it is no wonder that apps for sketching digitally are getting more attention these days, among artists.  There might not be an exact equivalent for Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, but competition and app capabilities are expanding, as technology gets more advanced. For example, according to James, iPad apps are just as powerful as Adobe Illustrator, but cost significantly less.  Nutt put it well when he said that things are, "sophisticated enough to get simple". The apps may not have all of the options that say, Illustrator has, but the options the apps do have are really all that you need.

There are a lot of choices for apps, which can be overwhelming when you first start looking to buy something.  Thankfully, James had a few suggestions to share with us.  

APP SUGGESTIONS by James Nutt

1.  ArtStudio-draw, paint and edit photo by Lucky Clan

Works on the iPhone and iPad.

2.  SketchBook Pro for iPad by Autodesk Inc.

3.  Auryn Ink for iPhone and iPad

and for those of us who love the book format . . .

4.  Paper by FiftyThree for iPad

If you Google any of these, you will easily find reviews and online tutorials on how to use the apps.  

James said that the good programs are all starting to act the same, so you really don't need more than a few.  

A tip I learned about using these apps, is that you can use a stylus, or you can just use your finger.  If you are interested in purchasing a stylus*, Amazon.com is a great source.  

*At the end of this post, there is a video on stylus options.

James expressed that one of the coolest things about sketching apps on the iPad or iPhone is that they give you the ability to draw in the dark.  Also, you almost always have your iPad or iPhone with you, and not necessarily your whole arsenal of art supplies.  James wittingly said in regard to the potential purchase of an iPad, "all of the art supplies are free, you just have to buy a $700 piece of paper."

To learn more about digital sketching, James Nutt will be teaching classes at the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts this April 2013.

*Here is a video from TheVerge, all about stylus options:

 

Mar 18, 2013 Visual Journal Collective Meeting SNEAK PEEK

Tomorrow I will be creating a post about what I learned at tonight's Visual Journal Collective Meeting. Come back and read all about it! You won't be disappointed.
Blessings,
Briana

Artwork on Etsy

I listed a couple of paintings on Etsy today.  It has been awhile since I have listed any work.  I am hoping to be much better about creating work and sending it out into the world for others to enjoy.  This means I will be listing more in my OrangeSpiralArts Etsy shop, I will be sharing more on the blog, and perhaps doing some giveaways as well.  

"hello" 6x6 acrylic painting

 "Earth" 6x6 mixed media original

I hope you have a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, if that is something you are celebrating!

Cheers,

Briana

Baby Pictures

Well, it is almost St. Patrick's Day, and the baby is dressed in a bright green shirt.
Motherhood is treating me well, as my little one grows. He is almost four months, and he has the best laugh! I am so grateful for this baby boy. Everyday brings something new and joyous. It isn't all peaches and sunshine, but I still love each day.
Blessings to you and yours,
Briana