Orange Spiral Arts

NEW Mini Circle Plate by Gelli Arts-A Watercolor Wednesday Post by Orange Spiral Arts

Good Day to You! Thanks for visiting Orange Spiral Arts! My hope is to inspire you to try something creative today (or some day really soon!) 

I am excited to share an idea for using the NEW Mini Gel Printing Plates by Gelli Arts! If you have been following my art or reading this blog for awhile, you'll know that I am a huge fan of circles. Guess which Mini Gel Plate shape I wanted to try first? You guessed it; the mini circle!

Let's Get Started:

See below for a picture of the supplies I grabbed:

I am simply using a stack of copy paper to print onto.

Open up the package of Mini Gel Plates and swoon over the possibilities!

Grab your favorite shape, some watercolor paint, a brush, and some water.

Take off the thin plastic protective layer and SAVE IT (you'll need it when you put your plate away).

There is a layer of thin plastic on the front and back of the Mini Gel Plate.

Place the Mini Plate onto a CD case or an acrylic block used for stamping.

Add watercolor paint. The paint will resist the gelli layer a bit. That's normal, and a it's a desired effect.

Print the Mini Gel Plate by flipping it over and pressing down slightly over the paper you've chosen. Again, regular copy paper works just fine.

Pull up the CD case or acrylic block. See how your print turned out!

Make a "ghost print" or second print from the same Mini Gel Plate without adding more paint.

Add more colors of paint. Try adding three colors to one Mini Gel Plate.

TIP: There is no need to clean the plate between prints or adding new paint.

Keep playing!

Try printing over a "ghost print" or a shape you already printed. Experiment. Let your creative muse lead you!

I adore these watery circles!

To clean your plate, simply dampen a paper towel or cotton rag and wipe the Mini Gel Plate.

Let dry, then put it back into those thin plastic sheets that you saved! Voila! 

I hope you have fun! Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

Briana

TEN REASONS TO SIGN UP FOR THE BEAUTIFUL BE-ING PROGRAM

1. You just might need to be reminded how BEAUTIFUL you are.
2. Your soul is calling you to be more creative.
3. You could use an excuse to get quiet and listen to the whisperings of your soul.
4. You are not alone in this world, and being supported feels really good.
5. You could use a little practice listening to and trusting yourself.
6. You will learn new things about writing and painting.
7. The mind, body, spirit connection will be engaged, which equals better health.
8. The structure and simple rituals included in this program will help you feel more centered, grounded, and loved as you are.
9. Investing in your education and personal growth is money well spent.
10. You will be inspired to push through the muck and see the light within you.

If you are not local to the Twin Cities, there is an ONLINE option available just for you! (Hurray, and hurry to grab your seat at the early bird price, good through January 15th, 2016).

Art Journal Page Spread Collage Layers Revealed

Happy Day to You! Thank you for visiting Orange Spiral Arts!

I am departing from the consistent themes I've been posting for the last few months. Typically, today would be a "Mark Making Monday" post.

I am thinking of changing things up for the New Year, but am not quite sure yet. Today is a test. : )

A LITTLE REFLECTION ON LAYERING AND COMPOSITION

So, today I would like to share an art journal page spread I created, inspired by the work of Orly Avineri. 

I looked through Orly's latest product called The (art) Journaling Game. It's a set of 48 cards with prompts on one side, and Orly's art journal page details on the other side. I feel like I learned so much about composition and design by reading through this deck of cards.

Understanding layering, design, and composition has been such a process for me. It does NOT come naturally to me. It really is a creative practice. The more you try, the more you learn, and the better you get at it. I am grateful for all of the creative practice I have been doing over the years. I am also incredibly grateful for all of the teachers (locally and on the internet) who have been sharing their passion for mixed media art, collage, painting, photography, the book arts, and art journaling!

As 2016 gets closer, I am feeling thrilled by all of the possibilities for entering into creative space and creative practice. For me, my art, writing, and photography time give my life a deeper meaning. Some of that time is spent alone, while some of that creative time is spent in the company of others, like family, friends, and students. All of it is a gift for which I am ever grateful.

ART JOURNAL LAYERS LABELED

In the photo above, I used the same text color if an element was repeated in more than one place on the page spread. Below is a close-up without words.

Pictured below are two new collage layers that are semi-transparent. I love adding semi-transparent collage layers. It's fun to see the art underneath, yet that new layer also changes the look of the page.

I like to add imagery and text upside down on purpose sometimes. For example, the kitty wrapping paper and the photo label, "IMG_2701" are upside down on the pages.

I absolutely adore dripping paint. I think I first dripped paint in Flora Bowley's Bloom True E-Course. (A highly recommend e-course, if you want to paint on large canvas).

I love working big and working small. Art journals come in a variety of sizes, which makes them a perfect place to try out new art supplies, art ideas, sketches, layering techniques, etc. 

Thanks for taking a look at this journal spread inspired by Orly Avineri's work!

WHAT'S COMING UP IN JANUARY 2016 FROM ORANGE SPIRAL ARTS

If you'd like to have more creative time, space, and practice in 2016, I have several offerings and announcements to share for local and international folks!

JANUARY 2016

Early bird registration is now OPEN for the ONLINE version of the Beautiful BEing Program, a writing + painting experience to nurture your soul! (Local folks who register for the entire five month Beautiful BEing Program will have access to the online course for FREE!)

Saturday, January 9 and 23, Gluebooking Saturday, 1pm-3pm at the Hallberg Center for the Arts, Wyoming, Minnesota

Saturday, January 16, Beautiful BEing Program, 10am-2pm at courageous heARTS in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Wednesday, January 20, Class site opens for Beautiful BEing Program ONLINE course

Friday, January 22, First monthly lesson released for Beautiful BEing Program ONLINE course

I am beyond thrilled to have so many offerings starting in January 2016.

May the New Year bring you creative energy, inspiration, and a greater understanding of your soul's calling!

Blessings and Peace to you,

Briana

 

 

Freedom through Painting Friday-Inspiration from Jesse Reno

Happy Day to you! For today's Freedom through Painting Friday, I'd like to share a video about the artist Jesse Reno.

Jesse Reno is a self-taught artist who makes amazing work. In the video I am about to share, you will hear the story of how he got started. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT, upon request, I am creating an ONLINE VERSION of the Beautiful BEing Program. To find out more, please go here.

Jesse Reno is a wonderful example of this practice of finding soul through art.

 

I am sending love, light, and creative energy out to you!

Blessings,

Briana

Watercolor Wednesday SPECIAL EDITION: MCBA's Visual Journal Collective December Meeting-Art Journal Cards Collected in Accordion Book

Hello To You! Thanks for visiting Orange Spiral Arts! Today's Watercolor Wednesday is a special edition! I am sharing some watercolor art cards I created for the Visual Journal Collective's December 2015 meeting at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA). Then, I will take you on a little picture show of what our December meeting was like. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and come join us!

First, I painted some 9x12 watercolor paper in cool colors, warm colors, and a mix of the two. I painted some concentrated areas, then sort of scribbled with my brush. I'd dip my brush in a color of liquid watercolor paint, then keep moving quickly around the paper.

Below, is a photo of all of my cards, cut to 4x4 inches and stacked.

Now for the December 2015 Visual Journal Collective meeting at MCBA!

We gathered and talked about the schedule for the next few months. January 18th, 2016 is the Annual Portrait Party from 6:30pm-9pm. Bring a dark pen to draw with and $5 to cover the paper and copying that will be needed that night.

For more information about the upcoming schedule, there is a Facebook group called MCBA Visual Journal Collective.

Suzanne Hughes, the volunteer coordinator for the Visual Journal Collective, showed us an example of what we were about to make: an accordion book housing 4x4 art journal cards.

Next, we all set out our cards to be collected. We walked around the tables and collected one art journal card from each set.

Sometimes I had to sneak a photo of the art supplies laying about, too. Who doesn't love to see other people's art supplies and journals, I ask you?

More art supplies and journal eye candy for you!

 

Pictured below are all of the art journal cards I chose for my accordion book. Thank you, everyone! I adore each one! I love how everyone has their own style and media preferences. These cards make me really, really happy!

 

 

Next, we folded the black paper, accordion style. Soon, all of the delicious art journal cards will have a home in this sweet book!

 

 

 

Molly Anthony is next to me, working hard on her accordion book. (Pssst, Molly's got a brand new blog called The Found Art Walk! Come on over and give her some love!)

 

 

We used UHU glue stick to attach the art journal cards to the accordion folds.

 

 

Pictured below are Theresa Harsma, Roz Stendahl, and TJ Goerlitz.

 

And done!

 

Thanks for coming along the tour of the Visual Journal Collective's December meeting where we made an accordion book to house a unique set of art journal cards!

May you feel blessed. May you feel inspired. May you feel loved!

-Briana

 

PS Are you ready to make 2016 full of joy, creative expression, and good things? I have two opportunities to share:

For local Twin Cities folks, I invite you to join the Beautiful BEing Program in south Minneapolis at courageous heARTS! This completely unique and soul-nourishing program begins on Saturday, January 16, 2016!

For those around the globe, I have an online Vision Board E-Course. It's great to do anytime. Once you register, you have unlimited access, so you can do it again each month, every quarter, or each year! I have done my research, and I have not found any other program available online for a similar cost of only $37.

 

 

 

Mark Making Monday-Koi Watercolor Brush Pens

Hello Creative One!

Today let's talk about some new art pens that are fabulous for making your mark, shall we?!

Introducing the Koi Watercolor Brush Pens by Sakura*:

These pens are a delight to work with. The color is great, and the brush tip allows you to not only control your mark, but vary your mark in many ways! These markers are "watercolor pens", which means they are water-soluble. When you brush over them with water, the color moves.

These markers are perfect for making patterns! Artist Lisa Congdon loves to use them, too.

Here's one more playful example. The spirals are done using acrylic paint. You might also notice the orange crayon lines tracing the curves.

I hope that you give Koi Watercolor Brush Pens a try! They are great for adult coloring books*, too!

Have a great week!

Blessings to you,

Briana

*Disclosure: Some links on this site might be affiliate links. This means I may get a small percentage if you place an order from my link. It is important for you to know that this DOES NOT change the amount you pay for a product. It simply is a way to help spread the word about products, increase sales, and help out individuals like myself with a small financial reward. Thank you for your understanding and support.

PS Are you ready to make 2016 full of joy, creative expression, and good things? I have two opportunities to share:

For local Twin Cities folks, I invite you to join the Beautiful BEing Program in south Minneapolis at courageous heARTS! This completely unique and soul-nourishing program begins on Saturday, January 16, 2016!

For those around the globe, I have an online Vision Board E-Course. It's great to do anytime. Once you register, you have unlimited access, so you can do it again each month, every quarter, or each year! I have done my research, and I have not found any other program available online for a similar cost of only $37.

Freedom through Painting Friday-Video Edition

Hello All,

I am getting braver and trying something new. I present to you my first video for Freedom through Painting Friday. It is not perfect, but it is a video!

I would appreciate hearing any positive feedback you might have to share.

Enjoy, and Blessings to You!

Briana

 

Watercolor Wednesday-Get Inspired by Artist Heather Smith Jones

Welcome to Watercolor Wednesday! Today, I'd like to share the work of an artist I admire. Her name is:

Heather's book Water, Paper, Paint is fantastic!

I was planning to create some art inspired by Heather's book for you today, but I had a really big announcement I had to complete.

Perhaps next week's Watercolor Wednesday will demonstrate the art idea I had for today.

I love helping to spread the word about artists I admire, so that's why today's post is all about Heather Smith Jones.

Heather and I have in common our passion for early childhood education. According to Heather's Bio, she teaches at an arts-based preschool.

There are few things more inspiring to me than the artwork created by children. The marks, lines, color choices, and drawings by children are so expressive and free. Look at this idea to create Kandinsky Artist Trading Cards!! I am in love!

Okay, back to Heather Smith Jones!

Below are a couple of pieces by Heather Smith Jones which I hope inspire you to try some new things with your watercolor paints this week!

Use painter's tape to create a shape, then paint inside!

Create many layers on a sketchbook page. Start with a light wash for the background. Then keep adding little parts, here and there. Draw, write, make lines, and tiny marks over parts.

Happy Creating! Go check out Heather's book and website! You'll definitely be inspired.

PS If you didn't see my big announcement for local Twin Cities folks, please go here to find out how you can nurture your soul in 2016!

 

Mark Making Monday-Many Ways to Use a Plastic Card

Happy Day to YOU, Creative One!

Have you heard about the idea of using a plastic gift card, an old hotel key, or expired credit card as an art tool?

Today I will be sharing several different marks made by one plastic card. I did these experiments in my art journal, which is the perfect place to play around with new art tools, art ideas, and art media.

To play along, here's what you'll need:

• An art journal or sketchbook (I recommend the Strathmore Visual Journals, vellum surface. I also use the Canson Mix Media Sketchbooks.)
• An old gift card or plastic card 
• acrylic paint
• a paint palette
• wax paper

Dip the short end of your card in acrylic paint.

Bounce the card up and down into the paint. Then take it to your journal page to make your first marks!

 Try scraping the edge of the card to see what that does. 

I tried making some circular shapes (below), that were not successful, but somewhat interesting.

I went to the neighboring page in my art journal and made some stars by radiating the marks from a center point, which I imagined as I printed. I can't help but think that these would be great on handmade gift wrap!

Time for a new color and a new approach to using the plastic card.

This time I used the very corner of the card, and I tried drawing with it.

I had fun trying several different kinds of marks. Some drawing. Some dashing. Some scraping. Some printing with the long side of the card, etc. Try as many approaches as you can think of!

Do you know the wax paper trick? Since I was going between several pages in my art journal, and some of the paint was still wet, I placed a piece of wax paper between the pages before I switched to the next page spread. Depending on how hard you press on the reverse side of the paper with the wax paper, sometimes your design might get a little squished. Other than that, the wax paper trick is a great way to be able to keep working in your art journal, even if you have some wet paint on the pages!

 

In Summary:

Art journals are a great place to play with art supplies, art tools, and art ideas.

An old gift card or plastic card is a readily available art tool that can make many interesting marks when dipped in acrylic paint.

Tip: Place a piece of wax paper between your art journal pages that are still wet with paint.

Have fun making marks in your art journal this week!

Blessings and have a great day!

Briana

PS I have a brand new opportunity for local Twin Cities folks ages 16+ who are interested in exploring writing+painting as a way to self-discovery. This soul nurturing experience begins in January 2016! Every third Saturday of the month, January-May 2016, meet me at courageous heARTS in south Minneapolis from 10am-2pm. We'll write, we'll paint. We'll stretch, play, dance, and discover the the Beautiful BEing within! For more information go here! Pre-registration is required.

 

Freedom through Painting Friday-An Intuitive Acrylic Painting on Large Watercolor Paper

Happy Friday (or Happy fill in the blank Day) to You!

For today's Freedom through Painting Friday post, I am sharing step-by-step photos of an intuitive painting I created on large watercolor paper. My hope is that by sharing this process with you, you will be more inclined to allow yourself the freedom to paint in an expressive, intuitive manner. It truly changes the painting experience! 

The Set Up and Supplies:

• Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper Pad 18x24
• Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Tube Paint-set of 24
• a variety of long handled paint brushes
• a sponge brush or two
• a water jar
• a paint palette (a plastic or paper plate works fine)

Let's Paint!

A Few Notes to Share:

I chose to start with lighter, warm colors, so that they would show through some of my later layers. However, you may choose to start with dark colors, cool colors, or a mix of both. Let your gut lead you. Explore and enjoy the process.

If you are intrigued with this style of intuitive, expressive painting, a great resource is Life, Paint, and Passion: Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression by Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley

Also, I have NEWS for Twin Cities folks interested in further exploring their creative side in order to better hear the whisperings of their soul and inner wisdom!

Beginning in January 2016, on the third Saturday of every month, January through May 2016, I will be offering a writing + painting workshop at courgeous heARTS in south Minneapolis. I will be making the official announcement sometime next week. You'll know if this experience is calling to you, and if it is, please go ahead and mark your calendar for the third Saturday of every month, January-May 2016, 10am-2pm. Stay tuned for more information and registration options!

Thanks again for being here.

Many Blessings,

Briana

Watercolor Wednesday-Painting Fun on 5x7 Index Cards

Good Day to You! Thanks for visiting Orange Spiral Arts, where I hope to inspire your creative side!

Today is another edition of Watercolor Wednesday. I am really excited about this one!

To play along, here's what you'll need to gather:

• Prang Watercolor Set
• 5x8 Ruled Index Cards (about 5 of them) (OOOPS, I just noticed I put the wrong size in the banner above. 5x8 is more common)
• Crayola paint brush (the red one in this set of 5 brushes)
• a jar of water (for rinsing between colors)
• a water spritzer (to wet the paint in your tray)
• a paper towel (just in case)
• something to cover your table, like a plastic table cloth or butcher paper

Here's what my set up looked like:

I painted five index cards, in five different ways. You might want to try these ideas, but once you get started, I bet your own ideas will start flowing. The point is to get set up and simply start having fun with watercolor paint!

IDEAS TO TRY:

No. 1-Rainbow Stripes

No. 2-Striped Crossover Pattern in Cool Colors

No. 3-Circles and Pluses

No. 4-Squiggly Wiggly Lines

No. 5-Striped Crossover Pattern in Warm Colors


Go ahead and try out some of these ideas, and of course let your own creative muse inspire you! If you feel like sharing what you liked best, or what ideas you tried, leave a comment below. I'd love to see your art!

Have a fantastic day!

Blessings, 

Briana

PS Some ideas for these painted cards are below:

• Send them to friends in the mail
• Create art journal cards
• Create tabs for your art journal that stick out of the edges of your pages (tabs are sooo yummy)
•  Use paper punches to make tags, circles, squares or other fun shapes for greeting cards or collage
• Cut 'em up, glue 'em down in your art journal