Orange Spiral Arts

Watercolor Wednesday-Painting a Spiral Pattern Step by Step

Hello, Hello to You Today!

This week, for Watercolor Wednesday, I am feeling inspired by the time of year in the northern hemisphere. It's the time of spring, where the days are filled with more light, and the sun promises warmer days are coming. These are the days when the bright blue sky and the warm yellow sun touches the soul on a deep level. It makes us take a big breath in of fresh spring air and exhale with a smile. Yes, yes, spring has sprung, and it is influencing my creative time in the studio.

So, with all that in mind, I thought I'd share how I created this watercolor spiral pattern. I did not set out to create anything specific. I only listened to my inner voice about which colors were calling to me. I used a simple set of Crayola watercolor paint.

You can see how I created each circle and spiral shape in the step by step photos below.

I just love paint, color, and spirals, don't you?

Here's more of the pattern on the paper.

That special blue was calling to me, too (hello summer skies), so I decided to add an additional pattern of Xs.

Remember, the process of creating is the whole point. If you get something that you love to look at, too, that's a bonus. 

Painting is calming, brings you to the present moment, and allows that still small voice inside to be heard.

Have fun painting with watercolors this week!

May your heart be filled with light and love.

Blessings,

Briana

 

Mark Making Monday-Using Stitches as Marks (March 2016 Visual Journal Collective Edition)

Good Day!

At the March meeting for the Visual Journal Collective, which meets at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts (MCBA), we talked about stitching.

Suzanne Hughes, who is the volunteer coordinator and facilitator, brought in several amazing supplies for the group to try.

She brought thread.

She brought embroidery floss and hoops.

And she brought these tiny sewing machines.

As you can see, several people tried out the machines, including Suzanne (in the foreground of the photo above).

I decided to hang back and do some hand stitching in my art journal. I brought several of my own supplies to play with.

I know very little about hand stitching and sewing, so what I created came from a place of experimentation.

I have been attracted to metallics lately (how about you?).

I chose to stitch a painted paper towel onto the edge of my journal page, using metallic embroidery floss. I also stitched a red "X".

Here's the other side (below).

Suzanne also brought in some "stitchable" papers. I snagged a piece of this lace paper and did some random hand stitching to secure it to the page.

Here's the other side (below).

And this is what my art journal looks like from the side, now that it has the addition of fabric, painted paper towel, and lace paper stitched in.

Even if you don't know "how to sew", I encourage you to try stitching in your art journal. It's a great way to add texture and unusual elements to your pages.

Have a wonderful day (or night)!

Blessings to you,

Briana

 

 

Freedom through Painting Friday-A New Way to Paint-Abstract on Paper

Good Day Creative One! I hope this post finds you well.

I was experimenting in the art studio lately, and I thought I would share my discovery with you. 

(After a little background information, I am including a video for you, too!)

I painted on paper in a new-to-me way. Maybe this technique will be new to you, too!

Below is a photo of the first paper I painted with the paint brush "smoosh" technique.

Technique and Tools:

I used a round brush by Simply Simmons. I think it's a size 8.

I filled plastic trays with acrylic and tempera paint. Tempera paint flows easily with a round brush.

I painted on plain newsprint. A flimsy piece of newsprint is actually quite strong, and takes paint well.

The "Smoosh" Technique I tried is demonstrated in the video below. This is the second paper I painted in this way.

Note: I am using some new-to-me technology, so this video has some quirks. I ask for your patience and forgiveness as I persist on the learning curve to making great videos!

 

Thanks for being here!

May your day be filled with color, light, love, and inner peace.

Blessings,

Briana

Watercolor Wednesday-A Stencil, Gesso, and Angora Watercolor in an Art Journal

Howdy, Ya'll! 

It's Watercolor Wednesday on OrangeSpiralArts.com!

Today, you're invited to play with a 12x12 inch stencil by The Crafter's Workshop called Indian Leaves.

You'll also need the following supplies:

• Liquitex Gesso
• a paint scraper (I love the Catalyst Wedge Tools)
• an art journal (I am using a blank journal from Rag & Bone Bindery)
• Angora watercolor pan set
• a water spritzer
• a paint brush

 

Step 1: Place your 12x12 stencil over your page spread.

Step 2: Use a tool to scrape the gesso through the stencil. The middle of the page spread can be a little tricky, as you can see below. Just do your best, and don't worry about it. It's not a big deal to get a glob here or there. You can always dry it with a heat tool, if necessary.

TIP: Once you are done, be sure to place the stencil in a bucket of water, or rinse the gesso off right away.

Step 3: Spritz your watercolor set with water.

Step 4: Choose a color family to use on one side of your journal spread. (I chose pinks and reds).

Step 5: Choose a complimentary color family to paint the other side of your page spread. (I chose greens and green-blues).

Step 6: Let dry.

After I did this spread, I thought this would make a really pretty handmade card, too. Just food for thought! Oooh, or maybe a gift tag? Yes, I think so!

I hope you enjoyed this post.

What are your favorite techniques for using stencils or watercolor or both? Leave your ideas in the comments below!

Have an amazing day!

Briana

 

Trust & Arrow Stencils in My Art Journal

Hello, hello! Below you will find the post I wrote for the Artistcellar blog yesterday. 

I hope you enjoy the post. 

PS Don't forget to leave a comment with the word(s) that keep calling your attention.

Thanks!

-Briana

 

Hello Everyone! Apparently there is a meta theme going on within the Artistcellar Design Team. I am noticing that the Pocket Stencil “TRUST” keeps making an appearance in our work.

Is there a word that keeps asking for your attention lately? Feel free to share it within the comments below.

Initially, my intention for this post was to express my deep love for the “Arrow” stencil, which is part of theTraditional Japanese Series.

Instead of stopping after creating a pattern, I decided to go even further and made an entire art journal spread to share with you. I used the Elegant Writer from the Artistcellar shop for my writing and drawing.

First, let’s make an overall pattern using the “Arrow” stencil.

1. Paint the background of the right side of your spread "Ripe Tomato."

2. Next, paint the background on the left side of your page spread in "Tiger Lily."

3. Use "Tiger Lily" with a cosmetic wedge and the Arrow stencil over "Ripe Tomato."

4. Next, use "Ripe Tomato" with a cosmetic wedge and the Arrow stencil over "Tiger Lily."

 5. Check out your amazing spread!

 6. Optional: Clean your stencil with a baby wipe on a miscellaneous sheet of paper or journal page.

Now it’s time to do some art journaling! In case you are like most people, you might feel afraid of messing up this page spread featuring this lovely pattern. Here’s what you can say to your inner critic. “Inner critic, thank you for your concern, but this is just a journal page. It’s paper. It’s my place to be free, try things out, and have fun! It’s even a safe place to make mistakes! So, you may go away now. Good-bye!”

I like to start by writing the date. I also made a simple pattern with lines and dashes.

I don’t often draw in my journals, but I was curious about the nature of the Elegant Writer. Knowing that it bleeds when wet with water, I decide to try to sketch my son. He is pushing an empty stroller, because he’s three, and that’s what he wanted to do!

Allowing him to go for a walk with me, while pushing this empty stroller reminded me to TRUST the process of parenting.

I finished off the page by doing some journaling and coloring in a few spots with oil pastels.

IN SUMMARY

The “Arrow” stencil is really fun and easy to use for making an overall pattern in your art journal, or on a card, etc.

The “TRUST” pocket stencil is powerful.

The Elegant Writer is great for writing and sketching; it bleeds when wet with water.

Have fun playing with stencils and your art!

Blessings,

Briana

PS Feel free to share the word that keeps asking for you attention in the comments below!

 

Mark Making Monday-Paint and Caran D'Ache Crayons on Magazine Paper

Greetings and Good Day!

Let's play with paint and crayons on magazine paper for Mark Making Monday!

Supplies to Gather:

• A magazine page (not all magazine paper is alike, so experiment and choose what feels good to you)
• Acrylic paint (inexpensive matte acrylic is preferred)
• Paint brushes (a flat brush and a small round brush)
• Caran D'Ache Neocolor II Crayons (There are good deals on Amazon.com)

Let's Get Started

The way I started this page was inspired by the awesome book Acrylic Techniques in Mixed Media by Roxanne Padgett.

I will post a demo video of Roxanne showing some her her mixed media techniques at the end of this post. The video is pure eye candy and inspiration!!

Mark Making on Magazine Paper with Acrylic Paint and Caran D'Ache Neocolor II Crayons

Step 1:  Draw a loose grid on the magazine paper with a crayon. (Note: This page was previously prepped with white gesso, scraped over a stencil).

Step 2: Begin to paint in the sections of your grid.

Step 3: As you paint, use the end of your brush to make marks in the wet paint.

Step 4:  Continue adding one or two more colors of paint in your grid. (As you can see below, I didn't necessarily fill in the whole section with paint. Play around and see what you like).

Step 5:  With the paint from your palette, add marks with your brush on top of other colors.

Step 6:  Use the Caran D'Ache Neocolor II Crayons to make marks. Let your painted marks and whatever is peeking through from the magazine page underneath to inspire you.

Step 7:  Choose another Neocolor II for adding more color and more marks. (See the red-orange marks below).

Step 8:  Use your eye to scan the page. Add any final marks that will add balance to the piece.

And done!

Some options for this page are: 

Cut it up for collage-

• make a card
• use it in your art journal
• create a necklace with a piece from your page
• create an illustration 
• make a gift tag

Notes: If you haven't tried Metallic Folk Art acrylic paint, it would be fun to try. I was very pleased with it. It is more pearlescent than metallic, but it definitely shimmers and shines!

Have an amazing day!

Blessings,

Briana

PS Here's the fantastic demo video by Roxanne Padgett:

Freedom through Painting Friday-Using Stencils Your Own Way

Happy, Happy Day to You!

If you know me personally, you know that I am wild about stencils. I am not quite sure what it is about them, but I can probably openly admit that I am obsessed with them. (Anyone else completely smitten by stencils?)

So, today, I am playing with one of Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's designs for The Crafter's Workshop. The stencil is called Shattered Triangles. It was released in the Summer of 2015, so it's not brand new, but is on the newer side. : )

For Freedom through Painting Friday, I would like to share how paint can be used in different ways. You can still express yourself when using a manufactured stencil designed by someone else.

I will share one possibility for using stencils your own way.

SUPPLIES TO GATHER:

• acrylic paint
• cosmetic wedge
• paper or art journal
• paint palette
• paper towel 
• baby wipe
• stencil of your choice

Step 1:

Apply paint through the stencil.

I like to use a cosmetic wedge or stencil brush.

It's okay if the stencil moves a bit. Things don't have to be perfect, especially in your art journal!

Step 2:

Choose contrasting colored paint to fill in some of the white areas.

I chose to try Dina Wakley's Acrylic paint, and I really, really like it!

I also used good ol' Apple Barrel matte acrylic paint.

Step 3:

Add a bit of your own creativity by putting your own marks, handwriting, or painted patterns in the white spaces.

Leave it as is, or go back later to add journaling on top of your funky background!

Or, add a pocket to your page and tuck your journaling inside the pocket. 

What would you do with this page? Would you add to it? Leave it as is? Add an additional element like a pocket? 

Let your inner creativity come out to play!

Have a fantastic day!

Blessings,

Briana

Watercolor Wednesday-Let's Try Drawing Gum aka Masking Fluid

Hello to You!

Today's post is about using Drawing Gum, also known as Masking Fluid, on paper. One of the biggest complaints you might hear about masking fluid is the strong, unpleasant smell.

I did some research and talked to a store clerk who recommended Pebeo Drawing Gum. She said the smell is mild compared to the other masking fluid options. After using it myself, I am very pleased! Pebeo Drawing Gum also costs slightly less than the other choices, too!

SUPPLIES TO GATHER:

• Pebeo Drawing Gum
• Rubber Pik-up Eraser
• Smooth Paper, like Bristol Vellum or Hot Press Watercolor Paper
• Watercolor paint
• A paint brush
• A jar of water
• A rag or paper towel

LET'S BEGIN

1.  Choose a design or word(s) to "paint" onto your paper with the drawing gum.

            Note: This design will be the color of your background paper at the end.

TIP: To protect your paint brush, wet it with soap first. You can squeeze the extra water out, but don't rinse it.

2. Be sure the drawing gum is completely dry. Then begin painting with watercolor.

3. Allow your paint to dry completely. 

4. Use the Rubber Pik-up Eraser to remove the drawing gum.

BEFORE

DURING THE PIK-UP PROCESS

The drawing gum peels up easily with the eraser.

In the picture below, some of the spirals still have drawing gum on them. Can you tell which ones are "clean" and which ones still have the gum on them? (I was having a hard time waiting for my paint to dry, so I worked on the spirals which were ready and had to wait for the rest.)

IN SUMMARY

Drawing Gum is a fun product to try with watercolor. If you are sensitive to strong odors, Pebeo Drawing Gum smells the least.

Be sure to prepare your paint brush with soap, or else use a brush that you don't mind ruining.

Have an amazing day!

Sending happy thoughts to you!

Blessings,

Briana

PS Feel free to share any masking tips or links to your art where you used a masking technique with watercolor in the comments below! 

 

 

Mark Making Monday-Lollipop, Lollipop, Oh Lolli, Lollipop

Good Day and Happy Monday!

Today's post involves an art journal, a lollipop stick, and acrylic paint. Plus a bit more, like ink and a stencil. Keep reading to see what I mean.

For two weeks in April and one week into May (3 Tuesday evenings), I will be teaching an art journaling class through my local Community Education for Adults. Art journaling gets me so jazzed. Do you know the feeling? I do a lot of art journaling, but in many different ways, in many different journals. I am going to try working in one art journal for the next several weeks, so I have something fresh to show the class participants. I am telling you this because you might see more posts of me working in said journal. 

Let's get started with Mark Making Monday!

Supplies Used

• Dylusions Journal 5x8 inches
• Blick Matte Acrylics
• White craft paint
• Lollipop stick
• The Crater's Workshop-Diamonds Template-6x6 inches (Balzer Designs)
• 
• Speedball Super Black India Ink 32 oz (FYI-this ink is inexpensive, and isn't the highest quality. It works for my purposes, but I would purchase a higher quality ink next time).
• Bamboo Calligraphy brush

My friend TJ passed along this Dylusions journal to me, as she didn't care for the paper. Paper isn't as big of a deal to me, and I am almost always happy to take a blank journal off someone's hands! TJ had done a few test pages in this journal, so I covered up those pages with white acrylic paint. You can also use gesso to coat or cover your pages before working on them. This is a personal preference. Some people always use gesso first, while others rarely do. I tend to be in the second category. When I do want to use gesso, I am finding the flip top bottle really convenient. (See gesso link above).

After applying white acrylic paint, I rolled on some pink acrylic paint with a lollipop stick!

TIP: To avoid painting the pages underneath your spread, use wax paper, deli paper or plastic placemats to protect those neighboring pages in your journal.

The rolling action of the lollipop stick sort of skipped over the painted background and created an interesting texture. I also played with scratching into the wet paint with the end of the stick (left side of page spread).

Next, I created a set of lines to potentially do some journaling on.

I also created dots in the wet paint with the end of the lollipop stick (below).

I wanted to add another color of paint. This Sage Blue was calling to me. It is not a color I normally use, so I thought I'd try it out.

I love how the "sage blue" dots look as a border, next to the white and pink paint.

Next, I pulled out a stencil to use. I adore Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's sense of design. The stencils she creates for The Crater's Workshop always delight me! (Artistcellar has a good selection to choose from, as does Blue Moon Scrapbooking).

I decided to use yellow paint with the stencil, so it looks pretty subtle on the page.

I rolled some more blue sage paint onto the right side of the spread.

I was having way too much fun, so I decided to do some journaling with black India ink and a bamboo brush.

Not wanting to waste the India ink I poured out, I flipped to the next page spread and created a circle pattern.

Finally, I splashed some ink all over, then did some loose writing across the pages (a third page spread). The summary of what I wrote is that "happiness is an inside job".

In Summary:
A lollipop stick is a fun mark making tool. You can roll it, make dots, scratch into wet paint, etc.

India ink is also a great way to make marks. Splash it, pour it, create an overall pattern, or write your heart out.

Thanks for visiting today!

May you feel safe.

May you feel loved.

May you feel peace.

Blessings to you,

Briana

PS Are you in need of a little creative time and space? Join me this Saturday, March 19, 10am-2pm at courageous heARTS for the March session of the Beautiful BEing Program-writing and painting to nourish your soul.




 

Freedom through Painting Friday-Paint Spilling in an Art Journal

Happy Friday, Ya'll!

Today I am going to share how one artist inspires another, via the "clicking" trail on the world wide web, also know as the Internet.

I was visiting the blog of the fabulous Mary Ann Moss. Someone suggested that she check out one of the new Strathmore FREE online workshops with artist Graham Smith. I looked up Graham's workshop, too, and was very inspired by his acrylic wash backgrounds. It reminded me of when I first started taking visual journaling workshops at the Minnesota Center for the Book Arts with Roz Stendahl back in the year 2000. You know that feeling when something positive takes you back to something you love to do? That's how I felt.

So, I took it to the journal. I used some Blick Matte Acrylic paint, spritzed a little water into a recycled yogurt cup, gave it a stir, and I had an acrylic wash ready to be spread onto my journal pages. 

I started to paint the wash onto an open page spread. I chose to use two different colors.

I applied some bubble wrap onto the gold side.

I am pleased with the texture created by the bubble wrap lifting the wet paint.

I could hardly wait to try that Green Blue Deep Blick matte acrylic color. So, I eagerly flipped to the next page spread and painted more acrylic wash backgrounds. (Note: I knew my pages were still wet, but I am the type of artist who likes it when things sort of naturally mess each other up. Variety is good in my eyes!)

I flipped back to the previous two pages to see how they changed each other.

I am not one to waste paint, so I decided to pour out some paint directly onto the next set of pages in the journal. Pouring paint is really, really satisfying! Here's where the sense of freedom comes into play!

I lifted and tilted the art journal to move the paint around.

To sop up some of the mess, I made a print with a separate sheet of drawing paper.

(I love this technique!!)

After my "wild" paint spilling session, I flipped back to the previous pages to see how they were impacted. Below are the results.

In case you were ever wondering how some people's art journals look so awesome with painted edges and such, well here you go!

The trick is to not be precious about things. Go a little wild. Spill paint, play, experiment, and enjoy yourself!!!

Have a splendid weekend!

Blessings,

Briana