Orange Spiral Arts

Freedom through Painting Friday and #ArtJournalJam with Connie and Natasha

Hello and Welcome!

Today's post is about the BRAND NEW and FREE ART JOURNAL JAM taking place on Fridays over at dirtyfootprints-studio.com

Connie Solera and Natasha Reilly are bringing art journaling and conversation to the world for FREE!! Yay, yay, yes, and thank you!

The pictures below are a few stepped out photos of how my art journal page spread developed, as well as the story behind the art.

I started by preparing a palette with ten colors of tempera paint. I grabbed my art journal, a few paintbrushes, and some paper towels. I was working in my office where my computer lives, so I decided not to use water, and just wiped my paintbrush off between colors.

I simply chose a color, and put paint to paper, while I listened to the new Art Journal Jam with Connie and Natasha. Their conversation and encouragement to paint in my journal was just the inspiration I needed this morning.

I love working in this intuitive manner because I enter into that "non-thinking" state of consciousness. I am just doing, playing, reacting to the previous marks, and following what feels good.

What wanted to be expressed is a story from an experience I had yesterday while at a local playground with my son.

Here's the story:

Yesterday I was at the park with my son. At first we were the only ones there. Then a father who was pushing his son on a tricycle started to head our way. As they got closer, I gave them a wave to show that we are safe and friendly. My son and this boy came together over sharing the tricycle. They took turns, used their words, and said "thank you." It was such a nice exchange and interaction to observe. I learned that the man is from Liberia, but now lives in the UK. I learned that his home language is Dan. I truly enjoy learning about diverse cultures. I feel grateful when people are willing to open up a little and share something about their culture, such as the various languages they speak.

After I finished this page spread, I wanted to also make a page about something that was said in the "Art Journal Jam" session that made us all laugh. Natasha said, "In it to win it." My interpretation of what she means by this phrase, is that she and Connie once again were talking, connecting, and sharing stories about their lives. They were going deep, being real, and listening to one another.

There are few things in life that I enjoy more than "going deep" in conversation with another soul, or small group of people. So, "I'm in it to win it!" How about you?

I want to say thank you for showing up here today, whether it's because you have subscribed to receive Art Inspiration to your Inbox, or you somehow landed on my site OrangeSpiralArts.com another way.

May you feel safe

May you feel happy

May you be free

May you have peace

 

Blessings to you,

Briana

 

 

 

Experiments in Mixed Media Painting on Canvas Panel

Hello and Welcome to Orange Spiral Arts!

I always find it interesting to see all of the layers that go into making a painting, so today I am going to share the step-by-step photos of my recent painting, "Free Flow". 

I started this painting on a canvas panel, and my goal was to play with the new DecoArt Media Crackle Paste. I recently wrote a blog post for artistcellar.com, where I use many of the fun mixed media products Lisa sells on her site. You can see that blog post about crackle paste right here.

When it was time to publish that post, I was not yet done with the painting. As a way to stay accountable to myself, I suggested that I would complete the painting and share it here on my Orange Spiral Arts blog. So, that's what I am doing today; sharing the completed painting, as well as the steps it took to get there. I hope to inspire you to explore a variety of mixed media products, perhaps in non-traditional ways, or in any way that feels fun to you!

The Beginning

My first layer involved covering the entire canvas panel with red acrylic paint. See below. The first image is for your reference on the type of panel I am using.

And here's the red paint.

Next, I applied crackle paste with a palette knife.

The Middle Layers

Then, I added a little light blue and some neon orange acrylic paint. 

I experimented with the Koi Brush Pens on top of the crackle paste. I was really impressed with the color saturation, and I love the transparency of the marker over the crackle paste.

I had a lot of fun with the Ranger Re-inker in the COFFEE color. The re-inker spread right into the "crackle" and helped deepen the appearance of the cracks.

In the next two pictures below, I am experimenting with yellow and green Dye-Na-Flow liquid color.

Next, I added some watered down Dina Wakley heavy body acrylic paint in Blackberry.

You may or may not know this about me, but I adore stencils. I love how you can add just a part of a stencil to an art journal page or a painting. My typical process is to apply acrylic paint with a cosmetic wedge through the stencil. 

Final Layers

In these final layers, I am doing a lot of canvas turning and squinting to look for areas that need to be further developed. I am adding color and contrast, as well as imagery and/or words.

I am into pattern these days, so that goes into the final layers, as well.

I experimented with using a Pilot Parallel Pen on top of the dried painted layers. It worked! You may not be surprised, but it worked like ink. It took some time for that pen ink to dry.

Below you can see more dark and light layers being added for contrast. And of course, there is a spiral and some circles that were added with the Pilot Parallel Pen.

Sometimes it's hard to cover things up that you've already done, but I am learning that that's part of the process. You have to be okay with covering over parts, as all of the layering is what makes a rich painting. Flora Bowley is a fantastic teacher regarding this layering process. I highly recommend her e-course Bloom True. (I am an affiliate, and I only recommend things I truly believe in. By using my affiliate link, it costs nothing for you, but will help me keep my art supplies stocked! Thank you in advance for considering this!)

Below, you'll see that I added the words "Free Flow".

Just a little more contrast and variety for the eye to see is now added, and we're almost done!

The final step involves signing your work. I suggest that you sign everything you do that feels like a finished piece. It's good practice, it helps you own your art in more ways than one, and you did it!

Briana G.

Free Flow, 2016

Mixed media on canvas

9 in x 12 in (22.8 cm x 30.4 cm)

Unframed original art

$45 USD + Shipping

I would like to express my gratitude for your presence here. I appreciate you! Also, you and your creativity matter. Give yourself some time to simply play with art supplies! It's good for your health!

Until next time . . .

Blessings and Peace to you,

Briana

Mark Making Monday-Pilot Parallel Pen

Hello and Happy Day to You!
Today, for Mark Making Monday, I would like to tell you about the PILOT Parallel Pen. I experimented on paper and on canvas board. There is an ink cartridge that you place inside the pen. The pens come in a variety of widths. The one I am using is 1.5 mm.
To put in a new cartridge, unscrew the gray barrel from the cap. Next, pull out the old cartridge, if there is one. Third, tilt the nib up, and insert the new cartridge with the wide part of the ink cartridge facing the pen nib.
Test the pen by making a few strokes on paper. Quickly, the ink will begin to flow through the nib. Be sure to screw the cap back on when not in use, as the ink will dry up.
I don't have enough experience to know how long each cartridge will last. However, I suggest putting it to good use on a regular basis, until it runs out. Otherwise, you may come back months later to a dried out cartridge, and that's a bummer.
In summary, ink is fun to play with. The PILOT Parallel Pens are great for art journaling, calligraphy, hand-lettering, and mixed media art.
Check your local art store first, or you can find some good deals on Amazon.com, too. Search "Pilot Parallel Pen". Also, there is a set of 12 assorted color ink cartridges called "Mixable Colour" that is fun to have on hand.

Blessings to you!

Briana

Art Journaling with Layers (TIP on glue to use for collage)

Hello and Happy Day to You,

It's Mark Making Monday, and I have another page spread to share in the altered book I am working in monthly. Through DeAnne Olguin Williamson's Art Journaling class in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I get to be a student. I get to not think, but experience the art making process. I also get to witness and be in awe of the work of the other participants, including DeAnne. Everyone has this creativity inside, whether you think of yourself as an artist or not. This is creative expression, and it's important work to do.

Here are some process photos of my art journaling session in DeAnne's class.

Pictured below are some textured foam pieces we dipped in paint to create texture on our pages.

Pictured below is what my page spread looked like at the end our session. The themes of "Go Big or Go Home" and "THRIVE" appeared to be of significance. 

Also, I see that pattern, color, and texture, as well as love make my world go round.

 

Thank you for taking a look! I hope you feel inspired to splash some paint around and glue some papers down, too. 
TIP: For layering in an art journal, a good glue to use is Liquitex Matte Medium. It comes in a flip top bottle, which makes it convenient to drip directly onto your page or your palette. Spread the medium with a brush or your fingers. If you use your fingers, you will have to peel the glue off later, which might give you some nostalgic feelings from childhood (you know, if you were one to spread Elmer's glue all over your palm).

VISION: An Altered Book Page Spread by Briana

Hello Wonderful People,

When your heart is heavy or broken, turning to art is proven to be useful.

Today, I turn to an altered book I started years ago.

Step One:

Find a dark magazine page, a piece of sandpaper, and an interesting stencil from artistcellar.

I am using “Sea Fan” from the Coral Series. (Pictured below)

Place the stencil under the magazine page and rub with the sandpaper until you see the design coming through.

Step Two: Choose an existing book to work in.

Step Three:

Tear up your magazine page and glue it down on your page spread with matte medium.

Step Four:

Add some marks and scribbles. I used a Carbon Black Lumber Crayon by Dixon.

Step Five:

Choose another stencil by artistcellar, and place it under your book pages. Use the Lumber Crayon to create texture.

Below is a close-up of the texture that comes from the stencil, as well as scribbling over slightly damp magazine page (from the fluid matte medium).

Step Six:

Add some color using acrylic paints.

Step Seven:

Add a contrasting color.

Pictured below, I am using a Crayola Dry-Erase Crayon in orange.

Step Eight: Use a black pen and a white paint pen to add lettering. Pictured below, “Let us have vision for a new way in the new day.”

There you have it, eight easy steps for creative expression and tending to your heart.

Sending Many Blessings Out to You!

-Briana

 

Unplanned Mark Making

These are close-up images of the papers I place behind my Creative + Practice journal pages. I have been using a lot of alphabet stamps, primarily by Traci Bunkers. https://www.tracibunkers.com
I have been scraping acrylic paint to prep backgrounds.
This process has been so satisfying.
Sometimes the unplanned marks are the most interesting. Would you agree?

Sending Love and Light out to YOU!!

Blessings,
Briana

"Paint Drippings" Inspired by Orly Avineri

One of my favorite art journaling artists is Orly Avineri. Visit her work at www.oneartistjournal.com

In a 21 Secrets Workshop, Orly takes the participants through 21 paint drippings. Visit http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com
for more information about 21 Secrets.

Today I am sharing two "paint drippings" that I made this morning. They are photographed wet, but will also be interesting as they dry.

To make your own, drip three acrylic paint blobs on top of each other. Then, fill your lungs with air, and blow!

Sending blessings and peace to your heart.

Briana

The Underneath-A Pictorial Memoir by Erin Faith Allen

There's a new book which has been birthed from living and surviving life. It is Erin Faith Allen's The Underneath-A Pictorial Memoir. http://www.erinfaithallen.com
I don't know how I have it in my hands already, except that perhaps it was divine intervention. I needed this book right now. Maybe you do, too.
WARNING: If you had a tumultuous childhood, the first half of the book may be triggering. I recommend getting the book and surrounding yourself with love. Have a good trauma therapist at the ready.

Today is Frida Kahlo's birthday.
Today, I took some self-portraits, which I have not done for awhile.
Today is the beginning of the Brave Girl Symposium in Boise, Idaho. This happens to be where Erin Faith Allen lived as a child. And she will be speaking at the symposium.

This is what I needed to share with you today. I hope this post finds you at the right moment.

We need each other. Let's honor our stories more. Let's try to have more empathy. Sisters unite!

Blessings and Peace,

Briana