Orange Spiral Arts

Art It Up!, Alcohol Inks, and Capturing Moments

Greetings Everyone,

I can hardly believe that it is almost August! The exciting part about that for me, is that there are a few class opportunities I can share with you. Some are for local Twin Cities folks, and one is for anyone around the world with internet access!

Upcoming Classes at Wet Paint

First things first, for those of you in the Twin Cities with children, nieces, nephews, or neighbors in the age range of 11-15, I encourage you to sign them up for Art It Up! Getting Started with Visual Journaling. 

Here's the class description:

Saturday, August 3rd 10-12:30pm

FEE: $30

Discover rubber stamps, spray inks, stencils and more in this introductory visual journaling class. Learn how a visual journal can be a place to let your heart express itself, experiment, and explore the wonderful world of creativity. Your journal is like a playground for what’s going on inside of you. It’s a safe space for you to learn about yourself as you continue to grow and change. Let it out and then let’s Art It Up!

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

There's no doubt that this is going to be a lot of fun for participants. 

Sign up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

The sooner the better, as classes tend to get canceled a few days before the scheduled session. 

The next class I have coming up at Wet Paint is an introduction to Alcohol Inks.

Here's the description:

Tuesday, August 6^th 5:30-7:30pm

FEE: $56 includes kit+yupo

Let’s Get Abstract with Alcohol Inks!

Alcohol Inks are vibrant, fluid, and come in an array of colors.

In this beginner alcohol inks class, we’ll be experimenting on different surfaces such as Yupo and canvas. We’ll try out different techniques for manipulating the alcohol ink, adding various textures, as well as experimenting with directly dropping it onto your chosen surface.

Caution: If you are sensitive to fumes, such as the smell of rubbing alcohol, you might want to skip this one.

An email with supply list and details will be sent to registrants prior to the class.

I taught this class in July, and it was a ton of fun. The students loved the kit and the extra things that I brought along, as well.

Sign Up today on the Wet Paint site, or call the store at 651-698-6431.

Finally, some of you may know that I am part of the 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Playful Experiments. Registration has closed for Playful Experiments, but you can still join 21 Secrets Summer Studio edition Capturing Moments.

It's going to be an amazing set of online classes. The 21 Secrets Summer Studio editions are some of my favorite, as I love looking for that email each day, M-F for two weeks. The interviews with the artists are super inspiring, and the Facebook community is really fun, too. Plus, upon registration, you get a really fun, super duper awesome workshop by Connie Solera right away. NO waiting until August 5th; you get to start playing right away! You will loooooooove Connie's lesson, too. I just know you will. 

So for those of you who prefer or out of necessity, like to create at home, 21 Secrets Summer Studio: Capturing Moments is here for you!

I hope to see you in class, one way or another, in August!

Many Blessings to you,

Briana 

Collage

 

Collage

Collage is one of my favorite art forms. The main reason this is true for me is because I have a great love of paper. I super duper love paper!

I have taken so many classes that focus on the art of collage. Some of my favorites have been taught by: Lynn Whipple, Kara Kramer, Alisa Burke, Claudine Hellmuth, Carla Sonheim, Misty Mawn, Cathy Nichols, Mati Rose, Lisa Congdon, Sarah Ahearn, Sabrina Ward Harrison, and Teesha Moore.

Let me just say one more time, I love collage.

 

What I have learned over the years of taking classes from other artists is that my art is more meaningful when I put my own marks and ideas to work. One’s artistic style shines through much more easily when the artist’s hand, color preferences, and unique compositions are used in a piece.

 

This Saturday, July 27, 2019, I am teaching a “Make Your Own Collage Papers + Collage” workshop at Wet Paint in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am so thrilled to be able to share many of the techniques and skills I have learned for making your own unique papers, and using them in your collage art.

The process for making papers is almost my favorite thing in the whole world. I love to draw, scribble, paint, stamp, stencil, and print my papers. You will be going home with lots and lots of paper that you can continue to create with well beyond our class time together.

You will also be going home with tons of ideas and inspiration for how to make your own collage papers and collages, because each participant is going to make their own discoveries and share with the group. Classes are just so amazing that way, you know? When people who desire to express themselves creatively get together in a group setting, there is just so much positive energy; it’s exhilarating!

In the first half of the class, we’ll be creating our papers based on a variety of techniques that I will demonstrate, plus your own ideas.

In the second half of the class, you will have time to create your own collages, using the papers you just made, plus whatever else you’d like to incorporate. Wet Paint is providing a Canson Mixed Media Board for you to try. You can also use blank cards, watercolor paper, cardboard, or whatever surfaces float your boat!

 

So, if you are feeling inspired, even one iota, I highly encourage you to join us this Saturday, July 27, 2019, from 10am-5pm, at Wet Paint! Sign up online or call the store to reserve your spot: 651-698-6431.

I hope to see you Saturday!

 

Sending Blessings,

Briana

Modeling Paste and a Stencil

 

Hello, Everyone! I hope you are doing well today!

I am about to share a technique that is fun to do, but takes a little more drying time. Are you ready?

 

Supplies Used

Artistcellar Japanese Geometric Series stencils

Winsor & Newton Modeling Paste

Blickrylic Fluorescent Orange acrylic paint

Palette Knife

Paper Plate

Pre-Painted Paper (140 lb. watercolor paper)

 

First, I typically like to use techniques that dry right away. I tend to be impatient when it comes to wet paint. If you are like me, it is possible to use a heat tool. Second, the textured result is so worth the extra wait time. I hope you’ll give it a try!

 

Step 1:

Mix up some modeling paste and acrylic paint on your palette. TIP: It helps if your acrylic paint is thicker than the inexpensive craft paint. In other words, a heavy body acrylic paint works best.

 

Step 2:

Use a palette knife to spread the modeling paste and paint mixture through a stencil of your choice.

Here I am using the Japanese Geometric: Seven Jewels stencil by artistcellar.

 

Note: I chose not to put paint through the entire stencil. I did this to keep within the round shape I had previously painted.

 

Step 3:

Remove the stencil by lifting from one corner. Set your painting aside to dry for an hour or more. Drying time depends upon your climate, as well as how much paint you used. Note: Rinse the stencil right away under running water, or place it in a tub of water. Do this to avoid the modeling paste from sticking to your stencil and drying there. This is one of the only times I “clean” my stencils. You could also try using a baby wipe, but it will likely be kind of a mess, with all that paint and paste.

 

Since I had extra paint on my palette, I decided to grab the altered book I just started.

Here’s a little BONUS sneak peek. I did the same technique described above, only in an altered book. I also applied paint to the right side of the page spread using the palette knife.

 

In case you are wondering about modeling paste, there are many brands on the market. It is sometimes spelled “modelling,” and it is sometimes called molding paste. Each medium has the same purpose of adding texture to a surface.

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Have tons of fun with your mixed media supplies!

 

Creatively Yours,

 

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

Last Call-21 Secrets Playful Experiments Registration Closes on Sunday

Greetings! 

I hope this post finds you well. 

I wanted to let you know that I am getting really, really, REALLY, excited for the next two weeks of 21 Secrets Playful Experiments! The live sessions begin on Monday, July 8 and run through Friday, July 19. What I mean by "live" is that each day, M-F, for two weeks, you will receive a wonderful email all about one of the guest teachers in 21 Secrets Playful Experiments. The email will also contain links to the video lessons by that artist. Each artist also completed an interview, so you will get to know some interesting things about each guest teacher (including me). The videos are made to be short and impactful, so that you can get some creative time in, even if you have a busy schedule. 

I am overjoyed and a weeeeee bit nervous to be first on the list, which means my workshop is released on Monday, July 8. That's what I get for having my first name start with a "B".

I will be teaching "From Distress to De-stress," and I can't wait to share it with you!

I have some special bonuses and offers I will be letting registered participants know about. There is also a private Facebook group, where I will be actively participating all day on Monday, July 8.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to release some of that pent up creative energy? Would you like to feel more free in your creative expression and creative practice? This online program offers so much for such a great price.

Sign up by the end of Sunday, July 7, before registration closes!!!

I don't want you to miss out on all of the fun we'll be having!

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes Your Way,

Briana