Orange Spiral Arts

Upcoming Art Classes at Wet Paint, St. Paul, MN

Greetings Everyone!

I am offering several classes at Wet Paint this October, November, and December 2019.

Here's what's happening and when:

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks, Fee $56 (includes generous kit of alcohol inks + Yupo)

Saturday, October 19, 10am-12pm

same class is also being offered on 

Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm-7:30pm

and a family class for ages 11+ is being offered on

Sunday, December 29, 3pm-5pm

Call Wet Paint at 651-698-6431 to register, or click on Events from the Wet Paint site and search by month and date.

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas, Fee $48

Sunday, November 17, 1pm-4pm

I have an online class called Liquid Watercolor Mandalas, which goes in greater depth than I can cover in the three hour class at Wet Paint. So, if you are not local to the Twin Cities, or if you love expressive mandala art as much as I do, I highly recommend that you check out my online class, Liquid Watercolor Mandalas. This is my signature course that includes helping people have a greater sense of peace and calm, while integrating the mind, body, spirit connection through mandala art.

Thank you for being here and for taking a look at my fall teaching schedule.

I also have several additional online classes available, which you can view under the LEARN tab from OrangeSpiralArts.com

The online version of Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art goes into more detail than the two-hour class at Wet Paint. It is also a handy resource that you can return to after class.

I received a moving testimonial from a student recently who took the online Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art class.

Here's what she said:

"Briana, I want to thank you for introducing me to alcohol ink. It has been enlightening, motivating and given me the inspiration and courage to move forward with my art. You have literally changed my life."

I am so pleased to help someone find their creative voice again.

May you, too, give yourself permission to play and create and enjoy life!

Sending Blessings and Gratitude,

Briana

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas Online Class

Greetings to you! 

I am thrilled to share that one of my signature classes, Liquid Watercolor Mandalas is now being offered online.

Benefits to you

I am so excited because I have seen the benefits students have received over the last 4 years of teaching this workshop in person.

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas offers a process that helps to put you in a meditative state, while thoroughly enjoying the moment.

The benefits of meditation include:

• your heart rate will slow
• your breathing will become easier
• you will relax in mind, body, and spirit
• solutions to problems seemingly come from nowhere
• feel more grounded, centered, and clear 

Additional benefits former students have reported:

• loosen up creatively
• increased positive self-talk
• learn to let go and trust the creative process 

What you will learn

• a variety of approaches to creating liquid watercolor and mixed media mandalas
• all about liquid watercolor and where to purchase it, including Colorations brand, Ecoline brand, and Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated Watercolor
• how different sized brushes can be used for different effects
• how to source inspiration from nature, textiles, art, jewelry, food, and human made objects
• how to combine 2-3 different art supplies in one mandala to create a unique look and design
• how to keep a mandala journal as a creative practice that will add meaning and understanding to your life
• an inside out approach to creating mandalas, which often comes with benefits of healing emotional pain

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am not a therapist or a doctor. I recommend that you have professional support ready before exploring areas of trauma or abuse, or additional issues you may be going through that require professional help.

I do have a master's degree in Human Development. In my program, I studied creativity, spirituality, and healing. I went into my graduate program with the question, "How can people heal from emotional pain?" 

I have also since become a certified facilitator for the curriculum called, "Renewing Life through the Expressive Arts."

Educating myself and learning how to serve others on their life journey is something I care deeply about.

Teaching workshops that combine my background as an early childhood educator, where the children are so free in their art making process, and my formal training in Human Development, where I focused on adults, is the sweet spot which makes me unique as your guide. I also have been making art and writing in journals for most of my life. My goal when creating is not to about the end-result, but about the process that occurs while the creative work is happening.

What you will receive

• detailed supply list
• resource list, including recommended books and online classes by other instructors
• a mini mandala (original art by me) in the mail as a thank you gift
• videos, lots of them, sharing the various approaches to creating liquid watercolor mandalas and a few mixed media mandalas
• a simple breathing technique to help you relax, feel calm, and empowered
• tons of inspiration via photos I have taken over the years of nature, textiles, etc. that can all be used as references while creating your mandalas
• information about liquid watercolor-from children's paint to professional grade ink

Pricing Structure

I have decided to use a unique pricing structure that will allow a variety of people, with varying income levels to have access to this course.

On the first day of registration, the cost will be only $35. The price will increase each day, over 5 days, with the maximum price at $150.

Day 1 = $35 (Sept. 24th and 25th only)

Day 2 = $45

Day 3 = $55

Day 4 = $75

Day 5 = $150

Registration opens on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 and reaches the maximum price on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019.

Supply Tip

If you know you are going to sign up for this course, the most affordable source of liquid watercolor is from Discount School Supply (which I have used for 15 years). They are having a sale on their paint and offering free shipping through Sept. 29, 2019. Use coupon code BTSFREE (BTS stands for back to school). If it is in your means, I suggest getting the set of 18 colors, 8 oz. bottles. There is also a set of 6, 4 oz. bottles, at a great price.

There are many papers at a great value as well, such as this one, this one, and this one.

For paint containers you could use one of the following:

Artist's Loft Plastic Paint Cups-set of 12

Masterson Air-tight paint cups-package of 20

Watercolor Paint Jar set with 6 jars-2 oz.

 

Final details and FAQs

Class begins on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 and runs for at least 3 weeks.

Registration confirmation will come through via your email 24-48 hours after payment is received.

Content is delivered via a password protected site that is for registered participants only.

Share your work on Instagram with the hashtag #liquidwatercolormandalas

Class Outline and Plan

Session 1

• Introduction-What is a mandala? (written)
• What is expressive art? (written)
• Supplies (written, images and links for easy shopping)
• Loosening up with liquid watercolor (video)
• Making color charts of various liquid watercolor brands (video)
• Basic watercolor techniques demo (video)
• Setting intentions (written)
• Setting up your space and supplies (written and photos)
• Creating your first liquid watercolor mandala(s)
• Crayon resist mandala (video)
• Resources (written and linked in online classroom) 

Session 2

• Breathing technique (video and written)
• Mandala art and journaling as a creative practice (video-journal flip-through)
• Journaling prompts (written)
• "Art show" of Briana's liquid watercolor mandalas (video and photos)
• Mandala technique-rays and doodles (video and photo example)
• Gathering inspiration from the world around you (written and photos)
• Structured mandalas vs. free-form (written and photos)
• Using a compass and/or circle template (video)
• Concentric circles mandala (video)
• Finding your symbols exercise (written)
• Symbol at center mandala (video)

Session 3

• Moving beyond the circle mandala (video and photo examples)
• Nature inspired mandala (video and photo example)
• Q-tip as tool mandala (video)
• Blown paint mandala (video)
• Mixed media mandala (video)
• Using photos for reference and inspiration (written and photos)
• Mandala painting using Ecoline watercolors (video)
• Mandala painting using Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Watercolors (video)
• There may also be extra bonuses, like printable art, or additional videos.

 

Sign Up

Are you ready to say yes to more calm, more full body relaxation, more clarity, as well as joy in your life?

Sign up today!

Policy Note: No Refunds

IMPORTANT: BE SURE YOUR PAYPAL EMAIL ADDRESS IS CURRENT. THIS IS HOW I WILL SEND YOU YOUR REGISTRATION AND ONLINE CLASSROOM ACCESS.

               $150

Thank you so much for your interest and support. You and your creativity matter!

I am so looking forward to this online version of Liquid Watercolor Mandalas.

If you are local to the Twin Cities, you can also take the in-person Liquid Watercolor Mandalas workshop at Wet Paint on Sunday, November 17, 1pm-4pm.

 

September 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective Meeting Summary-Mandalas

Greetings! Thank you for visiting Orange Spiral Arts!

Today's post is a meeting summary about the September 2019 MN Visual Journal Collective gathering at Wet Paint.

Our meeting topic was the mandala. Briana (one of the co-facilitators of the MN Visual Journal Collective) shared some resources and personal journals where she used mandalas and journaling as a way toward self-discovery and healing. 

Briana recommends the online teachings of Julie Gibbons, who taught The Great Round, based on The Mandala Workbook by Susanne F. Fincher, and offers a variety of online workshops centering around the mandala. (Ha! Did you catch that pun?)

Here are some of the resources shared by Briana.

The Mandala Workbook by Susanne F. Fincher.

Mandala: Luminous Symbols for Healing by Judith Cornell

Creating Personal Mandalas: Story Circle Techniques in Watercolor and Mixed Media by Cassia Cogger

Here's a free tutorial by Cassia Cogger for creating a gratitude mandala.

Briana also mentioned a more structured form of creating mandalas called Yantra painting. Find out more here.

Next, the floor was opened up to participants at the meeting to share their experiences with creating mandalas. 

Nell shared her experience with making mandalas at the beginning of a class she took at Split Rock Arts Program many years ago. She said that participants enjoyed the mandala process as a way into the day so much, that often students would also create one at the end of their session. Nell also shared the following mandala book by Kathryn Costa.

Kathy shared some mandalas she is working on for a class on mindfulness and meditation at the White Bear Center for the Arts.

Linda talked about traveling solo in Alaska, and using a mandala making practice as a way to document her experiences of the day.

Kari shared a similar idea of gathering experiences and nature items from a trip and placing them into a mandala in her travel journal.

Lakin shared how she spent a year creating a mandala a day, and then used her images as gift wrap. Currently Lakin enjoys the Koala Tools circular grid journals available at Wet Paint.

Heather mentioned an interest in the dot mandala making process where you use a set of tools of varying sizes to create your dot patterns. This process is helping her let go of imperfection, as any mistakes tend to get magnified as the pattern grows.

Karena shared her expressive art created where mandalas just sort of showed up in her work.

Thank you so much to everyone who shared a visual or a story about how you use mandalas in your creative process. It's so good to see and hear about a variety of examples.

After this initial group sharing, we all worked in our journals for about 45 minutes, and mandala making was encouraged.

Here's everyone hard at work and in their creative zone.

At the end of our meeting, participants were invited to share the mandalas they just created, or any other visual journaling work. This is always such a fun part of the night. Everyone's work is so inspiring to see and hear about! Thank you everyone!

Nell shared her mandala and also mentioned the Sketchbook Project from the Brooklyn Art Library in New York. Find out more here.

Carol used water-soluble pencils for her mandala.

Carol also does fiber journals, as she is a quilter. She generously passed it around for everyone to see and touch.

Below is Linda's mandala from the night. She was reflecting on some labyrinth walks she took in Arizona.

Nan shared some recent paper printing work she did in a class in Duluth, MN.

Molly shared her mandalas from the night, as well as her altered collage journal. Molly is teaching at Artistry MN in Bloomington this fall. Look under Fiber for Altered Book Art Journaling with Molly Anthony.

Briana is offering several classes at Wet Paint this fall. She also has classes online on this Orange Spiral Arts site. Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

Briana's Classes at Wet Paint, Fall 2019

Getting Started with Visual Journaling-3 Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, 10:30am-1:30pm Fee $126

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Saturday, October 19, 10am-12pm Fee $56 (includes kit + yupo)

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Tuesday, November 12, 5:30pm-7:30pm Fee $56 (includes kit + yupo)

Liquid Watercolor Mandalas-Sunday, November 17, 1pm-4pm Fee $48

Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Inks-Ages 11+ -Sunday, December 29, 3pm-5pm $56 (includes kit + yupo)

You are always welcome to call Wet Paint to register for a class. 651-698-6431

Briana's current online class is Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art. I cover a lot more territory than the 2-hour in person workshop at Wet Paint. This class makes a great addition to the live class.

More of Briana's online classes can be found by clicking the "Learn" tab from OrangeSpiralArts.com or by clicking here.

You are never too young or too old to experiment with art supplies!

You and your creativity matter. 

Thanks so much for reading this post!

Sending Blessings and Gratitude to You,

Briana

 

 

 

 

How and When to Print a Stencil with Fine Lines

This post was originally written as a design team member for artistcellar.

How and When to Print a Fine Line Stencil with Briana

Hello Everyone!

 

It’s hard to believe that September is here already! We just had orientation at my son’s school. A day later, he decided he wanted to make cards that say, “Thank you for being my teacher.” My heart smiled when I heard what he wanted to do, so we got started right away. (Thank you to all of the educators, teachers, and support staff out there. You matter, and your work is so important!)

 

As my son created his cards, I could not keep my hands off of the art supplies, so I ended up making a background paper for this blog post. I used construction paper crayons and liquid watercolor.

 

For this blog post, I decided that I wanted to see what would happen if I used a stencil on top of this busy background. The stencil I chose is by Artistcellar, and is from the Sacred Geometry 2 Series. It’s called Seed of Life.

This stencil has fine lines. I didn’t want to cover up all of the color in my background, so I decided to use some Marabu Art Spray. This spray ink is acrylic-based vs. water-based spray ink, like Dylusions spray ink.

I liked how the color showed up, and the ink beaded up around the crayon. I got a little carried away though and sprayed a bit too much ink.

 

Instead of using paper towels to blot up the extra ink, I used a piece of 8 x 8 inch watercolor paper.

I pulled up the watercolor paper to check on the results of both papers.

As a mixed media artist and avid visual journal keeper, I love having a lot of papers to work with. I also am working on a series of 8 x 8 inch paintings, and this Seed of Life print will be a great start for one of those paintings.

 

While I am happy with the 8 x 8 printed version of the stencil, I could not see it well enough on my busy background.

That gave me the idea to use the stencil again with spray ink on the 8 x 8 inch paper, and make a print of it onto my background.

 

I used a card scraper to really rub the back of the wet stencil.

Here’s what things are looking like after pulling off my busy background paper. I think this is my favorite image of this whole bunch. I love those pink dots that happened.

 

Here’s a closer look at the print.

Those fine lines of the stencil are showing up much better now, especially since I dug the stencil into the paper by burnishing it with a plastic card.

 

Here’s how both of the papers looked at the end of my session.

 

In Summary, if you are going to work with a fine line stencil on a busy background, you may want to spray it with ink on a different paper first, then make a print of it onto your background. Burnishing with a plastic card is a great way to help the ink absorb into the paper, so the stencil lines are nice and sharp.

Spray inks and stencils are really fun to play with in a variety of projects. If you do not want your spray ink to be reactivated with water, Marabu Art Sprays are acrylic-based, which means they stay in place.

 

I hope you enjoyed this photo tutorial of my experiments and creative process.

 

Don’t forget to grab your Artistcellar stencils at 30 percent off until September 9^th, 2019. Use coupon code BACKTOSCHOOL19. You’ll love the high quality of the material and the fantastic designs!

PS These stencils are what I will be using in my brand new online class called Introduction to Abstract Alcohol Ink Art. Learn more here.

Sending Blessings,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

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 

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

21 Secrets Retirement SALE is here-SAVE 50 Percent

Hello Creative People!

I wanted to let you know about an amazing opportunity. I have been a guest teacher, as well as a student of the many, many editions of 21 Secrets. Since the lovely Connie Solera is rebranding her website and making room for new things, she is no longer going to be selling the five pictured editions of 21 Secrets online art journaling workshops. I have a class in the 21 Secrets-Color, Color, Color edition. My class is called Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns. I own all of the other editions shown here, as I am such a fan of these workshops.

Here's what makes 21 Secrets so great:

• There are workshops from teachers from all over the world
• The workshops cover an amazing amount of mixed media ideas and techniques to use in your visual/art journal
• The teachers are extremely generous in the amount of content they provide
• You get unlimited access to the content and videos all linked in the handy PDF file that you receive upon purchase
• You are supporting emerging and established artists when you purchase these 21 Secrets editions
• Last but not least, you are supporting me, as an artist, by purchasing through my affiliate link

So, the SALE is so awesome-you'll save 50 percent off each edition purchased when you use the coupon code RETIREMENT.

The sale runs Wednesday, May 8 (beginning at 3am PST and 5am CST) through Saturday, May 11, 2019.

To summarize, there are five editions of 21 Secrets that are going into retirement.

After May 11, 2019, the following editions will no longer be available for purchase.

• 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color
• 21 Secrets emBODY
• 21 Secrets Tell Your Story
• 21 Secrets Tools & Techniques
• 21 Secrets The Best of 2014 & 2015

Note: All owners of these editions will still have unlimited access to the content and videos.

Get them while you can and SAVE 50 percent! Simply enter the coupon code RETIREMENT at checkout.

May you enjoy these art making videos as much as I do. I return to these again and again. Sometimes our lives are so busy, we can't fit in all that we want to. That's the beauty of having unlimited access to these treasures. Seriously, there is so much goodness packed in to each 21 Secrets edition. If you are interested in art journaling or mixed media art, I highly, highly recommend these 21 Secrets online workshops.

Sending Love and Gratitude out!

-Briana

 

Here's Why I am Signing Up for Life Book 2019

Here's the truth: I am not into creating faces and portraits. Even though 30-40 percent of the lessons in Life Book will have some sort of face, that leaves 60-70 percent of the content that does NOT focus on creating a face. What I appreciate about Life Book is that there is a focus on personal development and healing. I completely believe in the power of the arts to help us heal our emotional wounds. I know that imagery is a powerful tool that helps the subconscious deliver messages to our conscious mind. Once we are aware of what's going on inside our hearts, bodies, and minds, there is the opportunity to shift, change, and transform our lives for the better.

It is important to note that Life Book does not take the place of professional therapy. The offerings in Life Book are tools for personal growth and development. 

This year, I am particularly excited about Andy's offerings related to NVC (Nonviolent Communication). As an expressive arts facilitator, I am always looking to add to my own list of resources and skills that will help me to be a better facilitator. 

If you are interested in developing your mixed media skills, in being playful and experimental with art supplies, or in creating a Life Book for 2019, I hope that you will join us. You may click the image above, or click here. Don't forget to enter coupon code "LOVEBOMB2019" to save 20%, valid through December 31, 2018.

Sending Blessings to you,

Briana

PS I loved the Life Book Creativity & Wellbeing Summit, and that content is included once you register for Life Book 2019. It's truly a win-win.

New-COLLAGE PAPER PIES online class is open for registration

It has been a dream of mine for nearly twenty years to create what I call a "collage paper pie." I had been seeing them created by several artists, in many different styles. They seem to be a modern art motif. They kept grabbing my attention and entering into my psyche, as something I wanted to create "someday." Well, finally something clicked, and I am making them, and I want to share this process with YOU!

Come read more about the story of how this online class came to be. And if you feel inspired, you are welcome to sign up today! You receive unlimited access to the course material. Learn more by clicking here.

Register for Mixed Media Paint Scraping-NEW Online Class

I am so excited! I am working hard on my next online class, Mixed Media Paint Scraping.

Go here for more info and to register!

Class opens on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 and runs for five weeks through November 13th, 2018.

After November 13th, 2018, the class will be self-paced.

 

Sending Blessings and Creative Vibes your way!

-Briana