Orange Spiral Arts

Abstract Watercolor 3-Video

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by or opening your email to view this post.

Here's the latest one-minute silent video. May it brighten your day!

Thanks for watching.

Art Supplies used:

Daniel Smith Watercolors from Wet Paint

140 lb. Canson XL watercolor paper

Bosobo Art Brushes

Abstract Watercolor 2-Video

Greetings, Everyone!

Thanks for being here.

I created another one-minute time-lapse video for you. This is to encourage you to paint freely and for the fun of it. Most of my work has that intention.

I hope you find some part of this inspiring. Have a great day!

 

New Inks and Watercolor-Color Swatch Video

Greetings, Everyone!

I made a quick video for you all, as I did a color swatch of some new ink and watercolor I purchased from my favorite local art supply store, Wet Paint. They ship, and shipping is free with orders over $99.

Wet Paint has the best staff for the following reasons:

• They care about getting to know their customers
• They are well trained on the art supplies they sell
• The staff is friendly and fun
• They have excellent communication if there is a problem with your order

Without further ado, here is a 35 second silent video for your viewing pleasure!

I am sending good energy out to you all!

Thanks for watching!

Watercolor Wednesday is Back

Greetings, Everyone!

Thank you so much for visiting Orange Spiral Arts, the place for Creativity + Inspiration + Personal Expression.

With 2020 being how it's been, I have neglected my blog. I would like to change that, so I am making an effort in that direction!

I would like to offer content that inspires you to create imperfectly and expressively. I love to play with mixed media art supplies, and perhaps you do, too?

I am planning to start releasing some art videos on my Orange Spiral Arts YouTube channel. Or perhaps it's better to post to my Orange Spiral Arts Vimeo channel for an ad free experience? I will post both versions below.

Please let me know in the comments below if you have a preference for YouTube or Vimeo.

The first art video I am releasing is for Watercolor Wednesday, which is a feature I have here on my Orange Spiral Arts blog. (You can search Watercolor Wednesday in the sidebar).

This first video is imperfect, as I cut off the bottom of my workspace, however, I think you may still get something good from it. I am using Golden QoR watercolors, which are vibrant and wonderful to use! My go to watercolor paper is often the Canson XL 140 lb. cold press 9 x 12 pad.

Okay, here's the big platform test-Vimeo or YouTube. Thank you in advance for your feedback in the comments of this blog post (comments are disabled on the videos themselves).

Watercolor Wednesday 1 on Vimeo

Watercolor Wednesday 1 on YouTube

My videography will improve next time! Thank you for watching my imperfect video! I was using some new equipment, and obviously need to still make a few adjustments.

In Closing,

I am sending good energy out to you all, and prayers for your health and safety.

Please remember to let me know in the comments if you prefer YouTube or Vimeo. That will be helpful for me as I move forward with more art video content.

With Gratitude,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

You Might Also Like:

Winter Online Class Set for only $50 USD

3 Class set includes: Ink and Oil Pastel, Magazine Mixed Media Collages, and Abstract Watercolor Patterns (save $10 if you bundle each $20 class as a set)

Using Watercolor with Stencils

Hello, Everyone!

Do you ever go through phases where you become “semi-obsessed” with an art medium? Lately, I love watercolor paint. Oh, and stencils are pretty much always on my list so . . . I decided to try the two together. In the past, I did not have a lot of success with this combination, as the watercolor would seep underneath the stencil. Recently I saw an art tutorial by Josie Lewis on YouTube, which showed how she used a stencil to trace the design, and then fill it in with color. Genius! I am not sure why I did not think of this (or maybe I have), but that’s beside the point. Something struck a chord when I saw Josie’s video, so I went with it. You can watch the video here, if you'd like.

I decided to give this idea a try, as I love how Josie’s art looks when she’s done.

I will share a tutorial of what I did, then share my reflection of my experience at the end of this post.

 

Supplies Used:

Japanese Geometric Series Stencils by Artistcellar

Derwent Graphic H pencil

140 lb. watercolor paper

Various watercolor

Small round watercolor brush (size 2 or 4)

Jar of water

 

Step 1:

Flip through your stencils and choose the designs you like.

 

Step 2:

Use an H pencil (a hard pencil, which writes lightly), to trace your chosen designs from one or more stencils.

 

I used three different stencil designs.

 

Step 3:

Paint in your traced stencil patterns using a variety of watercolor paints.

 

 

Step 4:

Allow the watercolor paint to dry and soak in that beautiful color!

 

Reflection:

Oh my goodness, did I dislike this process, while I was doing it! That feeling certainly told me something about the style of art I like to create.

I don’t enjoy creating precise art, so I just had to roll with my paint going outside of my traced lines.

Now that it is finished, I do enjoy looking at the result. I had fun creating a lighter value of a color by adding water to my brush. I also enjoyed playing with color and making choices based what I was being called toward, versus following some sort of formula. If I try this again, I will keep in mind that my work will not be precise. I also will try a smaller brush (like the size 2 or 4 round brush I suggested for you).

 

I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial. Give it a try and see if you enjoy creating inside or outside of the lines!

 

Sending all good wishes your way!

 

Blessings,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

Hope, Faith, Grace-Words + Art with Briana (DT member for artistcellar)

Hello Creative Ones,

 

I was recently reminded about how much I love the combination of words with art.

I am sharing a quick tutorial of how you can create a painted background, and then add the Virtues Words Pocket Stencils by artistcellar on top.

 

SUPPLIES USED

Watercolor

Gouache

Dina Wakley Acrylic Paint

140 lb. watercolor paper

Small round brush

Ballpoint pen

Water

Rag

 

Step 1:

Paint six loose rectangles on 9 x 12 inch watercolor paper.

Let dry.

 

Step 2:

Choose a rectangle and three of the Pocket Stencils by artistcellar.

 

Step 3:

Use a ballpoint pen to trace the word stencils.

 

Step 4:

Using Dina Wakley heavy body paint, or another acrylic paint and round brush, paint around the letters you traced.

 

Step 5:

Add any design details around your words.

 

Step 6 (Optional):

Cut out your card and give it as a gift to someone who could use some uplifting or encouraging words.

 

I hope that you enjoy painting your stripes, tracing your word stencils, and making art + words art for someone! (That someone could be you! These would make wonderful journaling cards, too.)

 

Many Blessings to You,

Briana of OrangeSpiralArts.com

 

 

 

 

Brand NEW Online Class-Abstract Watercolor Patterns

Hello Ya'll!

I've got to shout it from the rooftops, as I am about to release the third online class in the Winter 2017 Orange Spiral Arts Class Set. This series has been so fun. Students have been loving the classes. It fills me up each and every time I see someone share their art on Instagram or Twitter. Registration and information for ABSTRACT WATERCOLOR PATTERNS can be found right here.

Calm your nerves, enjoy the moment, and play with art supplies! I do hope you'll join me. It's only $20 USD for loads of inspiration via video lessons. 

Let's play with watercolor paint and abstract patterns! Sound intriguing?

Register today! You have unlimited access, all for only $20 USD. Abstract Watercolor Patterns comes out on Friday, March 10th, 2017. 

Blessings to you! You and your creativity matter!

Have a great day!

-Briana

So Excited about All of These Classes

Hello Dear One,

I have been quite busy planning and preparing for a number of teaching opportunities that are happening online and in-person in January-May 2017. (There will be more later this year, too.)

I am happiest when there is paint on my hands, clothes, and table top, so that is why I get up early every morning to do the creative work that lights me up.

My mission is to inspire you to get in touch with your creative self, too. Taking a class is one of the easiest ways to make this needed time for yourself actually happen. I have heard countless reports from students saying they really want to do more art exploration on their own at home, but they just haven't done it yet. Soooooo, here are some in-person options:

I am teaching a series of creativity classes in the "Yes, You Are An Artist" series at the Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center in Eden Prairie, MN. The best way to register for these classes is to call them-see the number in the photo below. That way, you can save money with your pre-registration. The next in the series is on Saturday, January 21st, 1pm-3pm-Multi-Media Heart Art. (More information coming soon, but it's going to be like this class I taught in 2015.)

Next up, I am teaching a series called Art Journaling Basics through Forest Lake Community Education.

The first class for Art Journaling Basics is Thursday, February 23, 2017. Reserve your spot here.

ONLINE CLASSES WITH BRIANA

Vision Board the E-Course-Learn how to create a powerful vision board in a way that suits you. Many styles are shown.

The Beautiful BEing Program-Integrate process-oriented writing and spontaneous painting for self-discovery.

Ink and Oil Pastel-Supply exploration meets intuitive, abstract art making-CLASS STARTS ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017-ONLY $20 USD with unlimited access to videos and content

Winter Class Set-Ink and Oil Pastel-Magazine Mixed Media Collage-Abstract Watercolor Patterns

21 Secrets Color, Color, Color-Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns

I hope you will spend some time playing with art supplies, just for the sake of being in the present moment and creating!! Why? Because it's proven to be physically good for you, it's fun, and you are actively learning as you move your hands. You and your creativity matter!

Blessings and Peace,

Briana

PS I received such a lovely testimonial today, that I think it'd be best if I shared it with you here:

"Briana teaches art classes I've taken locally and I've completely fallen for her open, peaceful style of providing art experiences where inner-experience, infiltration, and self-discovery truly come to play. It's process rather than product, no experience needed, and a whole lot of fun!

Here is an art piece from an upcoming Ink and Oil class she's offering for just $20, that'll be ONLINE so you can do it comfortably from home on your own time. Chilly day project time and heartfelt medicine for winter blues." -Krista S.

Join in the messy, inky, wax-resist, vibrant color, fun, offered in Ink and Oil Pastel. Sign up here!

 

Mark Making Monday-Dye-Na-Flow and Oil Pastels and an Intuitive Flower Drawing

Greetings to Wonderful You!

I would love for you to take a minute to tell yourself something positive right now before anything else. You might say, "I am wonderful" or "I love myself" or "I am perfectly imperfect" or "The universe is love, and I am part of the universe." Say whatever makes you feel really good inside. Then take a deep breath in. And release any tension as you breathe out. Aaaaahhhhh. 

Okay, now onto today's Mark Making Monday post!

Today's supplies include:

140 lb. watercolor paper

Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow Liquid Color in Magenta and Midnight Blue

Sakura Expressions Oil Pastels

Bubble Wrap

Paintbrush

Jar of Water

Getting Started

Step 1:

I looked at a roll of washi tape for inspiration on what to draw.

I decided to go with some sort of flower.

First I used oil pastels to get a few shapes down.

Next I used a paintbrush to apply magenta Dye-Na-Flow.

Step 2:

Place some bubble wrap over the wet Dye-Na-Flow.

Step 3: 

Lift the bubble wrap to reveal the dot marks created from lifting the ink.

Step 4:

Print the wet bubble wrap in various places on the paper.

Step 5:

Start adding more lines and designs into the wet color, using oil pastels.

Step 6:

Finalize your design, using the oil pastels.

Squint your eyes to see areas that need more contrast or pattern.

Get ready to add a darker color of Dye-Na-Flow.

Step 7:

Begin applying the darker color of Dye-Na-Flow.

Snap a few photos to get perspective on how things are looking to you.

Finish your intuitive flower painting.

Step 8:

Snap one last photo, and let dry.

Thank you for looking, and possibly playing along!

May you get a little creative time in this week, so you may feel more calm, centered, and connected to your creativity.

 

Announcing Ink & Oil Pastel

Speaking of art time, I wanted to let you know that I completed the information page for the upcoming Ink and Oil Pastel online class.

Read all about it right here.

It's only $20 USD! A completely affordable way for you to get inspired and step into some fun creative action!

The online classroom opens on Friday, January 13th, 2017.

 

Announcing Watercolor Wednesday-Playing with Watercolors

If you are looking for something local to get your creative juices flowing, I am teaching

Watercolor Wednesday-Playing with Watercolors at Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

December 28, 2016, 1pm-3pm. Registration details are right here-choose 12-28-16 from the online calendar.

 

Have a wonderful, joy-filled week!

Blessings and Peace,

Briana

 

New :: Watercolor Workshop in the Twin Cities

Good Day to You!

I am excited to let you know that I will be offering a watercolor workshop on Wednesday, December 28th, 2016, from 1pm-3pm at Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 

This workshop is running during winter break, so it's during the day, in the middle of the week! 

The aim is that you will give yourself a little R&R through a playful watercolor class. 

• You'll learn 12 watercolor techniques
• You'll create 4 postcards that can be mailed to family or friends, or kept for yourself 
• You'll have a great reason to get out of the house and meet new people

I hope you will join the fun! Reserve your spot today!

Blessings and Peace to you,

Briana