Orange Spiral Arts

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

CarveDecember, Upcoming ONLINE CLASSES, Mark Making, and Art Journaling Inspiration

Hello to Wonderful YOU! Today's post is full of images and inspiration. I hope you can spend a few minutes with a cup of something that soothes your soul and take a peek!

MARK MAKING MONDAY

Since it's Monday, and I usually do a Mark Making Monday post, I will show you my new favorite tool:

Isn't it awesome?!! Thank you to Jean Shannon, who passed this baby along to me at the November Visual Journal Collective Art Supply Swap!

INK AND OIL PASTEL ONLINE CLASS-starts Friday, January 13, 2017

And if ink intrigues you, I invite you to sign up for my upcoming online class called Ink and Oil Pastel. It's only $20, OR you can get all three upcoming classes for $50 and SAVE $10 (scroll down to the 2017 Winter Mixed Media Online Classes for the Class Bundle option). Here are a few sneak peeks for Ink and Oil Pastel:

You'll learn a lot about ink and oil pastel through playing, experimenting, and taking action from the inspiration gained in this online class. Both video and written instructions are featured. I hope you'll join the fun!

CARVE DECEMBER (aka #carvedecember on Instagram) IS HAPPENING and IT'S FREE

I am participating in Carve December again this year. I skipped 2015, but when I participated in 2014, it changed my life! Carve December gave me the structure I needed to develop a consistent creative practice, and I haven't stopped getting up early to focus on my art since! What a game changer! 

Anyway, here are a couple of stamps I've carved so far in December 2016 for Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's art challenge called Carve December.

Feel inspired to carve your own stamps, too? It's not too late to join the fun! Simply use Instagram and tag your hand-carved stamp photo using #carvedecember. 

TIP: In 2014 I decided to carve an alphabet set. I found this to be a fantastic way to get started.

ART JOURNAL PHOTOS, & STENCIL AND STAMP PLAY

Sweet Gum Balls Stencil by Jane LaFazio sold at StencilGirlProducts.com

Ring Hopscotch Foam Stamp designed by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer sold at Artfoamies.com

UPCOMING IN-PERSON CLASSES:

Green Lotus Yoga & Healing Center

Eden Prairie, MN 

Watercolor Wednesday: Playing with Watercolors

December 28, 2016, 1pm-3pm

 

UPCOMING ONLINE CLASSES BY OTHER ARTISTS THAT I RECOMMEND

Life Book 2017

 

Into the Stars-Astrology & Art with Hali Karla

There are more classes and recommendations on the sidebar of OrangeSpiralArts.com

SENDING LOVE AND BLESSINGS

Knowing that this time of year is challenging for many people, I am sending you love, peace, and warmth from my heart to yours.

Blessings and Peace,

Briana

 

 

 

 

Cyber Monday Deal-Mixed Media Online Class Set-Winter 2017

Explore mixed media art in 2017! Learn new ideas, techniques, and simply have fun while playing with a variety of art supplies. Creative expression is good for your soul, spirit, and life force energy. Are you in?

Each class is priced individually at $20 each, which is a steal if you compare this price to other online workshops available. 

Grab the class set at a reduced price!

And for this weekend only (Nov. 27-28, 2016), save $20 and get the whole set of classes for only $40! 

How it works:

Each class will be posted to a private class site. You will get the log in details and site password via email, at least one day prior to class. Please keep these log in details in a safe place. You will have forever access to each class. A supply list will be posted on the class site and/or emailed to you.

Each class will feature video demonstrations, photos of art work, and written instructions.

IMPORTANT: Be sure your email address associated with PayPal is correct. If it is not, make a Note to Seller upon check out, with the correct email address. Thank you!

Orange Spiral Arts Winter Class Release Dates:

Friday, January 13, 2017-Ink and Oil Pastel

Friday, February 10, 2017-Magazine Mixed Media Collages

Friday, March 10, 2017-Abstract Watercolor Patterns

CYBER DEAL NOW THROUGH NOV. 28, 2016

ORANGE SPIRAL ARTS MIXED MEDIA WINTER CLASS SET

            $40

CYBER MONDAY IS OVER, BUT YOU CAN STILLL PURCHASE THE CLASS SET AND SAVE $10

JUST CLICK THE HERE, SCROLL DOWN, AND CHOOSE YOUR CLASSES!

Watercolor Wednesday-Feeling Inspired By Amazing Artists Equals A New Love of Watercolor

Greetings Folks!

I am about to tell you something sort of strange, but I know some of you will understand. For about a year now, I have been creating something with watercolor paint for Watercolor Wednesday here on OrangeSpiralArts.com. Suddenly, I have a new found love of watercolor paint! I attribute this new found love of watercolor to learning some new ideas from other artists.

Today I am sharing some art I created under the influence of two amazing artists.

First up is Yao Cheng. I found Yao Cheng and her beautiful watercolor art on Creativebug. If you are a beginning artist or crafter, Creativebug is a fabulous online educational resource. The videos on Creativebug are all professionally shot, and are a real pleasure to watch. Yao Cheng's easy going attitude, along with her beautiful art, got me all jazzed to try a few new things with watercolor.

Here's what I created:

I decided to paint in my art journal. Painting on loose watercolor paper sheets is an option, as well.

Here are a couple more photos, so you can see some details:

Seeing the paint colors touch each other just fills me with pure joy!

And now for the triangles:

Look at those edges! They also make me want to weep! 

I, of course, had to try some circles, too:

And a closer look at the circles:

Again, I am feeling the love for watercolor! It is surprising, playful, and beautiful! 

I even painted on top of some patterned paper to see what that would look like:

Next up is artist Eva Magill-Oliver. I invite you to take a scroll through her blog and see if her work takes your breath away, like it does for me.

Eva Magill-Oliver is a master at using white space. This is something I have experimented with here and there, but haven't done a lot of practice with. So . . . . I practiced using white space. Where did I practice? In my art journal, of course!

What do you think? How do you feel when you look at a piece of art (or an art journal page) that utilizes white space? What do you notice about your own art? What do you notice about art that you are drawn to look at?

I am so looking forward to doing more exploration with watercolor with you through Watercolor Wednesday. I am also teaching through my local community education on Thursday, October 27, 2016. 

In other teaching news, I have two workshops coming up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota at Green Lotus Yoga & Healing. The first workshop is on Saturday, November 12th, 2016, and it's called, Yes, You Are An Artist!: Creativity 101. The second workshop will be on Wednesday, December 28th, and it is called Watercolor Wednesday! Stay tuned for more information.

I hope this post inspires you to pull out some watercolor paint-ANY WATERCOLOR PAINT WILL DO! One thing I love about watercolor is that you can learn something new about the medium everytime you experiment with it. There are many different kinds of watercolor paint. If you are just starting out, a good ol' set of Crayola or Prang will do the trick.

TIP: Spritz your watercolor paints with water, so each color is ready and waiting for you to enjoy.

Have an amazing day!

Blessings,

Briana

Watercolor Wednesday-Small Round Brush Marks on Paper

Happy Day to You, Creative One!

For today's edition of Watercolor Wednesday, I am pulling inspiration from a couple of different places. One is from my "Draw, Paint, and Print Artful Color Patterns" workshop in 21 Secrets Color, Color, Color. 

The second source of inspiration is from Alisa Burke's latest online mini course Watercolor Doodles. (I love her online classes and blog!)

So, without further ado, I will share a series of photos of my process:

I am using the lovely Kuretake Water Colors-36 Color Set.

I also used an inexpensive size 6 round brush by Plaid.

A couple of things I noted about painting-

I usually painted left to right, but sometimes would paint right to left to change up my mark.

I varied the length of the painted mark, too.

It was difficult for me to paint in a straight line across the entire paper, so I had to do some course corrections here and there.

This process was quite meditative.

It was great to listen to music while I painted, as the painting itself didn't require much concentration. (Prince is always a good choice.)

 

I hope you find some time to play with watercolors this week!

Art is good for your health!

Blessings to you!

Briana