This is an abstract I’m working on. I have a long way to go I admit. I started this piece as an experiment, so I’m not afraid to ruin it! The surprise will be at the end when it doesn’t look like anything I have shown you.
With a studio full of supplies, and more coming in each day. More supplies mean more projects, and more projects means I’m more productive right?
Wrong!
I’m a terrible artist! It’s been so hot here that even with air conditioning, I still can’t get anything done. My studio is stuffy, and hot even though I have a vent for air conditioning, it doesn’t do much to keep it cool in here.
Recently I purchased three deep canvases…..to go along with the twenty new canvases I already have sitting waiting for me to be inspired. I’m an artist, I can’t pass up a deal!
One of the things I struggle with is printing a transfer. My printers never seem to be able to handle the thin paper going through the print process without jamming it up. I have a friend who tapes the top, and about 2/3 down on the sides, and she doesn’t have a problem with it. She uses a HP printer, and maybe the brand of printer makes a difference. However, I have changed printers, always looking for one that will do all the little tasks an artist could ask of it, and after about four printers, I still haven’t found a printer without its own mind!
The first video may solve that problem for me, and for any of you who might use this technique. I usually journal when on vacation, but I do mixed media, and this is perfect for adding interest here and there in my work.
Another way to do the same thing with a little bit of a twist. Maybe one of you might want to use a different way to get the same result.
The third technique, I never thought of, but it caught my attention because I do love to make cards. I love being able to give a personal card to a friend or family member. For me, the cards in the store are so impersonal, and every time I have to buy one, I cringe. We all know sometimes that has to happen, but I really do prefer to make my own cards.
I hope you enjoy these three videos, just maybe you can find a reason to use one of them, or even modify to your own needs.
Maybe one of them will trigger your imagination, and something unexpected will happen!
Adult coloring books have become more popular than ever for their stress-relieving abilities, but how could that be?
We’ve talked about the benefits of Zentangles, and Doodles, but I’ve never really talked about Adult Coloring Books. Hold on……these aren’t the kind of “Adult Books” you might think, they are coloring books even your kids could color in. It is amazing how relaxing coloring is, and the entire family can do this together on a night that is set aside just for family activities!
I have frequently written posts about how doodling, or Zentangling can relieve pain, so can coloring. It could be that it takes us back to a time that was less stressful….our childhood. It could also be that we get lost in making sure we color inside the lines, and it looks perfect as if we were six or seven years old. Inside the lines is an activity that is extremely distasteful to me, so in any other circumstances I would never color inside the lines. But in this case, I’ll be good, and do it properly!
Whatever it is, all three of these activities will provide us with relaxation, pain relief, stress relief, and much more. I just heard that it also helps insomnia, I’ll have to try that.
One more thing, I didn’t post this for a holiday gift, but a nice coloring book, with some colored pencils, or markers would be a fabulous gift for a friend or family member who is constantly stressed out, or maybe a friend or family member that isn’t stressed would have fun with them also. Remember coloring is a great pain-reliever, stress reducer, it’s good for all ages, and some say it’s a way of meditating.
I always wonder if I have cleaned my oil color brushes enough. So far I’ve been ok, but knowing how to prevent the loss of a good brush is important to me!
This short video is done by Darrell Crow from YouTube. I never tried cleaning my oil brushes in baby oil, I use Murphy’s Oil Soap.
Old as Dirt and Proud of it! 
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