In the Studio This Week – Artist’s Block, Spring Cleaning, and a Mermaid
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In the Studio This Week – Artist’s Block, Spring Cleaning, and a Mermaid

In the studio this week, I suffered from artist’s block. I’ve been feeling less than motivated for a few weeks. I took a break from painting for a few days and focused on some Spring cleaning and organization. Oh! I did manage to squeak out a mixed media painting of a mermaid keeping with the…

In the Studio This Week – A Horse, An Octopus, and A Birdhouse
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In the Studio This Week – A Horse, An Octopus, and A Birdhouse

In the studio this Week I finally felt better after the short illness and feel a little more motivated. I went on to finish the horse painting I had nearly completed before being hit with the bug. The next lesson in the Mastery Program directed the use of metal leaf as a mixed media tool,…

In the Studio This Week – Not Much to Write Home About
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In the Studio This Week – Not Much to Write Home About

I don’t have much to write home about this week. I caught something and don’t feel up to par. I did manage to squeak out a monochrome pencil portrait from Kaleidoscope 2023 and started on a mixed media painting from The Mastery Program.  So far, I’ve managed to keep on track with The Mastery Program…

In the Studio This Week – A Magical Equine and Gesture Drawings and Self-Doubt
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In the Studio This Week – A Magical Equine and Gesture Drawings and Self-Doubt

In the studio this week, I focused exclusively on the Milan Art Institute lessons as I’m trying to get ahead of the syllabus schedule. That and all the little life annoyances that have recently cropped up in my life. I had some ups and downs both in my artistic growth and my personal challenges. The…

In the Studio – Wonky Portrait, UFOs, and a Duck
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In the Studio – Wonky Portrait, UFOs, and a Duck

This week I will share the results of my efforts in creating a wonky portrait, a UFO (unfinished object), and a duck! In addition to taking the Kaleidoscope 2023 course starting in August, I decided to sign up for Milan Art Institute’s Mastery Program. It claims to be able to turn someone (me) into a…

Using Triadic and Complimentary Colors in the Studio
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Using Triadic and Complimentary Colors in the Studio

Being an overachiever (hah!), I finished the August lessons from Kaleidoscope 2023 ahead of schedule. I did two mixed media paintings following the triadic color scheme. The triadic color scheme consists of three colors separated by three spaces on the color wheel. I then tried to do a 30-minute portrait using a complimentary color scheme…

Watercolor Week in the Studio
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Watercolor Week in the Studio

This week I dove into the Kaleidoscope 2023 lessons and actually created paintings! They were done primarily with watercolors. I have had a love/hate relationship with watercolors. I love the transparent effect they render. I love the fact that watercolors are easily transported and clean up with just soap and water. I also love that…

In My Studio This Week – How to Create a Bold Mixed-Media Portrait
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In My Studio This Week – How to Create a Bold Mixed-Media Portrait

This week I’m inviting you into my studio for a follow-up from my last post. This time I’m going to show you how to create a bold mixed media portrait. This version will use the self-portrait created last week to further explore color theory. 1. Gather your materials Use the same portrait you created last…

The Vagabond Artist is Almost Home – Travel and Art Journal Practices
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The Vagabond Artist is Almost Home – Travel and Art Journal Practices

This post serves as an update of my journey and how I’ve been able to incorporate travel and art journal practices while on the road. More Exploring of Oro Valley, Arizona Honey Bee Trail Within walking distance of our rental house is an amazing trail that winds through Honey Bee Canyon.  On one side of…

In the Studio This Week – Creative Slump, Mixed Media Portrait, and Metal Leaf
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In the Studio This Week – Creative Slump, Mixed Media Portrait, and Metal Leaf

In the studio this week, I spent most of the time working on several layers to develop a mixed media portrait. This will be the first in a series in what I hope will define my artistic voice. I have been in a creative slump! I also visited the Tempe Festival of the Arts and…

In the Studio This Week – Abstracts and Dreams
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In the Studio This Week – Abstracts and Dreams

In the studio this week, I ventured into the world of abstracts. I found the process freeing and frustrating. It’s difficult for me to paint without a model or reference photo. I also ventured into tapping into my dreams for creative inspiration. The jury’s still out on whether my dreams were worked for me or…

In the Studio This Week – Portraits, Spray Paint, and Collage
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In the Studio This Week – Portraits, Spray Paint, and Collage

In the studio this week, I worked on finishing the portrait from last week. I named her “Greta Grunge.” My husband thinks she looks like Eliza Doolittle from “My Fair Lady.” I then ventured into using spray paint and deriving an image out of the mess. Finally, I started on another portrait, this time using…