In the Studio This Week – Distractions and Some Mixed Media Work
In the studio this week is a misnomer. I wasn’t in the studio very much at all due to the New Year’s distractions. I did start the second painting with Mark Making from the Mastery Program. I also managed to play a little with watercolor and painted an owl.
Mixed Media Piece
I started another mixed media piece from week 19 of The Mastery Program. I had done one previously and felt I just didn’t grasp the concept. The process is to pick a source, draw it on watercolor paper, and then use a variety of mark-making implements. I used water-soluble graphite and paint pens to scribble over the drawing, keeping in mind that these would possibly show in the final painting.
Kind of ugly, isn’t it?
After sealing the marks with a fixative, the next step was to apply washes using transparent acrylic paint.
Then I used transparent acrylic paint to bring slightly more intense color to the face and features.
I felt the background was too pale, so I added more transparent washes. I’m letting this dray and next will be the opaque layers and possibly oil paint. Stay tuned next week for the result.
Mixed Media Owl
I follow both Amber Kuileimailani Bonnici of Women Unleashed and Tamara (Tam) LaPorte of Willowing. Amber has been hosting a retreat for the new year and Tam is one of the guest instructors. I highly recommend checking out their websites and you can still join the retreat at the link below:
Tam’s lesson was a cute little mixed media owl done primarily with watercolor. I like to challenge myself to use watercolor more frequently so I can feel more comfortable with its unique properties. I also have a penchant for owls so I felt compelled to squeeze this in despite the holiday distractions.
Takeaways
The new year is always a time to reflect on the past year and plan ahead. I don’t go overboard with resolutions, but I do like to have a big picture of what I want to accomplish in the coming year. Finishing the Mastery Program with a marketable artist’s portfolio is my number one goal for 2024. What about you? Do you make resolutions? Do you adopt a word for the year to keep on track? I’m a big believer in using whatever tools work best for you to grow as a creative human being. Much love to you all….
