Showing posts with label zentangle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zentangle. Show all posts

For the Love of Pen Art

Just sharing some love of pen art today! One day last week, I had about a half-hour of computer-down time at work, and I made this little bird drawing. I left it for my co-worker who was on vacation, to spread some joy created during a time of complete technological frustration. Ha!

I had forgotten how therapeutic it was to just DRAW. Anything. Nothing. More leaves, fewer leaves. A bird? Sure. I loved the calming blue.

And that inspired me to complete a card-a-day. I cut them to artist-trading-card sizes (2.5" wide by 3.5" tall), particularly so I could store them in baseball-card sleeves in a binder. Much to my surprise, Ellie picked up this fun little exercise too and has been filling her own sleeves with painted and doodled cards. She's drawing all of the My Little Ponies. It's adorable. Pics to come on our Instagram account!

And, for more pen-art inspiration, check out Andrea Joseph's blog. I've shared it before, but it's worth sharing a million times! Every time I visit, I feel inspired to just sketch and draw. Her loose drawings seem so simple, but her composition is stellar, so her scenes are really interesting and fun! So, the goal is to fill my own sketch journal in the same way!

Some other things we're up to: teaching more classes at The Art Store. If you haven't already, follow their Facebook page (here), so you can be notified about upcoming classes, workshops, and doodle exercises!

Five Dandelions

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to unveil the next project I've been working on besides doodle paintings! I've created a beginner-level teaching guide that is now available in our Etsy shop for print purchase (here) or digital download (here)!

This workbook is free when you attend one of our relevant workshops!

Here's an excerpt:

Five Dandelions explores five different ways to capture a dandelion on paper! Brought to you by the artists at ArtSourceVT.com, this tutorial is presented at a beginner level and encourages you to express yourself in a fun, stress-free way that captures your unique style and story.

Which is your favorite dandelion style? Are you a stickler for inking details, or do you like to splash fluffy, yellow paint?

We hope you enjoy exploring some new techniques and learn a little about yourself in the process!

Thanks for drawing with us!
The ArtSourceVT Team


What's New, What's Next

Okay, there are SO many new things going on that I think I need a bulleted list. Prepare yourselves:
  • This weekend, May 23rd-24th is Vermont's Open Studio Weekend! This map (from the Vermont Crafts Council, here) shows all participating artists and the location of their amazing studios! I can't wait to visit some of my favorites, like Sweet Enemy Art (site here).
  • May 23, 11am-12:30pm at The Art Store, 409 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT. Come on in and see some Journal Jam demonstrations (more info here), and make your own pages for FREE! I'll provide all supplies including watercolor paper, OR bring your own journal! The Art Store has supplies to purchase as well, including journals!
  • Stay tuned this week for a new blogging schedule and new site content, right here, including daily journal updates (via our Instagram page, @artsourcevt), time-lapse tutorials, and inspiration from local artists.
  • This summer is all about nature art, in our beautiful state! We're going to fill our journals with field notes and nature finds. I promise I will try not to scream like a maniac when a beetle lands on my sleeve.
  • I got approved for a grant from the Vermont Arts Council to start a summer apprenticeship with Kristin Richland of Sweet Enemy Art (her site above). I can't wait to start -- hopefully in June, and I'll document my progress for ya'll to see!
What else? Any questions about what we do/who we are? Email me at artsourcevt@gmail.com, or contact me via Facebook!

Journal Jam!

I have two words that will entirely sum up why it's been sooo quiet over here at Art Source VT: Journal Jam!

ABOUT
For more information about what it is and what we do, check out our Journal Jam section (here).

SAVE THESE DATES!
  • Sat., April 11th, 10am-1pm
    Journal Jam will have a table at the BVT Moms Blog Swap and Shop event (event's Facebook page, here). Stop by and create a journal page by yourself or with your kiddos! We'll provide paper, (washable) watercolor paints, simple writing prompts, and doodle ideas/instruction!
    Where: The Schoolhouse; 8 Catkin Drive, South Burlington, VT
    Cost: FREE
  • Sat., May 2nd, 11am-2pm
    Journal Jam is leading a complete art-journaling workshop with art and writing prompts! You'll work with two instructors for the price of one! At this event, you can begin your art journaling journey! Need help finding your own creative voice? Learn basic techniques for artistic expression, document life moments, and celebrate all the beauty that is you! We'll create pages by blocking out text areas, splashing paint, and adding our own doodles and handwriting.
    Age: No experience required, geared toward teens and adults, appropriate for ages 10+.
    Where: Artists' Mediums; 300 Cornerstone Dr., Williston, VT
    Cost: $75, and check out our short supply list.

Tangle Tuesdays

Today, we're pulling some inspiration from this awesome doodle resource (Zainab Khan) to create some fun creatures and faces! I'll be leading a demonstration for our office!

Then, our office Zentanglers can tangle around the images. I'll post photos of our process via Instagram. Any questions about how to make your own? Just ask!


And We're Off!

So, believe it or not... I'm actually going away ALONE this weekend! Okay, not exactly, but you know what I mean... a little non-toddler time! Kim and I are going to the Breaking into Business program put on by the Vermont Arts Council! We leave tonight and come back on Sunday.

I expect lots of silliness and a little serious business talk too. We're also hoping to find time to visit Robert Frost's grave... will we make it there? You'll have to follow us on Instagram/Twitter to find out!

If you're following our Instagram feed, you'll know that we are busy updating our daily doodle calendar (#asvt2015calendar). That has been so fun! We're using @Tinkerlab's #tinkersketch list for prompts this month.

Also, stay tuned the weekends of the 21st and 28th as we attend a book-binding (by Kristen Watson) class AND an advanced version of the creature-drawing class, both at Artists' Medium in Williston! If you can, check out their site and join us!

PLUS, if you haven't yet donated to my Zentangle certification, please consider either donating, linking, sharing, or liking on Facebook! All those things help spread the word, even if you can't donate funds!

Until next week, happy creating!

Zentangle Certification

Hi, everyone! A few exciting things this last week!

First of all, I taught my first doodle class at work. It was a great experience, and I think we've inspired some new doodlers. I'm hoping to start an office doodle lunch group, starting tomorrow!

The Second most exciting thing going on is that... our local art store in Stowe has STUDIO SPACE! They rent it for a reasonable price, and I can start teaching doodling WHENEVER -- just have to work out a day and time. If you're interested in a doodle class, PLEASE let me know via Facebook, Twitter, the comment section below, via email (at artsourcevt@gmail.com) or flag me down on the street -- you wouldn't be the first person to do that!

This space also has FREE art time for adults AND kids! I'll keep you posted if you want to join us any day during free art time!

And the Third, MOST exciting thing is that, there is a need (or at least a serious want) for a local Zentangle teacher! To get certified to teach Zentangle, there is an April seminar that costs $1,985 (plus gas money to get to Providence, RI). It seems expensive, but it does include meals, hotel stay, and registration. Still, we just can't afford to do that right now, so I've started a GoFundMe Campaign (HERE).

I'm absolutely thrilled to make Zentangling a much bigger part of my life and to learn the "correct" method to do it! 

If you'd like to help me make this dream a reality, please donate to my campaign!

Creative Calendar

As we look ahead to 2015, our happy little family is vowing to be more creative! More time for creativity, less guilt about spending time on creative projects!

One way we're doing this is by making a Creative Calendar! I'm going to section out some pages in my planner or pick up a $1 notebook, and draw some squares for days! Then, each day, I'll spend 5-10 minutes filling that day with something pretty. Or ugly. It doesn't really matter. I just want to put pen (or paint) to paper!

http://marthalever.blogspot.com

You could even use your 2014 calendar, if you haven't thrown it away yet! Just doodle/paint/sketch over last year's days!

As usual, when I looked for ideas and inspiration for doodle and art calendars, I was completely overwhelmed with the options. So, if you want to join us, I recommend picking the easiest, most convenient, mobile option you can find! That's what I'm hoping to do!

I've collected a bunch of different options and some prompts on our Calendar Pinterest board (here).

And, if you do decide to join us and post your pics to Instagram, tag them #asvtcalendar2015! We'll share your work on our blog!

Now I need to go catch up from yesterday!

Happy New Year, artsy friends!


Free Art Books!

So, though I've had a Kindle forever, I just learned about Kindle Unlimited, and I'm hooked! I've basically promised my husband anything to keep this monthly service, as you can "check out" 10 free books at a time from the Kindle Unlimited library. The first 30 days are free (then $9.99/mo after).

In doing so, you have access to MANY great, free books! But, my favorites are, of course, the doodle and drawing ones! I then can reference them on my PC Kindle program, my real Kindle, or the Kindle app on my phone! I can carry them with me anywhere! Some of these books were on my Christmas wishlist, and they're great for reference! I think I'll keep the Whimsical Lettering book forever! So much inspiration in that book!

If you're NOT into signing up for Kindle Unlimited, most of these books will be an inexpensive addition to your digital library anyway!

Art Journaling
The Art of Whimsical Lettering
Art Journal Freedom
No Excuses Art Journaling
Raw Art Journaling
Inner Hero Creative Art Journal
Artist's Journal Workshop
Journal Spilling
The Journal Junkies Workshop
Art Journal Prompts & Points to Ponder
Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts
Dreaming from the Journal Page 

Doodling
Doodles of Life
Doodles Unleashed
Doodling in French
Doodleology
Draw What We Love 

Drawing
Drawing for the Absolute Beginner
Drawing Nature for the Absolute Beginner
Drawing Portraits for the Absolute Beginner
Drawing for Beginners
Making Faces
Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces
How to Draw Cool Stuff
Sketchbook Confidential
Creative Thursday: Everyday Inspiration 

Zentangle
Zen Doodle: Tons of Tangles
Zentangle Art for Beginners
How to Draw Zendoodle Art
The Zentangle Untangled Workbook
Zentangle for Beginners: Ultimate Guide
Learn Zentangle FAST
Zentangle Basics
Zentangle for Beginners: Relaxing with Zentangle 

Mixed Media
Artist Trading Card Workshop
The Mixed Media Artist: Tips, Tricks
Mixed Media Self Portraits
Mixed Media Revolution
Acrylic Techniques in Mixed Media
Creating Art at the Speed of Life: 30 Days of Exploration
Art at the Speed of Life: Motivation and Inspiration 

Other searches to try:
acrylics, collage, stamping, design, creative, crafts, paper crafts, painting, kids art, journaling, etc.!

Craft a Doodle

I'm really in love with this Craft a Doodle book by Jenny Doh. It has doodle exercises from some of my favorite artists in it, including Carla Sonheim! You can find it in most bookstores and on Amazon, of course (here)! To be honest, I went out in search of another creative illustration book and stumbled upon this one. And I love this one more!

The doodle prompts are fun, and I'm reminded that everyone is talented enough to do these doodles, including me! It just takes time and practice!

Though my day wasn't super exciting, I had fun trying out the Visual Diary prompt, at left, on Sunday!



Hidden Poems

I bought a few old books at the bookstore to do this with (and dollar store books!), but I haven't picked them up lately.

Now I'm feeling inspired by these Hidden Poems by artist Miriam Paternoster. She has a video tutorial on YouTube (here). Christmas-time project!



Tis the Season

It is awfully busy over here this time of year, as we're going for homemade gifts this holiday season! However, no one has claimed this one yet (perhaps because it's a little Halloweeny), so I can share it with you!

I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with my favorite zentangle patterns, stamps, and watercolors!


The funnest part about this piece? I had NO IDEA that the purple colored-pencil Ellie picked out at our local art store is actually a watercolor pencil! ...or, at least I think it is. When I painted over it with water, it dissolved into a beautiful, bright, purple pool! Surprise! 

Another not-so-welcome surprise? My favorite black Staedler pen ink does the same thing! It gave this piece a bit more of a wishy-washy watery look than I wanted, but ah well! Now I know that my black pen should only be used on top of the (dried) watercolors! Live and learn. Still having fun over here, and that's what matters!

Stay tuned for some more featured local artists this week!

Bike Tangle and Tutorial

Just another one to add to the portfolio! I created this after a few tutorial videos I posted last night! You can access them on my Instagram feed here!

A follower asked if I'd mind sharing my processes, and the answer is I NEVER mind! Art for me = fun. Please feel free to utilize, distribute, and copy any of my tutorials or free templates -- for personal or commercial use. If you have a question about how I've created anything or want me to put a query out to a local artist about their processes, I'm glad to!

I only ask that you don't take and sell my (or any other artist's) finished pieces. Haha! You know, normal ethical stuff. In all my years of blogging and having an online presence, I've never had an issue... I have fantastic online friends and followers! Xoxo!


Let's Get Serious!

I had a wonderful chat with Ashlee Rubenstein and Kim Gifford on Sunday about their artwork, at One Arts Collective, and I walked away with a healthy dose of inspiration to create some real pieces. Ashlee specifically related a story about slowly working through pieces, leaving them, going back to them, and I thought, "Hey! I can do that, too." Or, at least, "I can try some new projects, finish them right away, then re-work them or start over!"


I really love the idea of my recent chandelier doodle (see previous post). I like the contrast between the real objects interacting with a fantasy "world" or doodle. Now, I'm wondering if I can push it further and questioning what the watercolor lends to this style. I feel like I'm making real artist assessments and decisions, critiquing my own work. I never do that. Sure, there's something to be said for just creative doodle time, but I'd like it to eventually lead somewhere, to some finished pieces. So, these are my first attempts! I think I still have a ways to go, but the concept is there!

Other Stuff
--Stay tuned this week/weekend for separate feature-artist posts about Kim and Ashlee! They're two of my favorite local artists!
--A few of you wrote to me asking how I made this piece/the watercolor background. I'll post a video tonight, probably a quick tutorial via Instagram. Thanks for the feedback!

My Top 10 Art Journaling Instagram Accounts

Here are some of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram that post art journal pages!

Follow them!!

Specifically, this account (@artjournals) features other great art journal artists!

It's included in my Top 10!
  1. ArtJournals
  2. KCDoodleArt
  3. CourtneyWhite
  4. Teoleto
  5. Dana84c
  6. ImFeelingCraftyToday
  7. JaxScraps
  8. Ebleaman
  9. AnneLaureJacquArt
  10. TerriKahrs
 

Zentangle Letter E

I had fun tangling this letter E last night! I've been grabbing some of our old messy paper to play with!

I love this pattern and use it SO much. Here's a link to a variation of it.



If you're really enjoying our letter series and looking for other lettering ideas, check out our Lettering Board on Pinterest, and share your work with us via #kasvtgallery on Instagram! Your images will appear in Our Gallery.

As December approaches, E and are going to be going to our Winter Holiday Board for ideas about projects to try. We'll share our Pinterest successes and failures with you! Come on, winter! I'm really looking forward to trying this one from Debbie's Resource Cupboard!


Lettering and Journaling

This blog post by Kristal Norton shows so many different applications for lettering in journaling, and I love that the letters aren't always super-polished, that some some are pasted in from found text.

These types of pages can so easily be created with your child, too! Let your toddler paint or cut pictures out of magazines to paste into a collage. Doodle/Tangle around their artwork, and add your own quotes!

Notice how, in the last photo, this artist has folded the paper around the outside of the pages -- so pretty on the outside of the journal! Time to dig out an old Moleskine!

My favorite pages from Kristal's blog post are by an artist named Jenn Olson (her site here):

 



Free Drawing Template - Owl

I'm creating a series of free drawing templates to use for tangling, tracing, coloring, whatever! They're grayed-out images that you can trace over and change however you wish!

Download The Template PDF Here

*Print setting should be set to "Actual Size" to cut out and fit into your journal.

These templates are 100% free, and you can cut off the KASVT logo to use the image in your artwork, for personal or commercial use -- no need to credit us!

I only ask that, if you redistribute the digital file itself, that you do not crop the logo -- just so others can find their way back to the site to check out other free templates, to be posted in the near future! Happy Drawing!


Tangled Haunted House

I think I like Elle's Spooky House more... the dark colors, the flutter of fall leaves, but here is the tangled/doodled one I did this week!