My Signature Whimsy Woman Finished Look

So this is my Whimsy Woman Signature look. I love the color combinations of the pinks, blues, and purples that radiate throughout the piece. To read the tutorial, click here. 

Whimsy Women

So the past few days I have been practicing whimsical facial features from the eyes, to the nose, the mouth, and even hair textures and patterns. Through practicing these I have developed a signature look that is called my Whimsy Woman. I suggest that you to get a small journal and practice the features and draw a face a day. Through this you too will develop a Whimsy Woman Signature Look that can be used throughout you mixed media works, drawings, artist trading cards, and more.

The first step is simple. Grab a pencil (any pencil) and begin to draw. I chose a journal that was small enough to fit into a purse and take on the go. The start practicing your features until you hit the one that you can draw over and over but still be in love with. For me, the eyes had these extended circle lashes and curly Q's at the end that became the look I loved. While the nose was a swirl in its own. But for the lips, I liked the pointy edges and filled in depth that those give. This is the signature Whimsy Woman that I call my own. So once you have your key features down, start by drawing a face a day. The faces can be as in much detail or as little as you prefer. I went and decided to draw it in a normal pencil and more. So once you have your basic face drawn... 

...You can decide if you want to continue from there to add more or just simply seal it with fixatif. For me, I went and used three pens: micron 05, fine sharpie, and an ultra fine sharpie. Here I added more detail to the hair while adding more depth to the facial features. Also, I began adding wispy lines throughout the hair for added effect. 

The last step in my Whimsy Woman was to color her. For mixed media works this can be done in anything from paints to pastels or more. For this girl I choose my Prismacolor Color Pencils 24 pack because it was just enough colors to work with and blend. Plus, this gives added effect to the girl. In the journal you choose is also where you can try out color combinations for pieces you are working on and going to incorporate a Whimsy Woman into. This journal is just for practice so have fun and jump outside the box a lot. You want to experiment with facial features, hair, texture, and COLOR. Enjoy what you can create with these woman. Add doodles, words and more. Just feel free to art now. 

Fairy Mixed Media Trading Card

This is my fairy mixed media trading card that was inspired by the colors blue and green. For a tutorial, click here. 

Fairy Mixed Media Trading Card

I'm back with another project inspired by my last post, mini projects. This is a mixed media mini project done on an artist trading card. I like the idea of making miniature pieces of work that can be easily traded with other artists, and store. These miniature pieces of work can be collected in a binder and later used as inspiration for pieces of work of your own. So let's get started. 

The first step of this project was to take an artist trading card, any brand is fine, and create a background using watercolors. I started out with a Strathmore Textured trading card and an inexpensive set of watercolors. I began laying down different shades of blues and greens. I figured these colors would allow for more creation and inspiration as I went on with the work. When you are done laying down your color, let the work dry or use a heat gun to dry it. If the paper warps, paint the back with just water and let it dry again. This should make it mostly flat.  

This step I used my Prismacolor Watercolor Pencils 36 pack. From this pack  I chose to use Grass Green and True Blue to intensify the border and add depth to the piece. This part of the project will also have to dry before moving on. What ever color you used on your piece, choose darker variations of your pencils to create the border with. Don't worry about messy colors or runny colors, this will be painted over again.  

Now that your pencils have dried, I decided to use Twinks to add color and sparkle to the page. Again, use colors slightly darker or even brighter than before to bring out the depth of the piece. The center should be a light highlight to the piece. For the Twinks, I used Lemongrass, Moss Agate, and Mediterranean Blue. Add water to the paints and then paint with them. Let this dry or use a heat gun here also.  

At this point I chose an image that I felt fit the colors perfectly, a fairy. Choose any image you would like and transfer it lightly onto the page. I used a printed image, scribbled all over the back in pencil, and placed this over the trading card. Then I traced over the fairy. Lifting up the paper, the image was transferred. How ever you prefer to transfer images is fine, this was my preferred method. 

Next, outline your image with a black micro or ultra fine tip sharpie. Watch to make sure all lines are drawn in. I chose to draw the whole fairy, but as inspiration kicked in, you'll see why you only need to outline the image. 

This is why I said only to outline the image. I jumped into the groove of things and decided to fill in my fairy with Titanium White acrylic paint. This needed to be done with a very fine tip brush. Make sure to cover the entire body of the fairy (excluding the wings) with the white so little to no background color shows through. Let this color dry or use a heat gun to speed up the process. 

Now re-outline the image with black sharpie. Here is where I begin to fill in the wings. I went back and searched through a pile of Twinks and found the perfect color. This color is called Iridescent Blue and does what it says, as you move the image the blue appears and disappears based upon the light it reflects. I found this the perfect color because it allows for the transparency I wanted in the wings. 

  

Now was the time to decide what to do about the body, so I looked through more Twinks and found an Iridescent Gold. This was the perfect color because it kept most of the white and left a gold flicker on the body. When I finished painting the body and the wings, I let them dry. Then I when back over the black again with a sharpie to redefine the lines. But then I found an Iridescent Green, that color was perfect for the background, adding just the right amount of shimmer in the light. So I added this color, let it dry again, and then continued. 

So then I went back to my Prismacolor, except this time they were just the plain old colored pencils. In the pack I received, there was a bonus art stick (mine was in blue obviously) so I decided to use it because it was the perfect color. I love the idea of a border around a piece of work, so this is what I used this for. The texture and color came through wonderfully. 

Then I decided to open my new Royal Langnickel pastel pencils and sticks. With these pastels, I added a bit more blue and green to the border and shaded this in. Then I took a very bright green and added this to the back ground and shaded in for a bit more color variation. Lastly, I took the light blue pastel and lined the outer edges of the wings with it and blended in. And then used the dark blue at the tips of the wings and blended in. I love the look this gave to the wings and the dimension it created. 

  

The last thing I did was decided on a word that described my piece of work: imagine. Then I added a little dragon fly off of it. This was done with the ultra fine tip sharpie and a micron. Then I used a Gelly Roll in Clear Star to outline the word, the dragon fly, the fairy, and put a border line around the entire work. Then I sprayed the piece with Krylon Workable Fixatift and let dry. 

To finish off an artist trading card, when the piece is dry and has had time to set, turn the card over and sign it, add your contact information or even business information if you own a business. If the card still tends to warp instead of staying flat, place it under a book, or between pages of a book. Hope you enjoyed this project. 

Mini Projects

So I was at an art store yesterday picking up a few things and then at home going through my already owned art supplies when I came across three items that I thought would be great to mention. I am in the process of a project that will be posted within the next few days but before that, I thought I would share my idea of mini projects. These mini project ideas are great for those short for time, on the go, or even just looking to spark a new idea on a smaller canvas. So let's get started on mini projects. 

The first mini project idea I came across was the easel and canvas that fits into your hand. These mini canvases are great for quick, simple projects and can be displayed almost anywhere on their easels. I love to create on these pieces and place them in spots where art would not normally fit. These canvases can be mixed media or just paint, so let your imagination flow with them! 

The second mini project I came across was something I have wanted to try out for so long, the artist trading card. I bought these textured cards at a stamping show a few years back but just have not found the time to use them. These cards come in many styles of paper from textured, to Bristol, even watercolor and more! Discover your self and use your imagination on the front, but don't forget to sign it on the back. If you ever go to a stamp show or probably any kind of art show, you can trade artist trading cards. A good way to store them if you begin to trade them is in a binder with those baseball card protector sheets. Good Luck!  

Last but not least, the third mini project I discovered while at the craft store; it was a mini mixed media journal. This company has three different types of paper: watercolor, mixed media, and Bristol. But this little pad I bought was the watercolor paper because the thickness was wonderful. Here I can make a teeny tiny mixed media piece with watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, inks, and more with knowing the paper won't warp too much. If the paper does warp, try placing it under a heavy book for a few hours to a day or so. This particular journal is 3.5 inches by 5 inches. 

So these where ideas form mini projects and the kinds of materials that are out there for such projects. These can be bough online or at special art stores such as Dick Blick or Jerry's Artarama. Good luck on your projects and enjoy. 

Journal Page with Zentangle ®

I particularly love this page and can't wait to try this again with different tangles and colors. Maybe this would look even better with some gesso and added dimension with colored pencils and pastels. We will see though.

Update: So I decided to work on this piece a bit more tonight and have loved what has come of it. For the rest of the detail I used water color crayons and normal colored pencils. I first used the water color crayons and a water brush to add color where I saw fit. This color was used to add dimension and interest to the piece. I focused mainly on the floral elements of the work for color. Then I went back with colored pencil and filled in where color needed to be increased. In the flower I used a darker purple to add more dimension to the petals. The swirls were colored over in yellow to give them a glowy feel. Then I went over the stem of the leaf floral with red to deepen the black color and add more color into the piece. To finish off, I used a dark blue and a purple pencil to add a simple boarder around the piece to symbolize its completion. The last thing that could be added to this work is journaling, which will probably come with time.

Practice Piece

Zentangle ® in an Art Journal

So I have been 'art journaling' and decided that I would incorporate tangling with my journal. For this journal page I have used thick watercolor paper to help prevent as much warping of the paper as possible. The water color paper is a different texture than the paper that would be used to tangle so instead of using a micron for this journal, it is easier to use an ultra fine sharpie and a fine sharpie. These two pens will allow more pigment and less holes in the color. Also used for this journal page where water colors. I used a inexpensive pack of water colors bought at Michael's Craft Store for this. For the water color application, you can use a brush and cup of water or a water brush. For more pigmentation use less water and for a sheer color use more water. Lastly, I used a heat gun to speed up the drying process but if desired you can just let the paper dry normally.  

Step One: The first step is to simply take your journal page, your water colors, and your brush and design a simple background. I just used purples and pinks very lightly to create a simple base for my tangle. Pick your favorite color and role with it.  

Step Two: For this step I decided to start with a flower before adding my tangles. I love the shape of this flower and have just been waiting to try it on a page. Also, at this point you should already be thinking about what you would like to have on the page. Draw in some 'strings' for your designs a and make sure to leave enough room to journal later. 

Step Three: Here I have just started to to add my tangles into the page. This tangle was named corn rows but as I was flipping through a book of designs and then picking the one I wanted, I did not fully look at the design. So this pattern is a bit different than it should be, but I still love it on this page. I also added leaves to my flower stem. I wanted the added interest and design to the tangle. 

Step Four: At this point I have added a second tangle, this one was called All About V. I loved this tangle but prefer to change it into a more flower shape. Here is where I added swirls and bubbles. I suggest taking the basic form of a tangle but reforming it into a design that fits for your personal taste, style and color. 

Step Five: Here I forgot to take a picture between tangles so I will be talking about the two I have added. The first one I added was on the top. I decided on this tangle because it is more visually impacting like the first tangle I chose. I liked the difference between gentle, soft tangles verses more dramatic designs. This design was where the thicker sharpie came in handy. The next design was just of leafs. I felt this design worked well between the floral shapes. It gave a gentleness to the space while giving a beautiful transition into a journaling page. Looking at the picture below, this is where I added my own design in by adding the bubbles into the stem and coloring the negative space. I loved the idea and look of this. 

Step Six: The last step of this page was to take a pencil (a normal pencil will work fine) and a smudge tool or your finger and blend in some shading. The shading should be simple but add depth and dimension into the piece. Looking at the larger picture it is more noticeable the space that was left for journaling or other kinds or work that you would like to incorporate into the design. For now, I will be leaving this alone and thinking of what to put in the blank space. 

I hope this post was helpful into how to incorporate tangling into your art journaling. As added information, if you wish you can start a multimedia journal page and add more to the page using tools such as water color pencils/crayons, crayons, colored pencils, pastels, and more. Try even collages around or underneath your tangles. Lastly, if you do add pencil into your work and want to preserve it remember to seal it with something such as Krylon Workable Fixatif.  

How to Zentangle ®

So I am back and here is a how to. This is how I prefer to tangle ® so here are the steps I use and what I use for my mini-projects. 


Tools: The tools I use are a micron for the very fine lines and a sharpie for the fill-in parts. I find these two pens work wonderfully together for this type of work. I also have a thick paper template I made that is just a square of 3.5 inch by 3.5 inch paper. This helps me locate where my four beginning points should be. Lastly, you will need a pencil. I prefer a 3B pencil and using my fingers to smudge but it is up to you. (Oh, and I also use the internet for ideas on patterns/tangles ®.) 


Steps: So let's get started! 

Step One: Start with your pencil and your template. Mark out four points that are your four corners. At these four corners, connect them in a simple fashion to form a square. 

Step Two: Now, still using your pencil, lightly draw in what is called a "string". This can be any shape that separates the square into sections. I like to add a box along the edge of the border for my initials. This is optional.

 Step Three: Next, I take my micron and sharpie to outline the pencil drawing. I use my sharpie for the "string" and my micron for the rest. Then I add my initials in. I believe this creates a cleaner look for the finished product.

Step Four: Choose a pattern for a section of the project. I started with the top section and chose a zebra print. I find all of my patterns at Zentangle.com or tanglepatterns.com. Below is a diagram and explanation as to how this pattern can be created. 

Step Five: Continue to choose patterns for this project. This time I am using the bottom section and I choose the bead lines pattern. The directions are below. For this pattern, more or less lines can be added in. 

Step Six: This is the last pattern I added into this piece of work. Here I choose a simple pattern that would leave space for journaling or just the effect. This pattern is called Queen's Crown and directions are below. I particularly love this pattern for my designs. 

  
Step Seven: Lastly, it is time to grab the pencil again. This time it is used for shading around the patterns to add depth and dimension. Try not to add too much shading as to not overwhelm the piece. After I am done with shading I prefer to use Workable Fixatif  by Krylon. This will seal the pencil so that it does not smudge afterwards. 

So this is how I tangle ® and what I like to use when drawing. These are wonderful projects that can be done in as little as fifteen minutes. For more information visit Zentangle.com or tanglepatterns.com.

The Zentangle ® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted. Zentangle ® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com. I am not a Certified Zentangle ® Teacher, I am just trying to share my experiences with the method.  

Zentangle ® Template

Okay, so to start today off I have come up with a template that works create so explaining how tangles ®  can be recreated. Please feel free to use the template, but do not change it.

The Zentangle ® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted. Zentangle ® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com. I am not a Certified Zentangle ® Teacher, I am just trying to share my experiences with the method. 

Just the beginning...

I just recently began the journey of art journaling and have fallen in love. So this site is to express my art, we will see how this goes. It is a start though. So throughout my journey of art journaling and learning new techniques, here will be my experiences. Hope this will go well and got any advise please feel free to let me know.

The Zentangle ® art form and method was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas and is copyrighted. Zentangle ® is a registered trademark of Zentangle, Inc. Learn more at zentangle.com. I am not a Certified Zentangle ® Teacher, I am just trying to share my experiences with the method.