Inspired by Karen O'Brien

I'm still plugging away, working my way through Karen O'Brien's inspirational book Imaginary Characters.  Here is my latest technique driven character.

I might add some other touches to her later.  I hope you get a chance to check out Karen's book, it is really fun to challenge yourself with new techniques.  All of my work is done in a small 5.5" by 8.5" Mixed Media notebook so each drawing is not overwhelming not to mention the notebook is portable, it fits right in my purse.
I hope you're having a colorful day!  Thanks so much for stopping by, leave a comment if you can.  It's always fun to hear what you think and what YOU are working on at the moment.  Hugs ~ Renee

Supplies used:  Gesso, Peerless Water Colors, Artistcellar Sea Foam stencil, Stabilo Pencil, StazOn Jet Black ink & Stampers Anonymous stamp, water brush, Strathmore Mixed Media notebook

A Coloring class/party at my house! Plus the new Coloring Studio Summer Book is out!!

Now that we are a little more settled in here (not totally but almost) I decided it was time to have a coloring book party at my house.  A new friend of mine is organizing a craft party once a month encouraging others to teach something crafty that they think the group might enjoy.  What better thing to introduce than the new coloring book craze and different mediums that can be used.  It is also fun to share interesting ways to enhance the finished pages using stencils, etc. for the backgrounds.  If you are thinking of hosting a party like this you can see how simple it can be and still be an amazing experience for everyone.  WARNING!  Lots of photos to follow, bring the appropriate drink if you choose to continue.

We colored the owl page by artist Crystal Brashear found on page 65 in the Summer Edition of The Coloring Studio published by Somerset Studio

There were 25 people here and I just set up card tables since my dining tables can't handle that many.  I set out crayons, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, chalks, Distress Markers, Memento Markers, cotton balls, Q-tips and desserts.  I made an easy, simplified version of a Strawberry Trifle (my thanks to Pinterest for the recipe) and other light goodies, along with coffee, soft drinks and of course, ice tea, this is the South after all.

Assorted cookies, banana bread, light cake slices with frosting and Strawberry Trifle just set out on a self serve buffet table

The majority of the ladies had never done any type of art like this before, a few already love coloring books and were happy to see new techniques that they can easily use.  The youngest girls present were about 13 and the oldest ones were in their 80's, with quite a few ages in between.  We colored for about 3 hours and just enjoyed getting to know one another.  It was so fun!  I'd love to share some of their delightful art with you. So many were talking about framing their pages, that makes my heart glad.

I'd love to see this one completed.  Isn't it AMAZING?!
Obviously not her first rodeo.

I hope you enjoyed having a sneak peek at the party showcasing the new coloring book and just one of its amazing pages.  I am delighted to say that I do have a project in the book too.  It is always a privilege to be featured in any Stampington publication.  My article is on pages 98-100 and looks like this:

Sorry for such a long post.  Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you are coloring too.
Hugs ~ Renee

Enhanced Coloring Book Page ~ Inquisitive Owl 3

This is another example of what to do with a coloring book page.  I call this one the Starry Night Inquisitive Owl.  Here's a list of the products I used:

Supplies Used:

Pan Pastels

Tim Holtz Distress Crayons

Stamps:  Stampendous, Stampers Anonymous

Creative Medium iridescent Chartreuse paste by Imagine Craft

White gesso

Stencils:  Artistcellar Aspens & Stars

StazOn Jet Black ink

I enjoy coloring so much I developed a class showing how to color pages and enhance them turning them into small pieces of art.  I already have two classes scheduled locally.   Doesn't that sound like fun?  Photos to follow, one this month and another in June.  :-)  I hope you're having a great day!  Hugs ~ Renee

Just Swap Art! ~ a brand new craft magazine

I just received the first issue of the newest craft magazine called Just Swap Art!  This magazine focuses on ATCs, Tags, Inchies and Twinchies, all the types of art that are often traded amongst friends.  What a fun magazine!  It is loaded with pages of these tiny creations, each one a true piece of art.  Here's what the cover looks like (one of my art friends work is published on the cover, congrats to Marjie Kemper).

I was fortunate to have seven pages of my work published, over 20 individual pieces.  Here's one of my faves:

This is another example of some of my ATCs.  There is some digi art included by artist Julie Lee.  She makes some adorable characters available to print from her online store.

If you are interested in submitting to the next issue here is the email address to get information on the submission deadlines:  KHerrold@scottpublications.com.  Kelly Herrold is the editor and will answer any questions you might have.  The beauty of submitting to any of the "Just" series of magazines is that you do not have to mail in your original artwork, a photograph just needs to be emailed to them.  Easy peasy!

Thanks so much for stopping by and allowing me to share my excitement with you all.  I hope you're having a great week, take care ~ hugs ~ Renee