Spring is here! That means it is time for fancy, floral hats boxes! :) This is a common color palette for me, but it is very cheery after a long, cold winter. I started with my colored pencils, then added the oil pastels. It always amazes me how creamy and vibrant they are! There is a video at the end of the post, as well as a surface pattern design that I created with this little painting. ... View the Post
Bread Machine Cranberry Loaf & VIDEO
I love using my bread machine to knead for me, but it is also great for baking. My oven is then freed up for other things (though, it caught on fire in March) :). My last bread machine pan died, so fortunately I had a new one "waiting in the wings", so to speak. This cranberry bread is great with a bit of butter, but it makes amazing turkey sandwiches, too! You could also use the dough cycle, then make wee rolls for a brunch buffet. Check out the VIDEO! ... View the Post
Oil Pastel Fan Painting & Short Video
Sometimes in my art journal, I paint random things that ending up being great in a surface pattern design. I have a short video at the end of this post. I remember one Christmas, my daughter asked for a fancy fan as a gift. I was thinking of that sweet memory, and it was the inspiration for this little painting. I am using mostly Mont Marte oil pastels with a few of my favorites from Mungyo Gallery. I added finishing touches using Sennelier's iridescent oil pastels. They sparkle! You can ... View the Post
Oil Pastel Chicken Painting
We love our little chicken flock. Not only are the eggs amazing, but it is fun to watch their little personalities interact with each other. Chicken breeds are so varied in colors, shapes, and sizes, making them great fun to paint! I started with colored pencils to block in color and define the drawing before layering on the oil pastels. The following pictures show some of the steps. There is also a short video to enjoy. I have created fabric at Spoonflower as well! Layering on ... View the Post
Oil Pastel Seascape Boat Painting
I love the sea. The vast beauty in its calmness, as well as during the storms, is something to behold. I love the sound of waves and the way the sun and moon reflect on the water. The sea is the perfect inspiration to paint! I've chosen some fun colors for the sky and love the calming effect. Creamy and textural oil pastels are perfect for landscapes! Blend them, or leave them a bit chunky for elements like sea foam on the waves. ... View the Post
Art Journal Colored Pencil Houses & VIDEO
Art journals are a great way to de-stress, try new ideas, and get to know your art supplies. I have pictures below of a brainstorming session that turned into some fun houses. Ever since I was little, I've had a fascination with houses and architecture. I think of it as practical art. :) It is sad that in modern times, buildings are often built with little personality (and some are just plain ugly). It can be demoralizing. People work better with beauty around them. I used my Prismacolor ... View the Post