Halloween Challenge Art-a-thon

Heart & Skull Mandala

I participated in the ATCforAll.com Halloween Challenge Hunt Art-a-thon last week.  Lots of fun creating art and completing tasks in the challenge.  I only wish I had more time to play.  

I did a little collage and a little drawing.  I only finished 3 cards,  but had a good time.

Purple House

This last card was made for a challenge of telling a story to go with the card.   Below is the story:

Have S'more!

The young camper had just toasted his marshmallow in the flames of the crackling campfire. He noticed a strange mist descending on his campsite as he finished making his smore (sweet treat made by sandwiching a toasted marshmallow and chocolate between two graham crackers). As he eagerly bit into the tasty treat, he heard a tiny scream "Noooo!"

Seems that the strange mist had brought the marshmallow to life. Soon the young camper was the one screaming "Noooo!", as the remaining marshmallows attacked and smothered him.

Happy Halloween!

👻

Sketchbook Revival Revisited

 

A few of the Sketchbook Revival videos have been re-released for use.  This is my art from the "Free and Fun Withered Sunflower" workshop with Ildiko Karsay.  

I started with suggested Indian ink pens to doodle my sunflower.  I used watercolors to paint my sunflower.  I then used texture plates and colored pencils to color around my sunflower.  I did this in my Magilla notebook.  Just regular cheap ruled notebook paper.  

I had fun with the project.  Just happy to have a little art time to enjoy this morning!

Sketchbook Revival Binge Fest

collage in my "Magilla" notebook

Sketchbook Revival Binge Fest is on!  As I have a little time off work, I am trying to find free time to enjoy as many art lessons as I am able.  This collage was created by following along with the video lesson "Tell Me About My Dreaming Child" with Rakefet Hadar.  

I worked in my "Magilla" notebook, which is a basic ruled notebook (no special paper).  I used acrylic paints, printed scrapbook papers, an Indian ink pen, and a bit of stamped text.

This was a fun and inspiring exercise.  I hope to enjoy more workshops as time permits.  Sketchbook Revival Binge Fest is open for 12 more days.
 

Catching Up

I participated in an art-a-thon at ATCsforall.com last week.  I created and traded 6 pieces - a mix of drawing, coloring, collage, and stamping.  It's always fun to make art and have fun with friends.

"Buzz Buzz" ATC coin collage printed paper with stamping and glitter gel pen detailing.

"Stained Glass Waterlily" ATC drawn with Indian ink and colored pencils. 

"Lucky Hat" ATC coin drawn with Indian ink and colored pencil, added stamping.

"Another Happy Birthday" - ATC drawn with Indian ink and colored pencil, added stamping.

"Queen of Clubs" - APC made with collage printed papers and postage stamp, sequins and added Indian ink doodles.

"Wildflowers" - ATC made with printed image, stamping, Indian ink doodles, and embroidery on felt.

Junk Journal: Grinchy

 

Page in my junk journal created with handmade bubble print paper, printed scrapbook paper, images, hand drawn Cindy Lou Who, doodles in pen, marker, colored pencils, glitter gel ink, with paper flowers and buttons added.

Merry Christmas!

Art-a-thon Fun

 Art I made during the ATCsForAll.com December Art-a-thon: 

I made string art wreath cards with sequins this year.

Collaged snowman ATC with bubble printed background, punched snowflakes, and acrylic painted border.

HD ATC of a colorful Xmas stocking.  Drawn with markers and colored pencils.

ATCoin with alcohol marker background, collaged text, sequin angels and stars, and gold enamel painted border.

Something New in Something Old - Whee

 

 

I arted up another page in my "Junk Mail Journal".   This little junk journal was made (years ago) by taking the junk mail postcards that had accumulated near my computer, trimming them all to 4" x 6" or so, and spiral binding them into a book.  Then I just started pasting random bits inside to decorate the pages.

This page was made using acrylic paint, printed scrapbook paper, a horse doodle with Indian ink pen, and some stamping.

Just a little fun art to enhance my day and my mood. Whee!

Junk Journal Page : Valentines

Another page in my "Quarantine" Junk Journal.  I made the journal nice and thick, so I still have a lot of pages to fill.  

The page theme is "Valentines" ... I started the page by using colored pencils over texture plates, and added some doggies clipped from a Kroger ad.  Mix in some paper flowers, acrylic gems, washi tape, doodles and acrylic paint ... and there you have it.  All that is missing is some text - words, names, initials, poetry, etc...  But I lost my Valentines mojo, so that will have to wait a bit.

C'est la vie.

Junk Journal Page: What I Ate

This is a collage I made in my "Quarantine Junk Journal".  I started this junk journal in March 2020 (and am still filling it up).  It measures about 8" tall by 6" wide and is about an inch thick.  It is assembled from a variety of papers (printed scrapbook papers, pages from an old sketchbook, puzzle book pages, junk mail, envelopes, brown paper, corrugated cardboard, plain typing paper, etc ...).

The page is themed "What I Ate", and is a collage using clippings from food packaging and fruit stickers.  I had a page from a "Trader Joe's" (grocery store) flyer bound into my junk journal, so I used that as my base.  I love to see the brand logos and packaging graphics, and how they change over the years.  

Junk Journal Page : A week in January

This is a little collage I made in my "Quarantine Junk Journal".  I started this junk journal in March 2020.  It measures about 8" tall by 6" wide and is about an inch thick.  It is assembled from a variety of papers (printed scrapbook papers, pages from an old sketchbook, puzzle book pages, junk mail, envelopes, brown paper, corrugated cardboard, plain typing paper, etc ...).

The page is themed "A week in January", and is mainly a collage of word and image clippings from printed papers, gift wrap, packaging, periodicals, etc....  I also added stamped images, doodles, and punches.

So ... The week of January 16-22 : I experienced a magical walk to run an errand.  It was sprinkling rain when I set out.  The rain soon picked up, and then turned to sleet.  Shortly thereafter the sleet turned to snow!  The snow became larger and fluffier!  The walk became quite delightful!  I am located in Atlanta, Georgia - so snow is a special rare event.

Other special events of the week:  I spent time with one of my favorite kitty buddies (neighbors cat who visits me from time to time).  I was in touch with a friend I knew in Junior High and High School (many years ago).   I tried Lemon Cream PopTarts for the first time (yummy!).  These were supposed have been released last summer, but didn't show up here until recently.  And to cap off the week ... I had a GREAT day between my Etsy shop and website - I sold 55 puppets in one day!  I REALLY needed that!

So, those were the highlights of a week in January.

Junk Journal Page : Vision Board

This is a little collage I made in my "Quarantine Junk Journal".  I started this junk journal in March 2020.  It measures about 8" tall by 6" wide and is about an inch thick.  It is assembled from a variety of papers (printed scrapbook papers, pages from an old sketchbook, puzzle book pages, junk mail, envelopes, brown paper, corrugated cardboard, plain typing paper, etc ...).

The page is themed "Vision Board for 2022", and is mainly a collage of word and image clippings from periodicals, on top of acrylic paint smears.  For 2022 I plan to focus on fixing my finances, which are a total disaster from events of the past few years. 

Christmas Kitties ATCs

Just a couple of ATCs with a Christmas Kitty theme.  Drawn with Indian ink pens, colored with alcohol ink markers, colored pencils and sparkly gel pens.

Junk Journal Page

 

I finished another page in my "Quarantine Junk Journal".  I started this junk journal in March 2020.  It measures about 8" tall by 6" wide and is about an inch thick.  It is assembled from a variety of papers (printed scrapbook papers, pages from an old sketchbook, puzzle book pages, junk mail, envelopes, brown paper, corrugated cardboard, plain typing paper, etc ...).

The page is mainly collage with printed scrapbook paper, clippings from periodicals, a bit of acrylic paint, doodles with Indian ink pens, gel pens, colored pencils, a packing tape transfer (the jar), a bit of washi tape, some stitching and a little satin bow.

The clippings include a little "Banksy" ... because it reminded me about swinging on the swings at Piedmont Park during the pandemic.  The jar that I added symbolizes my taking care to remain isolated.  Also, I selected a little news clipping about the Krispy Kreme Donut Shop being burned down by an arsonist (not once, but twice) during the pandemic.  This was the "icing on the pandemic cake", as Krispy Kreme was offering 1 free donut EVERY day if you showed a vaccine card.  This was the only Krispy Kreme within walking distance (my car died during the pandemic) ... and I would have REALLY appreciated the free donut each day.  

Strange times indeed.

 

Cats in the Garden

Drew and colored this card for my Mom's birthday.  Inspired by some art I saw on Pinterest.  I used Indian ink pens and markers, as well as colored pencils.   I like how bright and cheerful it is.  I hope my Mom feels happy when she sees it.

Another Art-athon is happening now at ATCsForAll.com - it starts today and runs through Monday.  Join in if you feel like it - or just pop by to see what everyone is making or trading.

 

Recent Art

I doodled this fish, and made it into a card for my sister's birthday.  Doodled with Indian ink pens and colored with water based markers.  I sealed the finished card with a sparkly glaze.  This type of doodle is my "go to" art when I need something relaxing.  I really enjoy drawing repetitive fill patterns.

I saw a swap on swapbot.com for a postcard swap with hand colored postcards.  I haven't swapped for quite a long time, but I was inspired to color a postcard & hope to join in on the swap.  I colored this with colored pencils, and added a little sparkly gel pen to the red areas.

I hope to post more art soon.  I have been dealing with a lot the past few years, but art is always great therapy & an escape from my troubles.

Making Comics with Lynda Barry : Son of Character Jam

 

 

I'm having fun doing the exercises and assignments in the book "Making Comics" by Lynda Barry.  On page 116, there are 16 characters that were created during a character jam exercise in one of Lynda's classes.  On page 119, there is an assignment to draw a 4 panel comic using character jam characters.

I selected 4 characters from page 116 and made 4 panel comics from each.  I didn't add any extra details, but I had fun thinking about the characters and "what happens next?"

I am trying to draw every day and fill up my composition notebook - which gives me some happiness every time I look through it.

 

 

More Composition Book Art

I made this little piece of art in my composition notebook.  I used Indian ink pens and markers.  

 

Inspiration for this art was : http://afaithfulattempt.blogspot.com/2020/08/circle-grid-tree.html

 

 

Also in my comp book is this little 'face jam", inspired by this Lynda Barry video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsoEydHVF5w

 

Stained Glass Butterfly

 

I drew and colored this "stained glass" butterfly on a blank greeting card.  Drawn with Indian ink and colored with colored pencils. 

Art-a-thon July 26th through 29th

Shy Octopus Comes to Visit

There is an Art-a-Thon going on right now at ATCsForAll.com!  The Art-a-Thon will be running through July 29th.   You do need to be a member of the website to participate (free free always free).  The members are all very nice and happy to help you get started.

This is a "Challenge Art-a-thon", which means that there is a list of challenges to do (themes and such), and points are awarded - so it is a little competitive.  

The ATC above was drawn in pen and markers.  I had a challenge to depict the words octopus, shy, and to visit on the project.  I think it turned out pretty cute. 

Next I made this 4" x 4" chunky page using some blind drawing of cats, acrylic paint, Indian ink pen, glitter gel pen, washi tape, paper and fabric flowers, and fibers.  

I hope I am able to find the time to participate a bit more before the Art-a-thon ends.
 

More Lynda Barry Exercises & Stuff

More fun with the Lynda Barry group.  The group has moved from FB to "Butt Island", where you can find challenges, a forum and fun!  You can even collect "badges" for completing exercises and stuff.

Above is a "blind draw" exercise.  You can access the list of prompts here, and there is a random number generator to select a few for you to try. 

This is a skeleton drawn blind 3 times in yellow, then orange, and then blue marker.

 We also had a scribble monster draw.  Here are my scribbles:

And here are my monsters, matched with prompted sayings:

Looking forward to drawing jams and comic creation with this crazy group of #1 Groovers!