I’m so glad you have some fresh air! I’m slowly learning watercolors but I get hung up on decisions for colors, shapes and marks. I have a very logical, methodical brain (I get excited over audits and spreadsheets) so breaking free in my art is a challenge. Now I am on a mission to learn to play and loosen up. I have been binge watching your videos for the last two weeks and they are so helpful. I love how you explore, shift, and pivot..it feels so similar to how my mind works. And your tools (notes, cheat sheets, etc.) are exactly what I need. I had just watched a video from Margot Halloc where she used tracing paper to help play with her layers. I was so annoyed that I had not thought of that since I studied drafting and used tracing paper frequently but forgot about how useful it could be. I am so grateful she mentioned it and that I still have rolls available. 😊 I realize that I need some methods or tools to ease my mind into a place where I can explore. Maybe I will only need these tools for another year or maybe forever. I am just happy to find people like you who share tools and ideas. Thank you for sharing your art and process!
wow- what a thoughtful and insightful note! i thank you for taking the time to write this. it helps me - and encourages me and reassures i’m on the right track… the more i paint, the more i tighten up unless i practice it consciously everyday. the little maps and tools and tricks have helped me so much and i hope they continue to inspire you.!
Allison, I love all the ways you find inspiration that you have been sharing in your videos. As a linear thinker I have needed these starting points to "expand my vision" and get my creativity flowing. I think that is why I have been re-watching all of your videos over and over, even while I paint myself. I really appreciate how you walk us through your process as you create. I am learning so much!
Thank you so much for sharing your color process and you cheat sheet are so inspirational to me. Please share how you created your watercolor journal. You are so right they are terribly expensive to buy.
Muchas gracias!!! Qué generosa eres nos cuentas todos tus secretos. Has hecho que tenga ganas de volver a pintar transmites tu entusiasmo. Te admiro y te mando un abrazo enorme desde Argentina. Gaby Castro
Your art is beautiful!! I love this idea of using odd pieces to create new! Just started working with watercolor this spring and, with the smokey days we have been experiencing lately, I've been spending lots of time in my craft room. Looking forward to more of your videos!
I appreciate you taking the time to share your process. I love your art and that makes me want to know what materials you use and how you think about it. It helps me learn. I have been working in acrylics and just recently ventured into watercolor. I make my own journals too, it’s a great way to document your art as well as play without feeling inhibited. Thank you Allison 😊
thanks for sharing your artist insights, Donna. I never thought I'd make my own art journals but it is such a fun and creative process! What style of art journal do you make? there's so many ways to make an art journal- I'm learning now!!
My local printing company www.artmagik.ca printed my images on wallpaper. (sort of like printing on stickers- but a nicer material with the adhesive being less sticky.
U have inspired me so so much. I mentally needed this so much. Ty Ty Ty!111. How do u take a picture and print it with a white background. Mine are grey. I have a MacBook.
canva is an app that now has a feature to remove backgrounds… or my printer does it thru his photoshop program. thanks for the nice comment and watching my videos!
I live in southern ca we have not heard of fires up there. I’m surprised that you are having fires so early in the year typically we don’t start getting them until august September through October. So sorry for you guys praying for you
Yes, the fires are terrible here right now and out of control. Firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have been brought in to Alberta to help out. It is very early to have so many out of control fires here... thanks for your comment and kind words:)
thank you Diana. I'm so grateful that we've had a break where the wind has provided clear air again. it certainly makes me appreciate the fresh air when we have endured such unbearably smokey days.
Glad the fires are easing up, we are all following with deep concern this situation. Even here in Ontario sometimes I think I can smell the smoke…. The video is very inspiring, thank you
Once I feel confident in my journal assembly skills I will for sure do a little video tutorial! I'm still trying some different types as there are SO many ... and some work well and some I wouldn't assemble again in certain styles:) thanks for the kind feedback.
Allison....thank you for all your teaching as I have learned so much.....I am making an inspiration desk of cards ad really loving it but have not figured out where to get the boxes similar to what you use for your deck......tried Hobby Lobby and they didn't have anything applicable....any ideas would be appreciated....
Hello! My decks were from the same printer I used for the cards and he has since retired! So, I am unable to help you but what an exciting journey for you.
Cheap watercolors for the start are good. But you have always to have in mind, that they will fade easily because of light or air. So if you want a pixture that last "forever" use professional watercolors.
Great question. I recommend 140 lbs and up and love cold press. I believe Arches Watercolour paper is 100% cotton. I also love Canson XL, and Strathmore paper- but as long as it's 140lbs and up (heavier), I'll use watercolours on it. Some may be part recycled paper- I'd have to look at the brands to check. the short answer is the weight is what I go for when I purchase different brands.
Ooh fresh air yes. Yay. So important a subtle quality of life we often forget. I am grateful. Let’s love nature, and cherish each other. Art time. Happy. We luv u.
