Watercolor Challenges

As a way to keep myself challenged, I am switching to watercolor painting for a bit. I plan to "play" around with brushes, colors, and techniques in this pad of paper. Once it's filled with 12 pages of color, I plan on going back through and drawing on top of each like I do with the children's paintings. I'm hoping to learn a few things from doing this. One, is to focus on what I can and cannot do with watercolor paints. Another is to not focus so much on what I am making in the beginning, but focusing more on technique. 

Basically, I want to paint like a child that can just "throw" paint down and yet, still be able to go back to it and make something awesome out of it. Will keep you updated!

Fundraiser for Paint Nite

I had the pleasure of being apart of this fundraiser last night! with 100 tickets sold, it was pretty incredible to be apart of such a great positive experience. Events like this inspire me to help inspire others to paint and give back! Also, I'm very impressed that the photographer got such a nice picture of me! Normally I feel like I look awkward or silly in photos when I am talking, but this one was caught at a great moment of laughing and having fun. Thank You Herald Media!

Painting with kids!

My 2 year old nephew painted with color. I added on top ❤️I would love to do the same for your child!!! #art #toddler #create #paint #awesome #talent #nofilter #follow #me

The Imag(in)e Project

I'm starting a new adventure which I have legally named "The Imag(in)e Project". The goal of the project is to transform childrens' doodles and paintings into a collaborative piece of art work. Yes, the paintings are beautiful on there own of course, but after being inspired with my nephew, Leif... I can see so many hidden pictures inside of abstract paintings. The website is under construction, and I will post more examples!

The project can only be successful if the painting is messy. If the child is to old and already wants to paint recognizable things, such as a house or family members, then what I do is not necessary. Everyone who participates signs a waiver allowing me to post photos of their child and the artwork we create together. Below is an example of the process. You can see 7 month old Gage, rocking the finger painting, and what he paintings and the little that I had to add to make it really stand out. I try to add as little as possible to show off the colors and shapes.

Thank You, Mrs. Austin

Today I'm thinking about this beautiful, inspirational woman. Not only has she been my oldest Paint Nite participant of 93 and traveled all the way from Mississippi, but she thanked me so sweetly in a letter after that I will forever cherish. Thank you Mrs. Austin.

Christmas Eagle

My grandmother loves eagles.... So the painting choice seemed obvious as a Christmas gift. (I could have finger painted it and she still would have loved it ). I'm pleased with how it turned out, and it only took about 2 hours. The feathers are my favorite part, especially where the blue shows through.

Teaching

Here's a fun photo from one of my events.