Sketching Citrus! Sketchbook Sunday…er Monday LOL!

Hi friends! First I want to wish all of my fellow Americans a happy Labor Day! It is considered the end of summer in these parts as the days are getting shorter and all the kids are back in school tomorrow! September always feels like a fresh start to me. My twins started High School this year so that means no more popping down to the local elementary school to lend a hand with this or that. It’s so weird! You kids go through life and get a little more independent each day and in turn you can be a bit more independent yourself. It’s a bit sad to see them getting older but on the other hand I am excited for the adventure that awaits them.

Speaking of school…I think it is always important to learn new things. It helps keep our mind fresh and supple and puts us in the atmosphere of growth where we can find fulfillment and happiness. This might mean signing up for a class or giving a supply that you were frustrated with in the past another go to challenge and push yourself. You can find ways to grow and learn everywhere! I purchased a RENDR sketchbook a while back because it was supposed to be no bleed through paper for markers and mixed media but I soon realized that “no bleed through” meant “no blend” as well. I felt bad about buying this kinda pricey paper that I couldn’t seem to use but I decided to put it out yesterday and try it again. This time I decided not to fight with it but to do what the paper wants: layering. This also got me using my alcohol markers in a new to me way. I typically work small coloring stamped images blending from dark to light in a very quick fashion. I had seen some beautiful marker illustrations recently on instagram and I realized that these artists were using markers totally differently that I was by layering! This allowed them to work a bit larger and get really vibrant results. I never realty thought of my markers as a “serious art medium” as all markers (except for Winsor & Newton Pigment Markers *use coupon code SALE818 for an extra 15%-25% off through midnight today and Winsor & Newton Watercolor Markers which are on sale now!) are fugitive, meaning they will fade in the light but hey, this is Sketchbook Sunday and my sketchbook isn’t getting direct sunlight! See a time-lapse on the layering technique here!

Supplies (affiliate links used)

• Rendr Sketchbook there was zero bleed through on the back of the page but it doesn’t blend well so you are better off layering on this paper. If you have this paper give yourself time to learn to use it as there is a learning curve, I like it so much better than when I first got it.
• Ohuhu markers I used pens from the 100 set  Review here
• Prismacolor colored pencils
• I also used col erase pencils for the beginning sketch but I didn’t need to erase so the others would have been fine but if you want the erasable version here it is
• Extra fine tip Posca pens for opaque highlights

 

***BTW today is the last day to save 45% on any of my teachable classes with coupon code OFFLINE45 

And one more deal you don’t want to miss…

Consumer crafts is offering 15%-25% off total purchases on their website (*excluding WOW of the week) through 9/3/18 11:59pm PST with coupon code SALE818.  Craft fairs and holiday crafting is right around the corner and this is a great chance to grab some deals on craft basics, art supplies and more. You never know what you are going to find so it is a bit of an adventure and the deals can’t be beat!

I have purchased a lot of my stencils, dies, craft storage, beads, pencils and markers from Consumer crafts as well as basic craft supplies for the library kids classes I used to teach as well as art gift sets and decor. If you know you need some of these products it pays to stock up when they have the total purchased discounts, they don’t happen often. Some, but not many, exclusions apply.  Use coupon code SALE818 to get the extra discount! Sale ends tonight at 11:59pm PST.

I hope you have a wonderful day! If you have today off I hope you spending it with family and friends or maybe creating some art! Til next time happy crafting!

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Bright & Colorful Parrot in Watercolor (Way Easier than it Looks! Beginners Welcome!)

Hi friends! I just finished up my practice painting of this fun and bright bird!

Wouldn’t this be a cheerful painting to hang in your home? I hope you give it a try because it was so fun and easy to paint! Join me on YouTube at 12:30pm Eastern time to paint this. The replay will be available here after the broadcast but tune in on the YouTube watch page if you want to chat live. Also I would love it if you tuned in on YouTube during the live because YouTube decided it is not going to count views from embedded player on live streams anymore. YouTube uses live views to determine whether or not they recommend the video to viewers (even to subscribers) in the future. To be honest my live streams have struggled with views lately and I have debated whether it is even worth doing them so if you love the Friday live streams please share the events and tell your friends about them.  If you don’t like them that’s fine too, the view numbers will tell me that:) I just want to spend my time providing what you find useful and valuable whether it is prerecorded or live.

Supplies:

• Watercolors (Dr. PH Martin Hrydrus) colors used: Gamboge, Hansa Yellow Light, Phthalo blue, Blue Aqua and Vermilion hue
• Watercolor paper Arches for live tutorial, Inexpensive Aquabee paper for practice piece
• Watercolor brushes 
• Colored pencils (arteza)10% off with coupon code PROMO10 on the Arteza website,  Or on amazon  *($2 off coupon on amazon and the price is a bit lower today)
• Pattern to trace
• Graphite paper for Tracing (10% off with coupon PROMO10)
• Reference photo from Unsplash

45% off Classes Through Labor Day!

With the long holiday weekend ahead of us I want to offer you 45% off all classes in my Teachable school with coupon code: OFFLINE45 through Labor Day 2018.  You have as long as you like to complete any of these classes so you can grab them now and take them when you have time, you have lifetime access! That means you can return to them whenever you need a refresher too! This coupon is good on one time payment and payment plan options. To redeem the coupon simply click “add coupon” on the checkout page and enter OFFLINE45 to get the discount or simply click the discount links for the class you want below:)

Learn to Draw with Lindsay: This class is designed to teach anyone how to draw without gimmicks. You will learn to draw what you see. You will learn how to sketch, shade, decipher tonal values and how to apply your new drawing skills to other media. This beginner class is for anyone wanting to improve their drawing ability and contains nearly 8 hours of step by step video instruction. Enroll or learn more here.

Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor Painting: This class is designed to teach you everything you need to know about watercolor so you can get painting fast. This class is a good foundation for your watercolor studies. In the first part of this class you will learn about supplies, develop techniques and practise the skills you will need to create whatever paintings you desire in the future. In the second part of the class we will put all of the skills you learned into practise as we complete *four beautiful paintings. This class is my most popular course. *This class originally had 3 final paintings but I added a 4th on negative painting. Student always have access to any content added to classes they are enrolled in. Find out more here!

Texture Toolbox: Feathers & Fowl: This class will teach you how to realistically and expressly paint birds in watercolor. We work on capturing the subtle texture and shading in feathers and we add hints of colored pencil to enhance our feathered friends when desired. NEW! I have added an alphabetized bird painting tutorial archive to this class should you want to find past bird tutorials I have done that are not included in this course.  Click here for more info or to enroll.

Watercolor Flower Workshop: This is my most recent class and it is all about loosely painting expressive flowers in watercolor. Have you ever tried to paint loose and ended up with a hot mess? Well, this class will offer the structure you need so you can create a floral scene from your imagination that is well-balanced, beautifully composed and loose! This class focuses heavily on brush control so it’s good for folks that need help with brush strokes and are curious about some of the odd specialty brushes that are out there. I soon will be adding a wedge brush section to this class! In addition to the all new step by step real-time instruction provided in the course there is also an alphabetized archive of other watercolor flower tutorials for your convenience. Learn more here.

In addition to the never before seen content in these classes you have access to my support in the online classroom. Under every lesson there is an area for you to post photos of your artwork and ask me questions. I love giving feedback and seeing your beautiful artwork! Here is what some of my students have said:

Thanks so much! Love this class I do each section so many times because it is fun and i keep learning! Thanks again! -Karen L Jackson on Watercolor Flower Workshop

I LOVE THIS COURSE! Actually can paint a flower without a drawing! -Joanna Stratten on Watercolor Flower Workshop

Hi Lindsay, what a great drawing course. I have been painting for 30 plus years, drawing was my weakest, until now. I’m starting to see things in shape, I think the most helpful is starting with a circle or shape then fill in with the shapes of whatever you are drawing. This has been the best money I have ever spent. What I love I can look at these lessons over & over until I get it!! -Linda on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

I am blown away by the excellence of your lessons! Things that I have struggled with are making more sense when I sketch along with you. So glad that I will be able to go back and reference your videos! -Irene Addison on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

Thanks for the tutorial. I am glad that it is in more depth than the YouTube videos, although I love them as well. I am brand new to both painting and drawing so even the iris was a challenge. When I started watching your YouTube videos I found that I had some watercolor supplies I had purchased about 15 years ago and never had the nerve to try. Thanks for giving me the idea that it is possible for me to learn to paint! -Helanna Andres on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

How to hold the brush is the best information you could have imparted! loving all these videos; can’t wait to start painting the iris. -Judith Taylor on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

Hi Lindsay, Great Class!!! Simple and easy to follow. Thx for putting this together. I can’t wait to start the next painting! -Tina Amoroso on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

Finished the duck and this course! Loved it! Thank you so much for these watercolor painting classes. I just got the Rembrandt 48 half pans and am excited to use them….. I can actually do some watercolor painting thanks to your classes. Crystal Neuendorf on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

 

I love helping people discover the hidden artistic ability within them and I welcome anyone who want to paint better (and more often) to join one of my watercolor classes! Just make sure to use the coupon code OFFLINE45 if the discount does not appear (coupon good through 9/3/2018.) Again I want to thank you so much for your support! I hope you have a relaxing weekend with your family and friends and maybe get a bit of art done! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

LIVE! Rainier Cherries and Blue Glass & Why it’s Good to let a Painting sit on your Easel all Week

Hi friends! I have been putting a lot more time in preparing for my weekly live streams and this week I got some prep time in on Tuesday. After the initial painting was “done” I set it on the easel in my office where I would walk by it several times a day. I also left my supplies out so I could add a touch here or there if I thought of an improvement. Let me tell you it’s a great way to work!

Tuesday night when I thought my painting looked done I asked my family what they thought of it…

“It’s pretty but the background is ‘meh”~Maizy

“Nice basket of apples” ~Jackson

“Are those peaches?” ~Jason

Clearly there was work to be done. I added colored pencils to punch up the color and detail and added pastel to make the woodgrain in the background and add the sun dappled texture and light in the background. I also added some yellow pastel over the cherries to smooth out some unwanted texture on the skin.  I wish I took a photo of it when it was just watercolor but you will see that stage in today’s livestream. Before I liked the painting and now I love it! My family approves too! You can watch the live broadcast or reply in the player below but if you want to chat with fellow painters or ask me questions live be sure to watch at 12:30pm ET today on the YouTube watch page.

Supplies available at sponsor Jerry’s Artarama! Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing.

Supplies:

• Watercolors Turner (pthalo blue, rose-red, permanent yellow, burnt sienna)
• Watercolor paper Arches, I used cold press for the demo peice and I’ll use hot press for the live so you can see the difference.
• Watercolor brushes Mimik Squirrel
• Colored pencils (wax or oil based) I used Prismacolor 
• Pastels: I’m using some from the Faber Castell goldfaber line, they are very economical and prefrom grean and there is 6o colors!
• Pattern to trace
• Reference photo

I really love mixing my media but if you prefer to keep this as a watercolor only painting you totally can. The only thing you will want to do is watch your white areas, You can use masking fluid for sharp highlights and blot out paint when it is still wet to preserve the white of the paper.  I will be painting this as a watercolor and then adding on, you can choose to add more glazes with watercolor or bring in colored pencil and pastel. Make it yours! I’ll see you for the live stream today at 12:30pm Eastern Time and til then Happy crafting!

Donuts 2.0 Live Painting Tutorial & Starving the Inner Critic…

Howdy friends! I am very excited to paint with you today, after a project I was not happy with I came up with this for today’s tutorial:

Originally I planned to paint 3 donuts on a board. I was using a few reference photos and it started off strong but in the end the result was flat and I was frustrated.

I wondered if it was just me so I asked a few trusted friends what they thought and the word “flat” was mentioned several times so I knew I had to go back to the drawing board but I had no big desire to paint this again and if I am not excited to paint it again why would you be?

I wanted to take a moment and talk about self-doubt and criticism.

We all want to improve and the longer you paint the easier it is to slip into a plateau. Every so often you enter a pocket of growth and things are wonderful. It’s that feeling of learning something new and advancement that keep us addicted to our craft. The dark side is when we level off or even back slide on a project that can make the nasty inner critic come out to play. One thing that helps me be gentler on myself is to pretend I didn’t paint it. I can let the time I invested in a painting or the frustration I felt (I used masking fluid on this, y’all know my thought on that!) while working on it and it can really alter your perspective. if a student of friend showed me this panting I would see the all of the good stuff, the rich color, the joyful spirit and the rustic texture on the wood. I’d like it if I didn’t paint it LOL! I look at it and start Monday-morning-quarterbacking it:

• Ack, why did I use masking fluid, it would have looked just as good to use an acrylic paint pen or gouache for the sprinkles!
• Why did I paint the background so light? Now I can’t have a chocolate donut.
• For goodness sake, sharpen your pencil, you have a sharpener right there, look at those messy lines!

I would NEVER allow a student to be so hard on themselves and when I think that if I criticize my art a student could see this and think “well, if that painting isn’t good enough then mine isn’t either.” Now, that my friend is a sure-fire way to shut up that nasty little judge in my mind for good. It’s important to improve and grow. There are several things I am changing to the painting we are doing today because it will look better and be quicker. We should only criticize our work to help up improve, not to berate ourselves. We can honestly look at our work for what it is without taking it personally but let’s not be mean to ourselves because other people are watching. If you are painting and you say it’s not good and your children or grandchildren hear you they may be discouraged from trying, especially if it looks great to them! When we are kinder to ourselves we are also kinder to those who we love and are influenced by us and I think that is a great reason to fire out inner critic and retrain him for work in quality control.

And now, Let’s paint!

You can watch the live broadcast or the replay in the player below but if you want to chat with other fun painters in the community or ask me questions during the live stream be sure to tune in at 12:30pm ET on YouTube.

Supplies (affiliate links used)

• Watercolors: SHINHAN I recently bought these paints after several viewers asked me to review them and I really like them, I did both donut paintings with them and they are a steal! I will post a review once I have used them more and investigated some of the pigments I am not familiar with. I used colors with pigments known to be lightest in this painting. Colors used: Red, Brown, Ultramarine, Permanent yellow deep, Raw Umber, Viridian, optional-white. I have the 30 color SHINHAN set $25.73  but the 13 color set for $13.91 can be used if you substitute raw umber for yellow ocher so you can try out these paints for even less money. Per tube the 30 color set is the best deal tho.
• Watercolor brushes
• Watercolor paper
• Optional: White gel pen or posca pen and Colored pencils
• pattern

I also wanted to let you know that it’s August (in case you don’t have a calendar hahaha) and that means I have new original art for sale in the shop. Prices start at $40 and USA shipping is included ($10 for international) and is available for the month of August on a first come, first served basis. Click here to see this months paintings!

I hope you will paint along with me at 12:30pm ET! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Peonies in Watercolor and Pastel Live 12:30pm ET!

Hi friends! Today we are going to have a good time painting flowers in watercolor and pastel!

I like to use mixed media as you can pull in the best aspects of different mediums to achieve the results you want. You can also use these techniques to rescue a painting that is nor working. You can watch the live show or replay in the player below but if you want to chat live be sure to watch on YouTube at 12:30 today.

Supplies:

• Watercolors Winsor & Newton
• 100% cotton watercolor paper such as Arches
• Pastels
• Watercolor brushes
• Pattern to trace

LAST DAY to SAVE!!!

Last Day to get any class for $42 in my online school, use coupon code HB42 to get any class for $42 or 46% off payment plans. It’s my birthday week treat for you! All my classes have lifetime access so you can buy them on sale and take them when you have the time, you can also return to any lesson again and again as much as you like. Below is a rundown of the classes I offer and who they are best for!

Learn to Draw with Lindsay: This class is designed to teach anyone how to draw without gimmicks. You will learn to draw what you see. You will learn how to sketch, shade, decipher tonal values and how to apply your new drawing skills to other media. This beginner class is for anyone wanting to improve their drawing ability and contains nearly 8 hours of step by step video instruction. Enroll or learn more here.

Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor Painting: This class is designed to teach you everything you need to know about watercolor so you can get painting fast. This class is a good foundation for your watercolor studies. In the first part of this class you will learn about supplies, develop techniques and practise the skills you will need to create whatever paintings you desire in the future. In the second part of the class we will put all of the skills you learned into practise as we complete *four beautiful paintings. This class is my most popular course. *This class originally had 3 final paintings but I added a 4th on negative painting. Student always have access to any content added to classes they are enrolled in. Find out more here!

Texture Toolbox: Feathers & Fowl: This class will teach you how to realistically and expressly paint birds in watercolor. We work on capturing the subtle texture and shading in feathers and we add hints of colored pencil to enhance out feathered friends when desired. NEW! I have added an alphabetized bird painting tutorial archive to this class should you want to find past bird tutorials I have done that are not included in this course.  Click here for more info or to enroll.

Watercolor Flower Workshop: This is my most recent class and it is all about loosely painting expressive flowers in watercolor. Have you ever tried to paint loose and ended up with a hot mess? Well, this class will offer the structure you need so you can create a floral scene from your imagination that is well-balanced, beautifully composed and loose! This class focuses heavily on brush control so it’s good for folks that need help with brush strokes and are curious about some of the odd specialty brushes that are out there. I soon will be adding a wedge brush section to this class! In addition to the all new step by step real-time instruction provided in the course there is also an alphabetized archive of other watercolor flower tutorials for your convenience. Learn more here.

In addition to the never before seen content in these classes you have access to my support in the online classroom. Under every lesson there is an area for you to post photos of your artwork and ask me questions. I love giving feedback and seeing your beautiful artwork! Here is what some of my students have said:

Thanks so much! Love this class I do each section so many times because it is fun and i keep learning! Thanks again! -Karen L Jackson on Watercolor Flower Workshop

I LOVE THIS COURSE! Actually can paint a flower without a drawing! -Joanna Stratten on Watercolor Flower Workshop

Hi Lindsay, what a great drawing course. I have been painting for 30 plus years, drawing was my weakest, until now. I’m starting to see things in shape, I think the most helpful is starting with a circle or shape then fill in with the shapes of whatever you are drawing. This has been the best money I have ever spent. What I love I can look at these lessons over & over until I get it!! -Linda on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

I am blown away by the excellence of your lessons! Things that I have struggled with are making more sense when I sketch along with you. So glad that I will be able to go back and reference your videos! -Irene Addison on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

Thanks for the tutorial. I am glad that it is in more depth than the YouTube videos, although I love them as well. I am brand new to both painting and drawing so even the iris was a challenge. When I started watching your YouTube videos I found that I had some watercolor supplies I had purchased about 15 years ago and never had the nerve to try. Thanks for giving me the idea that it is possible for me to learn to paint! -Helanna Andres on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

How to hold the brush is the best information you could have imparted! loving all these videos; can’t wait to start painting the iris. -Judith Taylor on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

Hi Lindsay, Great Class!!! Simple and easy to follow. Thx for putting this together. I can’t wait to start the next painting! -Tina Amoroso on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

Finished the duck and this course! Loved it! Thank you so much for these watercolor painting classes. I just got the Rembrandt 48 half pans and am excited to use them….. I can actually do some watercolor painting thanks to your classes. Crystal Neuendorf on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

 

I love helping people discover the hidden artistic ability within them and I welcome anyone who want to paint better (and more often) to join one of my watercolor classes! Use coupon code HB42, if discount doesn’t automatically appear,  to get any class for $42 (that’s 47% off!) and start creating today! Don’t wait, today is the last day to take advantage of the Birthday deal! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Trying Oil Based Markers for the Frist Time

Hi Friends! Today’s project is a strange one using supplies I am unfamiliar with:

Watch the video to see me work through this project:

Today I am creating with the supplies in the July 2018 Smart Art Box. I had never used oil based markers other than the metallic ones you might touch up a frame with so this was a challenging supply for me to create with but I think it’s good to bust out of your comfort zone once in a while and try something new and different. If you would like to be surprised with a box of art supplies each month check out our sponsor Smart Art Box, they ship free within the US and also ship to 15 other countries *Additional shipping charges may apply to international orders.

Supplies:

• Pebeo oil based markers set of 5 (primaries plus black and white)
• Canvas panel
• #4 flat brush
• Gamsol
• I also recommend you have a palette so you can mix some colors for greater variety.

Note: You will need to prime each marker to get it ready for use as the ink is sealed in the barrel until a consumer activates it. Do this ahead of time so you won’t have to stop working.

Project tips:

1. These markers are oil based but dry fast. You can block in your line work and then fill in with paint without much worry of the outlines smearing. If you need to blend or cover a large area I recommend dispensing some paint on a palette by pressing the tip firmly to the palette until the paint flows and mixing it with gamsol to the desired color and then brushing it on the canvas.
2. I recommend working with smaller shapes than I did as I had to struggle to fill them and I had to stop to mix paint lot. This would be better for smaller art I think.
3. If you get frustrated let the paint dry and come back and add highlights and outline again for definition if needed. Art is supposed to be fun so if you get frustrated take a break.

I hope you enjoyed this video, sometimes art is a struggle but it is always good to try new things. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

How to Paint a Burger // Sketchbook Sunday

Hi friends! I had so much fun drawing today’s sketchbook Sunday piece for you today!

Best of all I did this with all inexpensive producs from Arteza! Watch the video to see it come together!

Supplies from Arteza  *Save10% on their already low prices with coupon code: PROMO10 on these, or other supplies from Arteza  *Affilate links used

• Arteza Real Brush Pens set of 48 *I just got word that all Arteza real brush pens now have color names on them, woohoo!
• Arteza Gouache set of 24
• Arteza Expert Colored Pencils set of 72
• Reference photo 
• *note, I used my Fabriano Venice book sketchbook for this but had some pilling, I recommend a smooth cotton watercolor or printmaking paper for this for best results, that said I am happy with how mine turned out:)

Birthday Week Deal! Any Class for $42!

I turned the big 4-2 this week so I thought it would be fun to put all of my courses on sale for $42 for a week. Use coupon code HB42 to get the discount! Just click “Add Coupon” after clicking to enroll and add HB42 in the box, or simply click on the class you want below and it will take you to the discounted price. You can also get a 46% off discount of payment plans if that fits your budget better. I had a lot of interest in my older classes recently so now you can grab them for a song. If you click on one of the thumbnails below the discount code will already be applied:)

This offer is good through 7/20/18. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!