My Secrets to Creating Mixed Media Art

Have you ever wished you could peek over an artists shoulder to watch them work? Ever wondered about the process or tools & supplies used? Or wished for a peek into an artist's working studio space? Lean in closer for some secrets!

Well, I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Facebook Live broadcast where I did just that, as well as completed a live demonstration finishing a mixed media pet portrait. 

See how it went from this...

...to this! Watch the video below!

And although it will live on in the archives over at the Vango Art Facebook page, I thought it would be great to share with all of you who frequent my blog.

While you might not have the benefit of watching it live, you can still ask me any questions you might have. Just leave your questions in the comment section below!

Like the final piece? It's called "Van Gogh's Dog" and is a mixed media piece on 11 x 9 paper. It's available for purchase.

Time-lapse Drawing of Concert

Here's a quick pen, watercolor and pencil sketch of a concert photo. Enjoy! 

Sketchclub video: Drawing my Daughter

This time around, I'm going to show you my process in an app for the iPad called Sketchclub. One of the great features of Sketchclub is the ability to add layers and gives you a host of options for brushes and pens. I combine some of my analog drawing techniques with some of my photoshop design background. The result is a very fluid, organic process and feel that takes advantage of the tech side as well. Hope you enjoy this recording straight from Sketchclub itself. https://youtu.be/xIYaRU_VUFM

Sketch process: an old woman

Here's a quick video of me sketching of an old woman. Enjoy! 

A Quick Sketch

A quick time lapse video of me sketching in my Moleskine watercolor sketch book. 

Art vs Marketing

Always tension between the two.

What Are You Learning Lately?

It's no secret that if you want to continue to grow as an artist (or a human for that matter) you need to find ways to keep learning. Experimenting and play can only take you so far. There comes a time when you need to learn some new techniques and skills to add to your arsenal.

If you can't afford a formal class, or have no fellow artist friends you can hit up to drop some knowledge on you - don't worry there's hope. Watching video's to learn something new can be tricky. Just open Youtube & you know what I mean. You can spend way too much time just trying to locate something quality and helpful.

Well, I recently came across this site (and app) called Craftsy. At first I was a bit apprehensive, being a guy and seeing all these sewing and cooking video classes. I'm not Martha Stewart, nor do I have any desire to be. But alas, they offer a bunch in the Fine Arts category. I snagged a holiday offer of %50 off and signed up for a few classes. I've been slowly working my way through, and so far I'm pretty pleased.

So how about it? Are you learning? How have you been acquiring new skills?

If you haven't, maybe this new year is a great time to get back in gear!