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.
Why I want to Help You on Your Artists' Journey...
Are you an artist who struggles with the idea of finding your voice or style?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to get back to a place of creating your art, but you just don't know where to start?
Do you find yourself wishing for a creative comeback after a long hiatus?
Do you struggle with finding the time to devote to your passion of creating?
Do fear and excuses stop you from creating your art?
Are you an artist who struggles with the idea of finding your voice or style?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to get back to a place of creating your art, but you just don't know where to start?
Do you find yourself wishing for a creative comeback after a long hiatus?
Do you struggle with finding the time to devote to your passion of creating?
Do fear and excuses stop you from creating your art?
That's exactly where I was 5 years ago. And it SUCKED. I knew that I needed to embrace my art again. I just wasn't sure how to do that. I desperately wanted to ENJOY my art process and create with confidence. But that was far from my reality. I vividly remember watching other artists excel who seemed to have some sort of map that I was missing. And it was so frustrating and discouraging.
Can you relate?
It was at that point when I stumbled upon something that radically altered the course of my art making journey forever. As a result, I'm in my fifth consecutive year of a daily art making practice.
Through talking with fellow artists, I realized I was not alone. The things that I was experiencing were common plagues. So when my art making finally started coming together, I knew that I had found a solution that wouldn't just help me on my journey, but others as well. That's why I created a self guided video course called "Your Artists' Journey: Finding Your Voice & Style Through Daily Practice".
In this course, I share from my own struggles and experiences, along with several principles I learned during my 365 daily art making practice. (As I mentioned, I'm now in my fifth consecutive year with no plans to stop!)
I let you in on my step by step plan for you to start your own creative journey through this course...
Your Artists’ Journey: Finding Your Voice & Style Through Daily Practice
>> http://theartistsmentor.com/yajmikebrennan
In this self-paced course you will:
- Find your own daily art habit
- Learn new insights and gain confidence in your art
- Discover tools to maintain your momentum
Click the link to meet me inside and enroll (you will get immediate access)!
>> http://theartistsmentor.com/yajmikebrennan
There's even a bonus: After you enroll, you will also get exclusive access to our private community group and discussions only for our students!
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Cruise over to the link above and check out my intro video. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. Remember, the reason I created this was to be a tool and a HELP to artists. Feel free to share with any artist friends you know who might benefit!
So is today the day you take ACTION? It would be my honor to come alongside you on your own artists' journey!
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
A Quick Sketch
A quick time lapse video of me sketching in my Moleskine watercolor sketch book.
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!