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How to Create GORGEOUS Mixed Media Portraits for Artists of All Levels!

17/5/2019

I LOVE creating mixed media portraits! If you're new to my world, my name is Karen Campbell, and I LOVE to draw and create mixed media portraits on canvas or in my art journal. Even more - I LOVE to break the steps down in simple to follow instructions so others can create right along with me.

When I'm getting ready to create something, I often look for reference images to get my creative juices flowing. Check out the ADORABLE illustration (below) by Anne Keenan Higgins, and the cute cocktail napkin I found to go with it!

I honestly don't know what I love more in this picture. The illustration, the cocktail napkin, or my skin tone watercolor palette!

Regardless of what colors or medium you select for your own project - it's important to SWATCH your colors. I've tried to make this process MORE FUN for you by creating this FREE Swatchsheet! Simply click the button below, and I'll send it straight to your inbox.

The collection of inspiration above lead me to the development of one of my VERY FIRST LESSONS in my art club called The Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School.

We started out by sketching this cute figure below... then we grabbed our watercolors!

Before we continue, super quick announcement: All product links are Affiliate. I may earn a small commission if you choose to order through these links, but by law there is never any additional cost to the consumer for doing so. I thank you for your support!!

If you're lazy like me, or struggle with getting JUST the right skin tone when you're watercoloring faces, the Watercolor Complexion Set by Prima is an amazing "out of the box" solution! (Scroll down for product review video).

I don't know about you, but I have grabbed the wrong tube of paint or marker ZILLIONS of times (based on the tube or cap color), only to find out the hard way, (when I applied it right to my drawing) that it wasn't the color I had expected! It's the WORST if you're working with skin tones.

Lesson learned. Swatch every color for every project - don't just grab and go like I have!! Use my FREE Swatch Sheet to swatch your colors, and you'll be good to go.

Here's a look at the finished project from this cute Mixed Media Society lesson. Isn't she so cute?!

If you're interested in doing this lesson with me (and SO many more!!), check out The Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School. Baby beginners are welcome!!

Only into drawing? Or don't know how to draw, but have always wanted to learn how to draw faces? Check out The Fun Fab Drawing Club!

Interested in fantasy art, watercolor and trying your hand at drawing fairies, castles, and other mystical creatures? Join my Scottish bestie, Lucy and I in The Celtic Collective!

Wanna see my full product review video of the Prima Complexion Watercolor Set? Watch the video below.

Thanks for hanging out with me today!!

❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my art books on AMAZON
❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my online art classes @ Awesome Art School
❤️ MY FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES on AMAZON
❤️ MY BELOVED FACEBOOK GROUP

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Drawing a Realistic Braid, Made Easy!

17/5/2019

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Drawing a realistic braid isn't nearly as hard as you might think. It just so happens I recorded the whole process to share with you!!

I know drawing hairstyles intimidates so many people, so I've taken it upon myself to break it down for you, step by step!

Now before we get to drawing hair, we need to get this face drawn properly. See how her head is turned in a profile, but not ALL the way? We can still see her right eye a little bit in this pose. It's called a three quarter view portrait, and is actually one of the hardest facial positions to draw.

If you've never drawn this view before, or struggle with 3/4 portraits, simply click the button below and I'll send my 3/4 Portrait Face Drawing Guidlines straight to your inbox.

Once you've got your three quarter profile face drawing guidelines printed out, click over to watch this video and see how I put everything into practice, and add on this gorgeous braid.

Wishing there was a slower version of this? I know. YouTube is so awesome because it's so free and fast and FUN! But I know for a lot of my students it's just too darn fast.

If you'd like to take this entire drawing (including step-by-step, real time, how to draw this face...everything from eyelashes, nose, mouth, hair...from SCRATCH) I've included it as a full length lesson in one of the advanced classrooms of The Fun Fab Drawing Club over at Awesome Art School.

Feel like the braid drawing lesson is a little tough, and you'd like to practice drawing a 3/4 face with your new cheatsheet? Check this playlist out on my YouTube Drawing channel. It's just for beginners!

Thanks for hanging out with me today.

❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my art books on AMAZON
❤️ MY FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES on AMAZON
❤️ MY BELOVED FACEBOOK GROUP
❤️ FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

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What Fans Are Saying

Karen, you are absolutely fabulous! You make me feel like I can draw anything. I have recently retired and finally have the time to do some of the art that I have loved since I was in school. I am really at the beginning of my art journey and I hope to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all you do.

-Jill Y.

I ordered your Fun Fab Faces book and loved it! I was having a little trouble getting the noses I wanted and now it's easy! Also, I love how you stressed how important having the three tones in your drawing is. Thanks a bunch!

-Donna L.

Thank you Karen! I never though I could do faces. You broke it down so it was understandable! And I love your book! I got it yesterday! Can't wait to start practicing! It's so much fun!!!!!

-Debbie M.

Thank you for the encouragement to get back into my drawing and painting. After being away for 35 years. THANK YOU.

- Teresa S.

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How to Create GORGEOUS Mixed Media Portraits for Artists of All Levels!

Drawing a Realistic Braid, Made Easy!

Karen Campbell

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