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Let's Get Your Creative Juices Flowing!!!
Today, we embark on a tranquil journey through the depths of creativity as we dive into the world of zen doodling, mermaid style!!
Similar to my recent zentangle face drawing video, today's project will unfold in real-time, accompanied by tranquil music to cultivate a sense of serenity. Whether you're a seasoned zentangler, or new to the magic of zen doodles, you're invitied to join in and just let go! If you're just learning how to draw or have never tried but always wanted to - today's zentangle drawing project is simple ENOUGH FOR BEGINNERS with no timelapse so you can easily doodle along! Together, we'll combine a few basic shapes to create a playful "baby" mermaid drawing and immerse ourselves in the rhythmic cadence of EASY zen doodle patterns - where worries dissolve and creativity can take flight! Whether you're seeking a moment to calm life's chaos, or yearn to express your inner artist, seize the moment with me, and let's embrace the meditative magic of zen doodling!!
*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*
Supplies
I'm a huge fan of using whatever art supplies you have on hand or love most! Don't feel like you have to go out and buy what I used.
I'm just noting my supplies here in case you're interested in adding to your stash! Smooth drawing paper likebristol or cardstock Black fineliners - I love this set by Molotow with a variety of nibs to help you create gorgeous line variations!
Pencil (I love a mechanical pencil like the set I'm using in today's video, or my Blackwings)
Remember - you REALLY don't need ANY of these "fancy" art supplies to do this zen doodle - you can do the entire thing on a piece of scrap paper with a pencil or ballpoint pen! The most important thing is that YOU DRAW, not what supplies you use to create your drawing :) Loved Today's Video? Share it with a Friend!
If you LOVED today's video, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND!
It's SO easy!! Either copy and paste this exact video link here: https://youtu.be/5eCMLpYoX1g Or if you're on your phone watching on YouTube, hopefully this will help :) Need Another EASY Zentangle Drawing Project?
I thought you'd never ask!! Check these out!
Wanna Try a QUICK & EASY Face Drawing Tutorial?This video makes learning how to draw a face SO EASY and FUN!! All you need is any old pencil, a sheet a paper and FIVE Minutes!! Ready to Take Your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?
Check out the Fun Fab Drawing Club over at Awesome Art School!! It's perfect for artists of ALL levels including beginners. We're having SO much FUN over there and would LOVE to have YOU join us!!
Feel free to check out our VISUAL INDEX of ALLLLLLL the projects :)
So FUN, right?!!
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Picture this: you open your art journal, and instead of a silent page flip, you encounter that dreadful sticking sound. Sticky Art journal pages are a REAL problem, am I right?!
They're also SUPER normal, PREVENTABLE, and even fixable. In today's NEW YouTube video on my Mixed Media channel, I'm gonna show you FIVE ways to STOP THE STICK for good!
*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*
1When & HOW to Use Spray Sealers
Spray sealers have always been my go-to art supply to lock ALL the layers of a finished piece in place. These come in a wide variety of brands and price points to accommodate every level of artist from crafters to fine artists. I tend to reach for this acrylic spray sealer by Americana the most for my own projects.
If you live outside of the U.S. and are trying to find a similar spray sealer, there are FOUR words you need to be looking for on your product labels: CLEAR, ACRYLIC, MATTE SEALER. That's it!
I feel a SPRAY SEALER is essential for mixed media artists because it won't re-activate all the layers in your piece.
This is HUGE for fans of watersoluble products like me!! Stabillo-all pencil or watercolor markers anyone?!
If I used a product with a brush applicator (like the mod podge used in the above demo), it would smear ALL my work and basically wreck my piece instead of saving it. A spray sealer allows us to lock in everything, prevent smears, and STOP THE STICK for your art journal pages!
2Wanna Decrease THE SHINE in Your Art Journal Pages?
Sometimes even when you've sprayed a matte sealer, pages can still look super shiny even when the product is dry. If this bugs you, try Dorland's Wax Medium.
Dorland's is a cold wax, and you can simply apply it with an old dish towel right on top of a PRE-SEALED piece (super important - this wax doesn't replace the sealer, it goes on TOP of it). In the pic below you can see quite a sheen throughout my art journal spread. This is BEFORE I applied Dorland's Wax Medium.
The next image shows a closeup of this piece AFTER using Dorland's. There's significantly less sheen, and it even smoothed some of the wrinkles from napkin collage or tissue paper collage in the background.
While I love the matte look I achieved with Dorland's wax medium, I don't love the way my pages FEEL since using it. The stickiness is definitely gone, but I guess I'm much more of a fan of how my pages feel if I've sealed with matte mod podge or Americana sealant.
3When to Use a Fixative Spray in Mixed Media Art Projects
A fixative spray is something you want to reach for when you want to preserve what you've done, but keep working. It's about half as strong as a traditional sealer. A sealer is for when you KNOW you're DONE with a project and you want to lock everything in place for good.
4Super Matte Mod Podge
I've always felt mod podge is an excellent sealer on its own. But even the matte version can occasionally leave more sheen on my art journal pages than I'd like.
I decided to test a new version of mod podge called SUPER MATTE Mod Podge, and found it to be a GREAT alternative to Dorland's Wax for just $10/bottle (vs. Dorland's $27, which I also don't love the feel of after it's been applied). My only issue with the super matte mod podge is if you used watersoluble mixed media art supplies to create your art journal pages. Whenever you try to apply a sealer with a brush on applicator, you run the risk of reactivating previous layers - which can sometimes look cool, and other times can ruin your work. Luckily Mod Podge DOES make spray sealers as well, in case these are something you're interested in trying! Aerosol Spray Sealer vs Pump Spray Sealer
Make sure you watch today's demo because I'll show you EXACTLY why I prefer an aerosol spray sealer to a pump spray sealer. As you can see below, a pump spray sealer offers VERY LITTLE coverage with just one spritz.
The photo below shows the coverage from one spray of the Americana aerosol sealer I typically reach for when sealing my projects. I know it's subtle here in the photo, but watch the video. It's kinda shocking how much MORE ground you can cover with an aerosol spray sealer vs a pump spray sealer.
5What if You're Sensitive to Aerosol Sprays?
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Karen CampbellFounder of Awesome Art School. Mixed Media Artist. Author of 19 Instructional Art Books! Whose work has appeared in...Archives
July 2024
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"Karen is flipping hilarious and she's very real...I like the way she teaches in a way that really gives you confidence, whether you're a beginner or advanced there's always something new to learn!"
- Elizabeth W. |
What Fans Are SayingKaren, 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. |
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