Blog Posts

TROPICAL WATERCOLOR SET by Prima SUPER HONEST Product Review!!

1/7/2023

So I THOUGHT the Current watercolor set by Prima was my favorite of all the little Prima palettes I've tested... until today! Today, I FINALLY feel like I found exactly what I've been looking for in these watercolor sets.

If you know me - you know I LOVE bright, punchy, even obnoxious saturated color, which for me, is tough to find in watercolor as a medium (and why I often turn to fountain pen ink painting).

The colors in Prima's Tropical watercolor set are so luscious, rich, vibrant, and TOTALLY me!! I can't wait for you to check them out!!

*All product links are affiliate and for U.S. residents only.*

Take a good look at the photo above. Does this look anything like what you'd imagine a tropical watercolor set might look like? Of course NOT! That's exactly why I tell everyone how important it is to swatch your colors BEFORE you start painting.

Case in point... the photo below shows what's hiding inside the Prima Marketing Tropical Watercolor Confections palette once you add the magic of water!

Gorgeous, right?! You would never know that unless you swatched them. Swatching totally eliminates the potential for a mixed-media mess of surprises as you're painting, and is a gift to your future self.

If you've been hanging out with me for my Prima watercolor series on YouTube, you know that I'm such a fan of swatching that I do it twice. Once on the little swatch card included with my palette, and a second time in a little watercolor swatch book I use as a backup in case I ever lose the card.

Make sure you click over to see Prima's Tropical Watercolor set in action as I paint this fairy watercolor lesson for the Celtic Collective.

I had SO much fun layering the colors from this set to create unique skin tones and hair for my fairy! But I think the bold blooms of color in the background just might have been my favorite part! I'm in love with the intensity of this palette :)

Wanna Create This Lesson Together
Step-by-Step in Real-Time?

You can find it in the Celtic Collective over at Awesome Art School! The Collective is an art membership that I co-host with my Scottish bestie, Lucy Brydon. Together, we provide super fun fantasy art lessons on everything from fairies and mermaids to castles and dragons!

We're only open for enrollment a few times a year, so make sure to add your name to the waitlist so you can get notified the next time we're taking on new members.

?Wanna see all the projects inside the Celtic Collective? Check out our Visual Index!

Wanna See MORE Prima Reviews?

I've done so many lately! I've been in love with Prima since I discovered the Complexions set back in 2019. Hopefully this playlist helps you decide which palettes might be a great addition to your art supply stash (again - none of these review videos have been sponsored, and I paid for each set reviewed with my own hard-earned money, so these are my honest opinions).

Need MORE Resources?

❤️ CHECK OUT ALL my art books on AMAZON
❤️ MY FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES on AMAZON (affiliate links)
❤️ MY BELOVED FACEBOOK GROUP

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Mixed Media Marilyn Monroe Masterpiece on Canvas!

28/6/2023

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Today I'm excited to share a timelapsed version of how I made this sassy Mixed Media Marilyn Monroe, "Hamburger Style" painting, on CANVAS!!

Not sure what "Hamburger Style" is? It's my signature mixed media process - or recipe- for using my favorite, tried-and-true mixed media art supplies and layering techniques to achieve mixed media success EVERY time I sit down to create.

The BEST part is how EASY this fun system is for ANYONE to replicate at home!! Check it out ...

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.

Need a Cheatsheet to Follow Along?

Heck ya, you do!! Click the button below, and I'll deliver a 2-page, printable PDF straight to your inbox outlining each step of the Hamburger System.

Now that you've got your cheatsheet, let's dive into today's SUPER FUN project!!

The first layer of the Hamburger System is our "plate," or our substrate. A substrate is simply the surface we're art-ing on. In this particular project, I'm working on an 18 x 24 stretched canvas.

As you can see above, I've pulled three different scrapbook paper sheets in the same color scheme, and have ripped them into pieces for Layer #2 - Collage. I feel like collage is such a FUN way to get in the mood to create ANY project because there's really no rhyme or reason to it. You get to channel your inner 5-year-old, rip up stuff, and paste it around onto your canvas however you choose!

When you're ready to glue down your collage pieces, I always reach for a cheapie foam brush and my matte medium. Lots of people love mod podge (me included!), but I really prefer matte medium for my Hamburger System projects because matte medium was created to work with acrylic paint (our next layer!). It not only serves as a glue becuase of its adhesive qualities for the collage, but preps our surface to accept acrylics.

I added some white gesso in the middle of my finished collage so I could draw Marilyn in watercolor pencil (that way my lines will disappear once I start painting).

For the acrylic layer, I grabbed three tubes of Lukas acrylic that matched the color scheme in my collage, plus a skin tone. You can totally grab any of these at your local craft store or on Amazon. If you know me, I LOVE hoarding art supplies as much as the next girl, but ALWAYS recommend you use whatever you've got on hand before running off to add more supplies to your stash!

How cute is she looking already?! I seriously LOVE this project!!

Once I'm done with my acrylics, it's time for Layer #4 - gelatos and art crayons! These are SO fun for adding shadows and SO MUCH FASTER to work with than acrylics to add depth.

After I'm done with the acrylics and gelatos, it's time for a little sealant. I grab another black foam brush for this and slap a juicy layer of mod podge all over the entire canvas. You can either get up and take a break from your project to let that dry, or use your hair dryer to get on with it like I do!

I LOVE the feeling of the dry, slick mod podge in this process. It's the perfect surface for using Pitt Pens to add some additional details and outlines throughout. They're also kinda magical because if you make a mistake, you can reach for a baby wipe and ERASE what you don't love!! Awesome right?!

To lock your pitt pen layer in place, seal with another layer of mod podge. Next, you can add another layer of pitt pen doodles, some highlights, outlines, and give it a final seal!

So FUN and EASY, right?!

I hope you had SO much fun watching this project unfold. I had a blast creating her and would LOVE to see your work in the Facebook group if you played along!

Wanna Dive Deeper into The Hamburger System?

I LOVE teaching students how to make the Hamburger System work for them at home! I've got an entire real-time (no timelapse) YouTube series you can binge for FREE right now, that breaks each layer down into its own video!

You can also grab a copy of my Hamburger System book on Amazon to set at your art table so you have EVERYTHING you could possibly need to know about art supplies, layering techniques and more right at your finger tips!

Want Access to Today's Lesson in Real-Time?

I hear ya! There's nothing QUITE like getting to do each and every step together without timelapse!! This mixed media Marilyn Monroe lesson is part of my Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School.

The Mixed Media Society is only open for enrollment three times/year. Add your name to the waitlist here to get notified next time we're taking on new members!

Need More Resources?

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

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The Hamburger System: Your Foolproof Recipe for Creating GORGEOUS Mixed Media Art!

21/6/2023

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Hey there! Are you itching to try your hand at mixed media art but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the supplies and how to layer them successfully? You're in the RIGHT place!

I've got a solution that will make it super easy and fun for you. I call it "The Hamburger System," and it's seriously going to revolutionalize your approach to mixed media art (if it hasn't already!).

In my signature 7-step process, you'll learn MORE about your art supplies (what they do & if they play nicely with others), plus I'll teach you exactly how, and when to layer your supplies to set you up for mixed media success EVERY time you sit down to create.

Let's dive in!!

Need a Cheatsheet Before We Get Started?

I thought so!! Click the button below, and I'll deliver a 1-page, printable PDF straight to your inbox outlining each step of the Hamburger System.

Feel like you want an even MORE TANGIBLE way to understand the Hamburger System? I turned it into a BOOK so you can have the entire step-by-step process ready and waiting for you at your art table! Check it out on Amazon here.

Layer 1: Substrate

Back to today's video :) Our FIRST LAYER is super easy! It's the substrate or "plate" for our hamburger. A substrate is simply whatever surface you plan to create your masterpiece on. Canvas? An art journal, watercolor paper, altered book, or wood panel? One of the beautiful things about mixed media is there are SO many options to choose from!

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.

Layer 2: Collage

Collage is our second layer. It's is a SUPER FUN way to get in the mood to art, and a great way to move through creative block if you're feeling stuck or have no idea what you want to create yet.

Grab your matte medium (or any adhesive YOU like) along with a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Then rip the scrapbook paper into chunks and start gluing it to your substrate. I think collage is an awesome foundation for your piece and adds visual sophistication to your work!

Layer 3: Acrylic Paints (This Includes Stencils!)

Once you're done with the collage layer, it's time to bring out the paints! Acrylic paint is your best friend in the Hamburger System.

Lots of people ask me how I choose my paint colors for each project. Typically I look to my collage layer for inspo, and simply pull 3 shades of paint that match my scrapbook paper. Easy, right?

Once you've got your colors, add them throughout your collage layer wherever you want to jazz things up, or even cover something up that you don't like.

Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques like stenciling to achieve the effect you're after.

Layer 4: Mark Makers

Here's where things get even more interesting. The magical mark maker layer is all about adding a focal point to your artwork. You can use any drawing tool you like—permanent or water-soluble (like the Black Stabilo All pencil I'm using in today's video) to create a foreground subject like a face, flower, or animal. No drawing skills? No worries! Many mixed media classes (LIKE MINE, in the Mixed Media Society!!) provide traceable templates to make it super easy for you.

Layer 5: Gel Sticks

Now, it's time for some serious shading. Enter gel sticks or gelatos! These highly pigmented sticks can be smudged with your fingers, creating beautiful shading effects. It's super easy to blend them to create realistic-looking shadows and depth. They're forgiving and allow for easy corrections, which makes them perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.

Layer 6: Pitt Pens

We're almost there! In the 6th layer of the Hamburger System, Pitt pens take the spotlight. These pens are fantastic for adding details, outlines, and more shading to your artwork. Their India ink pigments create rich and permanent lines, giving your composition that extra oomph. The best part? If you make a mistake or want to modify your design, Pitt pens are erasable with a baby wipe, so you have total control!

Layer 7: Sealer

You've already made it to the final layer!! Time to seal the deal! A sealer like Mod Podge ensures the longevity of your mixed media piece. Plus, if you want to remove or adjust anything you've applied with the Pitt pens, sealer makes it a breeze. Simply let that layer of mod podge dry, then make your adjustments with a second Pitt pen layer!

Not long ago I tested Mod Podge against SEVEN other sealers to see if there were any others I wanted to start working with. Check out what I learned and which glossy one I I fell in love with!

Voila! Isn't she adorable?! I hope you enjoy the Hamburger System as much as I do! It really has provided me with a structured and foolproof approach to mixed media art. It eliminates the fear of making mistakes and will truly give you the confidence to unleash your creativity!

Did you grab my Hamburger Cheatsheet yet? Here's that button again in case you need the link again!

Dying to TRY the Hamburger System with Me?!

I have SOOOO many fun mixed media projects waiting for you in my art club at Awesome Art School called the Mixed Media Society. Tons of them are "Hamburger Style" using the exact process shown today.

Add your name to the waitlist to be notified the next time I'm taking new members!

Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style"
Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?

I thought you'd never ask... this playlist has your name on it!

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How to Create STUNNING Skin Tones With Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers!

13/6/2023

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Hey there art friend! Today on YouTube, I'm excited to share a sneak peek at a lesson I'm creating for my Mixed Media Society art club on how to create STUNNING skin tones using Tombow Dual Brush pen art markers!

Before we dive into our project, we need to figure out exactly what colors we've got to work with. Taking a glance at the caps on our markers will definitely give us a clue, but THE BEST way to prevent surprises mid-project is to do a little pre-project swatching!

Trust me when I say that swatching is a game-changer! That's because the color on the cap, tube or bottle OFTEN looks nothing like what ends up on your paper. By swatching your art supplies BEFORE you create, you eliminate any future surprises or mistakes, allowing you to fully enjoy the creative process!

Swatching can feel tedious and boring to a lot of people, so I've made a number of resources over the years to make this process MORE FUN, including my Fun Fab Swatch Pad (created with my beloved Facebook Group), and my latest book, Swatch! Copy! Color!

This book is a fantastic resource, filled with empty swatch squares and a wide variety of faces and backgrounds to practice coloring techniques. It's perfect for testing your Tombow markers or any other dry media art supplies! Use the book as a reference for your own work, or as a coloring book just for fun.

Can't wait for the book to ship and need to swatch NOW?! Download my FREE Fun Fab Swatch Sheet and I'll send it straight to your inbox!!

Since we're on the hunt for a winning combo of Tombow skin tone markers today, I'm pulling out ALL the Tombow Dual Brush pen art markers I can find in my studio in the pink, orange, brown, and neutral color families.

If you don't have Tombows at home and are thinking of adding a set to add to your art supply stash, this is the one I recommend for shading faces.

If you're playing along at home, flip to a blank swatch sheet in my Swatch! Copy! Color! book. Then shade each swatch box with a marker from your set. Make sure you note the color name and/or number next to each box to stay organized. Your future self will thank you :)

Once all of my Tombows have been swatched, it's super easy to see which light, medium and dark shades will go well together to create stunning skin tones. Here's a quick example in the pink color family:

The face drawing reference image for today's project is courtesy of artist Cameron Mark. I LOVE his digital faces. If you haven't checked him out before, you need to follow him on Instagram. I was thrilled when he graciously agreed to let me feature his work in our lesson!

If you want to learn how to draw this adorable face in the style of Cameron Mark step-by-step, the full-length lesson is inside the Fun Fab Drawing Club over at Awesome Art School.

To color along with me step-by-step in real-time, hop over to the Mixed Media Society. You'll be amazed at how EASY it is to achieve watercolor effects in your shading just by adding a little water!

Look at how beautifully these Tombows blend after I activate them!! Watch this girlie come to life in minutes with the timelapse on my Mixed Media YouTube channel.

Stay tuned for more inspiring content and exciting projects. Until then, keep drawing, experimenting, and enjoying the artistic process.

Remember, you can't get worse with MORE practice!!

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Why Scotland?

7/6/2023

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If you know me, you know I have a bit of a fascination with Scotland :)

It all started back in 1996 when I had the opportunity to visit Edinburgh during my university days. I went on a ghost tour that scared the pants off me, but Scotland left a deep impression on my soul.

The history, the atmosphere, and the sheer magic of Scotland captured my heart.

Over the years my love for Scotland has only gotten stronger. I devoured books like Outlander, that transported me to the rugged landscapes and captivating history of the country.

About 8 years ago, I had the incredible chance to attend an art retreat in a Scottish castle, organized by the lovely Ivy Newport. It was an experience that brought all my passions together—Scotland, art, and the Outlander series. It was simply AMAZING!

And somehow, as fate would have it, Lucy Brydon attended this retreat TOO, and we became instant besties!! (This is us on our 2022 retreat on the front porch at Wardhill Castle).

After Ivy's art retreat, I was kinda down in the dumps when I came home. I couldn't let go of Scotland. I didn't want to leave that place and couldn't get it out of my head.

My hubby Sean actually suggested I create and run MY OWN castle art retreat in Scotland so I "had" to go back each year!!" (Isn't he THE BEST?!!)

Covid got in the way of my "every year" plan, but I'm making it up for it this year by doing not one, but TWO Scottish Castle Art Retreats over the next few months with Lucy and I absolutely CANNOT wait!!

Make sure you watch today's video because you'll hear even more about this story as you watch me draw and watercolor Wardhill Castle (where Kit Harrington & Rose Leslie got married a few years ago - her fam OWNS it!!).

Now, I'm sure you're wondering, "What does this have to do with mixed media art or drawing?" Well, my friend, it's all about finding inspiration in unexpected places and infusing YOUR art with YOUR unique experiences and passions!

I believe when you're truly passionate about something, it shines through in your creations and adds that extra spark of magic.

If you're ready to embark on your own artistic journey and have some FUN along the way, I'd LOVE to help you get started.

Here are a few quick and easy techniques for drawing and mixed media projects that will ignite your creativity:

1. Start with a doodle: Grab a pen and paper, and let your imagination run wild. Don't worry about making it perfect; just let the lines flow and see where they take you. Remember, it's all about the process, not the end result.

2. Experiment with mixed media: Combine different materials like watercolors, acrylics, markers, or collage elements to add depth and texture to your artwork. Mix and match to discover new possibilities and create unique effects.

Not sure where to begin? I've got ya covered...

>>Check out my "Hamburger System"- it outlines my favorite mixed media layering process and is ready and waiting for you to dive into either on YouTube, or as a book on Amazon, or in real-time projects you can create ALONG WITH ME in my Mixed Media Society (art membership @ AwesomeArtSchool.com)

>>You might also really enjoy my Hot Dog System, an awesome way to combine fewer supplies to create a mixed media masterpiece.

3. Play with color: Don't be afraid to go bold and vibrant! Use a variety of hues to bring life and energy to your artwork. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to colors—let your intuition guide you.

If your intuition isn't talkin' to you today, do some collage with scrapbook paper as shown in the pic below. Let the colors in THAT guide your paint choices!!

4. Practice regularly: Like any skill, drawing and mixed media art only improve with practice. Set aside regular time for creative exploration and make it a habit. The more you practice, the more you'll develop your style and find joy in the process. If you love to draw, or want to learn, this FREE series on YouTube is all about helping you start working an art practice into your life with just 5 minutes a day!!

Remember, art is NOT just about technique and skill; it's about self-expression and embracing the joy of creation. So, let go of any expectations, have FUN, and let your imagination soar! ?✏️

If you want to see my Scottish adventure in action or learn more about my art journey, be sure to watch today's video. And if you have any questions or want to share your own artistic experiences, leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, keep creating, stay inspired, and let your art shine bright!

My 2019 Scotland Castle Art Retreat Girls & I in front of Wardhill Castle

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Super FUN Draw Along of a Castle Ruin in Elegant Writer!

24/5/2023

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Hey there!! Are you ready for a creative adventure? Today we're delving into the world of water-soluble drawing supplies and are gonna have a blast creating our very own craggy castle ruins!

I'm going to be using an elegant writer (felt tip calligraphy pen), but you can use any kind of water-soluble marker or pen you have lying around at home. Not sure if you've got any water-soluble art supplies at home? Keep reading, because I'm gonna help ya find one!!

In less than one hour, I'm going to go over NINE key concepts
in this FREE mixed media art lesson including:

What IS water-solubility?
How do you tell if your writing instrument or art supply IS water-soluble?
What is the Elegant Writer and how does it work?
What can I use if I DON'T have an Elegant Writer??
What paper should I use for this?
How do I do this project if all I have is a pencil?
How to draw a castle ruin and rocks!
How to depict realistic shading (and light sources)...
How to strategically use water to create the look of depth and dimension when using water-soluble art supplies.

Let's set the mood for a relaxed and enjoyable experience, shall we?

Forget about perfection and masterpieces – today, it's all about having fun and exploring the amazing properties of water-soluble materials. We're gonna let our inner second-grader shine through, embracing the joy of creating without any pressure.

Not sure if you have any water soluble drawing supplies lying around the house? How about a felt tip pen? Most of us have one of those hiding in a drawer somewhere, and guess what?

They're water soluble! Yep, just draw a line and add water to it with a paintbrush – it will melt like magic!

Now, let's talk about the materials that can take our creativity to the next level. If you happen to be an artsy, fartsy person with a collection of art supplies (lucky you!), there are some fantastic options to consider.

One of my personal favorites is the Elegant Writer (above, which I'll be using today) – a watersoluble calligraphy pen. It does come in a variety of colors, but trust me, I've played with them all, and the only one well worth your time is BLACK.

Mixed media art supply lovers may also have Fineliners, Tombow markers, Neo Color IIs, watercolor pencils, watercolor markers, or a Stabilo all black pencil (if you've been hanging with me for a while - you definitely have one of these!!). Any of these supplies are an excellent choice for today's castle ruin project.

Don't have any fancy art supplies? You can still have a TON of fun using any regular old pencil!

When it comes to paper, anytime you're doing a mixed media project that involves water, I suggest you work on watercolor paper because it can take way more layering than mixed media paper and holds up beautifully.

As far as watercolor paper goes, you've got choices. Cold press watercolor paper or hot press watercolor paper would both work beautifully for this activity. Cold press offers more texture and holds more water, so I'd go with this option if you plan to do multiple layers. Hot press doesn't really have any texture to it, and is super smooth.

What you choose today is entirely up to you, and your artistic preference!

To learn more about watercolor paper and see each type of paper in action, check out this recent video.

Alright, let's dive into the techniques we'll be using to bring our craggy castle ruins to life. No rulers or erasers allowed – we want those wonky lines, uneven shapes, and rustic charm. Embrace the imperfections!

Make sure you watch today's video so you can draw along with me in real-time. Then, get ready for the magic – we're gonna activate the elegant writer ink by applying water selectively to just one side of our drawing using a watercolor brush!!

You're gonna LOVE watching the ink melt into stunning shadows, adding depth and sophistication to your work!

As you can see in the above pic, I'm using my FAVORITE watercolor brushes by Polina Bright. Learn more about why I'm obsessed with them here, or get a set for yourself at 10% off here when you enter my name (KarenCampbell) as the coupon code at checkout.

For all you pencil lovers out there, fear not! A blending stump, cuetip, or your finger does an amazing job of adding dimension to your drawing when you're ready to start shading.

Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the process, enjoy the unpredictability of your water soluble marker if you've got one, and let your creativity guide you.

There's no right or wrong way to approach this – it's all about exploring, playing with your supplies, and adding your personal touch to those craggy castle ruins.

Once you've completed your masterpiece, don't keep it to yourself! I'd LOVE to see your work!!

?www.facebook.com/groups/awesomeartschoolPost a pic of your craggy castle ruins in my Facebook group

?Or tag me on Instagram @KarenCampbellartist

I'm genuinely excited to see what you create!!

Want Another FREE Elegant Writer Project?

I thought you'd never ask... here ya go!!

Loved This Castle Project & Want MORE?

You might just LOVE my Celtic Collective art club with Lucy Brydon over at Awesome Art School. EVERY project in this club is inspired by castle ruins like today's piece, fairies, mythical creatures and fantasy!

?Check out The Celtic Collective & add your name to the waitlist to be notified next time we're taking on new members!

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EASY Martini Glass Drawing Lesson on YouTube

16/5/2023

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While I was creating a lesson for the Fun Fab Drawing Club the other day, I was having so much fun, I decided to do a similar lesson as a Draw Along party in my Facebook Group!

In case you missed that, or aren't on Facebook, I'm dropping the video on my YouTube Drawing channel as well :)

Today's FREE martini glass drawing lesson has a little twist to give us a teensy challenge...

1. No drawing in pencil
2. No drawing freehand

Sound fun?! Let's get started!!

Drawing Supplies for Today

Since we're not drawing in pencil, you might want to grab a few fineliners in different nibs (thicknesses). My favorite fineliner set is by Molotow, below.

Since I plan to use alcohol markers to color in my martini glass drawing, I'm working on a super smooth sheet of cardstock that is similar to Bristol (but waaaaay cheaper).

Next, you're gonna want a straight edge. You can easily use the edge of a book, or whatever you have lying around. Try NOT to reach for a ruler, because I don't want you to start measuring stuff :) I'm using a triangle for my straight edge and NOT measuring on purpose to keep the vibe FUN and wonky!

I've also got my ellipse and circle templates nearby. I use BOTH of these constantly when drawing faces.

The ellipses are perfect for dropping in facial feature placeholders when I'm sketching in my face drawing guidelines at the beginning of a project. I love using the circle template whenever I'm drawing eyes to help me draw quick irises and pupils (because who wants to spend forever trying to draw a perfect circle?! NOT ME!!).

If you don't have templates like this, it's totally fine! Use whatever you have lying around in the shape of a circle that you can trace.

My last "supply" for today is seriously just a bunch of cocktail drawing reference images to provide me with a little inspiration and get my creative juices flowing.

After you've grabbed your supplies, make sure to click over to the video because everything in today's FREE drawing tutorial is step-by-step, and in real-time so you can draw along with me from home :)

How to Make Your Line Drawing Even COOLER!

Once you've got your basic martini glass drawing done, it's time to take your drawing from simple and plain... to awesome! We do that by varying LINE WEIGHT throughout the drawing.

Line variation is super easy to achieve. You can either use fineliners in a variety of nibs (thicknesses), or you can add some wonky lines with a straight edge like I'm doing in today's video, and then color them in! You're definitely gonna wanna see this in action!

Once you've got some line variation going on in your drawing, you can add even more interest with the addition of a few action lines. Action lines are common in cartoons and anime drawings to indicate movement or energy. I like to use a thinner fineliner for these, like a 0.4.

HOT TIP: Make sure you wipe your straight edge off BEFORE adding action lines around the martini glass because we don't want any excess ink smearing onto your drawing once your template hits the page again.

Once the action lines are in place, it's time for some fruity embellishments, because who doesn't love a little fruit inside a sassy drink?!

Let's Add Color

The first rule of thumb for coloring ANYTHING is to swatch! You can use a piece of scrap paper off to the side of your drawing, or download my FREE Fun Fab Swatch Sheet to make things even more interesting!

I used to hate swatching and think it was boring, but trust me, there's nothing worse than grabbing a marker or tube of paint based on the cap, only to find a completely unexpected color popping onto your page! I've learned this the hard way time and again!

Your future self will thank you for swatching!!

If you don't have any alcohol markers at home, don't sweat it. Use whatever art supply you have from colored pencils to watercolor!

Wanna Learn MORE About Alcohol Markers?

In case you don't know this about me yet, I'm OBSESSED with alcohol marker art!! I love using my Copics and Ohuhus for shading faces, fairies, art deco fashions, and everything in between!!

Over the years, I've tried just about every alcohol marker brand from dollar store cheapies to my beloved Copics, and have learned a ton along the way. Check out this playlist to watch my BEST ALCOHOL MARKER COLORING TIPS in action, learn about blending, mixing alcohol markers with other media, and SO MUCH MORE!!

Need More Real-Time Drawing Lessons?

I've got TONS!! Go check out the Fun Fab Drawing Club over at Awesome Art School. There are SO many fun lessons just waiting for you to enjoy!!

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3 AWESOME Ways to Build a Custom Travel Watercolor Palette!

25/4/2023

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People ask me this question ALL the time, "How do you decide which watercolors to take along with you when you're traveling?" Is it better to work from tubes, pans, or to create your own custom travel watercolor palette?

Today I'm diving into ALL these questions, and can't wait to show you not one, but THREE ways to decide which colors are coming along for your next trip!

Some artists prefer to purchase a palette that's already been prepared by a brand specifically for travel, like the one below, from Field Artist.

Typically palettes like this come with around 12 colors in them, including the primaries, so in theory, you can mix whatever additional colors in the rainbow you'd like to!

Personally, I hate mixing colors ALWAYS and prefer to just dip right into my palette to grab the perfect color. And, I find going with a standard out-of-the-box palette like the one above ... BORING!

There, I said it!! LOL.

One of the AWESOME ways I totally enjoy choosing which watercolors get to come on a trip is by looking to my DESTINATION for inspiration! This is especially important if you plan to do landscapes and cityscapes.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about. If you're headed to the beach, you'll want a palette filled with colors like this to paint those gorgeous waves, skies and cocktails you'll be sipping (or I would be sipping, LOL!).

If you're headed to a place like Iceland, you're gonna want to include cool blues and grays like this to capture the moody skies, glaciers, and seas...

Or, maybe you don't even care about colors inspired by your destination... you'd rather just bring your favorites!! That's cool too!!

I tend to do a combo of bringing my faves and thinking about colors inspired by where I'm going.

When it comes to which colors I choose or recommend YOU choose, it's personal. I'm NOT gonna tell ya what to bring, and there are NO WRONG ANSWERS :) Just bring what YOU LOVE, and don't worry about anyone else!

For me, Daniel Smith Serpentine Genuine (below), goes wherever I go!

Since I love choosing specific colors to bring with me, I prefer to create my own custom travel watercolor palettes. I've done videos on this before, but today's demo is a little different, so make sure you click over to watch this new process unfold.

I recently discovered some cute PARTIALLY FILLED travel palettes by Daniel Smith (see below). Each palette has 15 half pans, 9 of which are totally empty - ready and waiting for YOU to add your fave colors to, and 6 of the half pans come pre-filled with color families like blues, purples, neutrals, etc. Cool, right? Best of both worlds!

The brand QoR also has a similar travel palette that's been pre-filled with 6 colors, and has 6 empty half pans ready and waiting to hold YOUR favorites!

Just look at how beautiful these color selections are!!

I've really been enjoying the vibrancy of QoR watercolors lately. I recently purchased this QoR set of 24 5ml watercolor tubes and am planning on adding 15 of them into a baby watercolor palette that will clip onto my journal. Its' SO adorable. Make sure you stay tuned till the end for a sneak peek at THAT!

Once I've filled my empty half pans in each palette, I swatch my colors inside a little travel watercolor journal so I know what's inside each palette.

These cute skinny watercolor journals are awesome for swatching!

If you're NOT getting ready for a trip and just want something to make swatching a little more fun, make sure you download my FREE Swatch Sheet! You can use it for watercolors, markers, colored pencils, you name it!!

I hope you found today's video helpful for your next trip!

And if you DON'T have any travel plans right now, who cares?!! You can STILL create some little custom watercolor palettes for yourself.

This baby mini travel watercolor palette is completely ADORABLE, wooden, and even clamps onto your journal!! It's perfect for moving your watercolor supplies easily around your house, into your backyard, or for an artsy walk in the park! I can't wait to use mine!!

Need Some Awesome Watercolor Lessons?

Of course you can't just have a set of gorgeous watercolors and NOT use them, RIGHT?! Check out the Celtic Collective art club over at Awesome Art School. It's like Netflix for watercolor and drawing lessons and are all FANTASY themed! So tons of mythical creatures from fairies (good & bad!!) to mermaids, unicorns and more!

Lucy Brydon and I are having a blast with our students, and would LOVE for you to join us!! You don't have to have ANY watercolor skills to join. We'll teach you everything you need to know from the ground up!!

Join the waitlist here to be notified the next time enrollment opens:)

Wanna Watch Another Video?

I thought you'd never ask ;) This one's a goodie about ... surprise, surprise... how to make a teeny tiny travel watercolor palette!! It's SOO fun and soo cute!!

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How to Learn from the Masters + Fantasy Art Drawing Tutorial

11/4/2023

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Have you ever looked at art by a master artist and tried to just GUESS at how s/he created something? I have learned SO much from doing this over the years!

I recently developed a fantasy art drawing lesson for my Celtic Collective art club using this process and took inspiration from one of my favorite fantasy artists, Brian Froud. Stay with me till the end for some magical fountain pen ink painting!!

Just look at THE NECK on my face drawing reference today!! Isn't she gorgeous?! I'm using this copyright-free profile photo to guide me on the angle of the head and facial feature placement for my own drawing.

If you're not sure how to draw a side profile, the drawing portion of today's lesson is in real-time, so make sure you click over to watch, and draw along with me, step-by-step.

Profile guidelines get sketched in first (as always). If you have a copy of my How to Draw & Find Your Style book, I'm using the realistic profile drawing guidelines found on page 174, and starting off by sketching a circle and square onto my own paper.

Next, I add in guidlines for the eyes, nose and lips, and begin to pencil in placeholder ovals where these facial features will go. As you may have noticed, I'm using a mechanical pencil for today's tutorial. This set by Pentel is my favorite.

Next, I begin connecting the features and erasing my guidelines. Once this part is done, I start looking to a gorgeous piece by Brian Froud for inspiration on how to draw a killer headpiece. I'll also be studying Brian's piece to guide me on shading, which I CAN'T WAIT to get started on!!

I've decided to paint my drawing using fountain pen ink. If you're new to this technique, it's amazing and super similar to working with watercolor.

As always, I'm working with my favorite watercolor brushes by Polina Bright. You can learn more about why I'm obsessed with them here, or get 10% off for yourself in Polina's shop here. These work beautifully with fountain pen ink painting as well because they hold SO MUCH ink!!

The painting part of today's project is timelapsed for your enjoyment, so kick back, relax, and watch this warrior chick come to life in minutes!!

Wanna Do the FULL Lesson in Real-Time with Me?

It's in the Celtic Collective art club over at Awesome Art School. Join the waitlist here to be notified the next time enrollment opens :) Lucy Brydon and I are having a blast over here with our students, and would LOVE for you to join us!!

Wanna Learn MORE About Fountain Pen Ink Painting?

I thought you'd never ask! Check out this playlist for MY BEST FOUNTAIN PEN INK PAINTING TIPS, or press play below...

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Thanks for hanging out with me today!!

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Massive DRAWING ERASER Review!

20/3/2023

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I've been using my Vanish eraser faithfully for a decade, and think it's by far the best drawing eraser out there. I can always find them at my local Jerry's Artarama for $2 each, but I know they're not always easy to find, and can't get over how Amazon charges around $7 a pop for them!

Today I'm on the hunt for a vanish eraser alternative that produces awesome results, is more readily available worldwide, and CHEAPER.

Let's get to it!!

To get us started, I've laid some shading down on drawing paper in graphite, charcoal, black colored pencil, India ink and pastel. Lots of the erasers I've picked up for today's test claim to ERASE India ink! Who knew that was a thing?! Let's see how they do...

As you'll see in the video, I tested my Vanish eraser first. It leaves behind larger chunks of eraser shavings and no dust once used, which I find super easy to clean up.

It did a beautiful job lifting graphite (as always), and even removed a bit of the India ink and pastel - which I never would've guessed was possible!

The Prismacolor Magic Rub did fairly well, but tended to smear on all mediums tested. It also left behind a LOT of eraser shavings that either made a mess or tried to kinda work their way into the texture of the paper wherever it was used. The price point on Amazon for the Magic Rub was just right at $1-2 each, but overall, I wasn't impressed with its results.

The pentel Hi-Polymer eraser tended to smear like the Magic Rub and also left behind too many eraser bits for me. I found it on Amazon for only about $1/eraser, but felt it was only slightly better than the Prismacolor in performance.

The first one to slightly impress me was by Faber-Castell. It didn't perform drastically different from the others, but didn't smear or leave behind a huge mess, and cost less than $1 on Amazon - so at this point is a contender.

The Factis two-toned eraser by Generals was the first eraser in today's test to give me a noticeable difference from the rest. It left behind large "crumbles" after each use (which I prefer), and seemed to leave the page slightly whiter than my Vanish when erasing graphite!

The downside of this one is price point. I had a hard time finding it for less than $9 each on Amazon. It performed beautifully though, so if you see one at your local craft store for less, I highly recommend grabbing it!

The Tombow Mono sanded eraser "for ink" (below) has a sanded edge to it, which is kinda unique. I didn't know erasing india ink was a thing before today!

Out of all the erasers tested, the Mono definitely worked best at lifting India ink shading, but it was a little rough on the paper. I felt like if I'd been working on watercolor paper it would've shredded it, so handle with care if you pick one of these up.

The Staedtler Mars plastic eraser did a fantastic job. It was the best at lifting pastel, and did pretty well at lifting India ink. It's got a really nice shape and feels comfortable to hold, is widely available, and only about $1-2 all over Amazon. So far, this might be my fave!!

Make sure you click over to watch the video to see the remaining erasers I tested, and to get my FINAL recommendation if I had to choose an alternative to my beloved Vanish eraser!

Wanna Learn How to Draw a Face?

Feel like you've been putting your erasers to the test trying to draw a face?! I get it!!

If you're not sure how to draw a face, or have just started drawing faces, THIS IS MY JAM!! I'd love to make face drawing easier for you with my FREE whimsical face drawing guidelines. They're super easy to follow and will help you draw proportional facial features every time.

Simply click the button below to request your free guidelines cheatsheet, and I'll email it right over!

Once you print your guidelines out, check out this playlist and I'll teach ya how to use them while we draw and shade an easy face in pencil together, step-by-step.

Obsessed with Drawing?

Me toooooo! We're having THE BEST time over in my Fun Fab Drawing Club over at Awesome Art School and would LOVE for you to join us!!!

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Layer 1: Substrate

Layer 2: Collage

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Karen Campbell

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