Karen Campbell Artist
KAREN CAMPBELL, ARTIST
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Using Mixed Media Watercolor And Inks To Make A Gorgeous Face In My Altered Book Art Journal

25/1/2019

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TGIF!!! Today's tutorial for the #100FunFabFaces drawing challenge was inspired by an artist I've admired for some time, Molly Harrison. I recently purchased one of her gorgeous prints on Etsy and specifically fell in love with the way she rendered the lips and sparkly eyes of this girl.
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I mean, just LOOK at the way she highlighted those juicy lips and the sheen in those eyes!!! To die for, right?!  I reached out to Molly and asked her permission to use this piece as a reference to inspire today's lesson. She graciously agreed! (THANKS MOLLY!!!😘) 

I decided to work in my altered book art journal (which is actually a giant Alice in Wonderland coloring book from my local scrap exchange!) I started off by reinforcing the perforated pages using some decorative tape, and put down a layer of Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground (a new product to me). 

If you know me at ALL, you know I'm obsessed with Daniel Smith watercolors. However, the watercolor ground - I didn't love. I'm an absorbant ground girl when it comes to watercolor surface prep, and still highly recommend that product after this experience.  Lots of students ask me where to find this - your best bet is typically Amazon. I rarely see it in stores. 

After my surface was prepped, I sketched the outline of my girl's face with all her features (sans one eye - to replicate the sexy Veronica Lake look!)
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Actress Veronica Lake. Photo by George Hurrell, c. 1942.

​Next, I squeezed a few droppers of acrylic ink, let them drip around,  and pulled out a watercolor brush to drag some color where it just felt right. I totally had a blast in my creative flow, blasting George Michael in my studio, while bringing this chic to life. 

When you watch the vid, you'll see I have a bit of a paintbrush malfunction while it happens to be filled with permanent ink, no less! I didn't freak out because 
I actually love the adventure of mixed media. When something unexpected happens, it presents an opportunity to problem solve. 

I actually took a day to mull this one over. After a break, I was able to channel my inner Bob Ross, and turned my "happy little accident" into a somthing I actually love now, and would never have added to the piece if it hadn't been for that snafu.
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I hope you enjoy working on this week's mixed media lesson as much as I did prepping it for YOU!
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Be sure to check out the lovely Molly Harrison on Etsy & Pinterest. Her work is gorgeous!! Thanks again Molly! 😘
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    Karen Campbell

    Founder of Awesome Art School.  Mixed Media Artist.  Author of the How to Draw Fun, Fab Faces series and Mixed Media Magic!

    Posting on YouTube every single Friday of the year!  

    The Alliance of Independent Authors - Author Member

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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!!!!!

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

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