hAPPY February! this month's studio blog post includes a few new art supplies I've added to my studio space, a new art book added to my collection as well as a painting I started earlier this month ( pictured above ) inspired by the Chanel Spring/Summer 2021 Haute Couture Fashion show. I have most of the figures done as well as the outfit silhouettes, so I think I will be focusing on more of the detail painting these next few days. I am most looking forward to the detail of each individual outfit. The paper size is 18 inch x 24 INCH.
My sister Nancy surprised me with a few art supplies this month. I was so happy to have received these items. I am so incredibly thankful to have a sister that supports my art journey in so many ways. I will do my best to make her proud with the new art I create using my new supplies. The first item Nancy gifted me is the Caran d'Ache Aquarelle Palette. I think It'll be the perfect tool to use my water soluble supplies more easily. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Neocolor ii PASTELS react to this surface.
the second item my sister gifted me is this Caran d'Ache mechanical pencil. A beautiful yellow color to keep me motivated and excited to think up new ideas and bring them to life through a sketch using this fun pencil.
Perhaps the item I am most excited about are these drawing inks by Winsor and Newton. These drawing inks have been on my wishlist for as long as I can remember. It's yet again another new medium to explore, And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about wasting this precious product while trying to learn the technique, But once again, I have to remind myself that I can't fully learn if I don't use my supplies freely. The pigmentation on these drawing inks are unreal. I can already see myself using them mostly for fashion illustrations and food paintings. Thank you once again, Nancy for my wonderful surprise. I love every single item you chose for me!
I picked up an additional Drawing ink from a local art store while I was in Dallas. This was a color not included in the previous set above. Once I get more comfortable with using drawing inks, I will definitely try to collect all of the other colors. There are 24 different colors total. Also, how cute is the packaging for the individual drawing inks?
Even though I plan to use watercolor brushes with my new drawing inks, I figured it wouldn't hurt to also have a dip pen close by in case I want to do a little line drawing with the drawing inks. This set was bought at a local art store in Dallas. They also had individual dip pens and nibs for sale in case you don't want to commit to a particular set.
The Scotch Masking tape is my favorite tape to use to hold down my watercolor paper on any flat desk surface. it makes for easy removal after I am done with a painting, and it leaves a clean and crisp white border around the painting. I also love that the expressions line of masking tape come in a variety of colors. I usually go for my favorite yellow, but decided to get a pink colored one this time just for fun. I found these at the arts/crafts aisle at Target.
2/3 of the One Stroke Cotman watercolor brushes. I'm looking forward to practicing new watercolor techniques with these brushes. These were found at Michael's during their buy one get the other 50% off sale.
A special valentine gift from Gabe. My first set of fancy Gouache Paints. I am so excited to paint my first full gouache painting, but also nervous. Whenever the " Fancy " art supplies come out, I immediately put so much pressure on myself to create a " Perfect " artwork. Why is it so easy to put this fake pressure on ourselves? anyway, Thank you, Gabe for my Valentines Gift! I will create something beautiful with my new Gouache set.
Aren't they just divine?
lastly, A beautiful art book I found at Half Price Books earlier this month. One of my favorite things to do on my free time is to go to half price books and wander around looking for vinyls, art books, cooking books, fashion books, and any other hobby books I find interesting. I could easily spend hours in there. I don't always find something I want to take home with me, but when I do, I make sure it's as magical as this beautiful book.
Thank you for reading and I hope you're able to do something creative this month.