Be You!
I believe strongly that every person is unique and every one has their own unique style. It is only the matter of time and practice to find it.
This time I did not want to create anything particular, just let go and relax. I love ornaments and dig some from my treasure box. They were made some time ago using watercolors and markers. Then I grabbed black background paper and started doodling. Color pencils add extra interest. Using various supplies makes the collage interesting.
By using a variety of supplies and taking care of the composition is often enough for the eye. The only third thing you need to add is You!
Enigma
Original painting on canvas, see more photos at Etsy
Here’s my my newest artwork “Enigma”. The making of it started with the thoughts about the atmosphere in old, high public buildings. Like old libraries and churches. The decorated ceilings and the feel of space create almost spiritual experience. It is a mystery how the beauty can uplift the mind so powerfully.
I used acrylic paints here and added the details with pens and markers.
How To Make Your Own Patterned Paper
While preparing to move to a new house, I have tried to avoid big projects. So I have done quite a lot of paper crafting recently. One of the easiest and quickest things to do is to make patterned papers. I use Canson sketch paper (90 g in thickness) and whatever paints and pens I possibly have.
Sometimes more really is more, so I call these “More Is More” papers! I am going to use these for my art journal pages. Before cutting them, I scan them so that I can use the same paper digitally or print a copy of it. That way I always have some patterned paper available.
Here’s one of the easiest ways I know to make really rich and colorful patterned paper. Besides the paper, you will need watercolors, marker pens, gel pens, and colored pencils, a correction pen, and a relaxed mind. Don’t worry about the mess you make; it will look lovely in the end!
1) Paint the background with watercolors.
Use circular strokes. Don’t think.
Dry the excess water with tissue paper here and there to create some lighter areas.
2) Doodle with markers.
I love to use PITT artist pens here. Any medium marker will do.
I like making circles and swirls, but you can doodle whatever comes to your mind. Relax the hand and keep the pressure light.
3) Continue doodling with gel pens.
Change to gel pens and make detailed doodles. I use Sakura gel pens.
Some might think that this is the last step, but no way! More is more, remember!
4) Color small areas with colored pencils.
If you look closely there might be areas where colors are grayish or not so perfect. Take your colored pencils and work on the problem areas. Do not worry about going over the doodling. The layered look is what we aim for here.
It looks like this now. Finished? Oh no!
5) Doodle with a correction pen.
One of the best pens you can buy for patterned papers is a fine point correction pen. After you have colored all the white areas, you can make the white to come back with the correction pen! Now doodle over the paper, here and there…
6) Add contrast and shine.
Take a black marker and make pretty dots near the white areas.
Optional: If you have a gold metallic pen you can doodle mindlessly to add some extra shine.
More is really more, isn’t it? You can stop at any step, of course, I couldn’t!
Bonus: More Patterned Paper
Frugal, Kiwi, Arboretum, Spring Flowers, Romantic Doodles
Class – Create Handmade Collage Art in Collageland!
Collageland is an art class for you who loves patterns and decorative textiles but wants to save time by creating with pens and paper. Watch the video and buy now!
In Collageland, I welcome you to my studio filled with doodles and ideas. You’ll make handmade papers and motifs and start building your handmade stash!
>> Buy Now!