a peek inside my process- working in layers

If you've been following me for a while, you will know that layers are my jam! I love combining a variety of supplies and techniques to create colorful surfaces with lots of detail and pattern. Over time, I've developed my own little layering process that really helps me stay inspired but it also gives me the opportunity to be messy and refined throughout my layers.

Today I've got a keep inside my process and a few tips for layering! 

When it comes to painting I love beginning most of my surfaces with a couple layers of fast messy color- sometimes I use my hands, a brush, a palette knife....basically I will use anything to get color on that page- the messier the better!

Those layers are when I work free, expressive and from a place of intuition and zero plan. Just lots of color!

The only way to keep those colors bright and dynamic is to let each layer dry in between. I always have my handy hair dryer next to me so I can hit each layer of color with warm air.

I also enjoy using complimentary colors or contrasting colors in different layers. This keep that color popping and looking really dynamic.

Once it’s all dry, I slow it down and use these messy and colorful backgrounds as a place to draw or work with lots of detailed pattern or line work. My favorite tools are permanent black pens and a Uni-ball Signo white pen.

Layering can be intimidating but once you get the hang of it, it’s super fun to combine lots of different techniques and color on the same page!

large black and white mandala

creating in the space between

When working through sketches and doodles, never underestimade space, espcially the space in between your subject matter. My favorite way to work through a drawing (or doodle) is to make use of that in between space and fill it with colors and pattern.

I like to start with lines drawings. 

You could use any type of subject matter, even simple shapes will work!

Then I fill the space with all kinds of different colors and pattern (I love to use dots).

The color and the pattern in the space between the black and white flower drawings create a wonderful push and pull and immediately kicks up those simple line drawings!

Instead of putting your efforts into drawing your subject matter, try challenging yourself to instead focus your time and creativity on the space in between your subject matter.

Use you favorite supplies and colors and fill that space with areas of color, pattern, simple doodles, journaling, texture, etc.

If you use color in your line drawings, try selecting color that is contrasting from the colors that you use to fill the space.

Challenge yourself to fill all of the white space in between your subject matter.

layering tombow markers

keeping a nature journal

There are so many unique ways to seek adventure and experience nature. As much I love hiking, exploring and exercise, I've discovered there is something in me that yearns to be still and present in my surroundings.  As an artist, I know all to well how profound a sketching or journaling process can be when it is incorporated into the outdoors. From taking a walk to looking up at the sky to hiking a trail or going camping, I am constantly reminded of what a beautiful, miraculous and creative world we live in. While I love a good adventure, when I take take time to sit, listen, look around and put pen to paper, something magical happens- I am instantly connected in a deeper way to the world around me. Nature journaling had changed my perspective about color, space, pattern, texture and weather. Taking my creative process outside has inspired me to slow down and open my eyes to things that I would have overlooked.

Want to start your own nature journaling process?

Put together a small sketching kit that goes with you on those adventures and outings. A sketchbook, pen and a small set of watercolors is all you need.

Use outdoor activities for creative opportunities. From landscapes and scenery to leaves, flowers and weather, always be on the look out for things that catch your eye. Take a little break from those activities to to observe and record your surroundings.

Challenge yourself to go anywhere outside for one hour and sketch in that location. Try completing one or two pages. Have fun finding a new location every couple of weeks.

Forget about the pressure to create a masterpiece. Instead, record the weather, write down your thoughts and experiences, put colors that you observe onto that page, draw the shapes, pattern or texture that you see. Sometimes it’s  just the process of observation and creativity that inspires that connection to nature

my favorite white pens!

My long time followers will know that white pens are a really important supply in my creative tool box. And since I get asked all the time (pretty much every day), what kind of white pens I like, I thought I would share my favorite white pens today!

1. Uni- Ball White Signo Pen: So this is my ALL TIME FAVORITE white pen (at least for now). The Uni-Ball Signo is a gel pen that is smooth, bright and has very clean lines. They are archival, water and fade resistant. They are VERY opaque which means they work really well on dark surfaces.

2. Sakura Gelli Roll White Gel Pen: Coming in second place for me is the Sakura White Gelli Roll pen! It's creamy, has great flow and it's waterproof! I love using this pen when I am drawing on black paper.

3. Posca White Paint Pen: I really love the Posca white paint pens! They are super opaque and will work on pretty much any surface. I love using them when I am working over the top of acrylic paint on canvas.

4. Faber-Castell White Pitt Pen:  These pens are another favorite because they are filled with opaque white India ink. They have a bullet shaped nip which means you can can create a variety of marks and strokes. I love them when I am drawing on dark paper.

5. Derwent Graphic White Line Painter: A fun water based paint pen. A cool feature of this pen is that the paint is water-soluble when wet which means you can move pigment around on the page but once it's dry, it comes permanent.

6. Zig Writer White Chalk Pastel Pen: While the Zig pen is not my most favorite, the bullet tip is perfect for adding adding dots and marks to my art journal pages. 

7. White Sharpie Paint Pen: I pretty much love any kind of Sharpie and the white, oil based paint pens are great for drawing on all kinds of surfaces. I like to use them on painted canvas, painted fabric, wood and layered art journal pages.

8. Sakura White Pen-Touch Paint Marker: I have always LOVED these pens! They are waterproof, fade resistant and they have really good flow. I love using them to add tiny dots and details to my acrylic paintings

Use those white pens to draw on dark backgrounds! I love using black paper. 

And I also really love drawing over the top of dark and colorful watercolor and acrylic backgrounds.

I use white pens to add small marks and details.

White pens are also great for writing and journaling over the top of photos. 

Or you can also use those white pens to draw and doodle over the top of a photo or magazine page.

I use those white pens for adding highlights and adding contrast to my black line drawings