Add Mountains to your sketchbook

monotype print, sketchbook ideas / /

This month’s featured class is Monochromatic Mountains. Details on the workshop page. Save $25.

abstract Mountain scape

I have been thinking about how I could use the mountain scape techniques in other ways, beyond the layered print.

The ridge line method is a great compliment to the mixed media trees that we explored last month.

abstract landscape linda germain

I have experimented with added mountains to the background of some sketchbook pages in progress.

add ridge lines to sketchbook pages

I think it might be a quick way to add depth to a page. Above the cat is now looking off into the distance. And the tree is brought to the foreground. The tree needs to be less transparent. I did add the background mountains after the other images wherein the page. With some planning I could print the backgrounds first.

Want to add some mountain scapes to your work? Take advantage of the savings this month and join us in the online printmaking class, Monochromatic Mountains.

 

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daily doings

inspiration, studio / /

How do you get started in your art practice each day? I have a couple of tasks that get me going each day.

One, I pull random angel cards and write the words in my sketchbook.angel cards to start the studio day

I think a little how those ideas could guide my day. Then I make a list of 3 things that I could do. My default list is

  • 20 minutes of making
  • 20 minutes of cleaning
  • 20 minutes of draft writing

sketchbook linda germain

This list feels doable and gets me going when I am not sure where to start. I use it as a guide rather than a strict rule. Often I will be in the flow of one activity and just extend the time for another 20 minutes.

It is an amazing little way to gently trick myself into action. I remind myself that it is a tool to get me into action.

A couple of things  can happen:

  • I just do the 20 minutes for each task
  • or I am stimulated into an hour or more on a single task and I am pleased with my accomplishments
  • or I get a new idea and move into gentle action

I use the 20 minute timer on my  phone and I feel quite accomplished when I end up putting in several hours.

The 1-2-3 list  is about starting the activities. Once I get going it is sometimes easier to keep going for another 20 minutes and finish the task.

I would think you could craft the 1-2-3 list to meet your goals. What activities would you include? Reading, writing, sorting, purging, walking, napping, yoga, anything goes.

trees as subject matter for art making

A reminder: Save On the Torn Trees class for the month of March. Now only $50 Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Easy is fun – make marks

combined techniques, drawings, mark making / /

I think of the freedom that some children have when making art. They seem to be so intensely in the moment and making marks with ease.

charcoal drawing

I think of ways that I could have that type of presence in my art making.

  • Easy repetitive marks
  • Using “kids” supplies like crayons
  • Call it done after just a few marks
  • And then get another piece of paper

use crayons like kids

How do you get into a kid like flow?

repetitive marks

One kid like tool that I have been exploring is the bingo dauber. I can make lots of dots really fast. And I can use it to make primitive drawings with broad lines.

bingo dauber a mark making tool

Can you think of ways to make art with the presence and joy of a child? I offer you that challenge.

dauber drawings

If you love the woods and use the forest as inspiration consider taking the mixed media class, Torn TREES- It is on sale this March for only $50.USD.

sketchbook spread

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Sketchbook a safe place?

artist book, sketchbook ideas / /

Is your sketchbook the safe place that everyone suggests that it is? For me, I would have to say sometimes. Other times I have sketchbook envy. 🙂

handmade sketchbook linda germain

Even after all these years, I am not a natural sketchbooker. And that is my primary art making activity these days. I am filling boxes and boxes of handmade sketchbooks with all sorts of bindings and marks.

sketchbooks linda germain

I have so many that I can see trends and periods of focus. I am finding this looking back and noticing to be informative.

I have noticed:

  • how I have tried many bindings and found one that works for me
  • a reminder of classes I took and techniques that I have tried
  • that over time the sketchbook has become a safer place to play with mark making

At one time, I made hard cover books that seemed too precious to use for a sketchbook practice. Many of them are still unused.

hard cover sketchbooks

I also have a sense of urgency to complete a sketchbook. And when I do finish it, I like to hold it and look through the pages.  I have been filling a sketchbook about once a month. They are 6″ x 6″ pages and 84 in a book.

sketchbook in progress

Things that make my sketchbook feel like a safe place:

  • don’t share it with others
  • know that I can collage over that ugly page
  • try new things without much expectation
  • look back at old sketchbooks and be impressed

sketchbook spread

If you would like to fill some sketchbook pages with abstract forests, then checkout the featured class, Torn Trees. It is on sale for the month of March, was $75. now only $50.

12 lessons, 17 videos and lots of fun!

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The Woods Inspires Mark Making

monotype print / /

Trees are one of my go to subjects. They are easy to abstract and fun to create.

trees as subject matter for art making

I get my inspiration from my walks in the woods, but I also see amazing old trees every where.

I can be fun to try to capture the likeness of that favorite tree.

Tree sketch linda germain

Sometimes I get close and notice the texture of the bark and things growing there, moss, ivy, bittersweet, and the like.

texture of trees

The look and feel of the tree changes with the seasons. Winter offers bare branches and monochromatic color. In the spring I notice fresh green and red buds fill the branches. Summer is a lush canopy of greens. And the Fall can be a riot of brilliant colors.

autumn colors

I have wanted to capture “that” tree in all of its seasons, but just have not done it yet.

This admiration of trees lead me to create the Torn Tree Workshop. It is about making abstract forests with simple printmaking and drawing techniques. This month of March I am offering this 12 lesson class for only $50. USD. Check out the details.


I like to combine my woods walks and my art inspiration.

 

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