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I often think about the crossover from one art style to another and felt that I could paint something my mom did but do it in my technique using some of same DecoArt paints, acrylic brushes, and wooden substrate. So, I asked Paulette if I could use her design as the inspiration for this idea, and thankfully she said yes! This was such a fun piece to recreate. I always start my paintings with written words using oil pastels, then add in bright acrylic inks to cover all the white and let some of the oil pastels peek through. Next, I go through layers of mark-making, and then I finish my linework with Posca paint pens.
What I love is that art is subjective. Every one of us has a different and unique reaction to a painting we see. The creative ways we can interpret art are fascinating. That’s why I love taking classes or going to galleries, and even reading books on all different art forms. I can take parts of what I learn as inspiration for new paintings. I often mix styles, searching for new ways to use the same art supplies and explore new designs.
I soon realized that life is too short not to listen to your calling. It’s been 3 1/2 years since I left that secure corporate job and took the leap into becoming a full-time working artist. There was a stirring in my soul to create, share, and spread the color and joy I saw in my dream that night, and I’ve never looked back.
Have you been thinking about exploring some new ways to paint? Here are some tips to get started: Use an art tool or brush that you haven’t tried before; try holding it in a different way
to create new marks and brushstrokes. Try painting acrylics on watercolor hot press paper (140 lb). Use an art journal to explore different mark-making and layering. Take classes outside your comfort zone; even if a class or teacher’s offerings are not in your color palette, you may learn some new things! Look for inspiration online, maybe on Pinterest, social media, or in art books found at the library. Remember, it’s all about experimenting and play.
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