JESSICA SANDERS ART
  • Home
  • Classroom
  • Blog
  • Tools, Tips, & Tutorials
    • Chameleons
    • Alcohol Ink
    • Coloring Book!
  • About
  • New Page
.

More Inky Goodness

7/15/2015

Comments

 
Picture
It's been a busy summer - taking kids to swimming, family activities, CAD work, painting, posting, sharing - busy!





Now, I am deep in the process of learning to make videos of my art and process.  I have my camera set-up (sneak-peek last post).  It took some tweaking to get it right...I'm getting better :)  I figured out a bit about lighting, built an overhead camera mount, and started shooting my painting process.  The result was a 3+ hour video of painting Furiosa that no one in their right mind would watch!  

So, of course, I had to speed it up.  I spent several hours working on it, and still ended up with a really long video - 40 minutes.  So, I have more work to do before I can share it with you.  I'm sorry about the wait, but I think it will be worth it. :)

Meanwhile...

I've been doodling/tangling over alcohol ink and loving it!
My method for this type of drawing/tangling/doodling is random, or rather, intuitive. If I need inspiration, I may head over to my Pinterest board where I have tons of tangles and tangle tutorials!

I start with the white Gelly Roll pen, just making lines and circles.  I switch back and forth between pens as the piece develops.

More lines.
More circles.
Dots.  
Swirls.
Flowing shapes.
Shadows.
More dots.

It is a process of letting go, and allowing the art to take it's course.  Over-analyzing will get you in trouble.  Sometimes, you may get stuck or frustrated.  That is part of it too.  If that happens, just take a step back.  Get a cup of coffee, or go for a walk, and relax a bit.  

Then, go back, and continue working without judging your piece.  Just pick up the pen that appeals to you, and make a mark.  Make another mark.  It's ok if it doesn't turn out as a fabulous piece of art every time...it only matters that you allow yourself the freedom to enjoy the process.

That is why I share both my successful and not-so-successful pieces.  Frankly, it is rather uncomfortable.  But, I want you to know, that it is more important to try than to be perfect.  That the process is worth it, even if the results are less than amazing. Even master artists, like Matisse or Rembrandt, made mistakes...but they didn't let that stop them.  Don't let it stop you, either :)

With that in mind...

Here are 2 projects I've been working on:

Project 1

I started with this vibrant ink page.  
I will let you in on a little secret.  This is a high resolution print of the original ink painting.  I didn't want to mess up the original + this is a great way to extend your artwork.
Alcohol Ink Background by Jessica Sanders
I used a variety of pens, including white Gelly Roll by Sakura, Prismacolor fine tip pens in black, and Pitt Artist pens in grey and other colors.  I love using the white Gelly Roll to make dots!
Art by Jessica Sanders
To be honest, I wasn't really happy with the overall result of this piece.  Since I didn't like where it was going, I just started randomly trying out difference pens, doodles, and a silly smiley face or 2 - after all, the real goal is to have fun!
In the end, there were several elements that I loved + it was a great learning experience.
Art by Jessica Sanders
You can see a really cool effect on the pic above, in the bottom right corner next to the blue smiley.  :)  The squiggly line that is gold, outlined by a dark teal color is made with a Sakura Gelly Roll Gold Shadow pen.  This is a great effect over the vibrant colors of the alcohol ink.
A few more detail shots.  
It is so much fun to play with these pens.
Art by Jessica Sanders
Art by Jessica Sanders
Art by Jessica Sanders
And..the completed piece.  
Art by Jessica Sanders
Inky Goodness Project 1 - Art by Jessica Sanders

Project 2

While I was somewhat frustrated with the page above...this one was completely opposite!  I absolutely loved the results :)
Art by Jessica Sanders
Inky Goodness Project 2 - Art by Jessica Sanders
I was so involved in drawing, I forgot to take progress shots.  Sorry about that!  
Some Moments that I love :)
Art by Jessica Sanders
I love the flowiness (is that a word?) of this flower.  The alcohol ink background had perfect highlights and shadows to make the purple center look sphereical.  *sigh*
Art by Jessica Sanders
I also fell in love with the golden yellow shape in the center of this pic.  I'm not sure why, but it really makes me smile.
Art by Jessica Sanders
Somehow, this whale just swam up beneath my floating flowers!  How wonderful :)
Ok, so that's it!  

I hope I've shined a little brightness into your day, encouraged you, and most of all...I hope I've made you smile :-D.  Don't forget to pass it on...one smile can change everything.

Let me know what you think!  If you enjoyed this, please share.
Much Love,  Jessica
P. S.  Keep a look out for my upcoming posts...one is strictly for fun, the other is my video project!
Comments

After 2 Days At The Office

6/26/2015

Comments

 
Picture
For the last 2 days, I've been doing some contract work for the company I used to work for.  I spent both days back in my old cubicle, at my old desk, doing my old job of drafting.



One of my friends laughed at me because the first thing I did was change the desktop background to something artsy.  He said, It says a lot about a person when they have to do that before they can work, especially when they're not even going to see it!  

You are definitely an artist! 

We laughed. :)
I have to say, I did have a lot of fun.  
It was good to see everyone and catch up with them.  I also do like drafting.  In some ways, it's like painting...it is easy to get immersed in what I'm doing and forget time...or forget to eat, for that matter. 
After 2,  9-hour days in the office, I really really missed my studio.  
So, today....I'm going to paint! 

If you follow me at all, you will see that I tend to hop from "fun and fancy free" to more "serious" art.  (It's all serious, but some is just, Wow, this is fun!  While others touch on values like freedom, hope, and joy, life, transformation, etc.  This was on the more serious side.)
I recently saw the movie Mad Max: Fury Road.  Loved it!!  I couldn't wait to see what creative invention was coming next :)
I was also very inspired Charlize Theron as Furiosa.  

There was a point at the beginning of the movie when I saw something in her eyes.
I saw a meeting, a joining, a place where Hope meets Desperation.  
Her eyes were on fire!

It inspired me so much, that I wished I were a portrait artist!
So, naturally, I decided to try.  I get in trouble with that so much!...that's how I ended up working as a drafter....anyway...

I have painted a couple of portraits before, and I did a self-portrait mosaic quite a while ago.  So this is not my first attempt.  Read on if you are interested in my artistic process.
My Process
I decided to make a "study".  That's artist speak for practice.  I set my intention to think of it only as practice.  That means it doesn't have to be perfect, or "professional".  This way, I feel I have complete creative freedom to work on it, make mistakes, or even make a 'bad' painting.
Jessica Sanders Art
I started by prepping a canvas with gesso, then making an abstract background that I was happy with.
Jessica Sanders Art
As you may know, I am trying to learn to draw, and I have a long way to go. 

I believe in using the tools you have, so I didn't let that stop me.  I printed out this photo, and traced...yes, traced!...Furiosa's features, and outlined highlights and shadows.  Kinda scary looking!
Jessica Sanders Art
Next, I chose colors.  I wanted to create an earthy feel, sort of grungy and apocolyptic, like the movie.  So I chose Prussian Blue, Naples Yellow, and Burnt Umber.
Jessica Sanders Art
As I worked through the painting, focussing on lights and darks, I gravitated toward a blue toned color palette.  The painting became almost monochromatic.
Jessica Sanders Art
As I paint, I take time to step back and look at the piece.  I take process shots along the way.  Looking at it from different angles and distances, or through a camera helps me see what needs to be changed.  Here, I can see that the right corner distracts from the focal point.
Jessica Sanders Art
I saved the eyes for last.  For me, they are the most important, and most difficult part of the painting.  I wanted them to really stand out.  

The whole goal of this painting was to capture the intersection where Hope meets Desperation in her eyes.
Jessica Sanders Art
Charlize Theron as Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road Abstract Portrait by Jessica Sanders 12x12"
Finished!  I don't know yet if I captured that feeling.  What do you think? 

With Much Love and Gratitude,

Jessica

P. S.  If you enjoyed this post, please like, share, or even join my mailing list!  Thanks!

P. S. S.  Bonus Pic!!  
Jessica Sanders Art
A peek into my studio. Lights, camera, action!
Comments

Hijacked!

9/26/2014

Comments

 
My day has been hijacked!  Atleast, that is how I felt yesterday afternoon.  My well-laid plans had been tossed out the window like yesterday's news!  Poof!  Gone!

But, let me start at the beginning.
Art by Jessica Sanders
"In the Wake of Angels" Original Abstract Painting on 20x24x1.5 inch canvas $350
Art by Jessica Sanders
"In the Wake of Angels" detail
My day started out pretty normal, up by 6 am, getting my "younger" kids to school.(They are both in Junior High now, so not as young as I sometimes think they are.)
That all went well...perfectly normal.  Once they were off, I grabbed my coffee and my journal for my mostly daily morning meditation and reflection time.  

I was just getting started when the phone rang.

Read More
Comments

You are Invited!

8/19/2014

Comments

 
Please stop by and say hello
at my group Art Show
 in the Heights 
Friday Night, August 22, 2014, 8:00-10:30!

Come check out beautiful art, talk to the artists, and sip some wine :)
(I will only be showing at the Heights Art Studios and Gallery at 214 E. 27th St, Houston, TX)

The 'Heights Art Studios & Gallery' and
the 'Aurora Studios' invites you to our
Double Event Weekend!
Friday, August 22, 2014
& Saturday August 23, 2014  
 

*Friday, August 22 from 8:00pm to 10:30pm
At 214 E. 27 St. Houston, TX. 77008

Closing Show for:

'The Summer Solstice' Group Show

Artists:
Lourdes Lavalle, Nick Chiosa, Lauren Dean,
Charleen Bough, Darius William, Aron Williams,
Cynthia Brown, Maxx James, Diego Cortes, Gabe Randall,
Noel Flores, Moe Profane, Silvio Liguti, Guillermo Hernandez, Bridget E. Becker, Jessica Sanders ,
Suzzanna Cousin, Robin Reed, Sandy Rasch
including some new artwork and a special presentation
of British artists exhibiting for the first time in the USA 

Ray Roadnight

http://www.rayroadnight.com/

 

-Refreshments will be served-
________________________

And:

*Saturday, August 23 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm

At 129 Aurora St. Houston, TX. 77008

Open studios event at the 'Aurora Studios'

OOver 22 in-studio artists sharing their work;

Bridget Becker, Maryl Lou Cabo, Jose Arredondo,
Rhonda Falls, Pedro A. Botello, Vanja Fetahagic,
Adam Lopez, Kim Ballesteros,
Melannie James, Kayoko Keselman, Ronald Harris,
Juan E. Salazar, Lois Taylor Waldt, Yvone Ibarra,
Sue Lorenz, Suzzana Cousin, Jacob Coble,
Hernan Henry Hirsch, Jill Benedum Verrall,
Anne Reese Hernandez, Clara Johnson
and the special grand surprise for the evening;

The aperture of studio 17 with Art, Decor and more fabulousness by Miss Jacqueline Falls



Live performance for Guitar playing and voice by duo
John & Samantha Gonzalez


Refreshments served in every studio by the artists for their visitors..

Don't miss us!
More inf: has-g@live.com - 713 8944480

http://hasg.blog.com/

 


Hope to see you there!
Picture
P. S.  Feel free to share this with your friends!
Comments

Art + Inspiration 20

8/1/2014

Comments

 


She reaches
for the
Stars
because
She knows
Dreams
really do 
come true

Whimsical Heart by Jessica Sanders
Whimsical Heart, Original 12 x12 in. acrylic painting on canvas by Jessica Sanders

Don't be afraid to reach higher than you ever have before!
Picture
P. S.  I am having a Summer Sale on Artfinder.  Come check it out and save 25%!
Follow Jessica Sanders on Artfinder
Comments

Art + Inspiration 19

7/23/2014

Comments

 


Be
Happy...


You
deserve it!


"Be Happy" Original Acrylic Art on 12x12" Canvas by Jessica Sanders

Picture

Want to see more art or become a collector?  
Click on the Art Finder Button.
Follow Jessica Sanders on Artfinder
If you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, you can do that here.  :)
Comments

Thank you Artfinder :)

7/9/2014

Comments

 
Recently sold Artwork
Starscape by Jessica Sanders
Starscape by Jessica Sanders SOLD
Daisy #1 by Jessica Sanders
Daisy #1 by Jessica Sanders SOLD
I want so say a big Thank you so much! to all of my followers.   You are the ones who make it possible for me to live my dream.
Picture
P. S. You can find more of my work by visiting Artfinder.com.  Just click on the button below :)
Follow Jessica Sanders on Artfinder
Comments

Art + Inspiration 18

6/7/2014

Comments

 


She found
Faith
in the
Corners
of her
Heart.

Art by Jessica Sanders
"In the Distance" Original Acrylic Art on 12x12" Canvas by Jessica Sanders
Sometimes the answers we seek were hidden deep inside us all along.  Don't be afraid to look inward.
Picture
P. S.  If you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet, you can do that here.  :)
Want to see more art or become a collector?  
Click on the Art Finder Button.
Follow Jessica Sanders on Artfinder
Comments

Art + Inspiration #16

5/6/2014

Comments

 


She 
said, 
"Yes!"


Art by Jessica Sanders
"Pink" original art on 16x20 in. canvas by Jessica Sanders
I encourage you to look for ways you can say Yes!  Today and every day :)

Picture
Comments

Art + Inspiration #10

4/25/2014

Comments

 


She
never 
gave up.


Original Art by Jessica Sanders
Untitled, Original Ink drawing on 6x6 in. archival paper artist tile by Jessica Sanders
The secret to success:  don't quit.
Picture
P. S.  Have an amazing weekend!
Comments
<<Previous
    Enjoy 
    Art + Inspiration in your inbox!
    ​Usually 2x monthly, sometimes a bit more :)

    Art Bundle for Good is BACK!
    Picture

    ​Join me for
    ​Gratitude Junk Journal 2020!!

    Picture


    Picture
    Online Alcohol Ink and Watercolor Classes by Kellie :)

    Picture
    Willowing Arts


    2 Weeks FREE on Skillshare

    Categories

    All
    Art
    Art + Inspiration
    Be Live Create
    Create
    Daily Art Series
    Encouragement
    Fun Events
    Studio Day
    Where Am I?

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    April 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013


    Product links are affiliate links.  I work with art teachers, and a variety of companies, such as Ranger Ink, Blick, Amazon, etc.  As an affiliate and an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Classroom
  • Blog
  • Tools, Tips, & Tutorials
    • Chameleons
    • Alcohol Ink
    • Coloring Book!
  • About
  • New Page