christytomlinson

The Art of Spring with Junelle Jacobson!

sweet friends! First off thanks for patience with all this stuff. Who knew fibro would throw me such a curve ball this last week. I have had bad days before but nothing like this. It has truly put in bed.. unable to work since last thursday night. Today had a few hours I felt good enough to work, but then it went right back into the thick of it again. I was hoping this would ease up as I have never experienced this kind of pain before, but so far it hasn't. I am starting to think this might be my new normal. WHICH.. I realize while seriously unthinkable.. I know I will somehow push through! That being said, I have some knew about the She Art Workshop. if you have signed up.. please check your email. But in short. The new start date is going to be February 19th. A week later than expected. So please check your email for more information on that.

Now.. ONLY the reason for this post!!!

Last but not least.. debuting my third workshop for Spring!!

The Art of Spring with Junelle Jacobson!

 

The Art of Spring is a 2 week ONLINE workshop featuring Junelle Jacobson! I will also be participating in this workshop, in the same matter as I have in her past workshops! For those of you that LOVE Junelle.. and have taken her other workshops (over 1500 people so far!!) She is TRULY a magical soul!

  For those of you that are familiar with my workshops, you know last year I offered two unique workshops. Pumpkins & Spice and Winter Whimsy! BOth were 2 week workshops that focused on creating art specific for those seasons! Both of those classes were successful and so many people joined us! WELL I decided.. I just couldn't leave spring out.. and then I thought.. who does spring better than Junelle? REALLY? her cute little lambs, bunnies, flower, all things spring! SO the idea of combing her first class for 2013 with the Spring class was perfect! The best of BOTH worlds!

Week one will feature Blooms & Bulbs, Little ones like ducklings, lamps and baby moos. Spring Meadows , Church windows and SO much more!

Junelle as you know is a very passionate and spiritual person.. so she also brings to this class a sense of love, exploring and peace into ones own life.

Finding the joy in spring and new beginnings. This week will include BOTH sketching and getting messy and creating! I will also be sharing with you some of my favorite spring characters as well!

 

 

In week two we move onto Bunnies,

Smalls (spring favorites on little canvases),

Potting tables, Watercolor Veggies, Gardens, Piglets and Chicks!

Of course I will also have projects in this week as well!  And again it includes sketching, watercolor and getting messy with paints! Junelle's classes are always a FULL range of techniques and projects!

This online workshop is  2 week workshop as mentioned above AND you have one full year to access the workshop!  Class starts March 12th!

Class is normally $34.95, but if you sign up BEFORE the class starts.. you get the early bird special of $29.95!

To join Junelle and I in this fun spring workshop! Click on the link below to register!

The Art of Spring!

New Behind the Art Workshop!

okay so are you ready friends? For another workshop debut? this is the second of my three workshops for spring!

(if you haven't seen it.. make sure to check out YESTERDAY's post about SHE Art Workshop no3!!)

Now.. without further chit chat (man I seem to say that alot lol)

Behind the Art!

 

Behind the Art is an ecourse workshop . This workshop is a 5 week workshop!! This class start April 9th!

I am TRULY TRULY passionate, excited, and giddy about this workshop because I have to say it will be my most comprehensive workshop yet as far my creating process, what products I use, WHY i used the products, HOW i use them, and more!

I will also have a few "guests" in this workshop that will give some insight into THEIR creating process as well! My Guest will be Danielle Daniel, Nolwenn PetitBois,  Juliette Crane, and Junelle Jacobson! 

 will be all about WHAT products I use. I will go through very detailed videos on each individual of 12 product categories. Surfaces, Covering,  Glues, Paints, Mediums, Inks, Sprays, Marking Tools, Shading Tools, Stamps, Stencils, Detail Pens & Pencils, And Extras

 I will share with you what they are, what their properties are AND WHY I use them. What instance I would use them in. For example.. why I would use transparent paint vs. opaque.. for a certain look, or in what instances I would choose opaque! I talk about permanent vs. no permanent and the values and GOOD qualities of both.

 

I talk about the primary colors both in Mineral Colors and Modern colors, what the difference is, why one is sometimes better than the other. I will talk about the values, Hues and densities of Paint. Why some paints mix better together than others.

 Why sometimes a of one kind of paint.. goes much further than a LOT of another. I really go in depth of the art products I use in my creating AND WHY I use them. There will be some videos on creating as well, as i show you what I mean by why I use sometimes one product over another.

 It will be a GREAT resource guide for you FOR ANY of my other workshops I teach. Or any other workshops period! 

 

 will be about HOW I used the products I talk about in Week one. I show you tons and tons of techniques, and how to get Similar looks using different products.

 I show you all the possibilities there are when it comes to using the products.. and hopefully some fun OUT OF THE BOX Ideas you haven't seen before!

This week is really in depth about how to use the products for creating. Lots artsy messy videos.

 

 is about digging IN.. 

This is where the creative process gets REALLY fun. I will show you in depth, how I create, what I call the "backgrounds" of my pieces.

I will show many different background process. from start to finish. I will walk you through EACH move and tell you WHY i am adding this color, what I just used that size of stamp where i used it.. Why I am covering up something I just put down,

Why I change the color of something as the process develops. It will truly by a IN DEPTH look at my creative process!

 

 we will take those same backgrounds and then we will finish them by adding objects and all the fun little DETAILS that make it Yours.

 (I will be painting anything from a girl, to a bunny, a butterfly, a dress, a house etc).. but remember it's not so much WHAT i am painting, but the process of it .. how what and why!

Again.. where I place the object and why. Also once the objects is on the canvas, WHY i then add things to the object, or the backgrounds. Why I choose to cover some things up. I will talk about Contrast, depth and color hues.Different techniques i like to use to make certain things stand out.. why sometimes I want others to fade into the background.

Why some products work better than others for different techniques and several different methods I use to get the end result!  Just like week three I will walk you step by step my process, why I did something and why it worked (or didn't) 

 

 

is going to be the challenge week. This is the week when I will give you a series of challenges using all the information you have learned over the last 5 weeks.

I will be doing the challenges as well, and also some of our guests will be doing them too! So lots of fun videos with artsy messy play! It's now time for YOU to have fun, for you to create, to explore, to mess up, to have "oh i love this" moments! It's TIME TO STRETCH THOSE WINGS!!!!

I have to say THIS WORKSHOP is soo soo close to my heart. I have never done a workshop where I actually share my entire process of creating. It's kinda of a scary thing, to open up your heart the wide and let people in. So this workshop is a HUGE leap for me.. an exciting, giddy.. nervous leap! lo. and because this workshop is SOO Large and full of so much information...

This workshop will be open for 2 FULL years! That way, when you are taking other courses.. mine or even other artist.. you can always come back to this one for reference when creating!

This workshop will be FILLED with videos and printable PDF"s so you can take the information you learn and use it while you get messy.

SO ARE YOU READY?? 

hope you join me in the exciting, heart filled class. I hope you that by taking this class, it will open up an ENTIRE new world for you of possibilities. Both in creating AND in your finding your own unique voice! This class will Catapult you as an artist.. taking everything you've ever learned to an entirely NEW level. If you are really wanting to move forward in your creative endeavors.. this class is PERFECT place to start! It's time to Open your Heart!

This class again is a 5 week course and is $64.95.If you sign up before APril 9th when the class begins, you can get the early bird discount of

$59.95 and again you will have access to this class for 2 FULL years! 

To sign up for this workshop.. click on the link below!

ALSO remember if you want to take ALL THREE Spring workshops I am offering (the last workshop.. the Art of Spring with Junelle Jacobons.. will be debuted tomorrow). But you can also sign up for all three and receive the $15.00 discount and the $20 value free KIT! See details below!

(as a reminder your password for this class is mailed out the DAY CLASS BEINGS. After you purchase this class you will be redirected back to my website, where you will receive a thank you for singing up and details on supply lists, etc. That will be your only email confirmation from me. You will also receive one from paypal.)

 HOpe to see you in class!!

Behind the Art Workshop (only)

 

 

 

Introducing.. She Art Workshop no.3!

it's here! Finally! I know I have been talking about this class (and my other two spring workshops) for the last few weeks..and now it's finally here! The reason for the wait was because I really wanted to ponder, listen and create for this workshop, before I just put it out there for registration and I am SO glad I did because what has come out of it over the last month.. has been something magical for me. Ill talk more about that later (and ALOT more about that in the workshop)

But without any more chit chat.. here it is!

 

She Art Workshop no.3 is a 3 week e-course where each week you will receive new content, new ideas, new techniques and especially new room to grown, heal and celebrate your beautiful life as a human being!

This workshop contains ALL new materials.. and honestly not too much overlapping from She Art one, and She Art Two. Many have asked me already.. do I need to take SHe Art one before I take this workshop. The answer is NO. However I will tell you the techniques we use in this workshop are more .. whats the word.. developed.. than in She Art one. In she Art one.. maybe it might take you 1-2 hours to complete a girl. Make a background, Cut some paper out, add a little paint, doodle, shade with Faber Pens, and then add a few more details and walla! But in She Art 3.. I HOPE that the development of each girl you create comes from time reflecting about who you are, or who the girl (or boy) is that you plan to create. I know the techniques I share will also take more time, and not because they are hard.. but because they are important and they come from the heart. There isn't a right or wrong way or order to do them.. but there is a method to it and it comes not only from paint on the fingers (yes I said fingers).. but from passion and perspective on WHAT and WHO you are painting.

in week one we will reflect on our unique individual and perfectly imperfect lives. We will spend time researching who it is we are wanting to paint. What story does she have to tell and what mark does she want to leave in this world. We will spend time finding inspiration to create these wonderful sweet girls as well. Then we will begin sketching through a series of techniques, what comes from all of that reflection.

Beautiful wonderful sweet women who have a story to tell..

This week we will also get our hands messy a bit, and start creating unique backgrounds, MEANINGFUL backgrounds, that tell a story that is wanting to be told.

I know this sounds a little goofy.. but sweet friends... if there is ONE thing I have learned over the last year.. it's that what I create and the heart I put into the background.. is often times the most meaningful thing of the entire finished canvas.  Because I KNOW what is there, it might not always end up being seen or noticed.. but the more one  takes time to look at.. and THROUGH.. the layers on the canvas.. they will understand the message she is trying to share.

 

It's been one of the most HEALING things for me this past 6 months. SO we will spend a fair amount of time on this in week 1 as well as sketching what we will begin painting in week 2!

 

Week 2 is about emerging from this beautiful reflection and starting to create! Many times in the past, when I am creating girls, I think about  so many things that really aren't that important. Like what cute patterned paper I could use for the dress, or fun rubons I could use around the neckline. THIS class we will break it down and start from raw. Canvas and paint. In week 2 I will teach you three different ways to create a girl. From start to finish.  Creating a unique and meaningful background, then letting a girl emerge on top of the painting using pencil, paints, and my fingers.

Lets shadows fall and lines be drawn to tell her story. I will show you how to create "facial" features without a face there at all. How to create depth and a defined space without a pen or marker. also adding details.. from earrings, to head-wear that will also speak to who she is, help tell the story that is trying to emerge.

Next creating a background and letting the background become apart of the girl, Let it form the shape of her hair, the dress she is wearing.. and then "fill in" around it to create what is left behind.

Going from THIS...

To This..

Seriously a fun way to REALLy let go. To be willing to give up some.. okay a LOT.. of that beautiful and meaningful background so that a even more beautiful soul can emerge through. Again the details, detail details.. ones you may not notice right away.. but as you take time to really look, you will find them and it will help share her story.

And last in this week I will walk you through step by step how to create a girl on a completely blank canvas..

 

adding details that start to form thought and ideas..

then creating a background that completes the story.

This is actually one of the processes i am most excited about to teach you. Because it's soo opposite of what I have taught in the past, but it actually PUSHES you to make the girl speak for herself.. as she really is finished before any of the beautiful fun details that usually come before, in the background, is even created.

Get ready TO STRETCH YOUR WINGS.. and be PUSHED in a whole new way!!

 

Week 3 we will finish off by going even more in depth to creating facial details. Not just a "blank" face anymore. SO many times people ask my why I don't put faces on my girls. Is it because I don't know how to or I don't like to or what? And the answer is always the same. The reason I don't often times.. or MOST times put faces on my girls is because when there is no face, the observer of the art is left to determine the mood, the soul of the girl. Sometimes just by adding even shading in certain places or adding details down her neck, or in her hair..

tell more about her, than a set of eyes do.. staring at you from the canvas. So usually leave the girls faceless, so that whoever is enjoying her, can decided for themselves what she is trying to say.. the story she has to tell. HOWEVER.. there are times that I think there is a definite story to be told.

 

That we need to SPEAK UP and let it be known what lies within our soul. SO there is no question as to what her story is or what she is emerging from.

I will show you very doable techniques to create eyes, noses, mouths and ears. I will show you different ways to create these features without having to make it perfect. In fact it's perfect only it's in imperfections.

Even if you have taken She Art two.. where I also teach you how to create these.. I have developed and grown as an artist ALOT in the last 18 months, since filming that class, and the techniques, products and even end results we are trying to achieve is new and different. We will also talk about face shapes, head positions and side profiles. Which I know for many of you will be a LOT of fun. to finally start to create something TOTALLY new.. from the girl always looking straight on. This will be a really great week to stretch and fly as well!

This class is not only jammed packed with techniques but TRULY i have put my heart and soul into this. Not just creating, there will be many many other things too. Lots of sharing, reflecting and emerging going on in this workshop! lol.. and you know it will be fun with me.. because hello. it's me! :) I can't help but laugh and cry all in the same setting! But if you know me.. it's usually laughing and squeals of delight.. saying "oh sweet I loved how that accident turned out.. or "she's adorable! " It will be me.. but also a very PERSONAL side of me. And I hope you will join me and let me share that with you.

 

Supplies.. okay as a rule of thumb, if you have taken ANY of my other classes, you know I only put the supply lists in the workshop. and WhY? that's right.. because I teach you SOO SOO many different techniques, and way to get the SAME look using very different products. I want you to watch and look and get a feel first for what it is that YOU like and what it is YOU want to try. You could spend hundreds of dollars before the class even begins and not use half of the supplies in the end. Waiting is a good thing. But I will tell you. the First week we will be using a small sketchbook.. a pocket size one, and a mechanical pencil. Of course MANY MANY more things, like paints, glues, mediums, pastels, pencils, stencils, you name it.. but just gather this to start. Get one small enough to fit into your purse. I say no bigger than 3"x5".

As a fun bonus, I will also be sharing throughout the class, interviews with other artist who also create "girls" but have a totally different style and method than I do. I want you to get to know these beautiful women who create other beautiful women.. get behind their mind as to why they create girls, what draws them too it. What some of their favorite must haves are and so on. I really REALLY encourage you this year.. if you are wanting to take your "she art" to the next level.. to take more than just MY She Art 3 workshop.  I have a few in mind, I will be sharing with in the course.. but even if you think the STYLE of the girl that is being presented isn't yours.. I PROMISE YOU.. you will learn so much in just the perspective and process.

SO.. want to join me?? I SOO hope you will! For me.. this workshop and the Behind the Art Workshop (which I will debut tomorrow).. I have to honestly say, will be two of my most PERSONAL workshops I have ever done. Not just personal in what I share.. but personal in really showing you HOW i create, WHY i use one color over another, WHY i completely cover something up.. or leave it even when it seems I shouldn't.  THese two classes will truly be the most in depth look at how I create and why. Hope you will join me for BOTH!

This class start In just 4 weeks!!! FROM TODAY! wowzers! Not a long wait at all! February 19th! And just as with my other 3 week workshops, this class is $44.95 however if you sign up BEFORE the class starts.. you will receive the early bird discount of $39.95.ALSO remember you have a FULL YEAR to access this workshop! So until February of 2014!

Also reminder.. you will be redirected to a thank you page after you check out. That is your receipt for payment. You will received your password and log-in the morning class begins. xoxox

I can't wait to see you in class! This will be a truly amazing workshop.. not just because of the content.. but also because of who will be participating in it! That is YOU! :)

You can click on the "join me" button to sign up below! And remember come back tomorrow! I will be announcing my second workshop for this year.. Behind the Art! See tomorrow!

 She ARt Workshop no.3

 

 

real quick :) some fun stuff to start the week.

Soo... tomorrow is the BIG day! Well actually THIS week is the big WEEK!  I will be announcing the dates for all three workshops for this Spring and start registration. I honestly can tell you that so SOO much of my heart is has already gone into these workshops. Im bursting at the seems for them just to start already! BUt alas..we can't start them all at once can we? Lol.  Tomorrow I will share with you my new She Art Workshop #3, Wednesday my "Behind the Art" workshop and Thursday.. The Spring workshop.. with a SURPRISE twist!! you are going to LOVE!

and just so you know.. the Behind the Art workshop is a full 5 week workshop.. and if you sign up before February 12th, you will receive a goodie bag in the mail with 3 of my favorite products! It's going to be amazing! So watch for that Wednesday!

Okay.. so onto my news for today?
Well a couple of things.. or a FEW fun things.

FIRST off.. I have been kinda being quiet about this.. not because I didn't want to share but because I just didn't THINK about posting it.. but I am headed at the end of February to an amazing art retreat called "Nurture your Creative Seed". It's hosted by Serena Berry

 at a cottage on the lake in Washington. It's a 3 night, four day retreat, February 28th- March 3rd.  The teachers are the talented and whimsical Mindy Lacefield and also the VERY beautifully talented Jeanne Oliver. I had made a goal last year that what I wanted to do was go attend art retreats as a STUDENT.. not just a teacher.. and so I have picked a few that I am REALLY excited about! THis is the first. one and had planned on going with my dear dear friend Chrissy. It was our present to ourselves for our birthdays and Christmas. lol. Well unfortunately now Chrissy can't go.. as she was asked to teach at event the same weekend. Her first ever teaching event and oh my heck I was like.. you kidding me? GO GIRL! Do it! Fly!!  So then I thought I was going solo.. but then MS Junelle Jacobson just decided this weekend she is going to go TOO!! wahoo!! So we are going to bunk together! I am so excited because this might shock you guys.. but Junelle and i have NEVER Met in person! I told her last night I may just break down and bawl like a baby in the airport when i see her! SOO excited to hug that sweet girl and spend a weekend creating with her!

SO the reason I am telling you guys is that I heard they still have some spots open. AND the prices is SUPER reasonable. It includes everything. your stay, your meals, etc. So really a great day.  Soo.. if you need a little art therapy.. and rest and relaxation.. you should come join me and junelle! lol. You may not think we are so cool after spending a weekend with us creating art.. I will be in my pj's the whole time and no makeup. You can count on that! lol. This is all about RELAXING for me. anyhow.. so if you can come! I think it would be fun to BE students with some of our students too. Seriously fun learning together! To find out more about the info.. you can check here!

Nurture your Creative Seed Art Retreat

I also found this cute little video on her blog about it.. makes me so excited to even go more!

 

 

and then my next item I wanted to share.. and speaking of Jeanne Oliver! This wonderful creative women has started a new FREE online community! Where creative minds can gather and learn from each other and share with each other! There will be fun interview with mixed media artist as well as free tutorials, etc. SHe is So courageous to take this one, but I know the mixed media community will love her for it!!

So come hang out with everyone! It will be such a great place!!

okay.. a couple of more fun things.. my dear friend Margie Romney-Aslett just re-launched her Valentines workshop from last year.. Love love love.. it's an on-line workshop! Allie and I have really gotten into crafting latley.. not just mixed media.. and Margie's classes have given us TONS of ideas on things to create! Seriously tons. It's so fun!

Here is the link for Love Love love..

okay. just tryng to think.. is there anything else? lol.. I LOVE pinterest and Instagram and usually find this info on there and then I am like. I NEED TO SHARE THIS WITH MY BLOG READERS! lol.. oh wait yes there is!!

So.. I have had lots of emails since my retreat sold out (which by the way.. THANK YOU THANK YOU!! we sold out in just a matter of hours!! amazing!!)

I am opening another retreat in September. A full week retreat just like the ones in May. AND I have also decided to host my own workshop in Puerta Vallerta Mexico, December 9th-14th of this year! Oh my heck I  have already started planning this course and what we are going to create and perhaps EVEN a special surprise.. but I will post about those next week. I already have a wait-list for the September retreat.. so if I don't post it on the blog it's ONLY because it is full. But just email me!

So those are some fun things happening..

Make sure you come back tomorrow! Gonna have some fun exciting new workshops to start sharing!! hope today is wonderful and Happy monday!

xoxo

 

My New Products with Pink Paislee! wahoo!

hello hello! Well I am writing this from Sunny but not so warm California. I am here with Allie and we are attending CHA Winter 2013.. (Craft and Hobby Association). It's the big wholesale show where manufacturers of Crafts, Art, Scrapbooking, etc.. debut their new product to us Retailers so we can order them and get them into our stores! I am excited because my second Release with Pink Paislee is being debuted as well! I have new rubons, stencils and printed coffee filters coming out!

 

AND.. I know i have talked about permanent sprays.. and those are still in the works.. but will probably more of a late spring release! I was sent sample of the products before I left and I played a bit with them and wanted to share with you some of them! These won't be available in stores until march 1st (SOO LONG AWAY lol).. but YOU KNOW without a doubt as soon as they are available we will have them! I will also be designing some new stamps with Unity that will be coming this spring as well! CaN'T WAIT!

and OTHER GOOD NEWS ... Pink Paislee is already re-releasing my favorite doily stencil, my stitching rubons AND my paper pad from last summer! So those will be available too! wahoo!

So want to see some peek? here we go..

The rubons.. of course I designed exactly what I would want if I was using them on canvas. They come both black and white to a page. I have Scallops and Doodles and lace and doilies and flourishes and so much more! 3 Different styles!

 

 

 

They are so fun to add texture on cavnas (I will show you some below in a project I made!)

Then of course stencils..

 

A Vintage Lace Doily, a fun doodle themed stencil and a flower stencil with 6 total shapes on it!

And last but not least.. printed coffee filters.. ALL of you know how much i LOVE to use tissue paper in my backgrounds.. and I wanted to come out with something similar but not quiet to fragile.. but still had the same weight and transparent nature that tissue paper does. I also wanted to do a print on them so they could be overlapped under or over paint or other papers for even more texture and depth. PLus you can use sprays to color them or transparent paints! AND the best part.. you can also use them to make flowers, birds, dimensional objects, besides just using on backgrounds for canvas. LOVE Them!

 

 

So.. of COURSE I had to play with them.. and make something.. I started with just canvas to create a backgrounds.. didn't have anything in mind for what would be on it eventually.. just wanted to play and create!

I I used the printed coffee filters above to create layers in my backgrounds.. See how they are transparent enough to see some of the color and texture underneath?

I also messed around with another canvas I was working on.. and put some on it too..(my big canvas from a few weeks ago.. the girl with a face.. still finishing and adding to her!)

LOVE love love this print!!

then I added some paint and liquitex inks for drips and of course stamps for texture! and added MORE tissue paper and paint. Also started adding Rubons!

 

Then i used the stencils and added texture and design with those..

I also used the vintage Doily stencil on the other canvas i was working oN! Here's a peak of that!

 

once I got the background just where I liked it.. I honestly wasn't sure what I wanted to put on it.. so I just started writing words on it with my doodle pen. I wrote things like courage, brave.. forgiveness, she was true, she was calm.. and from those words I starting really feeling another indian girl.. but this time I wanted to have her be a little more simple..

At first I went for just short hair and had planned to do a headdress on her..

but she just didn't feel right.. so I decided to add a side braid..

and then she just started to come together..

I painted a simple dress on her but used my stencil with paint to create an embossed look around her neckline. I also painted some feather earrings.. and of course added a lot of shading with paint. Some cheeks.. and something I don't usually do.. but I added a nose. I felt like she needed one to kind create that indian ethnic flair i was going for and i LOVE how it turned out. Even though she doesn't really have a face.. with the nose she really does have a deeper personality.

 

You can see all the fun stuff like the coffee filters, and rubons and even the stencils!

I still feel like something is missing.. of course she needs words and I already have i mind what I want her to say... but I also want to add something to her hair as well. Maybe just a detailed wrap weaving in and out of her braid. Something. But I ran out of time before leaving for CHA.. so I will have to finish her when I get home! 

Soo.. there's the sneak peek! These will be in the store End of February, 1st of March.. I SOO wish it was sooner!! But that is when it is shipping to ALL retailers.. so we all just have to wait lol.
See you Wednesday when finally officially anounce my three new spring classes! xoxox

oh and THANK you to everyone who signed up for the May Art Retreat! They are Officially sold out! THANK YOU!! can not wait to have you come stay with me!! I had a lot of people email me about a fall retreat..

the only reason I hestiated doing one was because my son is a senior this next year and plays football (it's his one true love). And I will not miss a game.. kinda sappy that way. So i had thought there was no way I could do a retreat because I would need to go to the game on friday night of the retreat.. BUT ive had so many request for a fall one.. i started thinking..  the retreat women can either come with me to the game OR stay and paint at the art studio.. :) So I am considering it and will anounce soon if I do decide too. That way those can start saving now.

ALSO I will post soon the exact dates of the Mexico Retreat. For those that emailed with an interest to that one too!  Happy Monday!

xoxoxo

Back from Mexico.. some fun updates :)

well hello friends.. hope all of you had a wonderful new Year. Last week in Mexico at Hacienda Mosaico, was just way way way beyond my expectations. We had a fabulous teacher.. Jesse Reno and I will be honest and say. WOW. If you haven't even taken a class from him.. it should be on your "must" do list.

 TRULY must do.. Even if his style of art is not for you.. the way he TEACHES art and the things he helps you SEE and think about when creating art.. from color, contrast, size, depth, layers.. it's tRULY TRULY a breath of fresh air. He really thinks about the things he creates, He puts a lot of meaning in to them and not just emotionally.. but also creatively. Seriously if you can.. TAKE  A CLASS from this man! lol. ( i told him he REALLY has to start doing online classes.. for those that can't travel and I think he is almost convinced to start!).. but if not.. I know he has several classes coming up through the spring!  GO!! lol.

It was ben's frist time doing any kind of art like this and I can't even begin to tell you what a cool experience that was to watch ben find himself through the creative process.

 This past year has been a tough year for both of us.. and I have to say I watched a lot of emotions come to the surface and be healed through creating. I had planned to go and you know.. be in class from 10-2.. then swim, read, take naps on the hammocks, walk around town, go to the beach. shop even go golfing (for ben's sake). But You know whats crazy is ALL ben wanted to do was create ART!!  We only left the grounds of  Hacienda Mosaico three times our entire stay. three times! and twice was just to walk to get toiletries and some simple art supplies which took not more than an hour!   And the last day of class, Jesse took Ben and I  to this cool mask shop and a local Gallery where his art hung. Other than that.. ben was out in the studio painting! (it's a covered studio outside on the grounds. HOLY COW AMAZING!!).. I would wake up in the morning and he would be painting, between lunch and dinner he would paint.. and then he would stay up until 2-3 am each night painting. He was on fire!

here are some of the pieces Ben created.. some he still want to add to and details..and two unfished ones I didn't show here..

keep in mind these are all HUGE paitings like 3 feet by 4 feet at least..

 

 

 

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then.. here are the pieces I created..

 

 

 

and then here is one we did together.. and it's still a work in progress

 

 

 It was awesome.. truly awesome to watch and experience. We didn't even see the beach, or the hammocks, or the golf greens.. we were perfectly content to stay RIGHT inside the grounds of the Art studio. (which was about an acre total.. including the little "houses" where guests stay, the lush LUSH greenery everywhere, the pool, the awesome sitting areas both INSIDE and out.. and two huge art studios (one indoor and one outdoor). This place was truly amazing.

There is no need to leave but if you want to, every store you can think of is within walking distance (like literally blocks) and it's in such a great safe place. We walked everywhere we went. Even for late night tacos at 11:00 pm (they had two great taco stands across the street and a coffee shop.. not like a "city" street.. i mean this small little neighborhood.. cobble stone roads.. VERY very laid back and old town. I can't say enough good things about this place! When I first got there, Sam (the owner..she is SOO wonderful!!) she said she had been looking online at my websites and had seen i was also an artist and asked if I would like to come teach at her Studio. I thanked her kindly for her offer but told her I wasn't traveling much this year.. but by the end of the week.. I was in love. I was smitten! I really can't say enough about this wonderful little place. The food was amazing,

the service was amazing, the beautiful colorful ARTSY grounds

(every where you turned there was art in all forms. I mean EVERYWHERE.. even the lights were all handmade by artist.. both outdoor and indoor!

 So the day we were to leave I pulled Sam aside and said.. GIRL.. count me in. I would love to come back and teach! So I am planning a retreat there late fall/early winter. probably the 1st of 2nd week of December.. (my son's senior year will be this coming fall and he has football games until mid November.. and I will NOT miss a game.. not this year! lol). Anyhow.. I am excited! I will give details soon.. BUT also.. consider just going on your own! ANYTIME! She rents the rooms out.. I think it's like $100-$130 a night per room (you can put two people in a room and share it).. and as long as she doesn't have other classes going on that week you are free to use the art studio to your hearts content! the price includes breakfast BUT for a small fee you can also have her include lunch. HOwever there are SOO many taco places and even a fun bistro coffee shop.. that serves everything from crepes, sandwiches, danishes too salads, pies, and more. And literally you walk outside the door of the Hacienda and you are looking at it.  so I say.. grab a bunch of your girlfriends.. or maybe even just you and your hubby.. OR maybe just your daughters or whoever and GO!! People always get scared about Mexico.. but I can tell you (because I am one of those SUPER scared people who won't walk anywhere at night and CLING to my husband's arm during the day).. I felt SO safe there. and it truly was.. her place is nestled back in this fun little town with cobble stone streets and all sorts of little places to eat and get anything you need. Its only 5 mins from the airport and EASY peasy taxi ride! So go!!  Contact her on her website.. AND GO! tell her Christy Tomlinson sent you and she will take care of you :) xoxo ..take a trip to Puerta Vallarta this year and stay with Sam and take your paint supplies and your friends and go and PAINT and create or whatever suits you! (she also holds all kinds of art classes.. from Jewelry, to ceramics, painting, etc) OR come join me later this year for some TRULY relaxing fun!  

Okay okay.. lol.. speaking of art retreats I am OFFICIALLY announcing my FIRST very own Art Retreat..

She Matters   .... being held in Shelley Idaho in May 2013 (this year! :))  I  sent out an email to all of those who were on the waitlist  right before Christmas and we have only 4 spots left in the first week (no more spots left in second week). SO i am officially posting it on my blog for those of you that didn't get that email..  It's a 5 day retreat, ALL inclusive (food, lodging, transportation EVEN your paint supplies for the class.. plus lots of fun surprises and extras).. and it will be held in my personal art studio and you will be guest in my home :) I am SUPER excited about it! I have a wonderful talented cook that will be preparing meals for us and it will truly be the time of your life being taken care of and just creating and really REALLY connecting on a personal level. If you want to find out more about this retreat.. you can click on the link HERE! AND  YES i do take payment options!! So you can make payments on it.

anyhow.. check that out! :) HERE IS all the info! (or copy and paste the link below)

http://www.scarletlime.com/artweekend.html

so what else is new? Well I have been working hard on some new product for CHA with Pink Paislee and I am SO excited to share with you sneak peeks of the products! I will be posting about them on monday!! So watch for that blog post! I will also be posting a tutorial on something I made using the products! It will be fun!

ALSO next week I will be announcing three new classes for Spring..  1st. a  new She Art 3 workshop!! ( i can not WAIT FOR THIS ONE!!), it's been over a year since I did my last She Art class and i have to say that I have learned SOO many more things when creating girls, not just in style but also in using mediums and ways to shade and create depth and REALLy create a soul to my girls. I am excited to share a new way of doing She Art with you and also introduce you to some of my latest loves when creating and that is creating shes from all over the world from all decades. Finding my soul in what I do and taking from other places and creating She Art with meaning. I am really excited for this class. GIDDY for this class. My soul is burning to teach it!!

I am also doing a  fun new layers, techniques and backgrounds class.. that will be THE go to course you will come back to over and over again for reference in creating ALL types of art whether girls, or animals or things or objects.  (you will have three years access to this class).. but basically it will be ALL and everything you need to know to really just JUMP into any of my other classes knowing EVERYTHING there is to know about creating.  I will go over backgrounds, layers, paint and paste mediums, how to shade with lots of different mediums, creating texture, creating depth, composition, colors, etc.. ALL brand new videos and lots of new techniques that I haven't taught in other classes, but basically a course you can take and watch whenever you are stuck in another class of mine and want to just go back to just the basics. To find ways to make your art more creative or more interesting. To add more depth to them. In a lot of my classes i just jump right into creating stuff, but I don't explain why i do what I do and i certainly don't show the many different ways I can get the same looks. This class will be all about that.. LOADS of info! Great workshop to just have to use in all of your other workshops you are taking.

 AND then my fourth workshop will be a SPRING workshop! Featuring fun spring icons like bunnies, bears, bees, beehives, birds, butterflies, umbrellas, flowers.. ALL THINGS spring! My Fall and Winter Classes were such a huge hit last year I had many requests to do a Spring class.. so I am going to be offering that in March! Of course I still have on my list to do a business course and a few other FUN classes.. but these are just my first three for the year!   Each of them start at different times (different months).. but excited to get them announced and out there so you can start planning for the ones you want to take! I will announce those next week!

But for now.. check out the info on my Personal Art retreat in May.. I would love to have you come! only four spots left!!!

hope you all had a wonderful week! See you monday for sneak peeks of my new product and a fun tutorial!

happy thursday! xoxox

December Mixed Media kit fun!

well hello hello from warm and cozy Mexico! I hope everyone is doing well.. hAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Here is to a WONDERFUL 2013!!! 

I have a fun treat today.. A video i did using the Scarlet Lime Mixed Media kit for December! Super excited about this kit because  I included some funky stuff and REALLY wanted to teach you some new things I recently discovered when trying to make my own "clay" look.

This month's kit included a fun configuration box from Tim Holtz, as well as lots of other goodies.. but I wanted to use it in a non conventional sort of way. Most of what you see if also very "distressed".. and I wanted to create something fun and bright with it!  So here we go!

I wanted to make sure that EVERY part of the pieces in the kit were altered in some way of another.. just not "adhered" onto the "canvas". I really wanted EVERy piece to be it's own artsy point of interest.

The clips are from Maya road and were originally grey wire. of course I painted them.. added a book paper behind them and then shaded it and doodles on it.

 

Included some fun embellishments that we altered as well. Painted, stitched, doodled

 

 

 

Even the key was painted and doodled on. really wanted to keep this entire thing BRIGHT! But the best part of it all? Making your own "clay" out of tin foil and book paper!

 

So.. here is the 30 min video that shows you the entire process from start to finish! Hope you enjoy!! can't WAIT to see what you do with the kit! AND YES.. if you are wondering.. WE DO have these kits left in our store! Check out our store www.scarletlime.com  the store part! We have them in the mixed media kit section!

Scarlet Lime STORE

Off to go paint some more with Ben and Jesse Reno! xoxox