Grateful

Happy Fall!

Well, at 3:02 pm! Lol (Central Time)

Mother Nature is snickering as she sends us temps bordering on the 90 degree line.

As a painter, I am never quite sure what season it really is.

Art has the Gift of transporting you to different places, different seasons, and yes, different outcomes.

It is no secret, my goal, as an artist, is to spread smiles.

I love happy colors. 

I do not like faces without smiles. 

I love whimsical. 

I have a joke going with a few friends about stepping into the "dark side."

They know I am joking, while others might not know.

I love dark colors, too.

In my opinion, there is nothing classier than black and white. It was our farm's colors, because, well, we milked black and white cows! 😁😂🤣 (Holstein)

I have been trying to learn different styles of painting my entire life. That is what helps me grow as an artist, but I do not want to abandon my style that I have worked for years to develop, because, be it good or bad, there is  something absolutely awe-inspiring to hear, "I knew that was yours!" I think it is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.

With that being said, most every one of us started by copying patterns offered by others. I still enjoy painting the designs of others, because I learn so much! 

And, again,  this brings up 2 of my own questions:

1. Why would an Artist get angry when someone doesn't follow their pattern.

2. Why would you teach if you don't want others to duplicate your pattern and sell it??  If you sell your pattern, and IF the person bought it, then you need to let it go! No, I am not talking about stealing. I am referring to videos/patterns that are purchased or offered for free.

Yes, I know, sometimes I fail to see the big picture, BUT before you go "stormin' norman" on me, this is MY opinion, and it is absolutely fine to disagree with me.

I think it is important to add your own touches into art. My goal is simply to share some of what I know, so you can learn. I want to INSPIRE others.

We learn by imitating others--look at children.

I also believe that God has given us the skills we need to survive in life. Yes, we must hone them and learn, but the basis is there.

I also believe, with every ounce of my being, that the more we give, the more we get! I believe it applies to every part of our lives. 

I have experienced that we CANNOT outgive God.  

If I can help you, I will do my best.

Now, before I seem all high and mighty, I also think that when someone helps YOU, it is your responsibility to then, help yourself. 

We have all experienced those who keep wanting more. I have taken my time to offer help, only to be bombarded with question after question...heavy sigh

People...One word--GOOGLE!!

There are people who will push you to your edge, and sometimes you have to say, NO.

That is ok! 

Now, don't think I am saying that we can't sell our art, because, yes, that goes back to my statement about gifts God gave us to make a living, BUT if you teach it, HOW can you say it can't be sold? That is crazy! 

I think what I love about my friends, is how generous they are. They give free tutorials, ideas, line drawings, helpful hints, and on and on. It really is a community! Each offering help.

So, with all of that said, I have been updating my HOPE pattern (Pink ribbon patterns) with some new ideas, so I grabbed a 6x6 canvas that had been sitting in a spot for a few months --hmmmmm...does it count as the SAME SPOT if Charcoal and I have knocked it off about 20 times, oh, and it has inched closer down the stack of stuff to my painting table??

Sorry, to have just made many of you shutter. I have friends who will understand me. 😁😂🤣😃

I covered it with an old dictionary page--ok, two pages-- with DecouPage (Yes, use what you have or your favorite method). 

I drew a pumpkin--start with a center, and add to each side. I grabbed a darker color on my base coat brush to separate the sections--there are TONS of FREE tutorials on You Tube and Pinterest to show you how to draw a pumpkin.

Here is a link to one of my previous posts.Click here

I painted the outside then added texture with my favorite dry wall tape and some favorite colors of DecoArt Americana Acrylics.

Then I dabbed on Deco art One Step Crackle around the pumpkin. I dab it on, rather than simply brushing it. I put it on thicker than a regular coat of paint. 

When it dried, I thinned a darker color and put it on top so the cracks would appear! Then wiped the darker color off, so it remained only in the cracks.

I found a word I liked in my drawer full of stencils. Yes, I love this word and how it nudges me. 

I applied Pink Glamour Dust to the words and to the pumpkin--sparkle and cracks--story of my life! 😁😂🤣😃

Yes, you are more than welcome to make some, and to sell them!  I certainly don't own the rights to a pumpkin! 😁😂🤣😃😄

But, seriously, I am happy to try to teach others to maybe earn some money to help THEM support their families.

God has been so good to me. He has given me far better than I deserve.

For those who have "wronged" me, I pray they will get the same Grace and Mercy that has been gifted to me.

Always help others--It isn't your responsibility to make sure they say THANKS or to change.

Have a blessed Fall, and don't you dare fail to take time to enjoy It! 

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world.

I am simply blessed to create~charlotte♡

Tutorial Tuesday: Grateful Pumpkin

Who doesn't like to get some Happy Mail?

I got a box of goodies from DecoArt, Where I am a helping Artist and a member of their Blog Outreach Program.

I could not WAIT to try out the new items I received.

Projects started running through my mind, but really, 

that is nothing new.

I have said this before, but I have used DecoArt products for years. 

 I have probably bought thousands of bottles of 

DecoArt Americana as I prepped for craft shows.  

They simply were the best on the market!

Recently, I got rid of every bottle of my other paints that I bought when I couldn't get to the Mall to buy DecoArt...Sadly, 

Walmart doesn't carry this great brand.  :(

I thought of several things to paint, but I decided that I would make my own "pallet" pumpkin.

Those pallets items are expensive!

I cut the plywood into the shape of a pumpkin.

You know, I most always give you a pattern, but really?  You can find a pumpkin shape anywhere AND you can simply draw one.  

An easy way is to draw a rectangle the size you want the pumpkin, Then take a piece of chalk and draw the shape--easy peasy!

After I cut the shape, I cut it into strips, and really, 

I am OK with knowing that they would not be straight.

I also cut 2 pieces of scrap 1x4s to size to use as braces. 

Again, nails don't bother me when they show.  

I would rather use nails than have my piece to fall apart.

With that said, you can simply glue and clamp, if you wish. 

 

I painted the pieces with DecoArt Americana Chalky Finish Paint in Cherish (the orange-ish color), Bestow (light green) and rejuvenate (yellow)

 

I took the 3 middle pieces and a White Charcoal pencil

 and free-handed my word of choice.

I painted the word with Chalky Finish in Honor.

All of my primitive painting friends, 

THIS is the color I think you will be excited to add to your stash!

It is a dark Navy--almost black and oh, so yummy!

I sanded it.

I Added some birds and branches using 

the Americana Feathered friends Stencil.

I Added the White Creme Wax--

oh, my, this is WONDERFUL stuff to give 

your project that easy white wash look.

It was too white for my taste, but no problem, 

I took the Clear Wax and rubbed it on top 

of the White Wash and it removed some of it!!

From Top to Bottom: Bestow, Cherish, Clear Wax, 

White Creme Wax, Honor, Rejuvenate, 

Ultra-fine Writer Tip on top of Titanium White Americana Acrylic.

Charcoal wanted to see the new colors I got, too.

Oopsie...there goes a bottle rolling...

Momma won't notice if I lie on top of the paint, 

but that bottle that rolled!  Ugh, what to do?!

I put a thin line around the pumpkin with that 

awesome Ultra-fine writer.

I can't wait to try it on top of Lamp Black to 

outline some of my designs!

The top cleaned easily!

This is the back of the piece painted with Cherish.

I LOVE the white washed surface.

This can either hang or it would be great to sit on top of the table with some other fall items around it.

I hope I have inspired you to try the new colors!
Many are available at Michaels, but you can also 
order from the DecoArt Store by clicking here.

Thank You, DecoArt.
I hope you like what I do with your products.
I am simply blessed to create~charlotte♡

Tutorial Thursday: Dazzling Metallics White Pearl

I had a special order for a customer, whom I consider a friend.  She sent a picture of what she wanted, and I knew I had a pattern by Sandra Brake that would work, so I got to work.  I was getting ready to put my little swigglies on this, so I pulled out my grey when all of a sudden, I saw the bottle of DecoArt Dazzling Metallics Paint in White Pearl sitting on the corner of the table, and thought I would give it a shot.  The final picture doesn't show it so much, but there are a couple that show it--IT is so much better than GREY!  I am SO EXCITED to learn this little trick and I had to share it with you!

I put it on the red hat, also...

My mind immediately went to other uses for this 

Dazzling Metallics White Pearl.  My first thought was 

how it would look on a white pumpkin!

I found this neat piece of wood that was full of textures...I am sure it broke when a nail hit it, and that is one reason I loved it...it is perfectly lop-sided!  I know, it will drive some people crazy, but not me!

ALL of the products I am using are by DecoArt

I am using DecoArt Americana Acrylics

I knew I wanted it to have a teal colored background, 

so I chose Bahama Blue. 

Teal Green was the color I chose for what would be the crackles, 

but I am jumping ahead...

There are dozens of pumpkin painting tutorials on Pinterest, so I am not going into a lot of detail.

The background is what I really love about this!

Once I painted the surface with Bahama Blue, I used a piece of dry wall tape to stencil Burnt Sienna.  

I then picked up some Light Buttermilk to add some color variations--remember to use colors of your painting in your background to draw the eye OUT to see your background. 

I added more texture with Bubble Wrap and Light Buttermilk.

I sanded this before I started the Pumpkin...

I drew my pumpkin onto the surface with a White Charcoal Pencil.

I added the stem first with a coat of Burnt Sienna.

On each section, I added Teal Green on the 

top (or left) of each section, 

Burnt Sienna on the bottom (or right) of each section and

Filled the middle of each section with Light Buttermilk.

Use a dirty brush--meaning, don't rinse your brush.  Allow all of the colors to mix on the surface.

 

 

I went back and added more Light Buttermilk to the sections, 

and added more shading if I thought it needed it.

 I brushed another coat of Burnt Sienna onto the stem and 

added Light Buttermilk on the bottom side.

I added Burnt Sienna underneath the pumpkin to ground

 the pumpkin into the picture, instead of floating in mid-air.

THEN the moment I had waited to see--

I added the Dazzling Metallics White Pearl!!

I added some brown lines around the stem on the pumpkin 

to give it more texture.

Next, One Step Crackle was added all around the pumpkin.  

I put it on rather thick in some places.

When dry, I brushed thinned Teal Green over the background, 

and wiped it back. 

I decided I wanted it darker, so out came my favorite Payne's Grey.

It was just want I wanted.

I shaded around the outside of the Pumpkin with the Payne's Grey, 

and also shaded the right and bottom of the stem.

These are the DecoArt Products that I used

I will probably add a WORD to the piece in Light Buttermilk.

Here is the pattern if you need it.

Here is the Pumpkin Pattern if you need it to create your own pumpkin.  The original size is 4.75 x 5.5--who knows what size it will save as!!

I am so happy to share this with you and 

hope it will inspire you to create.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, SUPPORT your fellow artists.  

Remember how it feels to be criticized, 

and NEVER do that to someone else.

We all have our own likes and dislikes, 

so if you don't like something, just keep scrolling on by! 

I am simply Blessed to create~~charlotte♡

Technique Tuesday: Harvest Pumpkin Canvas

I knocked something off of my table the other day that I needed, so I decided to move the little table to see what else I had knocked off the table.

WHAT?  I cannot be the only person to lose their brushes, dry wall tape, pens, pencils, Peanut M&Ms (ok, they fell off WHEN I moved the table)…AND

I pulled out the White and used Payne's Grey

My DecoArt Green Pallet knife!  I now, once again, have all 3, but sad to say, I lost the 3^rd one just as quickly as I found it~~HOW in the world do I do that? I distinctly remember putting it somewhere safe, but for the life of me, I am not certain where SAFE resides…heavy sigh…

I shall look for it on another day.

As soon as I found that knife, I knew what I wanted to do.

I smeared the Turquoise Blue, some Saffron Yellow and  Spiced Pumpkin on the background.  I left some white showing.

I have been spending too much time in Pinterest-land this year.  It is not my fault.

I keep reading what we all need to do to make people notice us, and to be honest, I feel like a hamster on a big ole spinning wheel.  I started pinning like crazy in February and have gotten over 600 followers, but really, I cannot see that it has done one thing for me, other than making me want to pin more and to make more and to….YIKES…

I painted the pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin and outlined it with Dark Chocolate....Pumpkin and Chocolate.  When I draw a pumpkin, I think of it as in three sections.  I draw my center section first, and then add a section to each side~~like an orange slice.

I need to get off of this spinning wheel!  LOL

As you have been reading, you have seen the steps I did to create this little 2x2 inch canvas.

Highlights were added with Saffron Yellow to the middle of the stem and to each section of the pumpkin.

I thought about doing it with my fingers.  I wanted to show that it is possible to CREATE with simplicity.

I like my edges dark, so that is why I used the Payne's Grey instead of the white.  I smeared it around the edges and under the pumpkin to ground it into the piece.

I have holders filled with brushes~~some untouched, some specialty brushes, scruffy brushes…and yet, I still need more good 10/0 liners, #4 Flats and #2 round brushes.  They are my work horses!

I have bottles and bottles of paint~~enamel, patio paint, satin multi-surface, Americana, Traditions, SoSoft, Chalky Finish, Metallics, Neons, Glamour Dust…Just about everything that DecoArt Offers…

I have mediums to make paint stick to ANYTHING and to seal it and peel it and crackle it and stick it and…

I am a happy girl.

BUT some days, I just want to do simple!

I do want to share another take on a trick I shared earlier this year.

When I get ready to design something, I start writing down everything I can think of that goes with the season I want to paint.  I doodle as I think and sometimes, it takes me on a fun trip…other times, I wonder what in the world I was thinking and how I do not want to go down that road again.

Reminds me of going for rides in the country around McKenzie, Tennessee, in the fall when I was a freshman in college.  I took my friend, Amy, with me, and she was a city-slicker from Memphis.  I had grown up exploring country roads and I knew that most all country roads lead to a main road, so I was fearless.  I am pretty sure she was miserable by all of the questions and comments.

My favorite thing about art is the exploration~~new colors, new techniques, new brushes, new mediums, new paints, new ADVENTURES…

I can paint my world any color I wish.

I can live in a land where the Pears are bigger than the Saltbox Houses, or my world can be filled with froggies and daisies, or I can magically be transformed to a Winter Village with crooked windows~~oh, so many crooked windows!  ROFL

This is a pattern by Susan Kelley from our Puddles of Paint Club...I am doing an awful job of painting this...heavy sigh...

Oh, what fun awaits me with each stroke of the brush.

Follow your dreams…Find the HARVEST that awaits you as you explore and plant seeds of creativity…and, you know I have to say it~~LIVE your Life in FULL BLOOM!

This is not my style at all, but how fun was this.  It took all of 10 minutes to create!  I LOVE to play...

I am simply blessed to create~~charlotte♡