PREFACE Unexpected effects, surprising textures, and magnificent results came from experiments. Students went on to see if they could discover any of the circles taking on new form. Maybe this circle could be a jellyfish? Or, maybe it looks like bacteria through a microscope? How about the solar system? Their assignment was to create details to add to these experiments to give them new form. Year by year I was amazed at the ideas they came up with—many of which I would have never thought of myself! Drawing and painting are two very different things. It is certain you don’t have to be a gifted hyperrealist artist to appreciate the joys of painting This book will take you on a path of discovery through experimentation. Drawing prompts are mostly simple geometric shapes anyone can do. Leaving room for the alchemy of watercolor and mixed media to work with to create stunning pieces of art. MIXED MEDIA: WATERCOLOR & MORE In this chapter I share a variety of supplie that can be used for the activities in this book. Because we’re working with mixed media as well as watercolor, there are many mediums that are optional or interchangeable. Don’t feel as though you need to use the exact supplies I use to achieve magical results; use the paints you have and experiment with what you can. In fact, you probably have most of these supplies around the house already. BASIC TECHNIQUES & BEYOND In this chapter I review the basics of watercolors and why watercolors are the preferred medium of so many artists. We will also have fun experimenting and documenting the many ways watercolors react with all kinds of household supplies. Be prepared to be amazed! HORIZONS I’ve always been inspired to paint the sky. Daytime sky, starry nights, storms, and tranquil sunsets always feel calming and refreshing to paint. There’s something so loose and vast about the sky—watercolor is the perfect medium to use because of its unpredictable loose nature. With some help from mixed media, you’ll be able to create simple and delightful horizons. CELESTIAL SKIES Painting the universe has been a special part of my path as an artist. Not only has this subject helped me connect with my spiritual side but it also has allowed me the flexibility to experiment with all kinds of mixed media and watercolors. In fact, I would say painting the cosmos is the starting point of all the ideas that eventually turned into this very book. Textures from beyond and colorful planets are great inspiration for anyone experimenting with paint mediums. The universe is vast and mysterious; watercolor is a beautiful medium to represent these characteristics. GEMS & CRYSTALS I’ve enjoyed painting crystals and gems for many years now. There are a variety of ways to paint these beautiful earth objects as well as the many forms in which they can be found. Another great example of simple shapes and fascinating textures. EARTH & SACRED GEOMETRY This chapter uses natural elements to create mandala-like symmetrical compositions. These earthy pieces of art are perfect for anyone who enjoys wandering in the woods or a field. The word mandala simply means “circle” in Sanskrit. There are many types of mandalas—some are part of a spiritual practice while others are more playful and serve the purpose of relaxing the mind. In essence, mandalas consist of repetitive shapes arranged in a symmetrical pattern that expand in a concentric way. Outer-Space Collage This is a great way to mesh your previous projects! There are many possible combinations waiting to happen. Each of the options we explore in this section look so different! Try any or all of these background options to create an amazing solar system using your planet cutouts. Loose & Experimental Healing Crystals This style of painting crystals is more abstract and free. We’re not necessarily aiming for a realistic look, or to depict shadow and light as with the previous activities. Instead, it’s a fun way to play with textures and color using these shapes as a canvas. Make sure you’ve done the mixed-media experiments (see page XX to XX) before diving in here! For this activity, you’ll need some masking fluid. I’m using a dark type of masking fluid so the lines are more visible. The fluid is dark but it will lift up in the same way a transparent fluid does. It just helps you see better where you’re painting. For more details, see page XX. Pressing Flowers & Leaves Ahh, to gather flowers! This is an activity I enjoy immensely so much so that I collected more than 100 different flowers and pressed them to add unique details to every wedding invitation I sent to my guests. I’ve become fascinated with pressing flowers and leaves and all the different compositions that are possible. Pressing flowers is actually quite simple; as you experiment with different types of flowers you will notice some take more time than others. I think good options to start with are daisies or wildflowers. They have less density and moisture than larger flowers, such as roses or carnations. Lightning Storm Painting lightning storms is surprisingly simple and creates a dramatic effect for dark skies. This method could also be used to paint any night sky—swap the lightning bolts for small dots to represent stars.
✔ Author(s): Ana Victoria Calderon
✔ Title: Creative Watercolor and Mixed Media: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving Stunning Effects--Play with Gouache, Metallic Paints, Masking Fluid, Alcohol, and More! (Volume 3) (Art for Modern Makers, 3)
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (392 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1631598805
✔ ISBN-13: 9781631598807
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Creative Watercolor and Mixed Media by Ana Victoria Calderon
Lucy Garraway
I couldn't stop raving about this book to my friends and family. It's a literary gem that deserves all the praise. I can't wait to dive into more works by this talented author.
Katherine Stevenson
The author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through their words is truly remarkable. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire book.
Laura Hill
The characters in this book felt like old friends, and I was sad to say goodbye to them at the end. It's a testament to the author's talent for creating memorable and relatable personas.
