Art for The Soul Newsletter
November 2021
Art Workshops I moved to Fort Langley in February of this year and love it here. October was a very special month when I offered my first painting classes in the historic village. The participants were enthusiastic and willing learners and I was thrilled with the beautiful Abstract Watercolour Florals they created. My students encouraged me to offer more classes so I have developed four classes that are suitable for all levels that will be offered in November. The coming workshops will include Zentangles on a Watercolour Background, Introduction to Mark Making using Acrylic paints on Paper, Birch Trees in the Snow with Gold Leaf and a Beautiful Watercolour Winter Scene. It would be great to have you join my fun and relaxing classes. All supplies are included in the class fee.
Registration Form is on my website at www.marionmccristallstudio.com
Art Crawl I was delighted to be invited to participate as an artist at the Fort Langley Art Crawl on October 3. It was held on the lawn of the Community Hall and was a huge success. I was happy to have so many people buy my small, original works on paper and my key shaped pendants with petite abstracts under glass cabochons. I enjoyed meeting the other Artists and participants many who live locally or in nearby communities. It was great to chat with them and share stories about art and photography.
You're Invited to Let Your Inner Artist Come Out To Play At These Workshops
Each class is for anyone who would like
Classes are $55 each
to EXPLORE, CREATE & BE INSPIRED.
Location: Fort Langley Lions Hall
No previous art experience necessary.
Register: www.marionmccristallstudio.com
Take the Mystery Out of Mixing Brown & Grey
Here are examples of mixing primary colours with white to produce a lighter colour called a tint.
Mixing Acrylic Colours * Use primary yellow, red and blue * Add white for a tint * Add black for a shade
Here are examples of mixing primary colours with black to produce a darker colour called a shade.
How to Clean a Brush 1. Wipe the brush to remove excess paint 2. Wet the brush with water 3. Swirl the brush in the Masters soap until it works into a lather 4. Rinse the brush in cold water (hot water may cause the glue to release the bristles from the ferrule 5. Repeat rinsing and lathering until the Masters soap becomes white
The Masters Brush Cleaner
6. Squeeze the bristles dry and form to original shape. 7. Lay flat to dry
One of the best brush cleaners I have found is The Masters Brush Cleaner and Preserver. Its available at art supply stores and on Amazon
Book Corner If you like creating abstracts with found objects and a variety of mixed media, you would enjoy this book by Rae Missigman. She has all kinds of ideas for using brayers, stencils, and objects from around the home for creating unusual and expressive abstracts.
If you are interested in learning more about Mark Making please check out my November Workshops:
Watercolours with Zentangles on November 10 Mark Making with Acrylics on November 17
5 WAYS TO SAVE WHITES WHEN PAINTING IN WATERCOLOURS 1. Paint around the object you want to keep white 2. Apply masking fluid, (also known as frisket) to the areas you want to keep white 3. Use watercolour gouache or white paint pen to paint over already painted areas 4. Cover the area with artist tape or scraps of paper 5. Wax crayon or candle wax provide a resist but cannot be removed
HOW TO USE MASKING FLUID 1. Choose an old brush you don’t plan to use for paint 2. Dampen the brush bristles with a little dish detergent 3. Gently stir the masking fluid, (don’t shake,) and dip the brush into it 4. On dry paper, paint the masking fluid over areas that you want to keep white 5. Allow to dry thoroughly 6. Paint over the dry masking fluid 7. Once the painting is dry, remove the masking fluid by peeling it away with your fingertips or use a rubber cement pickup. 8. The white areas can be painted over. If you find the edges too hard, use a stiff brush dipped in water to soften the edges. 9. Don’t delay in washing the brush you used for masking fluid. 10. NOTE Masking fluid is latex based so wear gloves if you have a latex allergy.
BLAST FROM THE PAST I painted this winter scene above almost 30 years ago. I used masking fluid to protect the white and light areas of the mailbox and the horse faces on this winter scene. You can paint over the white areas once the masking fluid is removed. That’s how I added another light colour to the faces of the horses.
TIP: USE USE TOOTHPICKS OR THE NIB OF A DIP PEN TO CREATE FINE LINES
Urban Sketching I love sharing how I came to learn Urban Sketching. When I lived in Portugal I was fortunate to take private lessons with Victor Melo a fabulous Urban Sketch Artist. This photo above is from when I was in Portugal using pen & ink and watercolour to sketch a little chapel in Azenhas do Mar. Urban sketching can be done just about anywhere and only requires a few basic supplies that are easy to carry with you. I highly recommend you give it a try.
Learn More...
Check Out: www.urbansketchers.ca Pinterest Images for Inspiration by Marc Taro Holmes Liz Steel www.lizsteel.com
Where to Find Me My small, original paintings on paper can be bought online with Free Shipping at www.marionmccristallstudio.com/store or in the following locations in beautiful Fort Langley.
KUBE GALLERY
DOVE COTTERIE
Mavis Ave., Fort Langley
Francis Ave., Fort Langley
These dreary autumn days lend themselves to artistic expression. I hope you will get out some colours and play.
I’d love to hear from you email me with any questions or to chat marionmccristall@gmail.com