Hello fabulous people!

Here is a quick one with some new art I’ve not been able to put up yet, finally I have a moment! (Having an assistant seems to be paying off!)

Elephant & Roses

Animal Friends

Watching over You

(+ £10 GBP shipping)

The post Art Bomb! ;) – New Painting & Prints for sale. appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Hello creative amigo. :-) The question I get asked the most, next to ‘how do you print your prints‘ is: ‘How do you create your own style?’ And for many years I was confused about this question myself. I used to uhm and errh and sort of look the other way, as the question, concept and even execution of it eluded me. Until recently. My friends, I’ve had a bit of an epiphany. Hallelujah!

It all started when Gracie and I were in the car a while back and I let her listen to a song that I had recorded. It had quite some harmonies in it and ‘echoes’ too and she said: “hey, you really do like ‘layering’ don’t you?” She remarked on how I like layering in my art, but even in music, I too, like to ‘layer’. I considered it and yes; I like layering paint, collage and other materials and I like layering harmonies and sounds too, a lot in fact.

I kind of let it go at that point, but a few weeks later I was listening to my iTunes playlist and noticed that some [nay most] of the songs that popped up, lyrically speaking, were vague, mysterious, poetic and ‘layered’ in style (hello Flightless Bird, American Mouth?). Gosh, this layering thing was becoming a real theme. I suddenly noticed, that the concept of ‘layering’ popped up in all kinds of areas in my life. And by ‘popping up’ I mean that whenever something was ‘layered’ be it art, music or lyrics and poetry, I enjoyed it the most. The enjoyment bit is important, I’ll get to it in a sec, hang on.

Fast forward to a few weeks later and I started another painting. I sat down and had a strong desire to do a female portrait/ character. As I’d sketched the portrait/ character down, I noticed how doing “just a portrait” was simply “too boring” for me. It needed more, it needed mystery, I wanted people to think: “errh, what? Why? Mmh, interesting”. I wanted the painting to evoke some kind of awe but also: questions. I wanted the painting to make people think about the painting, but also about life and love and beauty. (Notice the layering theme again?). Collage and paint over, grunge and layers of paint achieve an effect of mystery for me. Also: odd elements in strange places (like a bird’s nest as a hat) do that too. But, another strong desire when creating that always comes to me is this: I don’t want my painting to be too depressing or somehow too sad. Melancholy ok, but sad: no. So, whimsy, innocence, light and child-like elements must accompany the mystery. Hence; I like adding in whimsical creatures like elephants, bunnies, birds etc. The whimsical aspects are also captured by drawing child-like clouds, stars, hearts and houses. Finally uplifting slogans or words sending out positive messages represents how I continue to feel optimistic about life. That all is ok, in the end.

“The Uncaged Soul” – Original Sold – Prints Available Here

And I noticed: once I’ve achieved all that in one painting, ie: the mystery, the physical/ emotional/ mental layering combined with a light-hearted whimsy and positive messages: I feel the most, the most, happy. When a painting of mine combines all those elements: everything falls into place for me, it’s feels ‘perfect’ and exactly how it should be. It lights me up inside, it’s in tune with my soul, with the purest part of me! It communicates some of my essence, my deepest passion and love. So, I’ve come to a point now to believe that this way of creating is in actual fact ‘my style’! Hurrah! I finally found the answer to this ‘holy grail’ of questions and based on this experience and my many years of creating art, pondering the style question and being an artist, I have some tips on how you too can find your own artist style. Get ready for the ride:

1. Ask the right question: My friend, first up: you’re asking yourself the wrong question. Don’t ask yourself: “how can I create my own style?” No: ask yourself: “what do I love creating so much it makes my soul light up?” What am I passionately, utterly, irrevocably IN LOVE with right now? What do I keep wanting to create, over and over and over? What feels good to my body, heart, soul and mind? Start there. When you follow your deepest passion (and do note: passions change), you align yourself with your purpose, with the vibration of the universe. It’s like a puzzle piece falling into place.

2. Explore what you love:  If you don’t know what your passion is, that’s ok and understandable! The way to find out is to: look around, browse other artists’ works, take a variety of online art classes, try out all sorts of styles, techniques, materials. And then, let your inner knowing, let your inner passion magnet guide you (yes that’s right I said: ‘inner passion magnet’ there is such a thing). You’ll notice that at some point you may feel super attracted to a particular type of art, let’s say: whimsical art and then you go crazy drawing a 1000 whimsical girls. Or you love the look of abstract art and you’ll immerse yourself in abstract paintings for months. Whatever it is, let your inner knowing and passion magnet guide you to what it is you utterly and irrevocably love. 

3. Go crazy creating: Then when you’ve figured out what you love: do a lot of it. Create create create to your heart’s content. Make painting after painting, fill journal after journal, paint on the walls, just paint! And then: play with your new found love, add and subtract, mix and change it up. Evolve with the subject of your passion. Learn to know your subject deeply and then mix it all up, play, try, adjust, change!

4. Expect your passion to change: Continue to follow your heart. If it’s been months of whimsy and all of a sudden your heart says: “flowers, I can’t stop painting flowers”, then go after those flowers and don’t let go. Paint flowers as if your life depends on it. Then, months later, you may suddenly feel really drawn to experimenting with mermaids and you draw and paint them in all their glory, or you love washi tape and you collect hundreds of them and you try out all the ways you can use washi tape or you love gelli prints and you become obsessed with the intricacies of the print effect. The beauty of following your passions, as different as they may be, is that eventually, aspects of each of your passions will re-emerge and you’ll combine them all into one and that ladies and jellyspoons is where your style is created. I dare say: your own personal style is (or will be) a combination of several aspects of your deepest loves and passions which you’ve explored over the years. It’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

5. Amigo, you gotta give it time: You won’t necessarily know where your deepest passions lie yet. You need time to seek, to play, to develop, grow, mature. Like a very good cheese, or perhaps wine is the more beautiful metaphor here. Don’t be hasty, let your heart take its time. It can be distracted by all sorts of important matters in life, so give yourself, your heart, your passion magnet time. It will all become beautifully clear to you at some point dear one. :-)

“Bird’s Nest” – Original Sold – Prints Available Here

Do I now think that my style is ‘set in stone’? And that I can ONLY make art that is as I described above? Hell no! I will continue to follow my passions and create paintings that make me light up inside. If next week I suddenly feel utterly attracted to drawing leprechauns: I will do so with all my heart and I bet you that elements of my other passions will sneak in too! I am not a big fan of the myth that an artist must ‘stick to one or other style’ at all (SO boring!), but I do think that if you keep doing what your heart, your passion, your soul asks you to do, an essence of your style will always be recognised in your work. It is YOU who created it, after all. :-) 

The post The Secret to Creating your Own Style appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Hi Everyone! Welcome to a series we run on the blog called: Tea & Cake with Gracie :) Where my awesome friend and colleague Gracie Howle interviews inspiring artists and posts the interviews (including some free offers not published elsewhere before) here on the blog every 2 months or so. I love to create art and bring amazing artists & people together in my classes, in person and on social media. As part of this drive, I really want to help bring more exposure to some of the amazing artists out there too! Today Gracie’s interviewing the lovely Kristin Dudish. Kristin’s created a Fab piece of art to giveaway to one lucky reader! Make sure you also check out Kristin’s free offerings for all readers: a free video tutorial and a free downloadable print. Tam xo

If you love Artist Interviews make sure you read the previous ones here:

Read about Rachael Rice here.

Read about Andrea Gomoll here.

Read about Angela Kennedy (Pennystamper) here.

Hello! Gracie here from Willowing Arts! :) Do you have your cosy blanket, cuppa tea and cookies at the ready? Great! ;) This is ‘Tea and Cake with Gracie’, where I ask an inspiring artist about what makes them tick, and probe them about their art, life and loves. Today, I am sharing with you an interview with the lovely Kristin Dudish. Be sure to check out her free offerings below! Thanks for being here :) Enjoy!

1. Welcome Kristin! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I live in Buffalo, New York with my husband, son, and a very noisy cat. I make lots of stuff including mischief, messes, and lots of art!



Kristin’s created this AWESOME ‘Frida’ original artwork to giveaway to one lucky reader! It is 5×7 and was created on 140lb. watercolor paper with water soluble markers, prismacolor pencils, and graphite. For a chance to win, enter the giveaway by leaving a comment in the box below (near the bottom of this page). Winner will be chosen at random on Friday 30th October and announced right here on this page :)

And the randomly drawn winner is …

SOLOCRONE
who said:

Congratulations!! And thank you to everyone who entered the draw! :)

For a chance to win this awesome ‘Frida’ original artwork made by Kristin Dudish, leave a comment in the box below

(near the bottom of this page)

Kirstin’s also offering Willowing readers the free downloadable ‘Pablo Picasso’ print and free video tutorial below!

Please print out Kristin’s ‘Pablo Picasso’ print below for personal use only (cannot be used commercially), to hang around the house. Please also keep Kristin’s signature ‘DUDISH’ in place when printing out the print and, if reposting on other social media site, we’d appreciate a reference link to Kristin’s site: www.kristindudish.com. Thanks for understanding!

Free Downloadable Print:

(to download the high res version pls right-click on image and choose save target or link as. Or download from this link: KirstinDudish-Print-Offer-TeaAndCakeInterviewWillowing.jpg)

Kirstin’s also created this free video tutorial, especially for Willowing Arts readers, which shows how she creates a Gallery Wrapped Box Canvas (made from things you probably have around the house).

Free Video Tutorial:

(Click the ‘play button’ to watch this video)

Learn more about Kristin by reading the following interview:

2. Where do you art? Do you have a set time / routine that you ‘art’, or is it whenever you can fit it in / you feel inspired?

I am very fortunate to have a studio in my house, but I will make art anywhere I can… At the dining room table, on the couch, out in the yard, even in the car (not when I’m driving, of course – you have to draw the line somewhere)! I try very hard to be organized and set times and routines, but the truth is I am completely unbalanced with my time… Luckily, since my studio is in my home, I can pop in there at all hours of the day (even if I’m in my pajamas)!

3. I’ve heard that you’re currently working on a children’s book, how exciting! Can you tell us some more about that?

I’m very excited about it!  It is something I’ve had percolating in my mind for quite some time, so it feels really good to finally be putting pen and paint to paper!  Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the book combines my love of whimsy with a hearty dose of Art History.


4. You have an active blog, and on your first blog post you say ‘through this blog I hope to face my fears and replace my anxiety with the excitement of endless possibility.’ Can you tell us more about what blogging means to you? 


Blogging has helped me find an amazing community!  When I was in art school, one of the greatest things was the camaraderie and friendships with like-minded people.  When I graduated, I missed the daily interaction with other artists… Sometimes being in the studio can be lonely, but blogging has completely changed that!  I’m putting myself “out there”, sharing, and continually learning from the online art community… It’s like the best of art school without any painful critiques!

5. You have fabulous skill in creating a great likeness of the people you draw & paint. What tips can you give to people who want to draw/ paint a good likeness of people?

Thank you so much for saying that!  I think the best advice I can give is to draw what you see, not what you think you see.  We all think we know what an eye or a nose (or a mouth, etc.) looks like, but the magic happens when you stop thinking of them as an eye or a nose (or a mouth, etc.), and just try to re-create the darks and lights that you’re seeing without trying to create an eye or a nose (or a mouth, etc.).  It can be nerve-wracking to draw that way at first… You really have to trust your eye and the process because it can look (and it can feel) kind of wonky in the beginning.  But, all of the quirks that you’re seeing and recording with your pencil (or paint) help to create the essence of the person you’re drawing.  Faces aren’t really 100% perfect or symmetrical, and those “imperfections” are what creates an interesting and believable likeness.

Also, practice!  The best way to get better at anything is practice, and that is definitely true for drawing and painting!

“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes

6. Out of everything you’ve ever painted / created what is your favourite painting / creation and why?

Yikes… That’s kind of like asking a parent who their favorite child is, I think! lol
I like creating in so many different ways – silly, serious, inspirational, punny – there is no way I could possibly choose just one!  I would like to say that my favorite painting is always the last one I created, but that’s not really true because I make a lot of junk too! Ha!  (Hey, I’m just being honest…)

If I had to choose, I would say my favorite pieces are the collaborations I do with my son Tyler.

7. What is your favourite piece of art by another painter/artist?

This is another tough one… There is so much amazing art that has been (and is being) created – I am constantly in awe of the talent, creativity, and imagination that is out there!  With the internet, it’s like having a gallery that is open 24 hours a day at your fingertips… My favorites are forever changing!

8. What inspires you to create? What’s your driving force?

I truly believe that inspiration is everywhere!  I was recently inspired by an oil spot on the pavement in a parking lot… Sometimes it’s the simplest and seemingly insignificant things that can lead to the greatest artistic discoveries!

I would have to say that my driving force is kindness…  Themes in my work include love, humor, storytelling, and silliness, but it always comes back to kindness.

9. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring artists?

Dream BIG and work hard!

10. Is there anything about you / your art / your life that you think the readers would be fascinated to hear, or wouldn’t know about you?

Hmmm… Fascinated?  I don’t know…  But here are some random facts:  My socks never match.  I don’t like rain, but I love thunderstorms.  I LOVE doughnuts, but I start every morning with a “green smoothie”.  I love to read A LOT, but I also watch way too much reality t.v.  I love to dance and I love celebrating just about anything, but I don’t high-five…  I guess I’m just a big bundle of contradictions! Ha!

Thank you for chatting and sharing with us Kristin!

If you’d like to find out more about Kristin please follow the links below :)

See you for Tea and Cake next time! Love Gracie x

Website: www.kristindudish.com
Blog: www.kristindudish.blogspot.com
Co-Host of: www.paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com
More Kindness printables from Kirstin Dudish: www.kristindudish.blogspot.com/p/kindness.html

The post Tea and Cake with Gracie featuring Kristin Dudish appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Oh gosh you guys. Your responses to my ‘I struggle too’ post the other week had me so so deeply moved. And, I was planning on only giving away 1 print, but was so touched by some of your beautiful responses, that instead, I decided to give away 6 prints. To be honest: if I could I’d give a free print to ALL of you beautiful people, but it’s just not financially viable to give away over 400 prints. I want you all to know that I so deeply appreciate you and your comments and your love and your beingness and your beauty (and also actually all your dark stuff and difficult stuff, I know we all have both shadow and light :)). I embrace all of you. <3 Thank you for all your wonderful comments and presence and support always. It means more to me than you will ever know.

So, the 6 people who’ve won an art print are:

Heather who said:

Adriana Mesa who said:

Hannah who said:

Heather who said:

Bee who said:

Lesley who said:

Congratulations dear winners! Look out for an email from Willowing HQ to claim your prize! <3 

The post Winners of Free Art Print – Yay! appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Hi Guys! Welcome to a series we run on the blog called: Tea & Cake with Gracie :) My awesome friend and colleague Gracie Howle interviews inspiring artists and posts the interviews (including some free offers not published elsewhere before) here on the blog every 2 months or so. I love to create art and bring amazing artists & people together in my classes, in person and on social media. As part of this drive, I want to help bring more exposure to some of the amazing artists out there! Today Gracie’s interviewing the lovely Lynn Whipple. Be sure to check out Lynn’s GIVEAWAY and free video tutorial and print below! Tam xoxo

If you love Artist Interviews make sure you read the previous Tea and Cake with Gracie ones! Click on artist’s name to go to their interview: Karine Bossé / Jenny Grant / France Papillon / Jenny Wentworth / Kristin Dudish / Rachael Rice / Angela Kennedy (Pennystamper) / Andrea Gomoll

Hello! Gracie here from Willowing Arts waving hello from sunny Brighton town! How are you? I hope you are well and you enjoy my interview with Lynn Whipple today :) Remember to check out her GIVEAWAY and free art tutorial and print below too!

1. Hi Lynn and welcome! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I am an artist, online creativity teacher, and workshop leader from Winter Park, Florida. I love to work in tons of different mediums, from drawing, collage, painting, mixed media, playing with found objects in assemblage, writing ….. I guess I just like to make stuff :) My main focus lately is painting and drawing really large, loose and free flowers. My Big Bold Bloom series celebrates my way of making play the most important thing in my creative practice. I build layers and layers with spattered paint, drips, drawing, large loose brushstrokes and color. I share my studio building with 20 other artists including my husband, his brother, his mom and my mom. It’s great to be in a family of artists, we inspire each other and we understand the mess!! I am grateful each day that I get to make things and “move my hands” and I hope I can encourage others do the same.

Lynn is giving away one space on her 5 week class: ‘Big Bold Bloom Wild Painting’!

One lucky reader will win a space on this awesome class. You can find out more about the class here: ‘Big Bold Bloom Wild Painting‘.

Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment in the box below (near the bottom of this page). The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday 30th August and announced right here on this page :)

*GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED:

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and for joining in with the giveaway! The randomly drawn winner is:

Wendy ten Hove

who said:

Congratulations Wendy! :)

Lynn’s also created a free (not previously published before) video and accompanying PDF for us. PLUS she’s giving away the FREE downloadable print below, Thank you Lynn! :)

Free Video Tutorial ‘Rice Paper Flowers’:

(Click the ‘play button’ to watch this video)

Free ‘Rice Paper Flowers’ PDF tutorial:

(to download this PDF click on image or download from this link: RicePaperFlowersLynnWhipple.PDF)

Free Downloadable Print:

Please print out Lynn’s print below for personal use only (cannot be used commercially), to hang around the house. Please also keep the website url in place when printing out the print and, if reposting on other social media site, we’d appreciate a reference link to Lynn’s site: lynnwhipple.com Thanks for understanding!

(to download the high res version pls right-click on image and choose save target or link as. Or download from this link: LynnWhippleDownloadablePrint)

Learn more about Lynn by reading the following interview:

2. Where do you art?

Art happens everywhere!! From the dining room table, to outdoors under a fringed umbrella, to on the dock and art mostly happens at my studio, which is a shared space with 20 other artists, including my hubby, in a big warehouse in Winter Park, Florida. www.mcraeartstudios.com I have a big, messy light filled space with loads of paintings and drawings in the works, tons of flowers, books and a great collection of odd bits of inspiration pinned up all over the walls.

3. Many of your pieces feature flowers / blooms, can you tell us a bit about why that is?

Flowers are so beautiful, such great forms, color, design! I have been a flower person as long as I can remember… I love to draw them, paint them, surround my self with them, grow them, give them as gifts :) When I first started painting Blooms, I worked in oils and the paintings started small and grew to be quite big… 46×46 inches… I realized I wanted to be looser and more in the moment, so I switched to using acrylic paint and spinning the canvas, spattering and dripping color to create great layers of “juice”and excitement! Drawing on top of the paint gives the paintings more life and more yumminess for our eyes!

4. You collaborate and work quite closely with Carla Sonheim, how did that come about and what’s it like?

Carla is so incredible! She is a great artist, so full of curiosity, always learning and trying new things. She creates from the heart and the mind. We first met in the Seattle area when I was teaching a workshop, and I was instantly attracted to her, her way of seeing things, her way of working, her style, the sophistication to her drawing. She was quiet and peaceful, making the most beautiful things. As the years passed she went on to write several drawing and art books and teach and I was thrilled when she asked if I would be interested in teaching online with her company Sonheim Presents. Collaborating with Carla and her talented husband and filmmaker Steve, has been a true treat. I admire them both very much! We work well together because we all love art, artful things, fun, playful ideas and have a great time together!

5. You mention Andy Goldsworthy as one of your favourite artists. Can you tell us a bit more about why and how he inspires you? What and who else inspires you to get creative?

Andy!!! I wish I was his assistant!!! His work is done out in nature and he celebrates the beauty of the natural world in a way that is breathtaking! Most of his work will slowly or quickly..go back to the earth, melt, or get washed away. When I look at his work I see and feel the undeniable poetic joy of being in the artistic moment. My husband and I love to play and make art out in nature together, Andy Goldsworthy inspires us every time!

Thank you for joining us for Tea and Cake Lynn! To find out more about Lynn follow the links below. See you for Tea and Cake next time! Love Gracie x

Web: lynnwhipple.com
Online classes: carlasonheim.com/big-bold-bloom-wild-painting
Blog: lynnwhipple.wordpress.com
Instagram: instagram.com/lynnwhipple
Facebook: facebook.com/Lynn-Whipple-Art-346136962142796

Lynn is also traveling to visit Steve and Carla Sonheim to film her brand new 10 lesson class! This new class will be a followup to Big Bold Blooms! With more painting, more blooms, and new techniques! Available in August, class starts at the end of September. Keep an eye on Lynn’s blog for more news here: lynnwhipple.wordpress.com

The post Tea and Cake with Gracie featuring Lynn Whipple appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Hi Guys! Welcome to a series we run on the blog called: Tea & Cake with Gracie :) My awesome friend and colleague Gracie Howle interviews inspiring artists and posts the interviews (including some free offers not published elsewhere before) here on the blog every 2 months or so. I love to create art and bring amazing artists & people together in my classes, in person and on social media. As part of this drive, I want to help bring more exposure to some of the amazing artists out there! Today Gracie’s interviewing Violette Clark. Make sure you check out Violette’s giveaway, free video tutorial and gift for you below! Tam xoxo

If you love Artist Interviews make sure you read the previous Tea and Cake with Gracie ones – click on artist’s name to go to their interview: Melissa Dinwiddie / Tascha Parkinson / Susana Tavares / Lynn Whipple / Karine Bossé / Jenny Grant / France Papillon / Jenny Wentworth / Kristin Dudish / Rachael Rice / Angela Kennedy (Pennystamper) / Andrea Gomoll

Hello! Gracie here :) I hope your February was AWESOME! Spring is starting to show here in the South of England, little bulbs are starting to peep up in the grass and I’m keeping my eye out for the first daffodil, that always says to me ‘winter is over’! :) Take some time now with your feet up, grab your tea / coffee / kombucha / drink of choice :) …and read about Violette Clark in the interview below. Enjoy! :)

1. Welcome Violette! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

My name is Violette Clark – I live in gorgeous Sechelt, B.C. Canada right near the water and mountains. It’s such a quiet peaceful spot that I am forever grateful for. I was born in Casablanca Morocco but have lived in Canada most of my life. Perhaps that’s where I got my love of colour, pattern and glitter! I’m inspired by the scenery, the peace, forests and ocean here. I’m a Mom of 2 and grandmother of 3 lovely boys who call me meme! One thing I would love to share is how much art saves lives. It has saved my life – In particular art journaling. Art journaling is something I stumbled upon many years ago and when I found out how it could elevate my spirit and make me happy I became an art journal evangelist! I shared everything I knew on my blog and through various online platforms as well as through online classes such as life book and 21 Secrets. It was such a blessing to witness how art journaling transformed many other lives as well. Soon I will be teaching a couple of live art journaling workshops in my community.

Violette’s giving away 2 of her “Love who you are” dog tag necklaces, 5 postcards and 3 bookmarks to one lucky reader! :D

*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED * GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED:

Thank you to everyone for joining in the giveaway and for your comments! The randomly drawn winner is:

Christina Condy

who said:

Congratulations Christina! :)

Violette’s also created this, brand new and just for us, art video: ‘Fun with Caricatures’:

(Click the ‘play button’ to watch this video or click on the review link here: Review Link)

Violette’s offering all you lovely readers the gorgeous print below too :) (Pls note this print is to use and share for personal use only and, if you’re reposting online or on social media, we’d appreciate it if you include a reference link to Violette’s site: www.violette.ca. Thanks for understanding!)
Download the high res version by right-clicking on the image above and choose ‘save target as’ / ‘download linked file as’ or download from this link: BelievePrintVioletteClark.JPG

Learn more about Violette by reading the following interview:

2. When you taught on Life Book 2015 you gave us a tour of your ‘Magic Cottage‘ where you used to create and make your art. You say ‘wherever you live it should be an expression of who you are’. You’ve recently moved, can you tell us a bit about how you are making your new home into a creative space and expression of who you are?

Yes – to me art is not just about creating small art pieces  – it’s about the way you live your life, how you decorate your home and yard and how you dress.  We moved from the Magic Cottage 6 months ago and bought a home in a quiet seaside village in a fairly conservative neighbourhood.  Very slowly I am beginning to transform my home into a place which reflects who I am. The yard has my garden art in it, silverware chandelier and lately a big wooden heart with the words “You are loved” painted on it to greet passerbys with a sweet message.  Soon there will be a Peace pole with our address and other whimsical embellishments in the front yard.  My home is filledwith my art, two of my painted doors and 100’s and 100’s of beloved books. So it totally does express who I am but maybe in a bit subtler way.  I am 62 years old and as I age I am seeking more peace and not as much crazy colour everywhere – although I still do have my colourful art around.  I am focusing more on how to combine my spirituality and art and how to share that with the world.

3. You released the book: ‘Journal Bliss: Creative Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Eccentric‘. Can you tell us a a bit about that? Will you be releasing anymore books in the future?

As I mentioned above when I discovered art journaling many years ago I became a fanatic and wanted to share it with as many people as I could – I shared it on my blog, with my newsletter subscribers, through e-magazines, real life magazines, other peoples books and eventually my own book – Journal Bliss.  My book was all about how to art journal and the joys of doing so.  It was one of the earliest Art Journaling books. I am very proud of it. Today you can find many others on the topic.  I don’t have any plans to release anymore books in the future – however I never say never!  If I could team up with someone on the same wavelength that would be great.  it would have to be a book which encompasses spirituality and art.

4. If you had to choose three art supplies, what three would you choose and why?

The three art supplies I would choose are:  Micron pens (I adore them!), watercolour pencil crayons or plain pencil crayons,  watercolours or twinkling H2O’s. I don’t feel you need very many art supplies to create. I find it overwhelming how many art supplies there are these days, more and more are being released every day.  Since I have moved to a smaller place I have challenged myself to make do with what I have since I have little storage in my new home. These three supplies do not take up too much space thankfully. I do also use acrylic paints and washi tape, and some felt pens like tombow markers.  But seriously if you are a beginning art journaler don’t go out and spend a fortune – start with a few supplies and see what fits with what you are creating. Challenge yourself to create with only a few different supplies. The three supplies I have listed are the ones I return to again and again.

5. What’s your ‘go to’ when your creative mojo needs a boost?

When my creative mojo needs a boost I usually change things up and go for a walk in my quiet neighbourhood or go visit my God Rock which is a rock I love to stand on by the ocean – it’s only a 5 minute drive away. Being in nature rejuvenates my spirit and helps me get in touch with that which is truly important in my life.  I also love to simply sit with a journal and a pencil and begin to randomly draw something – anything. Often that’s when magic happens. That which is unexpressed or wants to come out (unbeknownst to my conscious mind) spills onto the page!  It’s awesome!

Thanks for being here with us! :) See you for Tea and Cake next time! Love Gracie x
Find more about Violette Clark by clicking on the links below:
Website: www.violette.ca
Instagram: instagram.com/violetteclark
Facebook: facebook.com/violetteclark
Pinterest: pinterest.com/violettec
Live workshop in March at the Oracle Store: theoracle.ca/classes

The post Tea and Cake with Gracie featuring Violette Clark appeared first on Willowing Arts.

Hello creative friend!!

I have some wonderful news! I am finally able to offer ‘Limited Edition – Hand Embellished – Giclee Prints’! They look absolutely amazing. :) After many years of searching for an excellent printer company that could create the most lush, durable and outta this world gorgeous reproductions of my work I finally found a place that does exactly that! :D I’m over the moon therefore that I can now offer these very special unique and hand embellished giclee prints, yay! :D

I have made 7 of my most popular images available as limited edition giclee prints which you can now purchase and be hung in your home! And let me tell you, they are truly stunning. The reproductions are beautifully produced on acid free paper with the best inks and look like an exact replica of the original painting (but: a lot cheaper, yay!).

Colours and textures are all picked up to the finest details and reproduced in these amazing giclee prints! If you’re interested in buying one, simply scroll down and click on the link of the size you want (note choose your geographical area to add the correct shipping), add to cart and then send us a message to let us know which image you want reproduced in giclee form! (Or click here to download the PDF which also includes purchase links).

The ones that have already been printed are these images, but you can request any other image too (they may just take a couple of days longer to order and ship).

To see what other images I have available check out the gallery/ art shop here.

And here is a fun video in which I introduce you to the new prints! :)

What is a Giclee Print?

A Giclée Print is a high quality fine art print produced in the Giclée printing method. The method uses specialist archival pigment inks and acid-free papers; creating gallery-quality inkjet prints with excellent depth of colour, longevity and stability.

Studies have shown that Giclée Prints colour vividness can last in excess of 200 years with tests by independent bodies such as Wilhelm Research and printer manufacturers such as Epson.

How Are Tam’s Giclee Prints printed?

Tam’s Giclee prints are printed on the finest archival papers, using the latest Epson professional Ultrachrome inks. Compared to most high street printers, who print at 360 dpi with 2 passes (no. of times a print head passes over an area), Tam’s giclee printing service is set to 1440 dpi, with 8 passes, using an Epson HDR 10-colour pigment ink system profiled for accurate colour reproduction.

Using their state-of-the-art print software, prints are sharp, detailed, and vibrant. They maximise the colour gamut for every paper they offer and capture open shadow detail, true blues and natural skin tones for every image they print. 3-level black ink technology means better grey balance, impressive mid-tones, and no colour casts, for true black and white reproduction.

Are all of Tams art images available as Giclee Prints?

We have a select amount of images that are currently available as Giclee prints, but if you have a particular image in mind, please email us on hello@willowing.org letting us know which image you would like printed and we can likely make it happen!

How Are Tam’s Giclee Prints shipped?

By default they will be shipped in strong/ sturdy cardboard tubes, if you would like your print flat packed please let us know, shipping costs may then be increased somewhat.

What does *hand embellished* mean?

To make your Giclee print a one of a kind, Tam will add some small hand embellishments to the print with paint or marker.

Do the prints have a white border?

Prints have a white border of approx 1-2 inches to allow for framing.

Are Tam’s Giclee Prints Limited Edition?

Yes, the Giclee prints are limited edition up to 50 or 100 depending on the image and will be signed and numbered.

Prices

To buy a print click on the price of the size giclee print you want combined with where you live geographically, this will add the giclee print to your cart on paypal, make the purchase and then email us with the image you’d like so we can get you all set up! :)

To check currency conversions please go here: www.xe.com.

Contact us on hello@willowing.org for more details.

Thank you so much for reading this page!

Love
Tam x

The post Introducing Limited Edition Hand Embellished Giclee Prints appeared first on Willowing Arts.