Tuesday, March 26, 2013

New Home, New Colored Pencil Works, and Colored Pencil Tip of the Week

Hey Everybody!
It's Spring Break, Winter Term is finally over with, and it has been a long time since my last post. I have been so overwhelmed with classes this last term, so many essays to write that I have had no time to pick up a pencil and draw. Then I got an eye ulcer in my eye and I wasn't able to see very well for the past two weeks. In addition, we moved out of the house we were renting and bought our first home.
Our New Home



So still have some unpacking and organizing to do, also a lot of yard work. I hope to get that done this week along with some much-needed drawing time.

Now that it is Spring Break, I plan on picking up where I left off on my latest work in progress. “I Believe” Medium: Color Pencil I am presently working on the shirt and background.



I Believe



Colored Pencil Tip of the Week

There are many ways to lift up or remove colored pencil from your work. Whichever method you choose, do so carefully, so you do not tear or ruin the surface of your paper.

Bet Borgeson illustrates two ways here http://www.mightyartdemos.com/mightyartdemosfrbkborgeson2.html
and then over at my website I explain a few ways to remove colored pencil
http://www.mooresartgallery.com/colorpencilremovaltips.html

Colored Pencil Tool of the Week

Many colored pencil artists out there use pencil extenders. Extenders are a handy little tool to extend the length of your pencil when your colored pencil becomes too short to use.
Here is one I found that you have to check out this marbled pencil extender over at Etsy  http://tinyurl.com/cp7fg84
In addition, here are some others over at Amazon.



I hope everyone has a blessed Easter weekend!
Blessed Easter Sunday image
Easter Pictures

Take Care and God Bless!
Keep on Creating!



Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Happy New Year and Updates!

Happy New Year Everyone!
It's been a long time since my last post. I apologize. I have just been so busy with school, family, the holidays, then getting sick, I have not had much time to get caught up on everything online.
I start back to school next week. I am still taking all the required classes, before I can actually begin taking the web design/computer classes. But starting spring term I will start beginning taking the design courses. Very excited about it. :)

And it looks like we might be moving again soon, as our landlord raised our rent $300 and it is killing us financially. But this time instead of renting, we are buying our first home. It seems renting a home around here, is quite a lot more expensive than buying. So things are going to be quite hectic for us in a few weeks and I am not sure how much time I will have for online, with school etc. and everything else going on.

New Works

I have some new works to share with you. Also I just posted up some new items up for sale at my etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/mooresart
I finished up my portrait of Frans and Trish. I just got an email from them that they received it New Year's Eve and they were so thrilled, when they saw it. I can't tell how much gladness that brought me, knowing how tickled they were to finally receive it.

Frans and Trish
Color Pencil and Watercolor Pencil

 

 
Also I just finished this up on New Year's It's called the Winter Lion. Done in Color Pencil and Watercolor Pencil.

 
 
Color Pencil Tip of the Week

I don't think I have shared this before, but it is a sample tutorial by artist Christina Langman on creating a big cat using color pencil. You can check it out here http://www.bigcatart.com/CPtutorial/

Also, there is a new blender pen out for color pencil artists. It's called the Finesse Blender Pen. I have yet to purchase it, but plan on to very soon, just to check it out. The rating is not that great on Amazon, but that is based just on two reviews. Apparently they are saying the pen dries out quickly. But from experience, I think the blender pens don't last as long as "we" artists would like them to.
There are more blender pens on market now than there use to be 5 or 10 years ago. The blender pens that I use whilst creating my works, are the Tombow Colorless Blenders and the Prismacolor Colorless Blender Marker.
There is also the Copic Sketch Marker Colorless Blender and the Sakura Colorless Blender pen. I have yet to check out either one, but plan to very soon as well. One nice thing about the Copic Sketch Marker Colorless Blender you can get ink refill replacements.

My advice is to try each one out, as each artist has different techniques and tastes, to determine which one you like the best.




Resource of the Week

If you are need of some inspiration check out http://www.portraitartist.com/ Some amazingly talented portrait artists. They have a forum, a place to sell your works and artist highlights.

I hope you all have an amazing, sucessful, blessed new year!
Best Wishes!

Comments by ZingerBug.com

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Work In Progress, Updates, Donating Artwork and Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone!
It's been crazy busy with school. Trying to find time to draw has been pretty much limited to, one day a week for me - Saturday. And then I hope nothing comes up, to interfere with the day. I am looking forward to Christmas break to work on some sketches from the sketchfest. I am presently not taking any commissions, just no time to work on them.

Anyways, here is my current work in progress of a portrait of Frans and Trish. I am so thankful they have not complained about how long it has been taking to complete this. They got married back in August. Two very special people. I hope I am capturing their likeness and spirit. Presently working on their clothes and the flowers.



At my Zazzle Store there is 50% off of cards and calendars. A huge Veterans Day Sale. Use Code: 50VETDAYSALE
Check out my store here http://www.zazzle.com/mooresart

 




Donating Artwork

If you have been following along on my Facebook Page, you will have known by now that I finished the cougar piece. I tried to posting it up on ebay, donating a percentage to Wildcat Haven, well I ran into some trouble. Even though I got permission from the photographer to use her photo as a reference, it appears she failed to tell me that Wildcat Haven had exclusive rights. My fault I should have checked into it further and I should have contacted them as well. Well, they were bit nasty with their messages, which got me upset, and pretty much calling me a liar. Anyways, to put a long story short, I now have decided to give back to my followers on Facebook, the cougar drawing is now a part of a free Thanksgiving give-a-way. If you "like" the post on my Facebook page, you will automatically be put into the drawing on 15th of November.
I have done many donations for rescue places, this is the very first time, I have ever ran into any problems with donating a percentage of the sale to an organization. As artists, I think it is important that we share our bad experiences, so other artists may learn from our own mistakes.

Steps When Donating Artwork or Percentage of the Sale of Artwork:
  1. Always check out throughly the non-profit organization you wish to donate your artwork to, or a percentage of a artwork sale to.  What exactly is their mission? Do they accept percentage of sales on ebay? Do they allow drawings or paintings of their animals (don't just assume you just need permission from the photographer)
  2. Ask other artists, who have donated to the organization, what they thought about the organization. What did they think about the organization? How did they treat you? Did you get a donation receipt?
  3. Always, try to use stock photos or your own photos for references.
  4. If you decide to use a photo that isn't stock or not your own, make sure to get permission from the photographer and stick to their guidelines to the tee. And of course always give credit when you post the image up on your website.
  5. Notify the photographer and organization when you are done with the artwork.
  6. Notify the photographer and organization when you plan to put up the artwork for bid on ebay.
  7. Find out if there are any guidelines, when posting artwork up for bid on ebay.
Resource of the Week

A great article for emerging artists, artists trying to re-define themselves or artists struggling what their niche is.
6 Ways to Develop Your Signature Style
http://emptyeasel.com/2011/05/13/6-ways-to-develop-your-signature-style/


Hope you all have a great week!
Happy Creating!


 
 
 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

New Colored Pencil Works, Colored Pencil Tip & Colored Pencil Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone,
So sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have been so busy with school, I just haven't had much time to work on any colored pencil artwork. I made it a point to set homework aside to post something today.


I am putting school work aside on Friday, October the 26th and maybe possibly the 27th to throw out some ACEO and other sketches. So if you are interested in checking the sketchfest out and purchasing any of my sketches check it out here  http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/index.php

Colored Pencil Artwork Updates


I have two work in progress updates to share. I am not as far along as I hoped to be, but I will be working on them both this weekend.

The first work in progress is of a cougar.
Medium: Colored Pencil
Paper: Canson Mi Tientes 
Reference photo courtesy of Karine Aigner Photography
www.karineaigner.com






The second work in progress is a commission portrait of Frans and Trish.
Medium: Colored Pencil
Paper: Bristol






Zazzle

Zazzle has a great deal going on cards 50% off on all cards. Use Code at Checkout: ALLCARDSALE
Offer expires 11/27/12
A great time to order some of Christmas theme cards if you are interested
http://www.zazzle.com/mooresart/cards
  

Colored Pencil Tip of the Week


A video on colored pencil tips by Janie Gildow focusing on the basic colored pencil techniques.
https://youtu.be/tFGBQJCnwbI

If you search for colored pencil tutorials or drawings at YouTube, you will find some amazing helpful informative videos to help you grow as an artist. I think it is important to see how other artists work with the medium you like to work in. You might discover helpful tips, ideas, and techniques you never knew about.



Resource of the Week


A great site I have discovered for helpful art advice and tips.
http://emptyeasel.com/art-business-advice/general-art-advice/






I hope you all have a great upcoming week!
Take Care and God Bless!
Keep on Creating!





Sunday, September 23, 2012

Updates, Colored Pencil Tip & Art Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone,
So all week I have been getting ready for school, which starts Monday  :)
I have been practicing up on my keyboarding, and I got some of my books and school supplies. I am awaiting my pell grant to get the rest of my books.

I have been suffering with tendonitis all week. Pulled some tendons in my left wrist/arm while lifting heavy things. So my wrist has been wrapped up in a brace. A constant ache shooting from my wrist up my arm. Fortunately, it is not my drawing hand :)


Updates

So I am working on the details of the cougar. Either the sale of the original or a print will be a donated to http://www.wildcathaven.org/ Which is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill, ‘last hope’ sanctuary for big cats. It is located in Sherwood, Oregon. 

Colored pencil on Canson Mi Tientes. I am thinking I might change the one ear. I am not happy with it, but not sure yet.



On the portrait of Frans and Trish I have transferred the sketch to the paper and started working on the background. I Just starting applying colors using a light pressure, so kind of hard to see what I have done in the scan.







Colored Pencil Tip of the Week


Protecting colored pencil artwork is important to prevent UV Rays, wax bloom, and damage to your artwork. There are several products out there that artists use, but as with all products I advise to test first, before you apply the sealant.

When you apply the clear acrylic coating, you will not have to put your artwork under a glass frame. If you use just fixative, you will need to put your artwork under a glass frame.

The workable fixatives are great to prevent wax bloom, seal the work, yet still allow you to continue to work on the piece. You want to spray a thin coat, otherwise it will fill the tooth of the paper, creating a glass-like surface, making it hard to apply any more layers of colors.

Krylon UV Resistant Clear acrylic coating does not work well with watercolor pencils or works that you have combined with color pencil using some type of wet method technique. The colors change drastically.


  • Krylon Workable Fixatif 
  • Sennelier Delacroix Fixative for Pencil and Charcoal
  • Lascaux Fixative for Pastel Charcoal and Graphite (forms a lightfast non-yellowing seal)
  • Golden Archival Spray Varnish (provides a protective layer)
  • Krylon UV Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating (protects against harmful UV light rays)
  • Krylon Crystal Clear Varnish Spray (seals and does not yellow)


     


Art Resource of the Week

A wonderful colored pencil demo by Alyona Nickelsen
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/art-demos-techniques/colored-pencil-nickelsen



I hope you all have a great upcoming week!
Take Care and God Bless!
Keep on Creating!

Monday, September 17, 2012

Tombow Irojiten Review, Colored Pencil Tip of the Week & Art Resource of the Week

Updates

*News I am now licensed with PSP Tube Stop http://www.psptubestop.com

So I had a pretty busy weekend and I didn't get much time in to draw, but I do have two new colored pencil works to share.

The first is a rough sketch of a couple I am doing a commission portrait for. I will be doing this probably all in colored pencil. I might use watercolor pencil or graphite for the background. I am not sure yet. Still playing around with ideas.



The second piece I am working on is the beginning of a donation piece.
Colored pencil on Canson Mi Tientes.

Reference photo courtesy of Karine Aigner Photography

Irojiten Colored Pencil Review


So I got the Tombow Irojiten Colored pencils a few days ago. I only ordered 4 colors, because using the 4 colors gives me a chance to explore and to decide if I like the brand or not. I chose 4 colors that I would normally use a lot in my works. But before I go into detail in what I discovered in my explorations, I would like to share a bit about what I have learned about this brand of pencil.
Tombow pencil company was established in Japan in 1913. Irojiten is Japanese and means "color encyclopedia". Irojiten is a beautiful white enamel pencil that comes in 90 colors. At Dick Blick, they are available in open stock, they are priced $2.39 each http://www.dickblick.com/products/irojiten-color-pencils/ . They are also available in three 30-pack volume sets - Rainforest 30-Pack, Woodland, 30-Pack, and Seascape, 30-Pack. And available in 5 pack pencil sets - Primary, Soft Primary, Fluorescent, Cool Gray, and Sepia . The prices for the sets range online from $8.54 - $53.99 per set. The pencils are wax based. No information yet on lightfastness test.
 

Now for my own explorations of this pencil. I have to say first, I love the range of soft to vivid colors that are available in their palette. Their palette of soft colors available is what caught my eye, as I tend to use a lot of soft colors in my colored pencil works. 
The lead is neither soft nor hard. If I were to compare them to a particular brand of pencils I would say they are similar to Prismacolors' Verithins, Prismacolors' Artist Grade, and Derwents' Coloursoft pencils. I would place them in the semi-hard category. They are definitely not as hard as Prismacolor Verithins, but they are not as soft and creamy as Prismacolors' Artist Grade pencils or Derwent Coloursoft pencils. They have more of a color selection compared to the Verithins. In addition, a handheld sharpener works great in sharpening these pencils to a point.

Applying light pressure, I applied one layer, then 2 layers and then 3 layers of color. I then applied a Copic colorless blender marker to see how the colors would blend. The single color did not blend as smoothly as the multiple layers of color. Next I applied a colorless blender pencil to the layers and then used a blending stump. I discovered some of the colors needed more layers in order to stand out well. I didn't have to constantly brush away pencil debris like I do with Prismacolors pencils. The Irojitens blended well with other colored pencil brands and they work great for small details. I will be ordering more. I love the color palettes. I think these will be great for working on my small miniature works and small details.


Art Resource of the Week


As I love to take photos but I haven't since my camera went on the fritz over a year ago :(, I have to share this photographer's community. Some amazing beautiful photography.


I hope you all have a great week!
Take Care!
Keep on Creating!
Carol Moore

Saturday, September 8, 2012

New Colored Pencil Artwork Bear Crossing, Color Pencil Tip & Resource of the Week Using Graphite with Color Pencil

Hello Everyone,
Sorry, I haven't posted in a while. I have been so busy canning, doing projects around the house and getting ready for school. I head back to school Sept. 24th and will be majoring in Web Development/Design. I am so excited!

I went today with my mom to the Oregon Brews and BBQs http://www.oregonbrewsandbbqs.com  . It wasn't quite what I expected. The BBQ was good though and it was for a great cause - cancer awareness. Which I am very fervent about supporting with my works and donations. Which by the way I have to share this song by Martina McBride. It just touches my heart and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it "I'm Gonna Love You Through It"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNOXRifXKQ

New Colored Pencils 
I ordered a few of the Tombow Irojiten Color Pencils the other day. Should be arriving in the mail soon. I am anxious to try them out. Never tried them before. They have 90 colors and come from Japan. I love the pastel colors available which appeal to the choice of colors I like to use in my palette.



New Colored Pencil Artwork
So this piece is basically done. I just have a few more areas to darken in the water. I used several colored pencil techniques on this piece. Some did not work quite well, due to the paper I was using - Strathmore Aquarius II. I would say this paper is great for watercolor pencils, but in my opinion not the best for colored pencils.
Title: Bear Crossing
Medium: Colored Pencil and Watercolor Pencil
Paper: Strathmore Aquarius II
Size: 8.5" x 12.0"


I will be working on the tutorial for the rocks and will be starting a new portrait for a very special couple next.

Colored Pencil Tip of the Week
Working with Graphite and Color Pencil
Well I hope everyone had fun with my last post's excercise. I think it is a good excercise to practice blending colors.
This week I want to share some tips/techniques on when you combine graphite with colored pencil. As most of you know, graphite can be very messy. Here are a few tips to keep the graphite from getting your colors muddy.
  • Lay the graphite down first and then spray with fixatif
  • Blend the graphite in areas that have only dark colors
  • Use Derwent's Graphitint (soft watersoluble graphite with color)
  • Use Ampersand Clayboard (Great for graphite and colored pencil. The clay coating reduces smudging and smearing and it is great for details)
  • Use an artist's bridge, tissue or cloth to protect paper from smearing and smudging

     

Other Resources:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8300527
http://www.ampersandart.com/tips/graphite.html



Resource of the Week
I thought this was such a neat idea to tint mason glass jars different colors and them use them to store your colored pencils or pastel pencils :)

Check out the tutorial here http://go.tipjunkie.com/dc/1972/www.momtastic.com/diy/168908-diy-tinted-mason-jars-in-rainbow

I hope you all have a great week!
Keep on Creating!
God Bless and Take Care!
Carol

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Work In Progress, Colored Pencil Tip and Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone!
It's been a while since I posted last. Last time I posted we were in the process of moving. We are finally all moved in to town and are slowly getting settled. It still feels all so surreal. We had to downsize quite a bit, as the house we moved into is quite a bit smaller than our previous home, but at least we are not having to breathe in black mold anymore.

After living in the country for 20 years, I think we are transforming into city dwellers quite well. The town of Carlton is so friendly and we are discovering wonderful restaurants and diners, such as the Deli Station, Cielo Blue's (amazing french cuisine), and Carlton Coffee Company. We plan on going to Carlton's Walk in the Park in a couple of weeks and will share photos then.

Cielo Blue Restaurant


We have a field behind us and get to hear and see - doves, quail, pheasant, deer and saw a coopers hawk the other day. Wished I had a good camera I would have gotten an awesome pic of him.

Field Behind Our House

Our four cats are slowly getting use to the new place, most of them have decided my art room is the place to hang out, as you can see Shadow here loves laying on the window sill in my art room.


Work In Progress


So here is an update on my latest work in progress. Presently working on the background. I worked on the rocks first, to complete a step by step on creating rocks with color pencil and watercolor pencil. I will be darkening those up after I complete the background.

Bear Creek

Colored Pencil Tip of the Week


Back in April, I shared on how I blend two colors together, using colored pencil. I came across a wonderful video today, by color pencil artist Janie Gildow. She demonstrates on how she blends two colors together. It's a great little excercise and I would like to encourage my followers to give it a try. The only thing different that I do is, I use a more of a vertical stroke, when applying color, whereas, Janie is using more of a circular stroke. And she is so right, working with colored pencil does take a lot of patience.  Check it out here http://emptyeasel.com/2010/12/13/video-learning-to-blend-colored-pencil/







Resource of the Week


I just had to share this link of artist Johannes Wesmark. He is a photo realist working with colored pencil and watercolor. His landscapes are amazing!
http://www.johanneswessmark.se/


Keep on creating everyone and have a great week!


 

Monday, July 9, 2012

Updates, Colored Pencil Tip of the Week and Resource of the Week

Hey Everybody!
It's been a busy couple of weeks, packing, cleaning and sorting. So, I haven't had anytime to work on my current work in progress. Did I mention how much I hate packing yet? I really hate moving too! Anyways, Wednesday, I have got to pack up all my art things, as the big move is on Friday. I will be without internet from Friday the 13th til Monday the 16th. I will be sure and post pictures of the new house, once we get everything moved in.


So since no current work in progress, I thought I would share two of my favorite very talented color pencil artists with you, to check out http://www.annjamesmassey.com/ and http://becwinnel.com/
And Ann Kullberg's 13th Annual Member Show is now available for viewing. I have entered the show a couple of times in the past, but they changed the rules a few years back. Entries must use their own stock/reference photos. I purchase a lot of stock photos and/or use DA Stock, so many of my entries would be disqualified. 
This was one of my prior submissions, but it aroused a lot of flack because I used a stock photo from DA from one of my favorite models.


But I highly recommend you check the show out, some outstanding pieces.
http://www.annkullberg.com


Color Pencil Tip of the Week


This week I wanted to share how to transfer your sketch to your drawing surface. There is no right or wrong method. Just remember whatever method you use, some methods will not allow you erase lines very well.
Here are the following ways.
  1.  Free hand using a light color pencil or graphic pencil.
  2.  Use saral graphite transfer paper.
  3.  Use the grid method
  4.  Trace
  5.  Projector
  6.  Rub transfer
  7.  Light Box
Here are a couple of links to check out on some of the methods
http://www.drawinghowtodraw.com/drawing-lessons/improve-drawing/copy-transfer-images-drawings.html
https://wildflowersandwanderlust.com/transfer-an-image/
http://www.art-is-fun.com/grid-method.html

Resource of the Week


An interesting article on why "Not All Art is Licensable"  by Joan Beiriger http://joanbeiriger.blogspot.com/2011/02/editorial-not-all-art-is-licensable.html


I hope everyone has a great week!
Keep on creating!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Work In Progress, Color Pencil Tip of the Week and Resource of the Week

Hey everyone!
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have been so busy sorting, cleaning and packing to move to our new home, I haven't had a whole lot of time to draw. I have been trying to catch some drawing time in between all the packing. I was able to catch a couple of hours to participate in Ellen Millions Sketch Fest http://www.ellenmilliongraphics.com/sketchfest/index.php




The first, is an ACEO inspired by prompt "Snow White" done in Ebony and Derwent graphic pencil. The second is a sketch inspired by the prompt "The Violin Player". I didn't quite get this one done, I still have the background and hair to work on. This will be done in color pencil and part of my emotional/music series.

Work In Progress


So here is my latest work in progress. It's a landscape. It is going to be for a step by step demo on rocks. So I have started with the rocks first. Normally I would have started with the background first, but I needed to get the rocks done first to get the demo completed in time. All work is color pencil and watercolor pencil on watercolor paper.


Color Pencil Tip of the Week


Like the old masters, try building your composition first by using grays, complementary, or neutral colors then layer other colors on top of those layers. This technique is called Grisaille.
Colored pencil artist Arlene Steinberg has used this technique in some of her still life and floral works. It makes the colors rich and they intensify, as you can see in some of her works at her web site http://www.arlenesteinberg.com 
Here is a thread over at Wet Canvas that explains the technique Arlene used and some useful tips and ideas https://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/topic/grisaille-technique/

Resource of the Week


How to register copyrights digitally
http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/copyright-filing-time.html


I hope you all have a great blessed Sunday and 4th of July!

Keep on creating!



Monday, June 18, 2012

Artwork Finished, Color Pencil Tip and Resource of the Week

Hi Everyone!
I am a couple days late on this post, but I haven't had any time to post. Things have been quite hectic with family and we are now moving to a new home. So I have been busy sorting, cleaning and packing. After 10 years+ living out in the country, we are moving into the city. It will be quite a change and I will miss it out here, but due to my health and my daughter getting services for her PDD, we have to move into town.
Anyways, I finally finished the current work in progress. I have to say this is one of the hardest portraits I have ever worked on due to having to go by such a small photograph. The eyes were the most difficult because of the poor photograph. I gave it to my mom today, but I am not sure if she really liked it. Hard to tell. She says it's cool, but my mom has never been a big fan or supporter of my artwork and especially color pencil.
Title: The Links
Medium: Color Pencil and Watercolor Pencil
Size: 13.75 x 11.0




Color Pencil Tip of the Week
Some color pencil artists will use color pencil dust to use as a base color or undertone. To create the dust, first use a small fine strainer or a sanding board and grate the pencil lead off into a fine powder. Next, apply the dust using  either a q-tip, cotton ball, or brush. Next, dip brush or q-tip into odorless mineral spirits and use painterly strokes onto the area of the dust, thus creating a toned underpainting. The mineral spirits liquefys the wax, creating more vibrant colors.

Resource of the Week
Huge resource on color pencil tips and techniques by artist Sheri Doty. Good section on Mineral Spirits and Solvents.
http://www.artinstructionblog.com/colored-pencil-tools-and-techniques-for-the-wax-and-oil-based-colored-pencil

Hope you all have a great week!
Keep on Creating!
Carol