I enjoy writing articles about art and taping my own artistic proecess. On this page, you'll find links to my work. If you enjoy what you see, you might also be interested in some of my online art workshops through ArtTrader magazine.

Tree of Knowledge (mixed media): Artistic Walkthrough Video
This was a commissioned piece that I did in March 2009. I taped most of the interesting parts. The piece took about 5 hours, but I managed to condense it down to about 10 minutes for your viewing pleasure. Media: Shin Han Professional Artist Watercolors, vintage text pages, Ultradraw India Ink, Apple Barrell Acrylic, distress ink.

Whimsical Houses - Watercolor Pencil - Artistic Walkthrough Video
I painted these whimsical houses in preparation for an upcoming show at PCCA. This is another "sped-up" walkthrough; the original piece took about 2 hours. Media: Derwint Inktense Watercolor Pencils, India Ink, Acrylic.

"Table Scraps" Mixed Media Canvas - Artistic Walkthrough Video
I'm a pretty messy artist, and one day I decided to clean up my table and use whatever I found in a small mixed media piece. Lucky for me, I had the video running because the piece turned out pretty cool. Media: assorted paper scraps, Gel Medium (Liquitex or Golden, not sure), acrylic paints

Mixed Media Art Journal: In Progress Page
This is a mixed media art journal page that I did a in-progress art video for. The page starts with a pre-created mixed media background, then has layers of my favorite things - leaves, branches, and happy, swirly, tree goodness :). Media: everything but the kitchen sink!

How to Clean and Fill Rapidograph or Rapidosketch or Artist Pens
I seriously could not find this information online, and a friend needed it. So I walked through the process of cleaning and filling these wonderful pens. Media: soap and water, the kitchen sink, and paper towels :).

Art Trader, Issue 10: Artistic Journeys: Art on the Go!
This article describes how to travel with art supplies in tow. It examines sizes, travel supplies, and other kinds of art that you can do when away from home.

Art Trader, Issue 9: Artistic Journeys: What Artists Need to Know About Copyright

I wrote this article after realizing that many mail artists are confused about copyrights. We've also posted the article as a guide for artists at ATCsforall.com. The article covers: fair use, creative commons, copyright law (specific to the US), and the public domain.

 

Art Trader, Issue 8: Artistic Journeys: Artful Aprons

I used to think that an apron was anti-feminist because they were associated with traditional female roles. But then I started making them, and realized that aprons could be empowering for female artists. This article examines the idea of Artful Aprons from an historical and feminist perspective.

 

Art Trader, Issue 7: Artistic Journeys: Art for Healing

In this article, I explore the idea of using art for healing using journaling and other techniques.

 

Art Trader, Issue 6: Artistic Journeys: An Introduction to Watercolor Pencils

This article presents an overview of how to use watercolor pencils in an ATC format. Techniques discussed include wet paper technique, the painted technique, and the wet pencil technique. I go step by step through an elaborate watercolor pencil piece.

 

Art Trader, Issue 6: Swap Hosting, 101, Part 1 & Part II

I wrote a thorough overview to how to host an ATC swap in this two-part article series. Part I appears in Issue 6, and Part II appears in issue 7. I discuss: choosing a swap theme, committing to swap hosting, writing clear swap guidelines, posting your swap, choosing how many players can join, and how to swap and mail cards.

 

Art Trader, Issue 6: An Introduction to Whimsy Art

This article introduces Whimsical Art, the kind of art I create. Whimsical art has the following qualities: whimsical themes; strong colors; use of pattern; and use of stylization.

 

Art Trader, Issue 5: In Search of an Even Black Line: Pen Possibilities

Bonnie Driscoll (my mother) and I co-wrote this article. The purpose of this article is to examine the different kinds of pens that mail artists and ATC artists use most frequently in their work. We look at dip pens, artist pens, and technical pens. Its a useful article for those who want to learn more about pen and ink work!

 

Art Trader, Issue 5: Artistic Journeys: Altered Art 101

This article introduces the reader to altered art--definitions, philosophy, and choosing objects. Next, I demonstrate how to alter a rolling pin using mixed media techniques.

 

Art Trader, Issue 4: Artistic Journeys: Handmade Paper!

Have you ever wanted to make beautiful handmade, recycled paper? This article shows you how to do just that. I show two methods--the pull method and the pour method.

 

Art Trader, Issue 4: Art of Darkness: Exploring Darker Themes in Art

I am not a "dark artist" myself much, although when I started painting again, I did so after suffering the loss of a very dear friend of mine. I wrote this article in the hopes that others can realize that not all art has to be pretty, happy, or fun--it can also express raw and powerful emotions that can be used for release and recovery.

 

Art Trader, Issue 3: Artistic Journeys: Overcoming Artist Block!

Artist block can be a crushing thing for any artist. In this article, I explore causes and solutions to artist block, including my own family's "painting days" that can help artists loosen up!

 

Art Trader, Issue 3: Reduction Block Printing: Victorian House Walkthrough

This article describes a reduction block printing technique. In reduction block printing, you print then remove, then print again, and keep removing until you are at your last printing stage. Its a very fun technique to try with mail art and ATCs!

 

Art Trader, Issue 2: Artist Trading Cards: An Introduction

Written with Judithann Illingworth. This provides an introduction to artist trading cards (ATCs) including size, media, trading, and other tips.

 

Art Trader, Issue 2: Creating Assemblage Art Charms

Ever want to know what to do with all that junk you pick up at yard sales or along the road? This article shows you what to do with it, in the form of an assemblage art charm.

 

Art Trader, Issue 1: Artistic Journeys: Developing a Creative Space

This article walks the reader through tips and tricks to developing their art studio, artistic nook, or other creative space. It talks about organizing your stuff, chosing a color scheme, finding inspiration, and more.