A Quick Hello!

Well, hey there!  I'm still not back on schedule for creating art and blog posts.  I miss this creative life very much but our family has had some big changes since my previous March 2017 post.  Change.  What it really means.  It means that my family comes first.  If we are to survive the storms of life, we'll need to band together and work as a team.  My husband and I had some discussions of me finding a job to help with our monthly expenses.  Within days, I was offered a job as a daytime nanny with some laundry and housekeeping.  It was an ideal situation and I accepted the position.

With little ones ages 5 months, 4 years and 6 years of age, I was wondering whether I could keep up but it's one way to stay young, right?  Tired.  At each day's end, I was tired and sore.  By the end of the summer, carrying 20 pounds of baby (he's my personal trainer, you know) around the house was just what each day required of me.  I won't go into much detail here, but my schedule working for this family is most demanding during March to September.  I enjoyed this job so much that I am continuing on through the fall and winter months though my responsibilities have changed in many ways.  Next March, I'll gear up for be the weekday/daytime nannying again.  The joys of giggles, bubble blowing, sidewalk chalk drawing, park visiting, tickling, chasing, hugging, and caring.  I've loved it very much.

My art room is not used now.  I have been back at home for over a month and I'm not pushing myself to return to creating art in a hurry.  I'm taking my time.  I'm taking care of me.  I'm being present and available for my family when they need me.  Parenting two teens is keeping me busy and I keep remembering the remaining years are flying by faster than we realize.  My two are really talkers!  They need a mom who will listen and be involved in their lives.  They are learning more everyday about what adulthood and the real world will be like...and how we can prepare them for that time to come.  Oh, so sad for those youth not having anyone to mentor them as they learn what adulthood requires!  Growing up is really hard, especially now in this present time.

I love creating artwork, moving the fluid watercolor across the paper, and exploring what will happen as I loosen up my expectations and my need for control.  I miss it.  But I'm okay.  I'm spending time adding creative touches to my home in the meantime.  Throw pillows for the sofa.  New paint and bedding in my bedroom.  An old drugstore basket, once used for merchandise, now spray painted and holding towels in my bathroom.  Vintage accents in galvanized metal, filled with fresh looking but fake pears...my kids were so excited about fresh pears!  I'm so excited that these won't rot and need to be tossed in the garbage.  Now, I'm in the beginning dreaming and planning stages for beautifying my laundry room.  A lovely little wood table was my first vintage find; it will be just the ideal size as a laundry folding table.

One of my favorite indoor accents right now...succulents!  In preparation for winter, I transplanted a variety of succulents into a galvanized bucket.  Sand was already in the bucket so I added about 2 or 3 inches of potting soil and the plants.  They are thriving and looking so gorgeous.  I'll add some photos of them.  One is ready to put on a yellow flower.  My herbs came in as well and they are doing well.

This is a season.  Seasons are not forever.  Seasons are temporary after all.  While I know I could probably push myself to pack my daytime hours fully, that might not be best for me right now.  I'm reading books and we are planning a family trip in the next month.  We are putting family first.  We've been through some unsettling and unknown times but we are looking up and being thankful.  We've learned so much about letting go and letting God.  Letting God do what we know we cannot.  He's so good and we are blessed.

If you're here, leave a hello anywhere and I'll reply.  I'm checking in now and then.  I'm looking forward to being back here on the blog but can't know when that may happen.  I have so much to share, blogpost drafts in varying stages of completion, but those plans will keep.  People, like yourself, will continue to be pulled to creative expression of many kinds.  Some of us are in that prime art making season and others are waiting eagerly for that season to come.

So, go do something creative...and let me know how it goes!



Christy
-She Must Make Art

Change. What it really means.

Oh, spring, come soon.

The words to describe how much I need spring.  Right.  Now.  I love Montana.  I love it all year long.  I wish spring didn't take this long to arrive.  I grew up in Nebraska.  I've been in Montana since 1994.  It makes sense that I should have adjusted by now.  Nope.  I keep saying, "spring will come," and, "it's worth the wait."  Oh, and I tell myself the moisture makes for "happy farmers."  That's my reminder that there's good in more snow.

We've had more sunshine lately so that helps a bunch.  It melts off partially.  More light snow showers arrive to lightly coat everything again.   As I write at mid afternoon, it's 36° F and the sun shines so brightly.  I crave the sunshine.  I'm eager to have the days warmer, the hours of sunlight longer, the soil ready for planting seeds in a garden.

Adding to my longing for spring, I'm preparing for change.  There's good to come and yet there's sacrifice at the same time.  I'll soon have to rework when and how I work in my art room.  It's going to be a quiet place during the daytime hours. When the creative spark is lit in the evening hours, I would like to think I'll be drawn to this inspirational and relaxing place.

Creative energy...the artistic mind...it's a part of me.

It's been suggested that maybe I'll have to give up my art for the present time.  I just can't accept that.  Maybe that's what will come without my acceptance.  Creative energy...the artistic mind...it's a part of me.  I feel vibrantly alive when working with my brushes and palette.  Sorting through watercolor tubes for a specific pigment is so familiar to me.

...in the face of letting go and embracing the new.

What do we do with change?  How do we meet it?  Is there a wait to greet change with hope and joy?  Even if it's in the face of letting go and embracing the new.  I go forward because I'm choosing to be happy anyway.  What unexpected adventures are waiting for me?  I don't know, but I know it will be worth watching for the surprise blessings in the journey.

I'll share more another time.  For today, I'm contemplating these thoughts.  I'm doing a bit of clean up in my art room.  I've got some relaxing music playing.  The fish tank filter bubbles away like a water fountain.  The sunlight through the window blinds, creating shapes on the floor and wall, is warm and soothing.  I breathe deeply...feeling like I haven't been so aware of my breathe lately.  I need to breathe deeply more throughout my days.  I will sweep and vacuum a bit.  And then I'll glance at my art table and study that one area of the current painting that is driving me crazy.  Maybe I'll have an ah-ha moment of how I'd like to tackle that hollyhock blossom.  A way to move on and complete this artwork before my days adopt a different routine.

Can you relate to the ebb and flow of seasons for creativity?  How do you handle the change?

I'd love to hear your suggestions for working art time into your extra moments.

Until next Thursday...or when I can find spare time to write again...

-Christy

She must make art.

24 Must-Try Watercolor Techniques

Techniques and Tips for Watercolors

When it comes to watercolor painting, these are the tricks that draw the ooh's and aah's every time.  Watercolor as a medium seems like such a challenge because it seems unpredictable at first glance.  It's so important to learn what to expect from the pigment when it meets water.

When learning watercolor basics, these will help form a better foundation in painting with more enjoyment.  The frustration is lessened because you have a better idea of how the pigment is going to respond to what you do.

There are many helpful videos on YouTube that are great resources shared by other artists.  Do a quick search on YouTube and you'll have a great time watching artists demonstrate these techniques.

When teaching these techniques in a workshop, I bring out these posters and copies of the instructions as handouts for students.  I'm sharing those handouts with all of you, here and now!  This post has been a long time in the planning stages and I'm so thrilled to have it finally ready to share with other watercolor enthusiasts.

So, I have a bit of confessing to do first.  Have you seen my pins on Pinterest for these techniques?  Years ago, when I was new to Pinterest, I created pins for the images of these posters.  At the time, I didn't realize how popular these posters would become with time.  Now, these pins are my most commonly saved pins!  Unfortunately, they lack any explanation.  The pins lead nowhere but to the images.  Lesson learned, believe me!  I can't tell you how much I regret that mistake!  It's taken me a while but now I'm glad to share the posters and the tips that help explain each one. 

If there's a technique you'd like me to elaborate on more, please let me know in the comments.  I'd be more than happy to help you with that!

When it comes to watercolor painting, these are the tricks that draw the ooh's and aah's every time.

Watercolor Techniques Pages 1 and 2

Created by Christy Sheeler.  For personal use only.  Request permission to reproduce.

Created by Christy Sheeler.  For personal use only.  Request permission to reproduce.

Tips & Explanations for Watercolor Techniques

I know the text on the tips sheets may be hard to read so here's a link to the printable PDF file:

Watercolor Techniques Page 1 and 2

I hope you are able to try these techniques on your own!  These make up a watercolor artist's tool box for creating unusual effects.  There are several I use often.  There are 4 or 5 I rarely use but at times, these techniques are useful.  It all depends on the style and subject matter.  It's a good idea to become familiar with them, try them out with a bit of practice before applying them to an artwork you are working on.

Leave me a note in the comments!  Let me know if you've got questions and I'd be very happy to explain any of these further.  Thank you for stopping by and sharing a few minutes here today!


ADDED NOTE:  So many have commented and requested to use this as a resource for instructional material.  Thank you for the compliment!  I am glad you have found this to be helpful in teaching in your own settings.  Use permission is granted with the agreement that source credit is given to Christy Sheeler Artist and She Must Make Art, the art blog.  Permission is not given to altar these in any way or form.  I know the images above do stipulate for personal use only.  I do appreciate you commenting below your own purpose for using because it's so nice to read your stories.  I love knowing how these are spreading to touch others' enjoyment of watercolor painting.  -CS  2023

Thank you to those of you who have requested my permission in the comments.  I am too often late in replying so thus the reason for adding this note.  May your instruction go well and these resources be a blessing!

Christy

-She must make art.

The Ivy Ranch on the Brazos River: An Art Commission

An adventure begins with a thumbnail watercolor sketch.

A friend of a friend, Julie and I were bridesmaids in a wedding more than twenty years ago.  She has been following my artwork online.  She sends me a private message.  She's interested in commissioning an artwork.  This sounds interesting to me!  We message each other about the basic details, then she shares the photos with me.  From there, I begin to doodle away with pens and watercolors...I see where my inspiration takes me.  The vision for this artwork becomes clearer in my mind.

The vision for this artwork becomes clearer in my mind.

We arrange to chat on the phone, talk through more details and make a plan.  I need to hear about what is important to her, the buyer/collector.  She tells me about this place on the Brazos River in Texas.  She talks about the wonderful history; it was built in the early 1800's, a stagecoach stop between Austin and San Antonio.  I'm drawn in and curious to know more.  I am caught up in imagining what stories this place could tell and the people it's sheltered there.  

Wildflowers and a dog named Frindle

She would love to have the little dog, Frindle included along with the types of plants and wildflowers that would be growing there.  We talk about sizes and prices.  With that decided, I begin to write up a contract, we take care of the deposit, and the real work begins!

The buyer gets a sneak-peak

As I work, I stop to take photos often which is how this blog has developed until now.  Throughout the process, I share updates through photos for the buyer.  An online album with a link by email makes it a breeze for the buyer to see what's taking place in my art room.  It's a sneak-peak, behind the scenes way for me to make sure we're on track.  It builds the excitement on both ends of the arrangement!

The proper perspective is drawn out

The first sketches begin on a large sheet of tracing paper.  Below it, I lay a sheet of posterboard with a drawn grid.  Because the perspective in this drawing is the key foundation, I work through finding the vanishing points at far left and right.  Once the drawing is completely ready, it's time to transfer it to the watercolor paper.  The buyer has chosen 22" x 30" for the final artwork size...a full sheet of 300 lb. watercolor paper.

The color mixing fun begins!

Working with the art reference photos and the inspiration watercolor sketch, it's time to work through color mixing to set the tone.  This takes time but it's part of the process that gets the plan more worked out in my mind.  By the time this step is complete, I'm all excited to move on and begin to paint with these beautiful combinations of pigment.

I am ready to move to the next stage: the watercolor on paper!

Before any color is applied to the paper, I mask out the small details that need to stay white.  Now, I can begin the large washes of color.  I use a large brush and make sure I have a generous amount of color mixed so I can completely finish an area without interruption.  The sky must be completely filled without stopping or unwanted hard lines will form there.  This artwork progressed so smoothly from one stage to another.  Pre planning makes a difference when the painting begins.

A spattering with the toothbrush in a contained area

Spattering with a toothbrush comes in handy at this point!  It's also makes a mess.  I need a plan for keeping the spatter where I want it.  The top right area of the painting will have tree branches with light coming through all dappled and delicate so I need to have a plan.  A large roll of freezer paper is a terrific way to protect surfaces.  Here, it protect the rest of the painting surface.  I place the freezer paper over the painting, cut away to reveal where I plan to work, and mix up my greens.  There's a bit of spattering and then I step away to pause while I study the artwork.  Without some caution, I'll take it further than I had meant and feel some regret...a little restraint is a good idea!

From one area to another, with careful thought...

It's time to turn my focus to the main subject, the cabin itself.  I work in layers of pigment so the base layers will build a rich vibrancy at the end.  From one area to another, I study the reference photos and go from there, developing it one piece at a time.  One day, I might focus on the rock work of the fireplace.  Another painting session, I focus on the window and door frames.  When two wet areas are directly touching, the pigment flows between those areas.  This means there's strategy that must be in place.  I carefully select the layers in each area and which area is ready for more brushwork.

Wow, what a beautiful mess?!

As these photos clearly show, I have a large yet controlled mess in my art room.  There are painting sessions where I need to work quickly without interruptions.  At other times, I can frequently take breaks for a snack or a few stretches before I return to do a bit more.  At the end of each work day, I spend about 15 minutes cleaning up and preparing the flat surfaces for the next day.

The artwork is reaching its final stages

Once the artwork is completed, it's time to take it to the framer!  I do not ship framed artwork usually.  I have been very afraid to ship with artwork under glass.  The buyer is sure she would really prefer to have it arrive framed; she won't have that extra detail to arrange at her end.  There's a local frame shop here and I've had work done there in the past.  As we talk, I am pleased that Chary, the framer, is happy to help me with these arrangements.  We actually meet 2 weeks before the painting is finished and go over mat and frame choices.  We narrow down the best options and then I send the final options to the buyer.  The buyer makes the final decision within minutes!  The framer is able to make sure she'll have the mat and frame for our appointed done date.  What I love about this process so much...the frame molding was made here in Montana as well.  When all  put together, it really is a fantastic presentation!

What do you think?  Are you tempted to walk into this relaxing and serene place?  Can you see yourself enjoying an hour in one of the porch swings?  The cactus have their blooms and Frindle is ready to give you a hearty hello!  There's a rugged feel to the building but it's not neglected in any way.  The strength of its construction with hefty logs and rock outfitted with so many windows.  What a haven and retreat it must be!  One day, I hope to be able to visit this place on the Brazos River, to plant my feet on the ground there and take it in...I'm just sure that I captured its charm.

Thank you to Julie for this opportunity.  She is a dream buyer/collector!  I'm so thankful that she chose to work with me.

Thank you to Chary at Framing Etc. for working with me on the matting, framing and packaging.  She does excellent work! I had peace of mind in the final steps of the process, due in part to her skill and attention to detail.  We spent several hours together as this artwork was carefully packaged up and shipped off to the buyer.

Thank you to my family for making it possible for me to create work like this from home.  My husband and two teens are supportive and encouraging in so many ways.  I counted on their input for several critique sessions.  My husband would come straight from work and go right to cooking the evening meal for us.  My kids have pitched in at home and have developed an eye for detail!

Thank you to all of you who stop by to visit me here.  I look forward to getting back into writing and sharing in the weeks to come.  I have been sorting through reference photos for upcoming artworks.  Several have my attention and I'm working through test runs toward the final artworks.  When I'm in the middle of a creative flurry, I post more frequent updates on Instagram and Facebook so check out my profiles there!

If you are interested in a private art commission, check out the Private Art Commission information.  There you'll find all the details for arranging to have an artwork created just for you!

From my messy and chaotic art room, I wish you a beautiful and creative week!


Christy

-She must make art.

An Update:

July of 2017, Julie (the client) sent me photos of this artwork hanging in its new home.  It has been my intention to add these photos here as the final reveal.  So here is the finished artwork hanging in its Texas location.

No Searching Needed: The Artist is Not Lost!

I am not lost...

I am still here making art!  I know, it's been quite a while and you may be wondering what's going on in my art room.  Well, I have to remind myself that I'm not THAT crucial to the outside world.  Several artists have caught my attention, whether for their style, methods, or subject matter.  I get a lot of inspiration from them on a regular basis.  Their energy is contagious and keeps me fueled up for getting back to my brushes.  It's a bit disheartening when I get attached to following along with fellow artists and then (poof!) they are gone.  It's a cliffhanger or an unsolved mystery.  I want to know that they've continued on and are still creating with vision and passion.  I want to know they didn't give up their art making because life got in the way.

I made my way back to the brushes today! This watercolor on Yupo surface is inspired by an autumn hike. The sun was breaking through from the left side of this little creek. #autumnartwork #watercoloronyupo #inspiredbynature #christysheelerartist #missedmyartroom

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Dec 16, 2016 at 5:50pm PST

There's a tough choice to be made between making the art and managing the social media.  Both take time and there's only so much time in a day.  I have had some incredible art opportunities and I am behind in sharing them with you.  A large art commission came my way and I look forward to bringing it to you here.  That was completed back in November and shipped in early December 2016.

All my references and mixes for current artwork in progress. #watercolorpaint #watercolorinprogress #christysheelerartist

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

Now, I'm cleaning and rearranging my art room.  I am making plans for art workshops here on location.  My art studio is both relaxing and inspiring and with so many people commenting on it, what better place to teach others about watercolor painting processes?!

While there's a lot of activity in my art room today, it's not the art creating kind. Furniture is rearranged and desk area is relocated now. It's quite a mess! #preppingforclasses. #thecreativelife

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 15, 2017 at 5:15pm PST

With inspiration from the island of Maui, I'm planning a larger artwork for my personal collection.  Working from photos taken on our honeymoon, this artwork will hang in the master bedroom, as the focal point for redesigning that room's decor.

A bit of play to find how I want to paint the foliage in this watercolor of black sand beach on Maui. #blacksandbeach #backtomauisomeday #shemustmakeart #warmerplacesonmymind #christysheelerartist

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 2, 2017 at 11:40am PST

So hang tight and check back soon...I'll be working on the Ivy Ranch Commission progression photos for a new blog post to be shared with you very soon.

I am just in awe at the response to all that I have shared in the past here and in my other social media presences!  It's so exciting to be sharing these experiences globally.

If you are interested in contracting for a private art commission, I am available to work with you!  I have plans to share all the pertinent information here soon.

Thanks for dropping in and be sure to say hello in the comments below!  Feel free to share a tidbit about your current art project!

Christy

-She must make art.