This quick and messy mandala marks the end of the 5th sketchbook I’ve ever filled up.My stack of completed sketchbooks.
It’s always a special day when I finally fill a sketchbook from front to back.
I almost exclusively work in sketchbooks because they’re so easy to store compared to loose papers and canvases. Whenever I make art outside of a sketchbook I generally give it away!
I noticed that my Google drive folders that contain photos of every page of my first two sketchbooks are down. I’ll have to fix that soon, but our computer is currently out of commission.
I may attempt to film sketchbook tours some day, but life is far too busy and messy to devote time to that right now. Plus my phone camera isn’t as good as I’d like it to be for something like that. I don’t even have anything that resembles a tripod!
I just wanted to pop by and share my excitement! I made a resolution to finish filling 3 sketchbooks this year, since I have so many that are partially filled. That makes 1 down and 2 more to go, and it’s only the 11th of January! I’d love to fill more than 3 if possible, but we’ll see about that.
That’s also why I’ve been blogging so much more lately, I made keeping up with this blog another one of my resolutions. So far so good!
This last week I made some art, as my mom specifically requested art she could hang in her house as her birthday present.
I decided to use the opportunity to try something new, I wanted to try using my Molotow chrome marker on black canvas.
Luckily for me, Michael’s was having a huge sale on all of their Artist Loft brand canvases! On top of that, I had a $5 coupon with them to use up, so I got 4 canvases for pocket change. Awesome purchase!
I also used my circle template and ruler to make guidelines this time. I wanted it to be as symmetrical as possible, especially since I was working with a perfectly square canvas. As much as I love to freehand my mandalas, I think that technique is best for sketchbook pieces rather than these finished pieces intended to be viewed often by many.
I’m quite happy with the results. So happy in fact, I jokingly told my mom that I wanted to keep it for myself! I’m obsessed with that contrast and that shine!!
On the day of her birthday we had quite a while between waking up and leaving for her house, so I decided to also make her a birthday card to pass the time. I wasn’t sure if I’d have the energy and I knew she would understand if I didn’t, but I felt good that day and had a fun idea for the cover art.
I used the wet on wet watercolor technique to make the balloons have a tie dye effect. I started with just the middle balloon, and let that dry fully before moving onto the background balloons, so that they could all be different and not bleed into each other.
Once all of the water had dried, I added the chrome details. I knew I could have left the balloons with just the tie dye effect, but I enjoyed doodling on them. I’m really happy about how it turned out, it’s very much a birthday card! Simple but effective.
Both of these pieces were very satisfying to make. Very sensory pleasing experiences.
I’m glad that when I’m presented with a reason to make art, I’m generally able to make myself do it. A lot of the time I can’t get myself to create on a daily basis like I would like to in theory, but when I have some outside motivation I muster up the courage and creativity necessary to get the job done.
I’m proud of myself, and my mom loved her present. Nothing makes me happier than giving my art as a gift to a loved one and having them be over the moon about it. I’m so glad to have had this opportunity!
Quick side note: Our daughter’s due date quickly approaches. Most likely she will arrive in 3 to 4 weeks, but it could be any day now. So do expect a long period of silence on this blog while I adjust to our new life, though I’m sure by now you all are used to that haha. I hope to return sooner than even I expect though, hopefully with new art to show off to you all! So until then, I wish you all the best!
Ari October Art 