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Bamboo Sketching Pen and Liquitex Acrylic Ink – A Match in Heaven

NatKalbach_BambooInkTutBlog

 

I love Liquitex Acrylic Inks for their wonderful colors, high and fine pigmentation and their versatility. I use them for staining raw canvas, painting, stamping and sketching and I love to use them with a Bamboo Sketching Pen- especially to handwrite journaling or quotes in my art journals. A couple of you have asked me how I use the Bamboo Sketching Pen with the Inks and so I thought I show you in a quick video how easy you can use those two supplies. You will see they are a match in heaven .

Liquitex Ink and Bamboo Sketching Pen from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

I did forget to mention in the video that some of the pens of an indent that is called inkwell- where some of the ink can accumulate and gives a bit more writing time in between dipping. The dipping pen I used in the video has a tiny inkwell- which can be almost neglected. So if you have a bigger one- dipping right into the jar is a good idea ;)

Here is a supply list:

nSupplies




Please note: I am an official Brand Ambassador for Liquitex, but all my ideas are my own and the opinions, comments and my love for their products are genuine!

Have a wonderful day

 

Nat

Comments (13)

  • Marjie Kemper

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    I didn’t even know about bamboo pens – thanks for the video tute, Nat!

    Reply

  • Laura S

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    Great instructions for a cool looking tool! Sometimes it is good to get back to the very basics. I’m a little curious as to the history of the bamboo pen. Is it an ancient tool? It must provide an organic feel when being used. Thanks for the Vid, Nat. You rock!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      I like the feel of it Laura :) As about the history I am no expert on it but I have a feeling it has been around for a long time especially in Asia.

      Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    I like the drawing of you and the lady “swinging” in the book.
    Thanks for the video as it is so much easier to understand videos than just the written instructions.

    Reply

  • Madeline Rains

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    Love the look of this. I smile all the time too. Probably belying my sadness or other emotions. But they say that a smile can actually change the way you’re feeling.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you Madeline! I totally believe in the magic of a smile ;)

      Reply

  • Jackie P Neal

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    Thanks so much for the video,Nat! And your smile is awesome-nothing like an idiot! you silly!

    Reply

  • Petrin Diaz

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    I inherited mine from my son E (Graphic Designer) and never have used it.! Now i am anxious to start with my “new toy”!…Really inspiring video! TFS, Nat!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Glad you like it :) Cannot wait to hear from you when you used it. Thank you Petrin!

      Reply

  • Nurse Ratchet

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    LOVE my Liquitex Inks….thanks for the demo!!

    Reply

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The Crucible – Canvas

NatKalbach_TheCrucible01

I love living in this old Pencil Factory. There is always something new to discover when you walk around here. You see old chimneys, walkways that connect the buildings, old safes in the basement, screws and bolds, and traces of times long forgotten. Recently I found some old office chatter  publications from 1927  from the old factory in the Public Library. You wouldn’t believe the things they used to write about colleagues and bosses . Pretty Mean – I am glad that doing this in print is not acceptable anymore.

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I wish I could ask Mrs Heather about the red and white onions though…I have no idea what the wow-factor could possibly be.

Reading these things make me always wander off in my thoughts- all the stories that are part of these buildings. I find it fascinating.

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These and my own stories that I connect with those buildings go through my head while I am painting. It makes me feel connected with them.

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Here is a supply list of what I used in the painting:

nSupplies



Wishing you a day that is filled with awesome stories :) 

 

Nat

Comments (7)

  • Maura

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    Great canvas! I’ve been enjoying seeing your paintings emerge. Now, those sayings you ran across? Whoa, those are something else!

    Reply

  • Deborah A. Pierro

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    Hi Nat–I absolutely love your paintings of buildings and cityscapes! This one is so good.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    Yes, I like to make up stories for the folks who used to be in an area where I am now. Beautiful canvas and the story-making reminds me of The Whatevers. Have a brilliant day:-)

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Sue, yes- I guess thinking about these stories is something I find very intriguing ;) You should write those stories you make up down, Sue, I bet they are good :)

      Reply

  • Jackie P Neal

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    Fabulous painting Nathalie! And I love the post! geesh- some people can be very rude indeed!
    What fun it must be to live in such a building- I envy you for your city life!! hugs Jackie

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you Jackie. I know- insane about the gossip section. Don’t envy me about the city life- there is many things that are to be envied off living not in the city!

      Reply

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Kickstarter Campaign for Gentrification Exhibition

NatKalbach_GentrificationExh

 

‘gentrification’ is an audio-visual exhibition opening on January 10, 2015 at 313 Gallery in Jersey City, NJ and I am part of it :)

It is a show about the changing social and economic landscape of Jersey City. For the exhibit, Jersey City artists  use recorded audio interviews with locals as a basis for new work exploring the virtues and detriments of the inevitable ‘gentrification’ of Jersey City.

Of course in order for this show to be successful, we need audio equipment. In this KickStarter Campaign we ask for your support in order to make this happen. We need 650 Dollars. Here is the video with the pledge:

Any donations exceeding the goal will go towards creating an exhibition catalog. Any proceeds exceeding 1000$ will go towards a local charitable organization TBA.

Participating artists include:

Narciso Espiritu

Nathalie Kalbach

Norman Kirby

Gabriella Perez

Sam Pullin

Fabricio Suarez

Sarah Veloso

Olivia Wilber

It would be wonderful if this would work out – maybe you would like to add a little token to it :) I will keep you updated on the process of the painting and the exhibition itself – maybe you are in the area and want to come and see/hear it .

Thank you and have a gorgeous day

 

 

Nat

Comments (1)

  • Sue Clarke

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    Looks like an interesting experience to be a part of.

    Reply

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No ONE Way to Art … or In My Art Journal Today

NatKalbach_YourWAY01

There is no one way to art, there is many ways, there is YOUR way!

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I was experimenting a bit with a different color combination here and I really like the outcome.

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I used Liquitex Soft Body Paints: Titanium White and Mars Black to mix a grey, and mixed the Bright Blue with the Titanium White to mix a lighter blue. I also added Iridescent Bright Gold to the page. I love how it came out.

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I did sculpt the plants a bit with the brush – most of the background texture however comes from the masking tape that was layered to the paper.

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Here is the supply list

nSupplies



I am using grey a lot lately- is that a color that you often use?

Nat

Nat

Comments (12)

  • Lisa Flaherty

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    I bet this is really striking in real life with that gold iridescence! Great color combo and texture. I love grey. I wear it all the time, but don’t find myself creating with it too often. That needs to change!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Glad I made you think about using grey in your creative projects ;) have a wonderful week!

      Reply

  • Kim

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    Love the handling of the background! Now you have to go check out the Cy Twombly piece on display in the Morgan Library: Treatise on the Veil. It’s 33 feet of delicately worked gray. And when you’re finished taking in all the gray, they have a lovely sun drenched cafe area :)

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Awesome tip- Kim! I will put this down as a NYC on the bucket list must :) have a great day!

      Reply

  • nathalie-kalbach

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    sounds like you like grey a lot- I am sure it will find it’s way soon on a layout too :))) thank you for leaving a comment, nat

    Reply

  • Miae

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    Just breezing through blogs and this totally caught my eye! I’m so attracted to the background colors with the pops of white….do I use grey? Not very much on my layouts but I love it elsewhere. My whole livingroom is painted a warm grey against white….yum!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    This page is so different for you and I love it.
    I never use grey and I love these colors together.
    Thanks for the reminder to try something completely different!

    Reply

  • Laura S

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    I too thought you were using a stencil. I love how this page turned out!! It’s really beautiful. I love the colors especially that pop of gold. I am going to have to play with this palette!! I think you need to lay this one down on canvas :)

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      mmmhhhh- on canvas- that is a really good idea I think I will try this soon. Thanks for triggering that idea, Laura ;)

      Reply

  • muriel

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    Aaah, love love love! At first I thought you’d been using a stencil for your plants! The colour combo is so great! I hardly ever use grey or if I do I often end covering it with more intense colours. I’m sure you had a great time doing this.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thanks muriel– LOL- nope no stencils used. And yes, as you I usually tend to be drawn to the more intense colors- but this was fun!

      Reply

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Simon Says Stamps – Guest Post

NatKalbach_SSSOct_07

Today I am guest blogging on the Simon Says Stamps Blog – hop on over to see what I have done with Modeling Paste, Derwent Inktense Blocks and my Stamps and Stencils :)

Wishing you a gorgeous day

Nat

Leave a comment

In The Same Boat? Canvas

NatKalbach_InTheSameBoat01

One of my favorite views in Jersey City at Liberty Landing . At least the view is accessible for everyone :)

NatKalbach_InTheSameBoat02

I played with different paint viscosities to achieve a different kind of texture. Fun.

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Here are the materials I used:

nSupplies



What is the place with your favorite view?

Nat

Nat

Comments (9)

  • Ursula

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    Hallo Nat, – super eingefangen. Ich sehe mich schon wieder auf dem Boot, die Skyline abfahren – LG Ursula

    Reply

  • Gina Sismilich

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    Absolutely gorgeous – you get better and better!

    Reply

  • Jackie P Neal

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    Nat, Absolutely stunning is what I have to say!
    My favorite view is from a bluff over looking Lake Ontario- up North of where I live- I’ll send a picture next time I go! “)

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      That sounds like an amazing view!!!! Yes I wanna see :)

      Reply

  • Stephanie Schütze

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    Nat, das ist ein wunderbares Bild! Tolle Farben und die Boote sind der Hit! Es passt einfach alles! Toll! Liebe Grüsse über den grossen Teich, Stephanie :-)

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Stephanie, vielen lieben Dank :) Ganz liebe Grüße zurück über den Teich- hoffe der Herbst lässt sich gut an :)

      Reply

  • Nurse Ratchet

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    There are no words coming to me that adequately express to you how much I adore your amazing city scapes!!

    Reply

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Exhibiting at Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2014

JCAST2-662x1024

Super stoked that my art work will be part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2014. My work will be in the

City Hall of Jersey City, Downtown – Venue Number 19

  • 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, New Jersey

 

You can find a map here.

This event is in it’s 24th year and I loved taking it last year so much- that I really wanted to participate although I do not have a studio which I could easily open to the public. Huge thanks to JCAST for having me exhibit my paintings in the Jersey City – City Hall.

The 2013 JCAST featured over 700 participating artists exhibiting in over 120 venues, with thousands turning out to embark on the tour. The flagship location, The TenMarc Building on 430 Communipaw Avenue, housed 17 separately curated exhibitions with over 450 pieces of art, theatrical performers, visual artists, and musicians. TenMarc also hosted the much anticipated community kick-off party which was enjoyed by hundreds and sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin, Art In The Age, NJ Beer Company, and many more.

Maybe some of you will join this – I would love to see you or hear how you liked it :)

Have a wonderful day

 

Nat

Comments (2)

  • lynnk50

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    Congratulations!! That’s wonderful. Have a great time at the event! Hope you post photos!

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    Glad to hear that it worked out for you to show your art.
    Looks like quite the event.

    Reply

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Yay! – it’s official – Liquitex Brand Ambassador

NatKalbach_LiquitexLiquitexBrandAmbassadorPR

I’ve been a fan of Liquitex products for as long as I can remember. Now I’m part of their team in an expanded role.  I’m excited, proud and happy to announce that they have asked me to be an official Brand Ambassador. Here’s a link to the press release with all of the juicy details Press Release – Nathalie Kalbach – Brand Ambassador

Thank you for letting me share with you and thank you for your continuous support!!!

Hope your day is amazing

Nat

Comments (30)

  • Marjie Kemper

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    This is so awesome, Nat. I’m thrilled for you! And I **love** that pic of you at the easel.

    Reply

  • Jackie P Neal

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    HUGE Congratulations Nat!! How awesome and wonderful!!! Liquitex could not have picked a better ambassador to show their products!! xoxo

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you so much Jackie for your kind words :) Have a wonderful week!

      Reply

  • Kathy P

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    Congrats, Nat! You deserve this honor!

    Reply

  • Jean Goza

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    BRAVO !!!!!!

    Reply

  • Denise Spillane

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    Congratulations Nat! This is great. I am really happy for you. So well deserved, your paintings and art is amazing!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Denise, thank you for your wonderful support. have a gorgeous week!

      Reply

  • lynnk50

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    Congratulations, Natalie! A well-earned achievement!! Keep up the great, creative work!!

    Reply

  • Debbie in AZ

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    Congratulations! Your generous, creative spirit shines in all you do!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Thank you so much , Debbie for your wonderful words – shucks!

      Reply

  • Petrin Diaz

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    Congratulations, Nat. When reading announcement, i repeated Yay!…you are the best! More will come….

    Reply

  • Laura Strack

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    Nathalie, I am so happy for you and I know you must be over the moon excited! What an awesome press release Liquitex has released for you. Nothing better than to be respected and recognized when you have worked so hard. Congratulations my friend!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Awe- thank you Laura!! Hope all is well in Texas and have a wonderful day!

      Reply

  • Rebecca Buchanan

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    You are perfect for this recognition–I, too, can’t think of a better ambassador! Well deserved–Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this happiness with us.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    I can’t think of a better person to be an official Brand Ambassador as you caused me to try their brand. Congrats!

    Reply

  • Andrene

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    Congratulations!! Well deserved. They really did a nice write-up on you in the press release.

    Reply

  • Jennifer Palmer

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    Hi Nat
    Wow Congratulations
    Really well deserved
    Just knew my favourite teacher is awesome
    Jenny
    from Tasmania

    Reply

  • Lizzie

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    Congratulations ! This is well deserved and great recognition of all your wonderful art.

    Reply

  • Joan von Metzinger

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    Congratulations Natalie!! What an amazing achievement… Super proud to be connected with an stunningly creative artist as yourself!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Awe – thank you so much Joan!!! Wishing you a gorgeous day!

      Reply

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The Best Is Yet To Come … or In My Art Journal Today

NatKalbach_BestToCome01

The best is yet to come – Frank Sinatra

I truly believe in that ..do you ?

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This page is actually kind of a cheater page. I love just rubbing the extra paint that I have on my stencils onto a blank page – creating a negative stencil image.Sometimes I paint over parts of it later or do other things with it. But I really loved the colors and how this looked on this spread- so I left as is and just stamped and stenciled in black on top.

Here are the supplies I used- some of the stencils are actually part of the stamp sets for Stampendous

nSupplies



Have the best day today :)

Nat

Comments (3)

  • Denise Spillane

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    Love it and believe it! Reminds me of the song I think it was Frank Sinatra, wish I was in another of your classes.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

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      Actually that is where the quote came from- forgot to mention that. Thanks Denise for the reminder :)

      Reply

  • Sue Clarke

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    I think that believing the best is yet to come puts one in the frame of mind to experience just that! Have a lovely day Nat.

    Reply

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