Blog: Mixed Media

Be Strong, Smart, Brave Enough or …. In my Art Journal Today

BeStrong_natKalbach01

“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it”

Very true and this year I will be brave enough to ask for help when I need it…hope I will be smart enough to know when I need it ;)

BeStrong_natKalbach04

I have tried out some new supplies for this art journal spread. Well – my new Elephant Set also counts as new :) I painted the background with several soft body acrylic paints and then applied the copper acrylic paint with a brayer onto the solid Elephant Foam Stamp side. I stamped the elephant and let it dry. I cleaned the Foam Stamp with a baby wipe and later throughly cleaned it with water. I stamped with archival ink applied to the Elephant Rubber stamp on top. I added some white dots with a Fineline applicator filled with a mixture of white soft body paint and acrylic ink.

BeStrong_natKalbach02

As the Elephant has the quatrefoil blanket, I pulled out my new metal Stampendous Dreamweaver Quatrefoil Stencil for pattern repetition. I applied the Metallic Copper Dreamweaver Paste through it. Oh how yummie!!! It is shiny and beautiful and dimensional and oh so scrumptious – I might have fallen in love with the paste :) I also thought Michelle Ward’s Maltese Stencil would be a good pattern fit and spray painted with two different colors through it . For the journaling and some mark making I used again the Fineline Applicator – one filled with white and one filled with black acrylic paint+ink.

BeStrong_natKalbach03

I love the rich colors – not my usual color palette but I really liked playing with it and I think I will use it again :)

What new supplies have you tried out recently?

Here is a full list of the supplies I used:

SuppliesCJS



Comments (5)

  • sally

    |

    Please describe the “white signo pen” and its uses.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      It is a white gel pen that works wonderfully on acrylic paint.

      Reply

  • Joi@RR

    |

    Heheheh – well Nat – there is no doubt you are SMART enough – no question there but…. brave enough… when it comes to asking for help – that’s a tough type of bravery! I am not good at that either – at all. OR accepting it graciously!!!

    LOVE your journal creations. Your elephant just makes me smile every time I see him!!! And he looks so elegant – like royalty – this time. Must be that yummy dreamweaver paste!!! Your colors are so intriguing too. It’s just a really great project. LOVE IT. j.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    Love the texture and the copper. Not a new supply, but I’ve been using my white Signo pen all week.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Thank you Sue! Oh I love my white Signo Pen too – never goes old :)

      Reply

Leave a comment

CJS 2016 – Texture Explorations

Nat

Today is my day on Creative JumpStart with some Texture Explorations in an extra bonus long video showing my whole thinking and creating process for this canvas:

TextureCanvas01

TextureCanvas05

It has been such a blast and the community is so much fun! Loving all the projects everyone is sharing based on the Creative JumpStart videos! I am so sad that the live event is ending tomorrow. But no worries- if you still need to catch up – you have time until November to watch the videos and also download them. AND you if you haven’t signed up – you can still sign up here and do the same :)

Comments (2)

Leave a comment

Urban Scribble Card AND The Shop is Open!

NKCFS03_SSC1238_STF082_JS_800_wm

Isn’t this Card by Janelle Stollfus using my new Urban Scribble Stamp Set –  just super cool! I love the gorgeous vibrant colors. Janelle used watercolors, and pencils and acrylic markers to create the background and color in the rubber stamp image included in the set! Thank you so much Janelle for sharing !

And – I have news – as so many people asked, where to get my stamps and other products – well hopefully your local craft and art store carries them…but if you do not have one close by or if they do not carry them…I just opened my own web store for you too and you can get my new stamp sets and some other items there :)

nStoreNat

If you live in the United States, you can order directly and immediately from this site. If you order several items the shipping rate is calculated automatically per item. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to set it up differently in the store. But if I can ship your total order for a cheaper price than the automatically calculated price (which is most of the time the case with several items), I will refund you the difference.

If you require international shipping, please email me in advance of your order at orders@nathaliesstudio to discuss shipping options as international shipping can be variable and expensive. I can look into the best option as soon as I know what you would like to order and give you a quote.

I hope you visit my new n*Store and if you use any of my stamps or stencils- please share with me – I love to see what you create with them!

Have a beautiful day!!!!

Comments (2)

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    Let’s hear it for your own store online!!! Woot.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Behind The Scenes – Filming My DVDs

FW-Goofy-Collage

 

Last year was really a whirlwind of a year and I might have to pinch myself still in disbelief things really happened- LOL. For example my trip to Cincinnati, Ohio where I was invited to film some Mixed Media DVD’s for F&W Media (parent company of Cloth Paper Scissors,  Artists Magazine, North Light Books,  Artists and Makers and many many more).

It was quite an operation and it was pretty cool to see how filming outside of a tiny messy studio with a little webcam works and how much work and how many awesome fun people are involved. Let me show you some behind the scenes photos :)

FW 02

I was so crazy nervous the first of the four days- you have no idea. Besides being nervous about the whole camera situation I also became pretty aware that I have an accent and make language mistakes …what if I would really blow it…LOL. No worries though …I think I compensated that with funny faces ;)

FW 03

Everything was good – The crew was super super sweet and Kristy Conlin who was my “student” for the filming was super fun to work with! We laughed a lot …

FW 05

And made smart comments about weird things…

FW 20

and made very important decisions on what to eat for lunch

FW 22

and just picked on each other ….LOL

FW 23

and smiled….a lot …when we didn’t know if the camera was already rolling or not…

FW 06

Here is Amy Jones, my producer – she is so sweet and awesome and organized and really put me at ease and was just amazingly encouraging and welcoming!

FW 18

FW 13

She also kept all of us in check …because you know…lot’s of Shenanigans happened during the takes ;)

FW 21

FW 25

FW 12

Lot’s of cameras and lot’s of light- boy – it was HOT in there …I have a new respect for everyone working in studios …ever walked through the light section of a big department store in your winter jacket? Double that feeling and you are close! Because of the noise you can’t run the air conditioner to cool it down either and it was a really warm November on top. So every time we were done with a take we pretty much went out side to cool off a bit.

FW 14

It was great to see how they had set up the set with my artwork

FW 16

FW 26

This is Sam – above – so much fun to work with him and Erin – below left. They are amazing!!!

And see George mounted on the camera?

FW 11

Yup- that is a trick to keep you reminded to look at him and so into the camera while talking …because…it is awkward to talk to the a camera…but talking to George …ha …nice ;)

FW 24

Amy stuck George into my Art Journal when I went home, which I forgot until I was teaching a class at Pratt where he fell out …very weird moment- LOL – try and explain that ;)…I need to do a page with him – LOL

FW 28

Such a wonderful crew of people- It was so wonderful to work with them and the four days went by really quick. I hope I will see them again :)

FW 08

The DVD’s are estimated to come out in March this year and I am looking forward to tell you what the content is- that I wasn’t allowed to share yet :)

I hope all of you on the East Coast are all warm and safe right now with the snow storm – I am snuggled into my warm studio and I am planning on doing some artwork and eat some hearty stew today. Have a wonderful weekend!

Comments (12)

  • Kasia Krzyminska

    |

    Looks like fun! I bet it must have been a great experience, especially if George was included. I may use that tip by the way :D

    Reply

  • Sandra Miaskoff

    |

    Hi Nat, thanx for the tour, it was great reading it because your happiness came through.
    Sandy

    Reply

  • Mary Beth Shaw

    |

    What fun, you and Kristy!! I’m sure it will be amazing. Love that crew :)

    Reply

  • Seth

    |

    Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes Nat. I bet you rocked it and no doubt these DVDs will be well received. Congratulations.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Thank you Seth for your constant encouragement – you are the best!

      Reply

  • Maua

    |

    It looks like you had a grand time, in spite of being nervous before you started. You are an awesome teacher, and I know that is what shone through. So…now you are a star!!

    Snug in and stay warm, hope you don’t get too much snow!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      awe – thank you Maura!!! And nah – a mixed media dvd does not make you a star …LOL – just a normal Kraut ;)
      hope you are safe and sound too and have a nice warm day – assuming you are also getting slammed with snow today.

      Reply

  • Rae Missigman

    |

    This looks like it was a whoot of a time – the best kind! I can not wait to see what you created! Thanks for a fun tour of your trip!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      I agree -the fun makes it the best kind! Thank you for your sweet comment Rae!

      Reply

Leave a comment

Upcoming In-Person Classes

This year I will not be able to teach as much as in the past years, as I am writing my book (which is exciting and scary at the same time :) ) But here are a couple classes that I will be teaching in the next couple months in person. I would be super thrilled to have you!

January 31st, 2016 – Mixed Media Printmaking in NYC at PRATT – Manhattan Campus

PrintmakingPrattSpring

February 7th, 2016 – Raw Canvas Staining in NYC at PRATT – Manhattan Campus

RawCanvasPratt

March 4-6, 2016 – Art Rules- Art in Translation – at My Heart’s Fancy in Edmond, Oklahoma 

ArtRulesWorkshopNat

Let’s explore several master artists and get inspired by their artwork and techniques to create wonderful and unique art journal pages.Whether it be Andy Warhol’s cheating technique or Rothko’s amazing color combinations, there are many different Master Artists whose masterful skills can serve as a starting point for your own artwork.  Find out what you like and what works for you.  Learn about opacity and layering, colors, troubleshooting, mixing materials, making your own tools, creating backgrounds and patterns.  We will work with acrylic paints, inks, markers, wax bars and other paint media to create dimension and texture.  We will make the most of stencils, stamps, mono printing plates and generic tools to make our own mark.  Get ready to Rule Your Art Journal!

Class hours:
Friday, the 4th: 4 pm to 8 pm
Saturday, the 5th: 10 am to 6 pm (1 hour for lunch)
Sunday, the 6th: 10 am to 2 pm

More details and Sign-Up Information here

April 8-10, 2016 – Mixed Media Circus Art Journaling Adventure with Nat Kalbach & Julie Fei-Fan Balzer – at Artified in Wichita (Victoria),Australia

More details and Sign-Up Information here 

April 15-17, 2016 – Mixed Media Circus Art Journaling Adventure with Nat Kalbach & Julie Fei-Fan Balzer – at Darkroom Door Art Studio – 1h north of Sydney, Australia

More details and Sign-Up Information here

 

Hope I will see some of you at any of those workshops! I always love seeing you in person!

Have a wonderful day!!

Comments (4)

  • Linda on the Prairie

    |

    I am so excited that you are coming back to My Heart’s Fancy in Oklahoma! That will be the best weekend of 2016.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Awe- cannot wait to see you again, Linda!!! We are going to have loads of fun!!!

      Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    I would love to meet you in person Nat!
    Maybe I’ll put the workshop you do with Julie in Australia on my bucket list. Wising you a creative day and how exciting about your upcoming book!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      That would be a hoot to have you – Julie and I would be so happy to see you :)

      Reply

Leave a comment

Designed by n*Studio: NEW Stampendous Stamp Sets

NewStampsetsNatKalbach

I am so excited that there are four new stamp sets coming out this year designed by me through Stampendous. And I am even more excited that these are something that I have been wanting to do for a couple years now- I am a huge foam stamp fan and I have been including foam stamps in a lot of my classes throughout the years. Over the years I told many people I would love to do my own foam stamp designs and I so hope that you will like those 3 Sets (Elephant, Bird and Urban Scribble) including 1 foam stamp with 2 stamping surfaces,  and the Fashion Dame Set with 1 rubber stamp and 1 Stencil and the one set with layering rubber stamps.

Let me show you in a video how they look like and some of the many ways to use them:)

New n*Studio+Stampendous Stamps from Nathalie Kalbach on Vimeo.

Coming Soon to Mixed Media & Craft Stores and My Website nathaliesstudio.com

There are so many possibilities with those sets!

UrbanScribble

 

City_WaterTower01

City_WoodenCanvas_Inspire01

Elephant

Elephant_ArtJournalspread01

Elephant_WoodenCanvas_Strong01

Bird

Bird_ThankYou_Card01

Bird_WoodenCanvas_Fly01

FashionDame

FashionDame_ArtJournal_01

FashionDame_ArtJournal_02

Which one of the new sets do you like best?

 

Comments (48)

  • Join Stampendous at Creativation

    |

    […] some fun from last year’s CHA MegaShow with Nathalie Kalbach! She’s demonstrating her fantastic Foam and Cling Rubber Stamps Sets. Boy, have we had a […]

    Reply

  • michelleward

    |

    Genius! Love how you have a mix of items in the collection. They are all fabulous – and your samples and your video!

    Reply

  • Jackie Smith

    |

    I love the elephants the best! Love all the stamps!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      who can’t resist an elephant, right? ;) thank you Jackie!

      Reply

  • florenceturnour

    |

    So great! Nathalie, since I make my own stuff, I’m not often tempted to buy stamp sets, but I think I’ll make an exception for yours. Fabulous work!

    Reply

  • Sue

    |

    URBAN SCRIBBLES!!! I love this, Nathalie! Thank you for designing it….how did you know????

    Reply

  • Ann-Marie

    |

    Fashion Dame set is fabulous

    Reply

  • SeattleSuze

    |

    Instant fave was the urban scribble, but the longer the video played, the more I shifted from one to another. I can only say that my conclusion is that I love your art and can’t wait to integrate the stencils (ALL of them) into my own work. So exciting to anticipate their release.

    Reply

  • Darcie

    |

    I have to have Urban Scribble (cuz I live in da hood lol) and Fashion Dame. Love them and congratulations on your new line!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      LOL- well if you live in da hood the urban scribble is a must ;) Thank you Darcie

      Reply

  • linda-faber

    |

    Wow! I’m not sure I can resist! For me, I love the bird set and the urban scene. For sale when??? Great demos too. So helpful.
    Congrats on a great new product!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Thank you Linda! They are on sale for retailers now and should be shipped soon and in store soon :) I will also have them on my website :)

      Reply

  • jamcam2022

    |

    Love, love, love Urban Scribble!!! They are all fabulous!!

    Reply

  • aissa99

    |

    I like the Urban Scribble and Fashion Dame the best!

    Reply

  • Andrene

    |

    EEK!!!! I love the elephant!! Cant wait to get it and use it with your elephant stencil which is one of my faves! All of the sets are fantastic and will definitely find a home with me! Congrats!!!!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Awe. thank you Andrene- glad you like them and yes- the stamp elephant and the Stencil elephant will be buddies then :)))

      Reply

  • Tracy Evans

    |

    Oooh great release looking forward to getting my hands on that city scale and birds especially. Tracy x

    Reply

  • Joi@RR

    |

    Ahh – loved that video showing the ways you used them. I have never seen a foam stamp like that Nat. Wow. I can tell you what I love… it that the foam stamp can go either way. For instance… I get so frustrated because I have a bird but he only faces the WRONG WAY!!! So that is very exciting. And YOU KNOW… I love the city scape the best…. because your city scape artwork is always my fav!!! They are all four wonderful… truly. I am soooooooooooo excited that you have these. I just used once of your floral stamps on my Matisse flower!!! Thanks bunches for such a great post – loved reading and watching it ALL. Congratulations – sooooo proud for you!!! j.

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Thank you so much Joi for your super sweet comment ! Yes- I know- the facing the wrong way…I hope that this will help! BTW- easy solution for facing wrong way …you can always stamp on a geli plate or mono printing plate and then use the plate image- it will be reversed then :)

      Reply

  • Carol K

    |

    like them all. . . that elephant is pretty cool. . . the versatility of your sets is amazing. . . . . love the texture and rubber stamps matching and a bonus stencil . . . . SWEET!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Thank you Carol, yes it is a pretty versatile set …I am still finding ideas on how to use them …will share of course :)

      Reply

  • Cindi Walsh

    |

    These sets look like so much fun! Thanks for the video. It’s so hard to choose just one favorite … but if forced I would probably choose the Urban Scribble, no wait, the bird … ugh! It’s hard to choose. I think it’s the bird.

    Reply

  • Jean Marmo

    |

    Oh my goodness! These are so you! And, with them maybe I could create like you! LOVE them!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Awe – thank you Jean!!! You create your own magic – I know it!!!

      Reply

  • gunvor

    |

    Awesome sets Nat! Exactly what a stamper who dabbles with mixed medab techniques wants! The birds ant the city scribble are at the top of my wishlist, but I love the elephant too.

    Reply

  • maura

    |

    Oh boy, that’s tough! I like them all, but am leaning to the elephant and bird ones…if I have to choose!

    Reply

  • Kelly Belton

    |

    Ummm – I love all of them – but I must get my hands on the elephants and the fashion dame . Seriously Nat – these are awesome. Congrats!

    Reply

  • Marit

    |

    Wow, love them!
    I adore the city scribble, it’s definately on my wish list. :D

    Reply

  • cuchy

    |

    congratulations! On my wish list. You know we have the 3 wise men coming this week :)
    Those urban stamps are fantastic and the foam… many possibilities. Love them all!!

    Loves

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      thank you so much Cuchy, hope the 3 wise man brought many gifts ;)

      Reply

  • bibliofil

    |

    Hallo Nathalie,

    Well, first of all I have to tell you that “Kaffe Klatch” was my all time favourite stamp set last year. Out of this release, the first one I will buy is the elephant (on a budget otherwise I would buy more!). But! I love the city scape and the bird as well. And I can see so many uses for the fashion doll….Hmm, as one of my new years resolutions is to loose weight, perhaps I can buy stamps instead of sweets? Two flies in one swat? Have a lovely and prosperous 2016!

    Reply

    • nathalie-kalbach

      |

      Eva, I am so glad you liked the Kaffee Klatsch :) Thank you for your sweet words and wishing you a wonderful and lovely 2016 as well!

      Reply

  • Kathy P

    |

    Who hoo, Nat—-congrats on this cool new release! I especially love Urban Scribble and Fashion Dame! And the elephant is my fave animal, soooooo……..
    They are ALL great!

    Reply

  • Nurse Ratchet

    |

    LOVE them all…but am quite partial to the birds and the elephants….loving the stencil with that fab elephant ?

    Reply

Leave a comment

Bada$$ery ….or In My Art Journal Today

Instead of a New Year’s Resolution I, amongst many others, pick a word that I try to live by in the new year. Last year it was light. Well…that didn’t work out too well to be honest. It was as if 2015 was Opposite Year just that I didn’t get the memo ;)

But …I have high hopes for 2016 – It is going to be an awesome year – I know it!

NatKalbachBadaW01

Now my word choice might sound harsh to some , please don’t feel offended by it – that is not the intention behind it. I have no plan on being a rude or mean person, no worries! I just feel like I have to take more action in several parts of my life, instead of waiting for others to come to me, be more firm in some ways and to some people, stop procrastinating and seize the day,  take opportunities without questioning myself too much or what others might think of me and also …just finally feel more at ease with myself. I think I can call it summed up “Badassery” – LOL

NatKalbachBadaW02

I felt pretty badassery scratching the work into wet spray paint …hahaha- see how “far” this word takes me ;) I also obscured some of my writing around my feelings and thoughts by spray painting and painting over it. I made some marks with stencils, brushes, self made foam stamps, palette knifes and dripping. I think the beautiful decayed houses and graffiti I admired in Buenos Aires last month influenced this page a lot.

NatKalbachBadaW03

Do you have a word for 2016? And did you visualize it in your journal or sketch book? Share with me if you want- I would love to see it!

Here are the supplies I used for this spread

nSupplies



Comments (10)

  • Andrene

    |

    EEK!!!! I love the elephant!! Cant wait to get it and use it with your elephant stencil which is one of my faves! All of the sets are fantastic and will definitely find a home with me!

    Reply

    • Andrene

      |

      Sorry! For some reason this posted under the wrong blog entry!

      Reply

  • Joi@RR

    |

    Heheheh – I love this post… even read it to hubby who also keeps up with you thru me Nat!!! We both were totally laughing and saying YES YES YES…. you got it… sounds GREAT – you go girl!!!!

    Loved your journal page too – it’s soooo fun.

    I don’t have a word. I have never done that before…. and I have thought and thought and thought but I just don’t have one. I have been a giver ALL my life… in fact find it hard to receive. I’m not a gracious receiver at all!!! So… I thought of the word FAVOR… because for once… it would be so fun to see something I did succeed (like to seel a painting – heheeheh) or for some tiny dream of mine related to my art to come true. But then I decided that sounded so selfish!!!!!! And I have no respect for selfish people so I threw Favor out too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I KNOW… I’m overthinking!!! Anyway – enough rambling!!!

    WE LOVE YOUR WORD….. j.

    Reply

  • michelleward

    |

    Awesome page Nathalie. And great word for you. Taken with the spirit intended. I don’t do word-for-the-year, but if I did I might swipe yours :)

    Reply

  • Donna B.

    |

    Interesting you chose that word, Nat. For many of the same reasons, I’m going to choose the word “Movement” for me — but not only for the reasons you meant, but also, my word means that I have to get out there and exercise as well. Let’s hope our words work for both of us!!

    Reply

  • Gayle

    |

    I was slow deciphering that word, then looked it up! YEAH! LOVE IT! Here’s was a great definition: “Engaging in seemingly impossible activities and achieving success in a manner that renders all onlookers completely awestruck.” Now that’s a tribe I definitely want to be a part of. All the best in living out your marvelous word.

    Reply

  • Sue Clarke

    |

    Love your word and not sure what mine will be this year.
    Leaning towards SIMPLIFY with a focus on getting rid of many physical belonging that are taking up too much space in my house and getting in the way.

    Reply

  • Denise Spillane

    |

    I love your word and your spread. Very cool. You are badass and always inspire. Happy New Tear my Badass Teacher and friend (FB). You are great.

    Reply

  • Jenny Petricek

    |

    Gritty textures and great color combo! A perfect way to ring in 2016!

    Reply

  • Kelly Belton

    |

    It ‘s a great word Nat – always empowering!

    Reply

Leave a comment

Winding Down the Year: My Top Ten Creative Results 2015

It has become a tradition of mine and other blogger friends to wind down the year with some  Top “insert number”- Lists of work , posts and photos, before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year.  Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share :)

In no particular order here my personal faves of my art journal pages and paintings:

1. High Line – Mixed Media Painting

I fell in Love with the background a soon as I had it laid down, causing quite some struggle to let go and go ahead- but that is why I like it the more :) Not my usual color scheme, but one that I am glad I plaid with.

2. Good Bye – Art Journal Spread

I love the grungy yet romantic feeling of this page and I had a good time getting some journaling out in an obscured way.

3. Stay Out of The Drama – Art Journal Spread

I loved playing with different media and my Stampendous Stamps and Stencils and the drama of the red dress…the only drama which you might wanna get into ;)

4. Reality – Art Journaling Spread

Speaking of Red …This one is also one of my favorites, I did a lot of collaging in the background and I just love how this one came together.

5. The Real Weird Magical Person – Art Journaling Spread

I made my own building stencil and layered it and did positive and negative imagery with it – I love the bold black and the almost translucent magical person ;)

6. Girlfriends – Art Journal Spread

This is another page that I really like- I like the journaling in the middle of the spine – and the difference yet similarity of the pages. Also some white space…which I know, is unusual for me.

7. On My Way Home – Art Journal Spread

HA- I guess I really liked my building stencil…which btw is based on the Jersey City Powerhouse. I do love the background and how the building really is prominent in here.

8. Finally Be You – Art Journal Spread

It is kinda scary but kinda cool – and I love the texture and layers.

9. State of Mind – Art Journal Spread

hahaha- I know I am a weirdo, but this one just makes me laugh every time I see it. I guess…the title is fitting ;)

10. 2 Tallest – Mixed Media Painting

This is a bigger painting, so it doesn’t translate well as a photo on a blog. I like the colors and I achieved what I had in mind when I was going for only a small city skyline. I had a good time creating it.

What I learned:

I definitely took more of the things that I explored in my art journal onto a canvas. I also did more hidden or obscured journaling which I find a great exercise in the morning to start the day and also do something creative. I also learned that starting off with playing in the art journal before continuing painting on canvas, freed me up and made me ready to start. A good habit to keep.

My goal for 2016:

My goal for 2015 was working in general on way bigger surfaces- but that didn’t work out too well. I really want to make an effort to do that in 2016 …a bit hard in a small studio space, but I will figure it out. I also just want to paint more …when I looked at my work in 2015 I realized that I did pay less when I actually thought I had, not a big surprise given that I was traveling madly for workshops this year and an art journal is bit more handy to lug around ;) Cross fingers 2016 will be the year of bigger paintings

Hope you had fun joining me in winding down the year. If you did it too- share with me- I would love to see your best of list!

I hope I see you at Creative Jumpstart– starting tomorrow and wish you all a

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!!!!!

love&hug

Comments (3)

  • chesley

    |

    Nathalie…do I see Stencil Girl in your future? As you designing stencils…buildings, in particular? I would love to have asset of these….very awesome work!

    Reply

  • Jenny Petricek

    |

    Beautiful, gorgeous pages–each and every one is so inspiring! I think it’s amazing to look at the pages of art journals, and to see the ways in which artists try new techniques, color palettes, and styles. Thanks for posting all of them!

    Reply

  • Joi@RR

    |

    HAPPY NEW YEAR Nat.

    Oh how I loved seeing all of these. Each one is special in a different way. My very favorite is the first one – the high line. You are so right – that background is spectacular. And the buildings – they just put me in a state of awe… I love everything about those buildings. But you know how much I love your buildings.. Your building stencil is sooo great – I so enjoy when you use it. And the large painting is stunning – WOW.

    So after we leave the buildings…. it gets harder but… I believe my next favorite – you won’t believe it…. is “state of mind”. It reminds me of me!!! I used to be so concerned about being “right” and “proper” when in reality – I never was… I am just so “weird”! BUT, I finally realized – that’s ok. It’s me and I can’t change it!! So – this journal creation really speaks to me. And… that’s one thing I love about you Nat – you are just YOU – and I like YOU too!!!

    And then….next fav – “stay out of the drama”. Sheer perfection there – the background – the gal – the sentiment – it’s just says it all in such a fabulous way.

    Each one of these is just wonderful in it’s own way… such a GREAT way to start my New Year – seeing your FANTASTIC creations. Thanks bunches. Wishing you a BLESSED, HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and BRIGHT 2016 with LUSCIOUS SURPRISES along the way!! Hugs. j.

    Reply

Leave a comment

Winding Down The Year: Best Nine of Instagram 2015

IMG_9903

According to #bestnine2015 these are my most liked photos of 2015 on instagram. I loved seeing this.

Top Row – left to right: 1. Julie while we prepare our Australia Workshop, 2. Bags I had printed with one of my paintings, 3. My self bound new Art Journal

Middle Row – left to right: 4. Painting of the Stanley Theatre in Jersey City, 5. The 2 Tallest Painting in Progress, 6. Water tower Painting and Water towers – kinda geeking out here ;)

Bottom Row – left to right: 7. Art Journal Spread in Progress, 8. Shipping some of my paintings to a show, 9. Playing with a baster in my art journal

If you want to do this too on your instagram account just go here to http://2015bestnine.com/ – be patient -it takes a long time until it loads- and don’t go to the other stuff they pop up- that was a little bit annoying- but in the end – it is fun to see the collage :)

Have a wonderful day

 

Comments (2)

  • Joi@RR

    |

    Wow – this is so neat – and true to you… colorful!!! Love the theater and your WIP of two talls is FAB. But my fav is still the water tower – I have loved that one from day one. It just has such character and such incredible colors. Those mini water towers are perfect to go with it too! This was a great treat.. Thanks bunches for a WONDERFUL 2015 from N*Studio and YOU dear Nat…. looking forward to another “HAPPY NEW YEAR” with you and your art work!!!! Hugs. j.

    Reply

  • Seth

    |

    Great to see these 9 pics Nat. And thanks for the link. I found my best nine. And, as you said, had to deal with a zillion pop-ups. But worth it in the end.

    Reply

Leave a comment