juliesims

After making this coloring page for Girls Camp (in Procreate of course!) I had some fun coloring it, turning it into a gif, and transferring it onto a t-shirt!🤗

Following a class on Skillshare by Nic Squirrell, (I ❤️ Skillshare) I rotated a few elements to make this simple gif…my first one! I can’t wait to make more!

Then I decided to use the image on a t-shirt. I printed the design onto iron-on transfer paper, cut it out and positioned it onto a $3 t-shirt from Michaels. After ironing it in place it was good to go! An easy, inexpensive way to wear your art! A fun summer project! 😍

Have I mentioned how much I love Procreate? Procreate is a digital painting/drawing app that costs very little yet can do SO MUCH!🤗 I was teaching myself Adobe Photoshop, making progress…S-L-O-W-L-Y. But once I discovered Procreate I was able to use and learn it so much quicker! AND I’m not confined to my computer! I use it on my iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil.

I painted the image above in traditional watercolor and added the lettering in Procreate. I could have painted the leaves in Procreate too and still achieve a watercolor look…like the image below, which is completely digital and made in Procreate! (of course)

I use Procreate for lettering, illustrations, coloring pages (like the ones in my gallery) and recently, pattern design. (something I’m focusing on more this year!) I also find the app really helpful for preliminary studies, to test out composition and color choices before creating art with traditional methods. Both acrylic paintings below were first “conceived” in Procreate, giving me a lot more confidence when I approached the painting on canvas…and making the process more fun!

If you’re at all interested in learning digital art, give Procreate a try! Procreate Pocket is the version for iPhones. Yeah, the iPad Pro and stylus are pricey…🥴…it took me a while to decide to splurge on them…but I’m SO glad I did! I never knew digital art could be so FUN!🤗

It’s FINALLY starting to feel like fall around here! YAY! Living in Houston you never know what to expect weather wise (other than hot), so I’m celebrating these cool temps while they last!  Our fall foliage display is pretty scarce too. I grew up on the East Coast and TOTALLY took for granted the abundant display of fall colors during the autumn months.  Maybe that had something to do with raking up all those leaves!!!

Anyway, in celebration of it feeling “fall-ish”, here’s a free coloring page printable for you!  I turned a sketchbook doodle into this coloring page you can print on copy paper, card stock, or even 90 lb watercolor paper (usually have to trim to 8 1/2″ x 11″ first).  It’s a simple design…see how you can spice it up with your color choices or designs you add yourself. I love that coloring isn’t just for kids anymore!  Have fun and HAPPY FALL Y’ALL!

For a while now I’ve been wanting to teach some watercolor workshops and classes in the Kingwood, TX area. My main challenge has been finding a location. After looking around, I’ve decided to reserve a room at the Kingwood Community Center. It’s centrally located and offers a fabulous space. The rental fee isn’t too bad and the room has plenty of windows for natural light. Scheduling is a little tricky. It’s first come first serve with reservations at least 3 weeks in advance. I’ve secured 3 days in October so far…crossing my fingers I can find students and then book some more slots for November and December!

In preparation for the workshops, I’ve been on the hunt for the best budget friendly supplies for beginners. I’ve tested several options and feel good about the supplies I’ve chosen. Really cheap supplies usually yield yucky results. But I’m quite happy with these budget friendly choices that yield satisfactory results for beginners:

PAPER:  Canson XL watercolor pad, cold pressed, 140 lb. 👍🏻

My favorite brand of watercolor paper is Arches, but it is crazy expensive so I use it sparingly. I use Canson XL for practice, studies, works that will be scanned….it’s very economically priced and great for beginners.

WATERCOLOR PAINT: Prang 8 color set 👍🏻

If you are just beginning with watercolor you can’t beat this inexpensive set of 8 colors! I prefer this set over Artist’s Loft 36 colors from Michael’s and even the Prang 16 color set because you can achieve many other colors by mixing the 8 colors provided. I think color mixing is a very important and valuable skill for beginners to learn. With the other sets you’re less inclined to mix because of all the colors already available.

Once you get your feet wet (or brush 😂 😂) and are hooked on watercolor, I recommend using student grade tubes by Winsor and Newton called Cotman, or student tubes by Grumbacher called Academy. These paints are great for continued learning and experimenting without breaking the bank. The Master’s Touch folding palette with 20 wells is a great inexpensive choice for holding these paints.

Artist quality paints are the next step. They contain more pigment and less binder, resulting in more vibrant colors. They can cost quite a bit more than student grade. Winsor and Newton, Mission Gold, Daniel Smith and Da Vinci are some brands I like.

BRUSHES: Daiso set of 5 round nylon brushes 👍🏻

I recently discovered this pack of 5 round brushes at the Japanese store DAISO. They are a great set for the price…$1.50! No, that’s not a typo!

Another good beginner brush is from Jerry’s Artarama, the Polar Flo brushes in rounds and flats of various sizes. There are inexpensive sets by Master’s Touch from Hobby Lobby that’ll work well too.

After getting more comfortable with watercolor painting, you’ll want to try some natural hair brushes that hold more water. There are numerous brands that offer excellent brushes. Some to consider trying are Princeton, Winsor and Newton and Da Vinci.

Ooh! Ahh! The excitement of getting, setting up and playing with new art supplies never grows old. I received an Amazon gift card as a gift and took my own sweet time deciding on what to purchase. I didn’t need new watercolors…I have plenty…but I couldn’t resist these Mission Gold beauties! They were a good price for quality paints and came with a great palette. There’s something about squeezing new, fresh paint onto a clean palette that is extremely satisfying. And then testing out the colors…and making a color chart…

So fun and a nice addition to my studio wall.  Both functional, as a reference for color mixing, and beautiful.  Can’t beat that!