Thursday, February 4, 2021

Valentines Update!

Every year, when the snow piles up outside, and the world is monochromatic, I am drawn to brightly colored paint and creating Valentines.  It's part self-care, and part caring for others.  

This year, I combined a masking fluid "pen" and bold Schmincke watercolors.  

  • Step 1: Draw a simple design on watercolor paper with a masking fluid pen -- my masking fluid was unpredictable, so I let blobs & thick lines happen.  Sometimes I waited for the masking fluid to dry and then removed big puddles in the wrong places, other times, I incorporated them into the design.  
  • Step 2: Let the masking fluid dry.  This takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how thickly you lay it down.
  • Step 3: Paint!  The masking fluid allows you to place bold colors right next to each other without any unwanted mixing.
  • Step 4: Let paint dry & rub off the masking fluid -- with a gum eraser or your finger. Add any extra touches you like with colored pencils, etc.
  • Step 5: Glue artwork to a blank card to create your Valentine. 
  • Step 6: Write your message; sign your card; & drop it in the mail.  You just made someone's day!

The beauty of using small pieces of watercolor paper is that you can set up a stack of them, and experiment without the pressure of making "perfect" art.  


I also found a Valentine rose card tutorial video from Ellen Crimini-Trent on her YouTube channel.  You will be surprised at how easy and relaxing this project is!


I hope you'll take the opportunity to play with your art supplies and create Valentines cards to share with the important people in your life!





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