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Most artist love to explore new tools and techniques. This side of exploration is an integral part of the creative process. My goal each months to share with you the new supplies / techniques that I have explored throughout the prior month. This experimental part of the creative process is something I have always enjoyed, whether it was in my pottery making classes, painting/sketching classes or just plain old"Lets Have Fun Classes" the exploration of new materials and techniques. I hope you will join me each month as we explore the world of the Creative Soul.  I love this hard bound Journal. It holds up really well to day-after-day use. I used this journal in my first online class... Plaster Painting Class released later this Spring and it is my main supply source for my soon to be released class Tissue Paper Journal.Classes In this class I use gesso to seal the hardbound cover and it held up really well to the process without warping or changing shape.  After a friend mentioned these paints I decided to check them out. I have been painting for a long time with oil & acrylics and was looking for that great combination of low price + good quality in an acrylic. The first thing different is the paint comes in a pouch instead of a tube. That turned out to be an easy asset which allowed me to paint directly on the canvas. The clear pouches make it easy to see the actual paint color for convenience.  With the addition of the abstract nozzle set added to the pouch I’m able to create various textures and shapes that give my artwork new depth and interesting impressions. These paints are easy to work with and very reasonably priced.Here in Cincinnati Plaza ArtStores seem to have the best price and wide selection of colors. Have fun experimenting with the heavy, buttery texture of these paints.  Montana Markers. There are many times that I want to add marks or specific shapes to one of my paintings and really want more control than a brush will give me. A marker would be my first Go To Tool, but most markers will bleed as soon as I apply additional acrylic paint over the marks.This is especially difficult to deal with, when working on a canvas surface. The marker ink seems to float on the surface of the canvas and smear and run as soon as the water based paint comes in contact with it. Thank You for joining me this month. I am looking forward to all the creative fun and experiences already on the calendar for May.
Suzzanna Frank Fine Art Suzzanna Frank studio606 1310 Pendleton Street Cincinnati,Ohio 45202 www.suzzannafrank.com
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BOOKS TO NOURISH YOUR CREATIVITYOne of my favorite things to do is to search for inspiration. From Pinterest boards to books, freebies to new art resources, and more – I love to share anything that might move us along our creative journey, that will inspire learning, and spark our curiosity! Being a creative soul we naturally crave these things so here are some of this month’s picks from me to you.  The Artisan Soul by Erwin Raphael McManus— author, thought leader, has created a manifesto for human creativity. We are called to reclaim our creative essence and develop our lives into a work of art. There are no shortcuts to the process. We all carry within us the essence of an artist. We all need to create—to be a part of a process that brings to the world something beautiful, good, and true.  First published twenty-five years ago, The Artist's Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. Perhaps even more vital in today's cultural climate than when it was first published, The Artist's Way is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In it, Julia takes readers on an amazing twelve-week journey to discover the direct link between their spiritual and creative selves. we are introduced to the two most vital tools; The Morning Pages and The Artist Date This is a revolutionary program for artistic renewal that will change the way you think about creating art.  Abstract Painting: The Elements of Visual Language examines and describes a vocabulary of visual elements from which you build images, abstract or otherwise. You will examine line, shape, pattern, texture, depth, and color in detail. You will become more aware of these elements that make up a painting, and be better able to observe your own work without judgment and self-criticism. The over 200 color images in this book will open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing your paintings as they develop.  This book introduces the concept of realistic abstract painting - a loosely impressionistic form of painting that leaves much to the imagination of the viewer. The subject, though recognisable, is executed with freedom and fluidity, resulting in a painting that is far from photographic. It has been described as the 'grey' area between figurative and abstract painting, yet there is nothing dull about this style, as the numerous colourful examples in this book show. Aimed at those with some experience of painting, all the examples in this book use various forms of water-based media, including gouache, acrylics and watercolours. Designed to inspire, this book will stimulate your imagination; encourage you to try out the various methods described; and help you develop your own way of painting in this exciting style. I hope you can find a comfortable spot to snuggle up with this mont's favorites....Sue
 We all search at times for the reason we make art. What is yours? Why is art so important to us? It’s simple. Because we enjoy it. In fact, we live for it. It is a passion that we are born with, it drives us forward even when it seems we are going no where. We return to it, even after a prolonged separation. It is the joy of walking into our studio, the smell of freshly opened paints, the feeling of being fulfilled as if there exists a hole, an emptiness when we are not creating. It’s not just what I do, it is who I am! It fills my day with a feeling of joy, and that’s why we are alive to begin with. To be happy. To fulfill our passion and answer the voice within us...Yes I hear You! So why do you make art.? What drives you to create?i would love to hear some of your ideas. Do you find the end of something leaves you with a slight unsettled feeling?
I certainly do. This week has been about tying up loose ends and the start of some exciting new projects. It has been about tiding up all the loose ends from March, cleaning off the top of the desk, washing out the brushes and putting away all the paints, sweeping the floor and emptying the trash. Anytime I Start a new project, especially one this large, there is always these two conflicting emotions; excitement and anticipation bumping up right next to the fear of the unknown and possible failure. I struggle with these two voices in my head and find myself questioning my ability to accomplish such a large undertaking. I always return to reading my two favorite books when this happens. The words within them quiets the fearful, insecure voice rattling around in my head and reaffirms that we are all capable of taking on any task that is guided by passion, excitement and joy.  Pulling Your Own Strings: Dr Wayne W. Dyer: August 21, 2001 This book has always helped me quiet not only my own inner voices of self-doubt and fear but remind me that anything is possible.  Trust The Process : An Artist Guide To Letting Go by Shaun McNiff| Mar 31, 1998 I am always reminded that there is a magic to this process of creating and somehow it always finds a way to the place where you need it to be, and a destination you never could have known in advance. Today I look forward to this new adventure, with joy and excitement. I have wanted to head down this road for a number of years and now is the time to begin. If you have any books, videos, articles that help you in this type of journey I look forward to hearing from you.
Suzzanna Frank 1310 Pendleton Street Studio 606 Cincinnati, Ohio 859-472-4820 www.suzzannafrank.com  Stay Wet Pallette  You can find them pretty much at any art supply store, some version of a Stay-Wet acrylic palette. They work fairly well, and come with all you need, including a hefty price tag. I have two of them that I have used over the years. The problem is the lid. It bends and before long, it No Longer snuggly fits the tray, air is able to get in and your paint dries out. On one of my recent trips to Home Goods I came across these tightly sealing cake trays. The size was perfect, it wasn't so deep that I would have any trouble using either my brushes or palette knife. The lid had a really tight seal(since it was originally meant for a cake). The best part, it was about a third of the cost to replace the no-longer sealing stay-wet palettes I was able to pick up three trays for the cost of one traditional stay-wet system. So What supplies will you need: 1. A metal cake pan with tightly sealing lid. ( since finding mine at HomeGoods I have also seen them at other stores for about the same reasonable price) 2. Spray bottle /water 3. paper towels 4. wax paper/baking parchment paper 5. disposable palette sheets (optional)  1. Fold up a double thickness of the paper towel so it will fit comfortably in the bottom of the tray.  2. Add some water to the paper towel and let it soak it up. You don"t wand to flood it, just enough to make wet all over. Pour off any excess water.  3. Cut or tear a piece of wax paper or parchment paper to the approximate size of the tray. Lay it on top of the damp paper towel.  4. I use disposable palette sheets on top of this. That way the paint stays soft but not too wet. Have fun using your new Stay-Wet palette. Be sure to cover tightly when not in use.
Have a great week and stay safe. Suzzanna Frank 1310 Pendleton Street Studio 606 Cincinnati, Ohio 859-472-4820 www.suzzannafrank.com  1. Sharing Your Techniques We all start at the same place, having little to no experience with the basic techniques of our craft. As we work more in the medium of our choice we may purchase books, sign up for online courses or even take a hands-on workshop. All of these provide you with new information to share with your readers, email list or post on your website. 2. Local Events You Are Involved In Are you participating in an upcoming Art Fair, open studio or group/single show? All of these are great experiences to share with your readers. Share pictures and suggestions about past experiences; how to prepare for an open studio event, or what is involved in setting up for a show. Be sure to include information if this is an annual event that you will be attending at a future date. 3. Completed Artwork This might sound like a no-brainer but many artists do not write blog about their new art. Share your new artwork, discuss your process, explaining how you created the work. Share the story behind your artwork, what inspired you to create the new piece you are showcasing. Readers love to connect at a more personal level. 4. Work In Progress People love to see art come to life. Sharing with your readers your progress on a specific painting creates an instant connection to the work on a personal level for your readers. They look forward to your updates and will love to help you celebrate it's completion. 5. Struggles We all learn from our experiences and that includes are mistakes. Your readers will love for you to share some of these mistakes and how you solved them. Writing about your challenges with a new technique or painting makes you appear more human and allows your readers to connect with you on a more personal level. 6. Supply Reviews Most artist love to explore new tools and techniques. This side of exploration is an integral part of the creative process. Your readers will love for you to share your experiences with these new tools and techniques. Include information about why you wanted to try something new. Share advice with your readers about how to use the the tools or take care of them. Artist are always looking for reviews of new tools on the market or how did a specific technique work for you. Conclusion: If you are new to blogging or are struggling to come up with ideas to share with your readers these ideas are a great place to start. Sharing on a regular schedule is a key step to promoting your online presence and your artwork. Have a great week and stay safe.
Suzzanna Frank 1310 Pendleton Street Studio 606 Cincinnati, Ohio 859-472-4820 www.suzzannafrank.com |
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