Blog
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A Regular Art Practice … Why is it Important?
Since I started The Painted Pen, I’ve noticed a few things about having a regular art practice. Creating art regularly does the obvious things, of course. Your art will always improve with practice. The more you make, the better it gets. The lines get more confident, and the colors you mix are truer to what you had in mind. You remember movements and they’re easier the next time. You repeat the styles you like and let go of the styles you get bored with. Your art naturally changes and grows. If the only good reason to practice art regularly was that you see a visible improvement in your work, that…
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Love Them or Hate Them? Paul Rubens Watercolors Review
Paul Rubens Art asked me if I would like to try their watercolor paints in exchange for a review. I love trying new paint and comparing it to what I use already, so of course I said, “Yes!” Let’s find out if I love them or hate them.
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Let Me Introduce You to a Pineapple Surprise Pattern Collection
It’s sweet … and lively … and fun as the tropical party gets started, but then, as the sun sets, things begin to wind down … to slow and calm. You’ll find these two colorways and more in this pineapple collection. Pineapple Surprise – Lively Colorway Pineapple Surprise – Winding Down Colorway Pattern Ideas But you might wonder how you use a pattern collection. What are patterns for exactly? Ever since I took the Immersion Surface Pattern Design Course by Bonnie Christine a few months ago, I see patterns everywhere. Seriously, inside my brain, it feels a little like one of those big popcorn machines you see when you’re at…
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A Few Simple Drawing Ideas to Try Before Christmas
If you live like I do, Christmas is a busy time filled with preparations and plans for gathering and gifting. I try not to get caught up in the hype of Christmas, but I do love the occasion to give a few gifts to the people I couldn’t live without, those I appreciate fondly, and those who impact me throughout the year. Is it about the gifts? Yes and no. I like gifts and celebrating, but I really like a reason to be able to give a little something to show I care. Drawing helps me ground myself in the present, hone my focus to one thing, and rest my…
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Need an Easy Countdown for Christmas? Use Mini Cards!
November starts the holiday season for me, blending two holidays into one long season of memories, togetherness, and blessing. Sometimes, I even refer to them as Thanksmas and Christgiving. (Added practical bonus: celebrating all December helps me remember to be prepared rather than gifting in a panic at the last minute.) One way we celebrate Christmas is with an advent calendar to count down the days until the 25th. It helps build anticipation while giving something special every day of December. Our countdowns have looked many different ways. We've had paper chains, cups made from painted muffin tins, and mini stockings strung with lights and filled with treats. Our countdowns…
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(At Least) Five Simple Ideas for Thank you Gifts
Maybe I’m old fashioned or sentimental or just like giving presents, but when I’m invited away and someone else does all the preparation, I like to say Thank you with a simple gift. Do I always remember? No. Does it have to be expensive? No. Do I always have great ideas on hand? No again. Actually, that’s why I need this list. Now, when I want to put together a Thank you gift, I don’t have to scramble for ideas while I pack for a weekend away. That's something especially helpful during high travel times, like holiday season. If you ever find yourself wanting to give something but blank, here…
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How to Use your Apple Drawings for a Card
The fall flavors continue … and will continue (for me, at least) as the weather gets chillier, the leaves begin to change, and all things cozy become normal again. I love summer and warm weather, and I want it to last forever. There is a part of me that gets sad as the days shorten into winter. But another cozy part of me loves fall just as much with its crisp temperatures and comforting flavors. I just can’t dwell too much on winter coming. Winter can get very long. As I think about fall coziness, I’m also combing my brain for new fall designs. Some will be cards this year,…
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Eight Simple Drawing Ideas to Try This Fall
If you're like me, sometimes, you don't want to hunt for all of those drawing ideas. You just want to flip through them now to see which one you feel like working on. With that in mind, I compiled several drawing ideas from past tutorials. Some of them are from blog beginnings, so they may not have videos. The ideas are just as fun. I've divided them even further into categories: focus on watercolor backgrounds, for the love of drawing pumpkins, a bit of fun with loose watercolor, and drawing with lazy stippling. What are you waiting for? Explore!
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How to Draw an Apple 6 Ways
Fall is on the way. Here, the first sign of fall isn’t the colors, return to school, or the pumpkins. It happens before that, but it’s just as sweet. Apples! We live just down the road from an orchard and tend a few apple and pear trees of our own. Starting in the middle of August, those fall fruits start getting pink cheeks. The first variety doesn’t turn completely red, so we have to keep checking for ripeness. Our MacIntosh apples are ripe now, but we have to wait for our Fuji and Empire apples. To celebrate the beginning of fall and all of the comforting apple deliciousness on the…
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How to Draw an Island with a Palm Tree (or Two)
Continuing with the tropical theme, let’s draw an island with a palm tree or two. And a sunrise. And a hammock. Castaways Welcome. If you’ve ever wanted to quit your job and run to a remote, tropical place to find some peace and quiet, this island is for you. We’ll even throw in a hammock for naps. I can’t promise delivered meals or coconut drinks, but anything can happen on an island like this one. Did you know that painting, drawing, and getting artistically visual helps you calm down, destress, and rejuvenate? (I enjoyed reading this article about it.) Maybe that remote island isn’t as far away as you think.…
