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How to Create a Colorful Mandala Using the Color Wheel
New to mandalas and color theory? Learn how to create a colorful mandala by combining these two techniques. If you were following along last week, we were talking about how to use the color wheel to create unique color combinations in the art journal. Today we will paint a color wheel and then turn it into a beautiful, colorful mandala. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. How to Create a Color Wheel The mandala and color wheel have a similar structure. By creating the shape of a color wheel, this takes…
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How to use a Color Wheel to Create Unique Art Journal Color Combinations
Have you ever used a color wheel when designing an art journal page? The color wheel is a valuable tool that helps you create color combinations quickly. But if you’ve never used a color wheel before, learning how to use a color wheel may feel confusing. Recently I’ve been noticing a trend among my students. Every time I pull out my color wheel, there’s always a couple of people who ask me how to use it. Today I’m sharing with you a few simple concepts to help you create more dynamic art journal pages by using the color wheel as a guide. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through…
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My Napkin Art is Disappearing! 3 Easy Ways to Recover Images
Do you ever run into your napkin art disappearing on your art journal pages? You may start with a beautiful background that would be perfect for napkins, but then your images disappear when you apply them! This is frustrating and can be very disappointing. But your project isn’t ruined! There are several ways that you can recover your disappearing napkin images on your art journal projects. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Why is my Napkin Art Disappearing? Napkin art is a beautiful addition to any art journal page as the napkin…
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Easy Art Journal Backgrounds with Spray Paints and Inks
Looking for a fast and easy art journal background? Try using acrylic spray paints and inks to create beautiful art journal backgrounds with ease. A blank page can feel so intimidating. By breaking up the art journal background this can be a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Today I’m sharing my favorite acrylic spray paints and inks and how I use them to create layered art journal backgrounds. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Adding Color with Spray Inks An easy way to add variety to your art journal…
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Unique Techniques using Pan Pastels with Watermark Ink
Looking for ways to create beautiful details with Pan Pastels? Using Pan Pastels with watermark ink is a very simple way to add in interesting textures and details to your Pan Pastel creations. You can use this technique with both black and white paper to create a variety of unique effects. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. What is Watermark Ink? Watermark ink is a translucent ink used to make watermarks on papers or creative projects. When the ink is stamped onto the surface, it creates a mark slightly darker than the…
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How to Choose the Best Paint Brush Cleaner
Every creative space should have a paint brush cleaner. This simple tool can keep your space clean and prevent spills and mess in your studio. A paint brush cleaner may seem like a simple thing, but they aren’t all equal. Today we’ll talk about what to look for in a paint brush cleaner. What design elements to consider, and the paint brush cleaner I recommend. Plus, we’ll discuss ways to use this paint brush cleaner both in and out of the studio. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. My Favorite Paint Brush…
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Mystified by Acrylic Pastes? How to Color Pastes in 1 Easy Step!
Are you mystified by acrylic pastes? Acrylic pastes can add beautiful textures on any project, but if you don’t know how they work, they may seem hard to use. Today we’ll talk about what you need to know to purchase and color acrylic pastes. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Choosing the Right Acrylic Pastes There are so many acrylic pastes available that you may be overwhelmed by choice. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right acrylic paste for your creative practice. Craft Pastes There are a variety…
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Looking for an Easy Painting Exercise? How to Paint a Tree with Ink
Do you ever find yourself unsure of how to improve your painting skills? You may not know where to start and it may feel overwhelming. If that’s you, here’s a very simple project on how to paint a tree with ink that will help you improve your painting skills. As a creator, I sometimes go through times where I’m not feeling inspired. I can feel like I’m out of ideas or am uncertain on where to start with a project. When this happens, I tend to simplify my process as this can help get the creative juices flowing. For this project, you’ll need a piece of watercolor paper, ink and…
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Do You Have Ruined Paint Brushes? How to Fix Acrylic Paint Brushes in 3 Easy Steps!
Do you have ruined paint brushes that are rock hard from mediums and paint? Even when you’re careful cleaning them, it’s very easy to run into problems with brushes getting rock hard. You might think that these bushes are destined for the garbage, but you may be able to revive them using there 3 easy steps. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. How to Revive Ruined Paint Brushes Start with Dish Soap I like to use my favorite dish soap, Cucina Lime Zest and Cypress, and rub the soap into the bristles…
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How to Get Comfortable with Your Watercolors
Are you new to watercolor paints or have recently purchased a new set of watercolors? Watercolors are a wonderful medium but every new color or set of colors can take time to get used to. The colors may act differently than what you’re accustomed to, which can cause frustration. So how do you get comfortable with a new set of watercolors? I recently purchased a new set of Russian watercolor paints called White Nights at my local art store. I wanted to share with you my process and the exercises I use to get familiar with the paints and color combinations. We’ll be creating a simple watercolor painting in our…
The Art of Self-Care
