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Why You Should Try an Art Retreat
If you’ve never experienced an art retreat, this can be a fantastic way to boost your creativity and reset your creative practice. I recently returned from an art retreat and many people had questions about my experience. Today I’ll share with you what I learned and why an art retreat might be the perfect experience for you. What is an Art Retreat? Most simply, an art retreat is a chance to get out of your regular environment and take time to create art. These can be structured, instructive classes, or just a quiet place for you to get away and work on your art. A lot of professional artists do…
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Feeling Stuck? How to Use Gel Prints in Your Art Journal Projects
Do you ever stare at your stack of gel prints wondering how to use those gel prints in your projects? You’re not alone. It can be overwhelming to take the beautiful prints you’ve made and figure out how to incorporate them into your journal. Today I’ll share with you one way that I like using gel prints in my art journal and how easy it is to add gel prints into your 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. Adding Gel Prints to the Art Journal There are so many ways of…
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Using Fluid Acrylics in the Art Journal
Have you ever used fluid acrylics in your art journal? If you haven’t heard of these beautiful acrylic paints before, I would highly recommend trying them in your art journal. These acrylic paints are highly pigmented and work so well on their own and with other mediums. 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 are Fluid Acrylic Paints? Fluid acrylic paints are a highly pigmented paint that have the consistency of heavy cream. These paints are much thinner than a heavy body paint that many of us use in our projects. Golden…
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How to Gelli Print on Canvas
Have you ever tried gelli printing on surfaces other than paper? This summer I’ve been playing around with different surfaces with my gel plate to see what interesting results I’ll get. My newest experiment was how to Gelli print on canvas and I’ve been surprised by the results. 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. Types of Canvas for Gelli Printing There is a variety of canvas that can be used for Gelli printing. My favorite canvas is artist canvas pads in black and white. These pads are easy to use as the…
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How to use Water Soluble Graphite
Water soluble graphite is a unique and beautiful medium that is perfect for using in an art journal. What makes water soluble graphite pencils interesting is they have both graphite and water-soluble properties in one medium. If you’ve never used water soluble graphite, today I will introduce you to this medium and how to use it. I’ll also share with you several things to consider when choosing these pencils as part of your art journaling supplies. 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 Water Soluble Graphite? Water soluble graphite is a…
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Intimidated by the Blank Page? 5 Acrylic Background Techniques for the Art Journal
Do you ever struggle with staring at a blank page? One of the hardest parts of art journaling can be knowing where to start. Today I will be sharing 5 acrylic background techniques to break up those blank pages and help you create with confidence. 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. Acrylic Background Techniques Before you start, I suggest adding a layer of gesso to the surface before adding paint. I find that it strengthens the paper, and you will get better and more even paint coverage when adding acrylic paint on…
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What is Art Journaling and Why Should I Try It?
If you’re new to art journaling you may be asking yourself this question: “What is art journaling and why should I try it?” Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the importance of art journaling and the three reasons why I think everyone should art journal. What is Art Journaling? Art journaling, also known as creative journaling or visual journaling, is a way for us to express our thoughts and feelings in a creative manner. Think of it as a journal not only using words but also imagery, color, and texture. Art journal pages can be very complex or simple depending on what you want to get…
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Choosing an Art Journal for Your Creative Practice
Choosing the right art journal for your creative practice may seem overwhelming. There are so many types of journals available it can be hard to know where to start. Today I’m sharing a few things to consider when choosing an art journal for your creative practice. I’ll also share some of my favorite art journals that I use for my projects. Whether you are drawing, stamping, painting, or collaging, there are a variety of art journals that will work for you. 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 an Art Journal When…
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5 Beginner Friendly Acrylic Painting Techniques
If you are new to acrylic painting, it can be hard to know where to start. Today I am sharing 5 beginner friendly acrylic painting techniques to help you get going. These techniques and tips are easy ways to improve your acrylic painting skills and help you gain confidence. The acrylic painting techniques that I’m sharing are appropriate for both the art journal and canvas projects. Learning to Paint with Acrylics 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. When I started learning to paint with acrylics, it was challenging and frustrating. I was…
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Mixed Media Textures Using Brushos
Are you looking for ways to add texture into your art journal? Try this fun and easy technique creating mixed media textures using Brushos. Brusho Crystal Colours are a vibrant watercolor pigment powder that is often used for watercolor painting. My favorite way to use them is in mixed media projects and today I will share with you how I like to use them in my art journal pages. 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. Brusho Crystal Colours If you are looking for an introduction into Brusho Crystal Colours, check out this…