Art Tutorials
Art tutorials that provide step by step directions on how to do an art technique or project. These are to help build a foundation of creative techniques that can be used as a mental wellness and self-care exercise. These include techniques such as drawing, gelli printing, embossing, art journal projects, card projects, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, mixed media work and collage work.
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Valentines Art Journal Page
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so today I will be sharing a Valentines art journal page using watercolor. Valentine’s Day can be an interesting holiday, but for many of us, it can bring some mixed feelings. Some of us really enjoy the celebration of love and connection. But Valentine’s Day can also have feelings of pressure to have the perfect experience or life. Instead of focusing on Valentine’s Day specifically in this journal page, we will be discussing the topic of love. Thinking About Love When we think about love, what is love truly about? Love can sometimes feel like the forced display of affection on Valentine’s Day…
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Altering Paper on a Journal Page
Have you ever had paper that you wanted to use in an art journaling project but were uncertain how to add it to your page? In this week’s project, we will be altering paper on a journal page. We will be focusing on two different ways that you can use a piece of paper on one journal page. For this week’s project I wanted to share with you one of my new favorite paper lines by Wild Whisper Designs called Carefree. I love this paper because it is so bright and cheery. In my city, we are experiencing a typical Canadian winter. With the snow and gray days, I often…
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Mixed Media Art Journal Project “Grow”
Do you ever struggle with bringing different mixed media products together on a page? In this week’s tutorial I will be demonstrating how to do so in this mixed media art journal project “Grow”. In this project we will be using watercolor, Brusho Crystal Colours and pastes through stencils to make a colorful and dynamic art journal page. The Intention I usually start every art journal project with an intention for the project. Sometimes, it is something as simple as trying out a new art product or image. Other times it is a thought, word, or idea to work through as I create. Sometimes it is hard to know where…
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How to use Watercolor Pencils
Have you ever wondered how to use watercolor pencils? If you have not tried using watercolor pencils in your artwork or crafting projects, they are a very easy and fun medium. What are Watercolor Pencils? What are watercolor pencils? Watercolor pencils look like a colored pencil and they write and color very similarly. The big difference is that they are also water soluble. What this means is when you draw and blend with a watercolor pencil and add layers of color to your work. You can come in after applying the color and add in water to blend and intensify the color. How are Watercolor Pencils Different than Watercolor Paints?…
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3 Easy Ways to Trace Images onto Paper
Have you ever struggled with tracing images onto different surfaces? In today’s tutorial I will share 3 ways to trace images onto paper that I use in my own art practice. Tracing is a great way to quickly transfer images but depending on the surface it can be challenging. Today I will show you how to use a light table, graphite paper and tracing paper with Contè crayon to add images to your paper or canvas surfaces. 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. So Why Trace Images? So why trace images? For…
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How to use Pan Pastels
Today I wanted to show you how to use Pan Pastels. Pan Pastels are a new addition to my mixed media work, and I have enjoyed using them to enhance my art. If you have never heard of Pan Pastels, these are a fun and versatile medium. So what are Pan Pastels? Pan Pastels are a soft, highly pigmented pastel that is in a pan form. These are not oil based but instead have a chalk-like feel. One of the benefits of using pan pastels is that you can apply color quickly and easily. They blend well, are highly pigmented and are created to produce very little dust. I enjoy…
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3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours
As part of building Creative Foundations in our artistic practice, I will be demonstrating 3 ways to use Brusho Crystal Colours. These powders are a versatile medium that can be used in multiple applications including cards, journal projects and watercolor projects. What are Brusho Crystal Colours? Brusho Crystal Colours are highly pigmented watercolor crystals. These crystals can be used in a variety of ways including mixing with water to make a watercolor paint and sprinkled onto surfaces and misted to create interesting patterns. What makes them such an interesting product is that there are multiple colors of crystals within each color. This means that a green color will not just…
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Painting with Ink: An Art Journal Project
Have you ever tried painting with ink? In this week’s art journal project, I wanted to show you a way that you can use your stamp re-inkers to create beautiful images. So why Try Painting with Ink? I have re-inkers for all my stamp pads, because without them a stamp pad does not have a very long life. The nice thing about re-inkers is that they are concentrated ink so you can use very little of it to get a great result. But this could work with any water-soluble ink you have. Why not Use Watercolor? I love my watercolor paints and use them on so many projects. But…
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Fall Leaf Card Project
Are you looking for some creative inspiration for this fall season? Fall leaves have been part of my inspiration for the last month, including this fall leaf card project. In Calgary I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a beautiful fall. Between the mild weather, changing leaves and sunny, crisp days, it has been a beautiful season. Thanksgiving and Gratitude Thanksgiving in Canada was in October, but as Thanksgiving in the USA is coming up soon, I thought sharing this fall leaf card project was rather timely. During this time of pandemic, it may be harder to visit family for the holiday celebrations. But there is no reason…
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How Grid Drawing Can Improve Composition
As it is the month of Inktober, I wanted to share with you about how grid drawing can improve composition. I have spent a considerable amount of time this year working on my drawing and painting skills. One realization that I have had is how much I rely on grid drawing in my compositions for drawing and painting. Learning to Draw As I have been learning to draw this year, I realize that sometimes I struggle with good composition and perspective in my drawing. I used to believe that I was really observant. The more I draw, the more I realize how my eyes sometimes play tricks on me.…
