Here is a fun step-by-step painting to do while you're snowed in with your kiddos at home.

First, grab your supplies. Here is what you'll need.

• canvas (I used an 8"x11" canvas.)
• acrylic paint (white, black, blue & gray)
• foam plate
• cotton balls and cotton swabs
• several paint brushes (I prefer using angled brushes.)
• mason jar of water (I paint with them. I can with them. I drink out of them. Mason jars are multi-functional.)

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Step 1:

Paint the entire canvas with the white paint. Yes, you're reading that correctly—paint the white canvas white. Oh gussie, you'll get a funny look for that but trust me it's needed.

Step 2:

With the same paint brush grab a little gray paint. The canvas should still be wet from the white paint. Start adding the gray paint to the canvas going in broad horizontal strokes. Keep the gray light and don't go to dark. You should fill about 2/3 of the canvas with the gray. Are you still with me?

Step 3:

With the same brush pick up a little of the blue and begin adding it to the same area of the gray—mixing the blue in with the gray. Add a couple small outlines for hills.

Step 4:

With that same brush you've been using grab the white and blend the sky. Then start adding white to the hills—it should have a hint of the blue.

Step 5:

It's time to start adding in the trees. Take a smaller brush (angled brushes work best) pick up the gray and begin painting in trees. Make smaller trees in the background and larger ones in the front. Try to keep the trees thin when you begin because you can always make them thicker if you prefer. If using an angled brush turn the brush vertical to get thin lines. 

Step 6:

Add a little detail to the trees. Grab a small brush and dab in the black paint. Paint small black marks on the tree. See detailed image below.

Step 7:

Here's a fun part the kids will enjoy. Grab the cotton ball and dip in the white paint. Don't get too much paint. Start dabbing the cotton ball along the hills covering the bottoms of the tree trunk. This gives great texture for the snowy hills. (uh hum...notice the great looking nail color I'm wearing.)

Step 8:

Time to add the falling snow. Grab a cotton swab and dab the tip of it in the white paint. Don't get too much on the tip. Now, let the dabbing begin. Be sure to dab some snow on the trees too and make varying sizes of snow.  (Oh, please notice that nail color again—my fave.)

Step 9:

Add more snow to the tree branches for detail. (We're almost finished) 

Step 10:

You're done! Stand back and take a look. 

I hope you've enjoyed this step-by-step painting. Please remember to have fun with painting. I hope you'll join me in one of my classes or reach out to book a party with me.

To say I am excited is putting it a lightly. I'm pinching myself now thinking that this dream of mine has come to fruition. So, I am pleased to announce that my studio, Whispering Oaks Studio, is now offering art classes for both adults and children.

I still work full time so my classes are generally of the evenings and/or on Saturdays. A schedule of classes can be found here. Some of the locations are being ironed out but most all the children's art classes will be held at my studio.  I hope to offer a few online art classes as well (working on that)!

Back to that dream coming true. After studying fine art in college and going into the graphic design field and marketing/advertising I wanted to get back to making art. After many years of prayers and a very supportive husband (and children) it's finally here. We built my studio this past Spring and Summer. It's still a work in progress but it doesn't stop me from creating art. I've been asked for many years to lead/teach art classes so I stepped out in faith and opportunities are blossoming. I've even been able to share knowledge of the past artists and masters. Even the smaller children are interested in these artists.

A special THANKS to all my family and friends who have supported me. I cannot wait to see how God continues to open these doors for me.

Cheers!
​Kelly  

Excitement. That's the best word for me to start this post. It's almost surreal. I've always wanted to share my art but honestly have never made the time to do just that. So, here goes.

The first prints I'm producing are from the painting below. This piece started by simply sharing with my daughters the different perceptions of art and various art eras. I was discussing impressionism and expressionism. You know, the masters from this era like Van Gogh, Degas, Cassatt, Monet and the list goes on. I wanted my girls to see the brushstrokes and the various colors that could be used for a very familiar animal on our farm, a cow. Ensuring them that art doesn't always have to be realistic. Meaning it doesn't have to look exactly like the real animal. Blues, reds, pinks and blues could be used. 

The medium I chose was acrylics on canvas. It's a very easy medium to use compared to oils, watercolors, pastels and etc. I work in all those mediums and more but for this purpose I chose acrylics. The result is below. Grab your print now! Enjoy!

I'm sorry it has taken me this long to update the blog. I've been working on getting my studio up and going. It's A LOT of work and I'm nowhere near being finished. Well, at least for guests. I've been able to work in the studio myself. It's nice having this art and design space (thank you hubby)!

With that being said, I hope to open the studio up this Fall for a few art classes. Please continue checking back. 

I will be posting items in the Merch section of my site very soon. Be on the lookout for art prints and freebies.

In the meantime, please enjoy this great article 20 Reasons for Open Ended Art by Prekinders.com.  I hope you will allow children of all ages to be creative with materials on hand. Creativity is amazing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,
Kelly

Warning: I told you this blog will cover a variety of stuff.

I have this fascination for entrepreneurs and their ability to build a business from the ground up. It takes courage, determination, dedication, passion, love, resources and time. I find it just so admirable. 

For a couple years now, I've been following the Money Saving Mom's blog. Primarily because I wanted to get a better idea of how to be more frugal and cut wasteful spending and well she gets this. Not that my husband and I spend unwisely but I come from the mindset less is more (except when it comes to art supplies...Eek!). Money Saving Mom has practical ways of living more frugal, living on a budget, and one of my favorites being better stewards of our time. How does she do it?

I'm extremely busy and my schedule can get the best of me so I am very excited Crystal Paine (Money Saving Mom) has the new course, Make Over Your Mornings! I agree with her 100% that your mornings set your days. Think about it. If you are not intentional with your morning's activities it can throw your whole day off. I LOVE mornings and yes I even like to get up early. But, in the last 6+ months, I've struggled and it has wreaked havoc on me and my family. So, join me (and countless others) in Making Over Your Mornings.

It's easy to sign up. Just click the fancy smancy image below. 

Cheers!
Kelly