Mark Making Idea – Roller Ball Bottles

I came up with a new mark making idea with these roller ball bottles.

Roller ball bottles used for mark making

I had received a bottle of cuticle oil for Christmas in a bottle with a stainless steel roller ball tip and whilst I was using it I suddenly had a lightbulb moment. I thought these bottles would be a great way of rolling paint. So, I found some empty refillable bottles on Amazon, filled one up with acrylic paint and gave it a try. And as you can see it worked a treat.

I filled the bottles with acrylic paint.

Refillable bottle with stainless steel roller ball tip filled with acrylic paint

I used High Flow acrylic for one and Fluid Acrylic for the other but watered down so that it would flow better.

Roller ball bottles filled with acrylic paint

I have decided it is probably best to store them upside down so that the paint doesn’t dry out on the roller ball which may make it difficult to roll.

Roller ball bottles stored upside down to prevent dried out paint clogging the roller

I have added the Amazon links for the bottles on my Favourite Art Supplies page Tools & Equipment

I love it when I come up with a new mark making idea. I hope you like it. Give it a go and let me know what you think.

New Painting – New Beginnings

It seems like Spring is in the air and to herald its arrival I have a new painting. An abstract landscape in Spring colours.

Here you can see some of the process of the process of this painting.

The painting size is 16″ x 12″ and is on a deep edged canvas. I always like to paint wrap around sides to my canvasses so that you can approach them at any angle and be drawn into the painting.

Sides of landscape painting on deep edged canvas

And here is a little close up detail of a section of the painting.

Close up detail of landscape painting on deep edged canvas

“New Beginnings” 16″ x 12″ on deep edged canvas.

This painting is now available to purchase on my “Buy Art” page.

€140 ($150 approx) includes international shipping

Now we can look forward to Spring.

Abstract paintings “Streets of Morocco”

My series of three “Streets of Morocco” abstract paintings evolved from an initial layer of paper collage and mark making.

Paper collage and mark making as first layers of abstract paintings

Here you can see a close up of some of the paper collage and mark making on one of the paintings.

Close up of paper collage and mark making initial layer

I paint intuitively and from these initial backgrounds “Streets of Morocco” began to emerge.

Close up of completed "Streets of Morocco" mixed media abstract painting

And here are the final three abstract paintings showing how the painting wraps around the sides.
10″ square mixed media and acrylic on deep edged canvas.
You will find these for sale on my Buy Art page

Abstract Painting "Streets of Morocco" mixed media and acrylic on canvas

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of the development of this painting.

Current Painting in Progress – Knowing when to stop

This is the current painting in progress on my Art r istic Easel.

Abstract floral acrylic art. Current painting in progress

An artist’s work goes through many stages. Often loving the early stages and wanting to stop right there. Or trying to decide when is enough and knowing when to stop. (Sometimes wishing I had stopped earlier 😱 ). From enjoying it to hating it. Lots of tweaking and masses of self doubt.

But I guess this is the same when a poet writes his poems, an author writes his book or a composer composes his music. We are constantly seeking perfection. Probably never quite attaining it. BUT that is what drives us to create more. It is part of the creative process. It is important to remember that and go along with the agonies of the process, expect it to happen and work through it.

So, I need to let this painting sit for a while and decide if I am happy with it as it is or whether to work on it some more. I’m sure it will speak to me when it is ready.

What do you think?

And if you want to see why I like my Artristic Easel so much read what I have to say about it here. Then you will understand why it is my favourite easel.

Using same art paintbrushes later? – A great tip!

I came up with this great idea for when I am working with my acrylic art paintbrushes.

Sometimes I have to stop in the middle of an acrylic painting, but maybe only for a while, possibly because something has called me away, or I may need to wait for some layers to dry or often just because I need to take a break and have a think about where I am going next with the painting. I hate the thought of having to wash out my brushes ( a job that I loathe ) just to start all over again a few hours later with the same colours.

Then I came up with a brainwave. Would my brushes still remain usable and not dry out if I wrapped them in aluminium foil? So I tried it and it’s amazing. It works a treat. The brushes remain as wet ready for me to continue where I left off.

All I do to preserve them this way is separate the brushes slightly and carefully lay them in a piece of aluminium foil.

Then clench the foil around them so that they stay fairly airtight. So quick and easy.

Such a simple idea. Why did I not think of it before?

Saatchi Art – featured artist

I have recently added some of my larger paintings for sale to the Saatchi Art website. So, I was delighted to hear that one of my pieces of art has been chosen to be featured in their curated “New This Week Collection”

If you would like to see my art for sale on the Saatchi Art website go to Saatchi Art

Art Process – development of an abstract meadow painting

I thought you might like to see some of the art process from my latest painting “This Side of Heaven”

Unfortunately I only took a few photos shots but it might give you a little glimpse into how the painting developed.

After the initial black and white layer here are some early layers of blues, lilacs and lemons. As you can see there has been a fair bit of paint dripping going on.

Then I have begun to add some reds.

Followed by some oranges.

After this I had a fairly large gap of time way from my art studio. About two weeks away. I was very much looking forward to coming back and working on it. It’s hard to leave a painting when you are in the zone. But because of our enforced time apart we were very glad to see each other again and I was filled with enthusiasm on my return.

The final part of the process was to work into the negative space and bring it all together. This is where my mind begins to see the suggestion of a meadow full of flowers. Maybe there is a hint of January frost in there too.

I loved the final outcome.

Titled “This Side of Heaven”. 24″ x 28″acrylic on canvas.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my art process.

“Mini Me” small art

When I don’t have time to paint ‘big’ because of life commitments or travelling I still have to get my daily creative fix. This is when I work on my ‘Mini Me’ small art paintings.

Generally these are watercolour, although not always. I find it very relaxing to paint in watercolour and it makes a nice change from my acrylics.

Then I like to doodle on top. Doodling is fun. Also very relaxing. I am always looking for different ways to doodle.

Once these are mounted they make great small pieces of colourful art.

These mounted pieces fit perfectly into an Ikea Ribba picture frame.

I love my “Mini Me” paintings.

If you would like to see more they are available to purchase in my new Etsy shop. Yes, I finally got round to opening a shop there. So pop along to ArtHappyMe on Etsy and take a look.

New Abstract Meadow Painting

I have been working on a new abstract meadow painting. This one is bringing me much joy. I LOVE the colours and it has been a dream to work with. One of those paintings where everything just seemed to fall in place nicely. I don’t think I am quite finished with it yet. I will let it sit for a while and gaze at it from time to time to see if our conversation is over.

Here is how it began.

First layer of abstract meadow acrylic painting

And here are a few little close ups showing some of the details.

Close up detail from abstract meadow painting

Close up detail from abstract meadow acrylic painting

Painting Process Videos on Instagram

I have been very poor at updating my website of late and focussing on Instagram which is so easy to add quick updates. I am endeavouring to make more time to update the blog pages here more often and show my painting process. But in the meantime do take a look at my Instagram page for lots more updates. I try to add posts daily
#lesley.boost.arthappyme

One of the great things about Instagram is that I can add videos easily. If you are interested in my painting process you will find videos there on my posts and IGTV.

Video showing some of my painting process

You will also find lots of tips and ideas on my IG pages and close ups of some of my work.

Close up from one of my abstract meadow Paintings

There is more of me too, which may or may not be a good thing. Ha Ha! I will let you be the judge of that. I will be adding more posts here soon and updating my gallery pages to showcase more of my art. I have already added a couple more photos of my latest abstract meadow paintings on the Buy Art page. My abstract meadows are now the focus of my work. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

And if you should come and visit me on Instagram please do leave me a comment to say hello. And I hope you enjoy my IG page enough to follow me.

I will be adding more content to the website here too, so stay tuned!

Abstract Meadows Leap Day Sale

Today I am offering a one off Leap Day Sale of six of my latest Abstract Meadows paintings. Leap Day only comes once every four years so here is a great opportunity for you to buy one of my paintings at around 30% off normal price.

I am offering each of these paintings on a first come first served basis of $100 (€90) each which includes International shipping.

And here they are individually.

I have no plans for another Sale like this in the near future. Well not for the next four years at least. 😃 So make the most of this one time offer now. Contact Me to reserve yours or for further details.

My favourite Easel – Leap Day Sale

Artristic Easel is so versatile for using in many positions and angles

I have just noticed that Artristic Easel – my favourite easel are having a Leap Day Sale for 29th February only. I know many of you have shown an interest in the easel that I use and know how much I love it! So, if you are thinking of buying one then today would definitely be a good day to do so. Use LEAPSALE10 at checkout.
You will see that I have written more about it on my Tools & Equipment page and will know that it is my favourite easel for its versatility of height and angle. My post will give you some idea of why I love it so much. The most versatile easel I have ever encountered. I can easily change it to use at any height or angle. It was definitely one of my best purchases.

If you buy one, let me know how you get on with it.
I KNOW you will be pleased.

Off the Top of My Head

I am having such fun with my watercolours creating some new style Quirky Portraits.

I am working on my own style. But you could say Danielle Donaldson meets Toni Burt. These artists are both a great inspiration to me.

I am trying to come up with a quirky title for this Quirky Lady. Everyone who sees her says that the houses look like a crown on her head, which was actually my intention. So I would love to hear your ideas for a quirky title. Please leave me a comment.

I am currently working on more paintings for this ‘Off the Top of My Head’ series. I have some great ideas which I can’t wait to put to paper. Watch this space!