My First Art Tutorial Video (Paint Splatter And Drips)

The paint splatter I created during my very first art tutorial.
Don't Drink The Paint Water Mug avalable HERE.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a photo of my "Art Sisters 4 Ever" Greeting Card on Instagram and got a comment from a fellow artist named Jessie who asked if I could make a tutorial on how I created the paint drips I used for that image.  I have to admit my first thought was, "I don't create tutorials!" but then I thought, "Why don't I?"

Before I could talk myself out of it, I replied to Jessie that yes, I would create a tutorial for her.

Of course after that my anti-muse/inner perfectionist started talking to me.  She told me I better do some research on how to do this correctly, that I might need some kind of new equipment to do it perfectly, that I should probably spend hours practicing before I attempted it...blah, blah, blah...yada, yada, yada.

I listened to my anti-muse for far too long resulting in many days of procrastination and then finally I decided to sit down at my desk and just do the best I could at that point in time.

So below you will find my very first video tutorial.  It is so far from perfect!  I know I had problems with lighting and video quality and I didn't even realize there was train noise in the background until I watched it back.  However, that is life in my studio! Hopefully, it still does the job of demonstrating my technique for Jessie or anyone else who was curious about it.

While I sincerely hope that my imperfect video is of some value to my fellow artists, I know that the act of creating it had value for me.  It reminded me of the fresh energy and inspiration that comes with trying new things and that the best way for me to learn is by doing.

So thank you Jessie for getting me to try something outside of my comfort zone.  It is just one more example of the good things that can happen when artists support and encourage each other!

I'm excited to experiment more with taking videos (and hopefully I will get better at it) and even created an I Believe In Art YouTube Channel for this and future video projects.

If you would like to suggest an idea for a future video, share tips for how to make them better than this one (I would be so grateful) or just want to say hello, please feel free to do so in the comments below.

Thanks so much for reading and viewing.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

Creating Time And Space

When And Where To Make Art

Every now and then I will receive a comment on one of my posts on The I Believe In Art Facebook Page from someone who is struggling to find enough time and/or space to make art.  I always try to offer these people my best advice but often I don't have the time (and it isn't the right forum) to really address the problem, so I'm going to try to do that with this post.

I have to tell you that my challenges with making art do not currently include a lack of time or adequate space but that doesn't mean I can't relate to these issues.  My good fortune is not solely due to luck but also to some very conscious decisions that I have made over the last several years.

The big decision I made around the time I started this blog was that my creative life was the most important thing to me and I was going to put it first.  This led to a million smaller, daily decisions and a process of evaluating my time that I continue to practice every day. For one example of what I'm talking about, read my I Don't Do Dishes (and other shocking confessions) post from 2012.

The bottom line, in my humble opinion, is that if you are not finding enough time or space to make art, then you are making something else more important. That's not necessarily a bad thing, however. I know it may seem shocking to hear me say this but I am aware that there are things that are more important than making art. Maybe in this season of your life working two jobs to support your family is more important or taking care of a loved one is more important or just getting your life in order is more important. Maybe at the end of a long, hard day, the best thing you can do for yourself is to spend time with your family or socialize and find support online or just relax and watch Netflix. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But if you are an artist, and by that I mean that the process of creating something sets your mind free and feeds your soul, then you have to make art as important as anything else that nourishes you. For you, creativity is like eating or sleeping. Depriving yourself of it just isn't good for you.

If this is you and you still aren't finding time or space to create then you have a problem and it's time to take that first step by admitting it. And the second step is to ask yourself, what are you making more important? Is it pleasing other people? Is it Netflix or Facebook or reading blogs (not this one of course)? Is it fear of failure or perfectionism? Only you know the answer to this question but do yourself a favor and don't stop asking it until you get the answers.

I believe that when you do your priorities will automatically shift and dictate your choices but here are a few suggestions for creating time and space for art in your life anyway:

Creating Time

Just think about making art. Daydream about it while you are waiting in line somewhere or in your car or as you're drifting off to sleep. Imagine the things you would create if you had more time and let that motivate you to find it.

Make a list of the ideas or projects you would work on if you had more time and then ask yourself what small step you could take right now towards realizing just one of them.

Commit to just five minutes a day of doodling or drawing.

Give up something you hate doing (like the dishes) – delegate it to someone else (even if you have to bribe or pay them) or just leave it undone for a day or two (the world will not end) – and do something creative instead.

Give up something you love doing (even if it's just for a day) because you love art more.

Creating Space

Be realistic about the space you need. Most people don't require more than a place to sit comfortably and spread out their materials, a bed or a dining room table or a desk in a corner by a window are enough.

Make a mobile studio using an art cart and/or putting wheels on an easel or work table. Think of yourself as a free spirit, gypsy of an artist who is free to create anywhere you damn please.

For God's sake do not get on Pinterest or do a Google image search for art studios unless you are actually planning on creating a studio and looking for practical ideas. If you want to dream about having a studio (and not just torture yourself with envy) then go draw a picture of what yours would look like or create a signature work of art that you could hang in your future studio to represent your style and expertise.

If you really think you need a kick ass studio in order to create art then by all means, give yourself that gift. Be a bold explorer and stake your claim to another space in your home. Sacrifice having a guest room or a dining room or a garage or storage space. A creative person I greatly admire (Tracy Porter) once moved her bed into a closet so she could use her bedroom as her studio! You're creative, remember? You can figure something out!

Okay, I'm going to stop telling you what to do now and go make art.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to share your own struggles with, or solutions for, creating time and space for art in the comments below.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

A Sacred Place

The Desk And Easel Area In My I Believe In Art Studio

If you follow I Believe In Art on Facebook or Instagram you may have seen some evidence that I was struggling with keeping my art studio tidy lately. The truth is that clutter in my art studio (and other places in my home) has always been a struggle for me.

Honestly, for the past few months I've mostly just accepted it and lived with it because I was busy tending my gardens but now that the dog days of summer are here I've been spending more time indoors and finally I decided I just couldn't take it anymore.

So there I was in my studio last week, going through a big stack of “what the hell is all this?” crap and feeling totally overwhelmed when I came across a scrap of paper where I had once written the following quote by Joseph Campbell:

If you have a sacred place and use it, take advantage of it, something will happen.

I remembered I also wrote that quote on my chalkboard wall above my sink when I first finished remodeling my art studio back in 2014. I'd wanted it there to remind me how fortunate I am to have my “sacred place” and of all the magical things that happen when I truly take advantage of it.

Now, three years later, I realized that I had forgotten that, not completely but enough that I wasn't honoring my sacred place like I should. So I got up and wrote that quote on my chalkboard wall again and then got back to work with a new clarity and renewed energy.

Chalkboard Wall And Sink Area In My Art Studio

It was kind of amazing how easy it was to make decisions about the clutter in my studio after that. When “sacred” is your standard, there is a lot that isn't going to make the cut! And yet at the same time I found myself letting go of the need to make things perfect because I don't think sacred has very much to do with how “pinterest worthy” your creative space is. I think sacred is more about feeling purposeful and peaceful when you are in that space. For me that means having the tools I use the most in reach and being surrounded by what inspires me.

A Sacred Place To Sit and Think, Dream and Plan In My Studio

So I'm happy to say that my sacred place is back in resplendent working order and that I have indeed been using it and yes, magical things are happening.

I'd love to hear about your sacred place or any thoughts you have about this post in the comments below.

Thanks so much for reading.

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

An Artist's Christmas Wish List

Holiday Greetings from The I Believe In Art Studio

Dear Santa,

I've been a little busy decorating my home for the holidays but, now that things have calmed down, I've had time to think about what I want for Christmas.  So if it's not too late, here's just a few things I'm wishing for:

1. A Vacation For My Anti-Muse

That perfectionist anti-muse that tries to keep me from making art has been working overtime around here lately. I think she really just needs to relax, have an umbrella drink on a beach somewhere and be told that everything is going to be okay. So please give her a vacation so I can have a vacation from her, thank you.

2. A Watch For My Muse

My muse never seems to know what time it is. She is always sleeping on the job when it would be convenient for us to be working together and then late at night she keeps me up working on crazy ideas. Give the woman a watch or a clock so I can sleep, please!

3. GPS For The Cleaning Fairies

I keep requesting that the cleaning fairies come tidy up when things get messy in my art studio but they never show. Obviously they are getting lost for some reason.  Please equip them with GPS so they can find their way to my house.

4. A Unicorn Pony For My Inner Child

Sometimes I forget to not be serious and that imagination is my super power. Fortunately, I have my inner child to remind me of these things and make art and life fun again. I don't think there's anyone in the world who deserves a unicorn pony more than her, so could you make that happen? 

Wait, nevermind, she just told me that she already has one (wow, talk about hard to shop for!). 

Update: Click here to see what my me and my inner child did get for Christmas.

5. Peace, Love and Art for Everyone

More than anything I just want people to be nice to each other, for us all to encourage each other and for everyone to be happy creating or enjoying the creations of others. Maybe that's not in your power but if you could work some magic to remind the rest of us that it is in ours, I'd appreciate it.

Oh and a stocking full of art supplies would be awesome too.

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.

Love,

Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

Never Stop Creating (Free Printable)

I never was very good at staying inside the lines.

I sometimes hear stories about people who decide to give up on creating art.  My first reaction is always one of shock.  How could they do that?  How could they just stop creating?  But I don't have to think very long before I remember just how difficult creating can be.

It can be difficult when you doubt yourself.
It can be difficult when you start overthinking everything that you do. 
It can be difficult when you let yourself worry about what other people may think.
It can be difficult when you keep comparing what you create to what others create.
It can be difficult when you second guess your ideas so much that you never even begin to create and find yourself procrastinating all the time.

So here's what you do:

Stop doubting.
Stop overthinking.
Stop worrying.
Stop comparing.
Stop second guessing,
and, for goodness sake, (note to self) stop procrastinating!

But Never, Never Stop Creating.

And if you want something to remind you of all this, you can click here to download my Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating Coloring Page for free to color in (or not) and hang it up in your studio or use it in your art journal or give it to a friend (but no commercial use - personal stuff only, please).  This design is also available as a full color poster and on other fun products at The I Believe In Art Shop.

My finished coloring page. 

Okay, one more time: Never Stop Creating.

No matter what.

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating T-shirt by IBelieveInArt
Create your own t shirts online at zazzle.com

Never Stop Creating (Stop Doubting, Comparing...) Poster by IBelieveInArt
Check out more Victoria lynn hall Posters at Zazzle

Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating 3 Ring Binder by IBelieveInArt
Create custom printed vinyl binder at zazzle.com

Paint Happens (And What I Do About It)

Paint Happens To Shoes

Paint Happens.  If you're an artist, you know what I'm talking about.  You didn't mean for it to happen, you don't even know exactly how it happened, but there it is: paint on the floor or the walls or yourself or the cat or any number of places.  So what do you do?

Well, first of all I want to say that it's okay with me if you do absolutely nothing and just be your paint splattered self as you continue on your creative journey in your paint splattered garb, surrounded by your paint splattered world.  However, if you find that you do want to tidy up a bit, here's some ways I get (or attempt to get) acrylic paint out or off of things like...

Paint Happens To Hands

1. Hands

This is the easy one.  Soap and water usually work pretty good.  For dried on, caked on paint (the best kind) it helps if the soap has some kind of exfoliating agent in it.  I use Brown Sugar Oatmeal Soap by Bubble Owl Soap on Etsy.

 Cruelty Free, Artisan Crafted, Plant Based Bubble Owl Soap

2. And Other Body Parts

To quickly remove paint from my hands or elbow or big toe or whatever while I'm working, I keep some exfoliating facial wipes handy.  They work like a charm.

Create And Exfoliate

3. Or Hair

Paint usually comes out of my hair with a good shampooing but when it is 2am and I just want to get it out quickly so I can go to bed, I use a little water and a detangling comb.

Paint Happens To My Desk (Paint Water Cups Available At The Shop)

4. The Floors and The Furniture

Most paint will come up pretty easily with a damp cloth when it's wet.  If it's dried and thick enough I can usually scrape it up with a putty knife or a razor blade.  If it's more like a stain, a little rubbing alcohol often does the trick.

5. And Finally, Clothes

This is the hard one.  What I should do is always wear the clothes that have already been paint splattered or remember to put on one of my aprons but sometimes I don't.  I find I can get paint out of my jeans if I get to it right away with one of those exfoliating wipes, or out of a shirt if I soak it right away, but usually these things just end up as new additions to my painting wardrobe.

So what do you do when paint happens?  I'd love to read your paint removing tips in the comments.

Happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

5 Art Quotes I'm Not Tired Of Yet (And Why)

Are you tired of all the art quotations on the internet yet?  Sometimes I think I am.  Some of them I see so much they have lost all meaning to me.  And yet there are others that always seem to spark something in me no matter how often I encounter them, kind of like a favorite song or poem.

So here are five quotes on art or creativity that still have the power to move me (and why):

An artist feels vulnerable to begin with; and yet the only
answer is to recklessly discard more armour. - Eric Maisel

I am not tired of the above quote by creativity coach Eric Maisel,  but sometimes I do become weary of the truth it expresses.  The fact that being an artist requires me to be vulnerable is definitely something I struggle with.  However, when I read this quote I realize that resisting it is futile and off the "armour" goes which, though scary, is also liberating.

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.
- Erich Fromm

I love this Erich Fromm quote because I actually find it a huge relief to realize I don't have to have everything figured out all the time. In fact, not knowing what the hell I'm doing can sometimes be an asset to my creativity if I just have the courage to experiment and let go of the outcome.

The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt. - Sylvia Plath

Identifying the enemy is important.  Sometimes I don't even know that it's doubt that is standing in my way until something like this Sylvia Plath quote reminds me.  Then I know what I must do: believe in art and believe in myself.

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful
state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

I want to be one of those people who wakes up and goes straight to the studio every day no matter what but I'm just not.  However, when I am inspired you can't keep me out of there.  This quote by artist Robert Henri reminds me that there are things I can do to get inspired - that getting myself to "that wonderful state which makes art inevitable" is my responsibility.

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control. - Julia Cameron

Why am I not tired of this quote?  Let me answer that question with another one: Why do I keep forgetting this?  Really, I can't be reminded enough of this simple but transformative bit of wisdom.  Thank you Julia Cameron!

Do you have a favorite quote on art or creativity?  Please feel to share in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

Art Studio Refresh

I can't believe it has almost been two years since my Art Studio Redo.  It still feels like a dream come true for me every time I walk in the door, even when it's a mess.  However, recently I have made a few changes here and there which I think make it even better.

To refresh our memories, here's how it looked back in April of 2014:

My Art Studio in 2014 - Click Here For More Photos

And here's how it looks today:

My Art Studio Today

As you can see it's not a huge change but I did switch out some of the rugs which made a nice difference to me.  However, the biggest difference happened on the wall above my desk.

Here's what that looked like before:

Art Studio Desk Wall Before

And here's what it looks like now:

Art Studio Desk Wall Today

I decided to move my art to my home gallery so I could add some deeper display ledges for my growing collection of art books and other stuff.  Then one of the art fairies got loose and did her magic above that which I think was the perfect finishing touch.

A Closer Look At The Desk Wall And Some Art Fairy Magic

My chalkboard wall really hasn't changed that much but here's a picture of that too, just for fun.

My Studio Chalkboard Wall Today

Of course the best thing about these changes is they are inspiring me to spend even more time in here making art.  Yay!

If you'd like to see another room refresh, click here to see The Cabbage Gallery Refresh over on The Cabbage Blog.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

5 Reasons To Not Make Art

Make Something

There are more than a million wonderful reasons for me to make art.  Number one would be that I really enjoy doing it.  And yet somehow I still manage to find a handful of ridiculous reasons to not do it.

Here are five examples of that ridiculousness and how sometimes I am able to overcome it.

1. I Can't Make Art Because Conditions Aren't Perfect

My Options (Dry Erase Board Available Here)

For me "conditions aren't perfect" usually means my art studio is a mess.  Perhaps for you it might mean that you don't have an art studio or you think yours isn't big enough or pretty enough or whatever.

There are two simple solutions to this: fix it or get over it.  I suggest the latter because it's quicker.  Believe me, I have spent years renovating, reorganizing and redecorating my studio and it hasn't made me a better or more prolific artist.  In fact, when I allow myself to embrace it, I find chaotic surroundings can be very conducive to creativity.

So when this excuse pops up I try to remind myself of that or just spend the ten lousy minutes it takes to tidy things up a bit.

Problem solved.  Next...

2. I Can't Make Art Because I Have Too Many (Or Not Enough) Ideas

My Beloved Idea Notebook

I get a lot of ideas.  I'm pretty good at writing them down but that's as far as it gets sometimes.  I tell myself that I'm overwhelmed, that I don't know which one to choose or where to start - blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda...

But here's the truth: when I have a good idea, I mean a really good idea, I usually can't stop myself from pursuing it.

Oh, and guess when these fabulous ideas tend to occur to me.  That's right, when I'm making art.

Enough said. Next...

3. I Can't Make Art Because I Have More "Important" Things To Do

Priorities

Note to self: Unless there is some kind of emergency or a Rick Springfield concert, nothing is more important than making art.

Next...

4. I Can't Make Art Because I Don't Feel Like It

"Art? You just do it."- Martin Ritt

I have this problem with exercise too, which is understandable because I hate exercise.  However, I'm probably more disciplined at making myself do it precisely because I never expect to feel like it.  I do this by just planting my feet on my yoga mat and not allowing myself to focus on anything other than my first move.

So when I don't feel like doing the thing I love to do, I try to remember to treat it like the thing I hate to do by just planting my feet in front of my easel and focusing on that first brush stroke.

Or I procrastinate, speaking of which...

5. I Can't Make Art Because The Internet




There are a lot of fun, creative and worthwhile things to do on the internet (like blogging, for instance).  However, when I find myself spending an inordinate amount of time searching for photos of cat tee-pees on Pinterest, it may be a sign that I am procrastinating on making art.

I hear you saying, "But Victoria, cats in tee-pees!  How can you tear your eyes away?"

It's extremely difficult but if I can just muster the strength and courage I need to click onto my I Believe In Art Pinterest board, I am often motivated to take my own advice and just go make some freaking art already.

Which is what I'm going to do just as soon as I finish this post, and so should you!

Happy creating!
Victoria

3 Ways Being An Artist Is Like Being A Mermaid

Out Of Water Mermaid Poster (available here)

I know that being an artist can sometimes feel like being a fish out of water.  However, I like to think of it as being more like a mermaid.  You know, mostly human but with a little bit of magic going on somewhere beneath the surface.

Need more examples? Here are three ways I think being an artist is like being a mermaid:

1. We Have No Fear Of Depths

Mermaid Thoughts from my art journal

I think most artists can relate to the following famous quote by Anais Nin:

"I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living." 

Though hanging out at the deep end of the pool sometimes makes us feel vulnerable, we know that is where all the treasure is.

2. We See Treasure Everywhere

Art Supplies are treasures all on their own (Mug available here)

Speaking of treasure, that stuff is everywhere when you're a mermaid or an artist. Things and ideas that seem odd, broken or insignificant to others seem to sparkle for us and even when they don't we can't help but think what a little bit of paint or glitter might do.  Oh sure, our caves may get a little crowded with all those riches floating around but is there really such a thing as too much beauty? I don't think so, either.

3. Not Everyone Believes In Us But The Ones Who Do Are Awesome

Some Of My Best Friends Are Mermaids T-shirt (available here)

Not everyone believes in mermaids and that's okay with them. After all, they don't want to share their treasure with just anyone. We artists could actually stand to be a little more like mermaids in this regard.  We so want to share the beauty we see in the world with others that we get disappointed when someone fails to recognize it.  However, every now and then someone awesome comes along who really gets it and that makes everything worth it.

I'm sure there are a lot of other ways artists are like mermaids.  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.  And if you love mermaids like I do, click here to check out the cards and gifts at my Imagine Mermaid shop on Zazzle.

Oh, and don't forget to like the new I Believe In Art page on Facebook!

As always, thanks for reading.

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria