Eclectic Studio - Tammy Morrison-Koenig

I try and pull my sketchbook out every chance I get. Whether it is to create a background for later use or to create a study or painting from the pages that are "in waiting".  Using my sketchbooks regularly gives me the opportunity to intuitively paint. I grab whatever I have at hand and just let myself go. Because I work in a lot of portraits I find that these images just appear, others may find that this happens when they work with animals or landscapes or even abstract arts. This painting started with a background of stamps, dictionary paper cuts, stencils and wound up with very little if anything of that background showing through after adding some hard and soft pastels to finish it off. I guess it is what it is.

I pulled out my art journal the other day while it were were watching the first snowstorm of the year and I was inspired by the start of the Halloween season. This, as you know, is my most favorite time of the year.  When I start a new journal page I try not to start a painting on a white background so when i finish a different piece I will clean my palette by scraping and smearing the left over paints on other pages throughout my journals. This page started with a smeared purple background then I went a little wild added some gesso, stamps, stickers, dictionary page, acrylic paints, heavy body gel medium, gel pens, oil pen and pencil, decoupage, ink and sgraffito, pretty much everything AND the kitchen sink from my art box to create this fun little mixed media piece.  If you like this journal page feel free to search out a some of my other Halloween inspired props, decor and art projects here: Halloween projects   Wishing everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN! If yo...

8*10 wrapped canvas Acrylic pouring is an exciting, unpredictable painting technique that doesn't involve brushes and can provide you with finished paintings or interesting backgrounds for additional techniques such as this one. Here is another revamped failed pour painting that after the addition of ink and watercolor it transformed it into something spectacular. Carefully places accents help to acentuate the.hair and weathered face of this individual.  I also tried really hard not to cover all of the beautiful background instead using the texture to my advantage. I LOVE this painting, it has everything I look for in a self-critic of my work, contrast, color, spontaneity, interest, lost and found edges. I hope this inspires you to try something new. If you found this of interest remember sharing is caring.