DEB
MAGELSSEN
STUDIO          

Working Creatively with Inspiration, Hope, and Heart!

Once in a while, I come across new things to paint with or paint on and these 6"x6" Canvases from Cheap Joe's are so fun to work with!  I do several every morning and play around with images, colors and shapes to create "Tiny Treasures".  They are fun to do because you can create a small painting in a short amount of time all the while learning, experimenting and exploring new painting techniques. I really do have the best job in the world!

My studio space is only 12'x14' wide and things can get crazy and messy.  I have to be organized so I do not waste time time looking for things.  I start with warm ups.  I paint smaller paintings and work towards larger sizes.  This keeps me free and spontaneous.  I have a blast painting what I love, and so should you!.  Keep it fun, even if you hit a "hard spot".  Those times when you are stuck on what to do next.  Leave it alone for awhile, and come back to it with fresh eyes,  You will see what you have to do.  Sometimes you may want to take some things out.  That is always a good choice, too. Keep your options open at all times!  Go for it!

PAINTING TIPS!

"The Importance of Intentions"

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why do I paint?'  If you are painting to impress others, you will eventually be frustrated and depressed with your work. 

You should always paint what you love. Dreams, Idea's and Intentions that stir your own heart. Before you lay down that first brushstroke, you should have an intention. It can be humorous, serious, goofy, tragic, joyful, restful, energizing-whatever!. Anything that creates a human connection.  That's what art is all about. 

 Soul to soul.

Intellect to intellect.

 Heart to heart.  

Awesome Art Products:

Robert Burridge Color Wheel

 If you haven't already noticed, I am a huge fan of fine artist/painter, Robert Burridge.  Here is his awesome color wheel that I absolutely love.  My Awesome Abstracts are a direct result of workshops I attended with him and the use of this magical and (very cool) color wheel. I use it all the time in my studio. Sorry, you can't have mine!

To get yours,  and a very smart buy, check out his website at http://www.RobertBurridge.com .

Deb's Favorite Quote's

"Don't give up hope, honey. Keep your head up, but not too high."    

Patricia W. Reese  (My late mother)

Art Lesson's!

Watercolor- COLOR!

Eventhough I have been painting for most of my life, I still love books that help me become a better artist.  I just ordered, Nita Leland's book, "Confident Color" from 

North Light Book Club.  I use books all the time to help me see better, learn from, and work out the idea's that I want to implement as works of art. I am mostly self taught and I have to give North Light Book Club huge kudo's over the years for helping me emmensely in the area of self study. Every month there is a wonderful selection of books to choose from.

I want to advise you beginners to read as much as you can about color.  Then, dive in and experiment with all sorts of colors. Think, study, and look at all the variations of colors you can achieve.  It is endless!  Because of the endless variety of color, beginners can become overwhelmed with all the choices. 

Just start with the ones on the color wheel, (yes, the one from second grade), and use them.  Mix them, lay one color next to the other, glaze over with another color, etc. In other words,  just play with color for awhile.  Then, add one, or two more colors and experiment with that. 

Start to paint with some basic knowledge of color to ward of major frustrations. Have fun and do not worry about trying to make a masterpiece.  Practice makes perfect- right?   

  Happy Painting!