Sketchbook Revival 2023

 

Watercolor sketch of lotus blossom by Marla Niederer as inspired by Jean Oliver session

Quite some time ago a friend introduced me to the free online sketchbook workshop called Sketchbook Revival.  It has been put on annually for the past few years and I always find it inspiring.  During the workshop there are two video sessions posted daily offered by a variety of artists for about two weeks. The goal of the workshop is to encourage people to add an art practice into their lives on a more routine basis. I personally find creating art a very relaxing almost meditative process.  It gives me something beautiful to think about every day.

I created this watercolor sketch of a lotus blossom inspired by Jean Oliver’s session from day one. 

 

Watercolor sketch of Lotus Blossom by Marla Niederer as inspired by Jean Oliver session

I also created this travelers style journal inspired by Ali Mannings session.  I created my own book out of the backs of watercolor paper pads covered with book cloth that I created with HeatnBond and fabric.  I used Arches 90 lb watercolor paper for the signatures and old watercolor paintings for the covers of each signature.

I am still offering Self Study step by step doll making classes in my OrsinisAngels Etsy shop.  You can find them by clicking on the picture below.

 

Self study classes by Marla Niederer

I started offering digital downloads for mixed media collage sheets in my Etsy shop and digital downloads of paper dolls that you can use in your mixed media projects or just to enjoy on their own.  You can find my digital downloads by clicking on the picture below.

 

Digital Collage sheets by Marla Niederer

This month I am sharing a two part series on how to use watercolors to enhance a graphite drawing in my OrsinisAngels YouTube channel.  I used a vintage Victorian photograph in the public domain as inspiration for the angels that I drew and painted.  You can see part one by clicking on the picture below.

 

How to Enhance a Graphite Drawing with Watercolors by Marla Niederer

You can see all of my free video tutorials on OrsinisAngels by clicking on the picture below.

 

Free tutorials on OrsinisAngels YouTube channel

I hope you have been enjoying a creative day today!

 

Until next time………………..

warm hugs,

Marla

 

 

Plein Air painting and new free tutorials

 

Windmill by Marla L. Niederer

I hope you are still enjoying a creative summer.  Over the past two weeks I have enjoyed some plein air painting.  Inspired by Yvonne Morell’s class I took my art supplies and sketched and painted a wonderful old windmill that just so happens to be located next to a friend of mine’s home.  It was such fun!

 

Wellesley Island by Marla L. Niederer

I also added color to a sketch I did while I was staying at a cottage on Wellesley Island this past spring.  Sometimes while on vacation there isn’t enough time to complete a sketch in color but I often take my fountain pen with me that my son made.  I just love using it while going out and about.  I keep water soluble ink in it and then can use just water and a brush to add shading or often I go back and add color with watercolors when I am home while using a reference photo.  I find the sketching I do while out and about becomes such nice souvenirs of my trips. 

I also wanted to share that this month on my OrsinisAngels YouTube channel I have shared two new free tutorials and will be sharing a couple of journal flip throughs in the coming weeks.

 

Accordion books by Marla Niederer inspired by 5 books in 5 days challenge 

The first free tutorial is on how to make an art journal out of an old book.  I had such fun with this so hope you enjoy it also.  If you are interested in viewing it just click on the picture below and it will bring you right to the tutorial on my OrsinisAngels channel.

 

Free tutorial on how to make an art journal out of an old book by Marla L. Niederer

For the book’s pages I used geli prints that I made.  I thought I would also share how I made the geli prints with you and posted a free tutorial in case you wish to make your own geli prints too.  You can view it by clicking on the picture below.

 

Free tutorial on how I made geli prints to use in  an art journal by Marla L. Niederer

Just a reminder, I have two digital original paper doll downloads in my shop now that can be used for your personal mixed media, collage, and junk journaling projects.  You can find out more about them by clicking on each picture below.

 

Estelle a digital fairy paper doll by Marla L. Niederer

Little Fox a digital paper doll by Marla L. Niederer

You can see a free video on how I assembled and decorated my paper doll Estelle on my OrsinisAngels YouTube channel by clicking on the picture below.

 

Free tutorial on how to assemble Estelle by Marla L. Niederer

If you wish to see and find out about my self-study classes you can click on the picture below.

 

Self Study Classes by Marla L. Niederer

If you wish to see all of my free video tutorials on my OrsinisAngels YouTube channel just click on the picture below.

 

Free tutorials on OrsinisAngels YouTube channel

To see all of my free tutorials click on the picture below.

 

Free tutorials by Marla L. Niederer

To find out more about me just click on my picture below.

 

About Me

Untill next time…….

 

Warm hugs,

Marla