Last month's art lessons on the "friendly" Fae Kings & Queens were soooo much fun! But Lucy and I were both equally thrilled to create their sinister counterparts! Where else in our lives can we feel like it's Halloween in MAY?! This month's Celtic Collective lessons feature projects in watercolor and gouache!

Before we get toooo far into this project, let's talk watercolor paper!
Over the years, I've discovered working on higher quality watercolor paper REALLY makes a difference, and somehow makes watercoloring EASIER. I also feel that working on larger paper for projects helps us to "spread out," so for this particular project, I opted to work on Arches 12"x16" cold press watercolor paper. 

I've also never done fountain pen ink painting on high quality watercolor paper, so this is kind of an experiment to see how they work together (or not!). ​As always, please feel free to use what you have and love!! Here's what I used...

Random Washi (would have preferred painters tape but couldn't find it).

The paper was Arches 100% ColdPress Cotton 12" x 16" - VERY textured, VERY expensive.
https://amzn.to/3U659rg

I used 0.7 from Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil Set
https://amzn.to/2GFzZlf

Can't afford that one? Here is a link to a super and VERY affordable (and cute!) set I just picked up that has all the same pencil leads in it!!
 https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes Rounds and Mops https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

I used several new watercolors all by Angora - they were supposed be "Opaque" but, are not :) It's difficult to say what the colors are because they don't have names or numbers but I do my best to call out which pan they are as I go. I used about 4 of those colors for both of their skin tones. https://amzn.to/4aDyu3z

Vanish Eraser 3 pack https://amzn.to/3DJp8EF

QoR Watercolor in Burnt Umber https://amzn.to/3vWCLQt
Payne's Grey,

Violet from Derwent Paint Pan Studio Set of 24 https://amzn.to/3xfjwln

Daniel Smith Watercolors in MoonGlow (background) https://amzn.to/443D7RQ

Daniel Smith Carbazole Violet https://amzn.to/3xAr9TA

Noodler's Ink Lexington Grey (permanent) https://amzn.to/3DLWS2d

Noodler's Ink Widow Maker (red) https://amzn.to/3tCN1Gp

Copic white for highlights https://amzn.to/3DO2r23

I was SO SAD not to be able to use my Pentel Pocket Brush Pen on the rough surface of the paper, so reached for this pen by Tombow instead: https://amzn.to/4d5hwgb

I JUST bought those, not knowing what I'd need them for, but apparently the universe did so yay!

I also needed to use some Artist Big Brush Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell because again, my paper was so rough I needed something more "Hardy" than my soft watercolor bristles to paint his long gross hair, lol!

Luckily the Pitt Pens did just the trick!! Unless you're working on super rough paper you don't need to invest in them. I use them all the time in the Mixed Media Society, my first use for them here.

​Truly, no need to invest, they are $$$ and I was just being lazy! I really could have continued with the watercolors or switched to gouache for a more opaque look.

🧚Ready to start this CREEPY 2.5-Hour Lesson?? Let's go!!

Somehow for me, whenever I'm doing a dark and "evil" art project, I reach for my elegant writer and inks! They're soooo moody!! If you've never used the elegant writer before, it's actually a calligraphy pen that's watersoluble. My favorite thing to do with the activated ink is to blot it with a paper towel to LIFT some of the ink because you can achieve some REALLY COOL pinks and purples, like this...

Hot Press watercolor is perfect for this project as it's nice and smooth for drawing on but can still work with the water you'll need to activate the pen lines.

Fabriano Hot Press 11" x 14" https://amzn.to/3Ysrp0f

0.5 and 0.3 (the best for tiny facial feature and those horrible hands) from this Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil Set https://amzn.to/3OMntBT

All you'll need is 1 Elegant Writer https://amzn.to/4dbq9Wo
(I LOVE the chisesl nib because you can make both fat and thin lines, as I demo in the first video for this lesson).

I'm using a few of the Rounds (Numbers 1 and 2) by Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

Noodlers Ink La Reine Mauve https://amzn.to/3whEGz4

Noodlers Highlighter Firefly Yellow https://amzn.to/4aNXsNB

And I couldn't track down that weird green ink I was using!

And white for highlights, a MUST! Copic Opaque Paint with Brush https://amzn.to/3Dfr1ZW

The hand reference (which you can grab below) is from Anne Stoke's book https://amzn.to/3U5uXnm

🧚Ready to begin this 1-hour lesson?! I can't wait!!​

If you've never worked with gouache before, this lesson is a great one to get you acclimated. It takes a bit of practice because it's not quite watercolor, and not quite acrylic.

Feel free to do this lesson as a mini warm-up if you've never tried gouache before, or simply dive right in. 

🧚Ready to start this nearly 2-hour lesson?? Me too!!!

This one looks so amazing too!! I love the spiderwebs and color scheme.

Use whatever colors you love and have on hand.

​Here are the watercolors Lucy used...

​🧚Ready to start this super fun 2-hour lesson?! Let's do it!!

Don't worry about it! There's NO "behind" in any of the clubs at Awesome Art School. You art along when it's best for YOUR schedule. I'll always have a replay ready and waiting for you.

​Honestly, they're JUST as fun!!

We have a blast with EVERY art-along, but this one was particularly FUN!! Lucy and I both decided to work in gouache for this project. 

You'll love these too, if you didn't get to do them last month!

You were also given a "Cross Club" alcohol marker drawing lesson to go along with the FREE Mixed Media Speakeasy project if you're in the mood for something a little bit different!

​Both are free and super fun!!

​👉CLICK HERE to choose an alternative project in the Visual Index​

👉CLICK HERE to access a recent email newsletter

👉CLICK HERE if you're a new member and make sure you check out ALL the links in our FOR NEW MEMBERS blog post

👉CLICK HERE forVIDEO help navigating & finding your lessons

Happy New Year Celtic Collective member!! 

I hope you enjoyed some extra special holiday time with family and friends, and got to have some time just for you. If you didn't get some YOU TIME yet, Lucy and I have got such a fun month's worth of watercolor, gouache, and marker lessons for you to enjoy... in the magical theme of GNOMES! 

Don't these look amazing?! We both LOVED preparing these online art lessons for you and can't wait to see your versions of these awesome projects!! Let's dive in!!

I think it's safe to say I'm MORE than a little obsessed with how the project above turned out!! The wisdom is pouring out of this elemental with her dual colored eyes and mult-hued gray locks. I love how vibrant the colors are in this piece - thanks to an awesome combo of fountain pen inks and gouache. 

Did you know that gnomes are ALSO called Elementals? They can represent the elements of nature. I chose the element of fire for this project's inspiration and hope she brings a touch of power to your 2024!

As always, you use whatever art supplies you love and have on hand! Here's what I used...

Fabriano 1264 Coldpress Watercolor Pad 11" x 15" https://amzn.to/3RvR9pC

Fountain Pen Inks
Widow Maker by Noodler's https://amzn.to/3tCN1Gp
Black Drawing Ink https://amzn.to/3NMTECP
Nude by Jacques Herbin https://amzn.to/3a0xfuV
Raw Sienna by Diamine https://amzn.to/3vcWoDg

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes in Round 1 and 2 and Mop 1 https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

Gouache
Gouache cheap angled brushes are my favorite https://amzn.to/3MeHAqe

Turner Design Gouache in the following colors
(NOTE: you can always substitute acrylics for gouache!!):
White https://amzn.to/3TJqiJl
Neutral Grey 7 https://amzn.to/3RAAYY9
Jet Black https://amzn.to/3GYX1CN
Peacock https://amzn.to/48wum3Y

Watercolor pencils in red and brown

Sharpie Paint Pen in Gold https://amzn.to/3H09q9A
Pentel Arts Sign Pen w/ Micro Brush https://amzn.to/3JhAjZ2 (black and brown)

Copic White https://amzn.to/4aDutMG

​👇​Ready to start this 1.5-hour lesson? Let's do it!

This project is absolutely perfect for the beginner or anyone who wants to sit down and have a little fun with a simple watercolor project!

These little cuties are called Gonk gnomes, and they're actually part of Scandinavian folklore. They're supposed to bring good luck (if treated well).

​In the same way American children might leave cookies and milk out for Santa on Christmas Eve, Nordic families set out a bowl of porridge for the gonks on Winter Solstice. Too cute!!

Have you ever painted on wood before? It's super fun and can completely change the feel of your piece. The reference image for this little guy was just BEGGING to be painted on wood!

I painted my gnome in gouache, but feel free to use acrylics if you don't have that! Here's what else I used...

Wood slice: https://amzn.to/41BuwVe
Clear Gesso: https://amzn.to/3tAHk1O
White Gesso: https://amzn.to/3RvPrEI
Gouache cheaply brushes https://amzn.to/3MeHAqe

Turner Design Gouache in the following colors:
Night blue (darkest) https://amzn.to/3TG2FkN
Sky blue (middle) https://amzn.to/3GYLFih
Horizon (lightest although I could only find the link to the acrylic version which should be fine anyways!) https://amzn.to/3RBMy5b
Raw Umber https://amzn.to/3tqDHLQ
White https://amzn.to/3TJqiJl
Flesh Tint by Winsor Newton https://amzn.to/3vmJUst
Watercolor pencils in blue, red and brown

​Sea Sponges https://amzn.to/48asduX
Sponge brush https://amzn.to/48zNGgw
Copic White https://amzn.to/4aDutMG

I'm in LOVE with this little guy's bright blue eyes and handlebar mustache!! I think he's just the cutest!!

If you're not in the mood to free-hand this drawing with Lucy, she included a template for you that you can transfer onto your own watercolor paper in case you'd prefer to dive right into your watercolors today. 

Lucy used a colo-erase pencil to sketch her gnome.
​Here's what else she used...

Lucy has been LOVING playing with her alcohol markers lately. You would NEVER know she hasn't been working with them for long because she's an absolute PRO! Just look at the depth and dimension she created in this adorable little guy!! I can't even...

If you'd like to get right into coloring this cutie, Lucy included a template for you to trace inside the classroom.

She used a ton of gorgeous colors, but feel free to use fewer if you'd like to keep things a bit simpler. A good rule of thumb is to use a light, medium, and dark in the same color to achieve depth. And remember - the brand of alcohol marker doesn't matter- feel free to mix and match however you choose.

Here are the specific Ohuhu alcohol marker shades Lucy used for this project and more...

• marker paper (large size like 11 x 14 inches)
• A pencil and eraser
• fineliner pen (I used a thin one like 0.3 or even 0.1)
• White gel pen or paint pen for any highlights at the end

For the face from the Ohuhu skin tone set:

• RV 270
• R26
• R30
• R28
• R23
• YR212
• WG0 5
• R21

For the beard: GG020, CG3, BG070, CG5, BGII09

For the hat (and studs): MG020, MG060, BGII09, BGII05, BGI03, Y8, YR1, YR270

Clothing: Y230, Y7, GY173

Leaves: GY8, GY42, GY173, G240

Also used Y11, Y12, E380, E050, R280, V160 and R16

​Have SO much fun working on these new projects!! 

😜Goofing around at Lickleyhead Castle last fall😜

🧚CLICK HERE to access a recent email newsletter

🧚CLICK HERE if you're a new member

🧚CLICK HERE for help navigating & finding your lessons
​
🧚CLICK HERE for the Visual Index to choose a different project

Hey Celtic Collective member!! I hope you're having an amazing week so far. I'm about to make it even better, because today we're releasing not two, but FIVE new online art lessons for you in the theme of Gothic Angels!! How cool is that?! 

Lucy and I had a blast creating these projects for you and hope you have so much fun with them. 

​Let's dig in!!

This project was SO much fun. If you're new to the Celtic Collective, or to my world - painting with fountain pen inks is something I totally love! I feel like the colors are SO much more vibrant and opaque than watercolor.

If you've never done fountain pen ink painting- CLICK HERE to check out the intro lesson about this medium vs. watercolor in the Maiden's Classroom.

Don't have fountain pen inks at home? Do the lesson in watercolor - or any medium you want! Use whatever you love and have on hand, here's what I used...

My favorite Cold Press (textured) Watercolor paper by Fabriano 9" x 12" 50 sheets is what I'm referencing in the video:  https://amzn.to/2Vev3Lb

Mechanical pencil in 0.5 lead https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

J. Herbin Fountain Pen Nude Ink  https://amzn.to/3a0xfuV

Noodler's Ink Pecan https://amzn.to/2Y1jhpZ

Noodler's Ink in Navy https://amzn.to/47gX60e

Noodler's Ink Widow Maker (red) https://amzn.to/3tCN1Gp

Black Drawing Ink https://amzn.to/3QLtsZV

Brunch Date (pinky color) Ink I couldn't find but this Flamingo Pink is close, it's by Diamine: https://amzn.to/3R6w4D3

Fineliners like these are very affordable and a better option than Sharpies (which should not be used with alcohol markers) https://amzn.to/3DKH0i8

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen https://amzn.to/3WIhj9g

Copic Opaque Paint with Brush https://amzn.to/3Dfr1ZW
​
👉Ready to start this 70-Minute lesson? ME TOO!!

If you enjoy this fountain pen ink painting lesson, I shared links to FOUR other Celtic Collective lessons inside the classroom for you so you can keep on painting away if you'd like! These links appear beneath the final video for this lesson. 

Lucy and I have been creating lessons in the Celtic Collective for a couple of years now, and I think this is THE FIRST lesson Lucy has done in alcohol markers!! I know!! She typically works in watercolor and gouache and is such a master at both... but look at THIS?! The piece above does NOT look like an alcohol marker newbie. She's stunning!

If you're not in the mood to draw the face for this Gothic Fairy and just want to trace her so you can start coloring with your own markers, you TOTALLY can. Lucy left a template in the classroom for you.

If you've never worked with alcohol markers before, we highly suggest you try doing a little warm-up lesson in the Maiden's classroom where there's an Intro to Alcohol Markers.​

If you loved working with alcohol markers as much as we do, make sure you scroll down past the last video of this lesson because I've parked links for TONS of alcohol marker projects right here in the Celtic Collective for you to work on!

Not gonna lie, I'm a little obsessed with this chick!! Try drawing the face first because it's kinda tricky with the head tilt and small scale. If you've never worked with alcohol markers before and this is your first project- you might want to hop over to the Maiden's Classroom first for a little Intro to Alcohol Markers floral project before you tackle this one. 

If you're ready to go, let's dig in to supplies. Here's what I used....

Bristol Paper 11 x 14 https://amzn.to/3MkxzdY (you could also use super smooth card stock like this if you'd like to save a little money)

Mechanical pencil 0.5 https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL

Vanish Eraser 3 pack https://amzn.to/3DJp8EF

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen https://amzn.to/47qiAbk

Molotow Fineliners https://amzn.to/3Bp41GF

Molotow ALTERNATIVE (1/3 of the price) https://amzn.to/3DKH0i8

ArtBeek Alcohol Markers in the following colors (these are super cheap & SO juicy!): https://amzn.to/3MUajnz

BK28 and BK 32 for skin tones

BG3, BG5, BG 7 and BG 9 and Black for greys

Stone colors 20 and 97

3 for lips

71 and 183 for 2 shades of Blue (hair and skirt)

Sakura Belly Roll 1.0 big nib https://amzn.to/3SQ2inE
​
👉Ready to 80-Minute Lesson? Let's go!!

If you love this alcohol marker lesson and want MORE - make sure you scroll to the bottom of this lesson because I've dropped links for TONS more alcohol marker drawing projects to try inside the Celtic Collective!   

Have you ever worked with the elegant writer pen to draw? Lots of calligraphy artists use it, but it's kinda magical for art! Use whatever you have on hand and love most to create this drawing. Here's what Lucy used...

​​

• Watercolor paper 300gsm
• Pencil and eraser
• Elegant writer
• Paintbrush
• You may want a fineliner pen to add some extra details at the end too.

If you loved the elegant writer, you're in luck because it's what I use to create the Gothic Cathedral coming up next!!

I think you're gonna LOVE this one!! The elegant writer is seriously so much fun. My favorite is lifting some of the activated water to reveal that pinky teal that can sometimes appear like in the bottom right of the pic above. So pretty!! 

As always with watersoluble art supplies- you need to be working on watercolor paper. Supplies for me were really limited for this project. Use whatever you have and love. Here's what I used...

Fabriano Hot Press 11" x 14" watercolor paper https://amzn.to/3Ysrp0f

Elegant Writer https://amzn.to/3uiDyKe (I love this multi pack, I'll explain why in the video)

Watercolor Brush (I'm using both a Mop and a few of the Rounds from the Dream Set by Polina Bright)

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

Black Indian Ink https://amzn.to/3MQ9hZP

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen https://amzn.to/47qiAbk

Frisket (optional but I'm glad I used it) https://amzn.to/3G6hCEU

I also used a splash of Yellow ink by Noodler's but I still can't decide if I love it or hate it! Here's the link regardless. https://amzn.to/3G65mUS

👉Wanna start this 45-Minute Lesson? CLICK below.

Links to MORE elegant writer projects have been dropped at the end of this lesson in the classroom for you as well, if you're having a blast!

I hear ya. It's December after all!! If you're in the holiday spirit and looking for something more in line with the season, you might LOVE watching the replay of our latest art along in the Members Only Podcast from late last month. Lucy's gnome turned out SO cute!!!

Tons of students have been making their gnomes even more holiday-ish with snow, pine trees, holly berries- you name it! ​

The Yule Classroom holds a number of lessons Lucy and I compiled last December filled with information and imagery related to Yule, which is the Celtic celebration of the winter solstice.  

Feel free to check out the ​Visual Index if you're looking for additional inspiration. Have so much fun whatever you choose to create today!!

Happy Lammas Celtic Collective member! If you're not familiar with that term, it's a celebration of the time of year right in-between the summer soltice and fall equinox (August 1st). It's a happy time of year prepping for the first harvest and those yet to come! 

Learn more about Lammas in this wee lesson! 

Or...

❤️️Watch this week's Awesome Art School Newsletter❤️️
"Hi from Karen" Video!

All links are affiliate and are for U.S. residents - always use what you have on hand!

Next, it's time to settle into some seriously lovely lessons. Pull out ALL you fave watercolor art supplies, because they're gonna see some action this month!! 

Our first project from me (Karen), is this sweet little Terrain fairy, who you might've seen in the background of a recent YouTube video when I was swatching a new-to-me Terrain watercolor set by Prima.

If you watched the YouTube video (which was a demo of me swatching the Terrain watercolor set), you may already know that I challenged myself to complete this cutie only using the colors in that little palette! It's honestly kinda free-ing to just tell myself I can't even look at all the other endless color choices I have- and instead,
​I just need to create from what's right in front of me :) 

As always- you do you in terms of supplies. Here's what I used: 

Terrain Watercolor Set by Prima: https://amzn.to/46Qi9qz 
(or just your fave light blue, orange, yellow ochre, olive green and red!)

My favorite Cold Press (textured)
Zatercolor paper by Fabriano 11" x 14" https://amzn.to/2Vev3Lb

Molotow Fineliners https://amzn.to/3Bp41GF

Pentel Arts Sign Pen w/ Micro Brush https://amzn.to/3JhAjZ2

Copic Opaque Paint with Brush https://amzn.to/3Dfr1ZW

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

That's it!! Ready for this cute 2-Hour lesson??​

Next up, a FUN & EASY gouache circle project!

Feel free to create your own variation of this lesson on whatever shape of canvas, watercolor paper or art journal you're in the mood for, if you don't have a circle to work on like I did.

And, if you don't have a set of gouache, you can totally use acrylics!! Lucy got me into gouache (can I just say how hard it is to spell that word?! LOL). It's got this gorgeous matte look to it when finished!! If you've never used gouache (take THAT spellcheck!), here's a quick YouTube vid with more info on what the heck gouache is, and alternatives you can use if you prefer.

Ok, back to the lesson :) 

Use whatever YOU want, this is what I used:

10" circular canvas multipack: https://amzn.to/3OdFr2r

Gouache cheapy brushes https://amzn.to/3MeHAqe

Powercryl Creative Mark Pro Stroke ACRYLIC Brushes https://amzn.to/2JYhzkW

Liquitex Acrylic Gouache Cadmium-Free Red Deep https://amzn.to/3X882Zr

My Orange and Yellow were from this Golden So Matte Set https://amzn.to/3MHQygO

And White (by Turner as that's all I have) https://amzn.to/389Gu15 and Black: https://amzn.to/3lyKhZ5

Copic Opaque Paint with Brush https://amzn.to/3Dfr1ZW

White Transfer Paper https://amzn.to/43v1Z30

​Ready for this fun 45-min lesson?

Next up, some GORGEOUS lessons from our very own Lucy Brydon!! 

How freaking adorable is she?! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

Lucy said she went OUTSIDE of her comfort zone and into mine (WOOT!) for this lesson :) Usually she's all about detail and tons of layering, shading, you name it, and this cutie was a little more quick and dirty. Which if you REALLY know Lucy, isn't all that quick or dirty!! It still probably took her twice as long as it would me :) 

Use whatever you want,
here's what Lucy used (affiliate links, UK Amazon).

Pentel graphgear mechanical pencil 0.5 https://amzn.to/47e03iE

Daler Rowney Aquafine Textured Watercolour & Gouache Cold-Pressed
300 gsm A4 Paper Pad https://amzn.to/3QgAjfr

Arteza watercolor pencils https://amzn.to/43YjGZc

​Prismacolor set of 48 https://amzn.to/44QyhHp

Prima currents set https://amzn.to/3q3tTFT

Prima complexions set https://amzn.to/44NjVau

Uniball black gel pen https://amzn.to/3DHmVcI

PH Martin bleed proof white https://amzn.to/3QeJjlf 
(Lucy initially tried using a white paint pen,
ut the bleed proof white won out in the end!)

Polina Bright watercolor brushes
(use this link from Karen to get 10% off your purchase using her name, KARENCAMPBELL as the coupon code at checkout).

​Ready for this adorable 1-Hour Lesson?

If you thought the last project from Lucy was stunning, Lucy's Dark-Skinned Lammas Queen is one's gonna rock your world!!

Prima complexions set https://amzn.to/44NjVau

Daniel Smith Cascade green: https://amzn.to/3YiKEJH

Daniel Smith Transparent red oxide https://amzn.to/3qnaT5d

Daniel Smith Lunar Blue https://amzn.to/45eVrqv

PH Martin bleed proof white https://amzn.to/3QeJjlf

Pentel graphgear mechanical pencil 0.5 https://amzn.to/47e03iE

Fabriano watercolor paper 280gsm 15x11 “pack of 50 https://amzn.to/478RVzV​

Polina Bright watercolor brushes

a sparkly metallic watercolor for her earrings (Lucy used "Campbella" ones which are a little UK handmade company but you can use whatever you have - even a metallic gouache would work)

Daniel Smith Piemonte Genuine (couldn't find a link on amazon uk)

Ready for this gorgeous (less than 1.5 Hour)lesson?

​We hope you have SO much fun working on these projects this month!!

?Not in the mood for these lessons right now? That's ok! Scroll through the Celtic Collective Visual Index to find something else you ARE in love with!! There are so many fun choices!!
​

No problem! You can always feel free to try ANY lesson in the club because we guide you step-by-step through each and every one. BUT, if you've never played with watercolor, gouache, inks, etc. before- we suggest you either head over to the Maidens Classroom to start learning about what these products do and HOW to USE THEM to create your own art!

This is just a tiny glimpse of all the goodness the Maiden's Classroom has to offer you!! ​

We've decided to mix things up with our monthly club meetings. This time it's going to be a members-only podcast for YOU!! Still on the 21st.

Let's help you get settled!

The last thing either of us want is for you to ever feel overwhelmed.

❤️️Watch Our Celtic Collective Welcome Video❤️️

I hope that helps!!

In addition to all the resources we embed direclty into your classrooms at Awesome Art School, I also have an ENTIRE YouTube channel dedicated to helping club members!

​Sooooo many of your common questions may already have a video ready & waiting for you with the answer on the Awesome Art School YouTube Channel, or directly in the Celtic Collective classrooms themselves :) ​

Here are some quick resources in case you need them:
​​
✨WANNA REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT
to the lesson you've been working on
so you can come back more easily tomorrow?
Print a FREE Celtic Collective Navigation Sheet! 

​✨WANNA TRACK YOUR LESSON PROGRESS?
Download a FREE Awesome Art School Daily Lesson Sheet
to help you stay organized. 

✨TOTAL ART BEGINNER? Join us here to chat supplies, grab some cheatsheets, or here to start playing with watercolors & Lucy!

✨NOT AN ART BEGINNER & want a FUN project to work on? Scroll through the Visual Index to find one that floats your boat!!

✨WANNA POST YOUR WORK in the Facebook Group but don't know how? This one's for you!

Take Advantage of MORE Membership Perks!​ 

✨Use my 20% Off Code in Karen's Etsy Shop for Swag
​
✨Download any of my 6 FREE ebooks! 
Links are right under the calendar on this page:)

✨Grab some Cheatsheets from the YouTube & Cheatsheet Library (this is a BRAND NEW CLUB PERK!!)
​
✨Post my #CelticCollective artwork in the Facebook Group to enter the next monthly giveaway (always a Facebook LIVE held on the 1st of Every Month)! 
​
​Let us know if you need anything else!
​
Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

Hi there! I am SO excited (it's Karen, by the way) to bring you your VERY FIRST Celtic Collective Members-Only Blog!! 

My goal with this members-only blog is to help you stay up to date on what's happening inside your Celtic Collective art club membership so you can make the most of it and have THE BEST TIME creating fantasy art YOU love!!

Because, let's be honest, that's WHY we're here, right?! To have FUN with our art?! 

During July in the Celtic Collective, we've done some deep dives on the techniques and work by the uber talented, 19th century illustrator, Arthur Rackam.

If you haven't had time to check any of this out yet, don't sweat it. My new club motto is "Your race, your pace." There is no "behind" in any of the clubs at Awesome Art School. Everything is just waiting and ready for you whenever YOU are ready for it!! 

👇Back to Rackham. I did a little research on him and have some fun facts for you here:

Lucy and I added a number of lessons for you to the "Master's Apprentice" classroom that were inspired by Rackham's style, including this 1-Hour lesson...

✨Castle on a Cliff in Inks with Karen✨

Supplies Used:
All you need is some hot pressed paper, a dip pen and some black ink! A Watercolor brush is essential too. Here's the list of supplies, but PLEASE just use whatever you have on hand :)

Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor Paper 11” x 14”: https://amzn.to/3kVTJsj
Dip Pen Drawing Ink (permanent): https://amzn.to/3lDrG1w
Dip Pen (11 nibs:) https://amzn.to/40es1H4
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen: https://amzn.to/2JuVpmU
Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes:
https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell 
(use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order)

🧚3 DOWNLOADS are waiting in the classroom for you including a Castle drawing reference, an Arthur Rackham illustration, and a copy of my final version of this lesson in case you'd like to work with that alongside you :)

✨Modern Maiden in Ink with Karen✨

Supplies Used:
Again - use what you have on hand, here's what I used:
Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor Paper 11” x 14”: https://amzn.to/3kVTJsj
Dip Pen Drawing Ink (permanent): https://amzn.to/3lDrG1w
Noodler's Ink Walnut: https://amzn.to/3v3FAKy
Noodler's Ink Pecan: https://amzn.to/2Y1jhpZ
Diamine Ink in Sepia: https://amzn.to/3Ow9dMS
Dip Pen (11 nibs): https://amzn.to/40es1H4
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen: https://amzn.to/2JuVpmU
I used black, the brown and light brown from the Pentel Arts Sign Pen Set in Assorted Colors: https://amzn.to/41P42yq
And of course Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes: https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell 
(use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order)

🧚3 DOWNLOADS are waiting in the classroom for you as well including a hand reference (because who doesn't need that?!),
a close-up of my finished piece,
and a simply gorgeous Arthur Rackham illustration for reference to help ya through this 1.5 hour lesson :)​

✨Flower Fairy #1 with Lucy✨

Before I EVEN TALK about the supplies Lucy used for this lesson, I can't get over how much Lucy's piece looks like the original (shown below)!! Can you?! She's got MAD SKILLS doesn't she?!

Supplies Lucy Used:
300 gsm watercolor paper
Polina Bright watercolor brushes
some vintage looking watercolors (for example "goethite" by Daniel Smith, Burnt Umber, Siena)
Dip pen and waterproof ink

🧚Lucy has 2 gorgeous reference images waiting for you in the classroom including this one below, to help ya through this quick,
​30-minute lesson.

✨ ​Flower Fairy #2 with Lucy ✨

Supplies Lucy Used:
300 gsm Watercolor paper
Dip pen and waterproof ink
A selection of vintage colors of watercolor (like Daniel Smith goethite, Burnt Umber, Sepia, Bloodstone Genuine, Shadow Violet etc - I did not use ALL of these in this painting this is just a selection of the kind of colors that would be good for this project. If you do not have them do not worry just substitute with whatever you have!)
Some blue and yellow for the fairy dress

🧚Lucy has 2 gorgeous reference images waiting for you in the classroom for this 1-Hour lesson to help you with your own fairy!

This one is super magical and I've already seen a million verions of this floating around the Awesome Art School Facebook Group:) They are all just stunning!! 

Supplies Lucy Used for this one:
Gouache (if you do not have any you can use acrylics)
Smallish filbert or flat brushes, and various greys, black, white, blues and some peach gouache or acrylic paints.

🧚Lucy again has 2 gorgeous reference images waiting for you in the classroom for this lesson to help you with your own Fairy Queen!

​👉Not feeling it with these Arthur Rackham inspired lessons? That's ok! Scroll through the Celtic Collective Visual Index to find something else you ARE in love with!! There are so many fun choices!!

No problem! You can always feel free to try ANY lesson in the club because we guide you step-by-step through each and every one. BUT, if you've never played with watercolor, gouache, inks, etc. before- we suggest you either head over to the Maidens Classroom to start learning about what these products do and HOW to USE THEM to create your own art!

This is just a tiny glimpse of all the goodness the Maiden's Classroom has to offer you!! 

August is right around the corner, and we're heading into the Celtic Wheel of the Year- Lammas! Those lessons will all drop next Monday, August 7th. We can't wait to show them to you!!

I hope that helps!!

In addition to all the resources we embed direclty into your classrooms at Awesome Art School, I also have an ENTIRE YouTube channel dedicated to helping club members!

​Sooooo many of your common questions may already have a video ready & waiting for you with the answer on the Awesome Art School YouTube Channel, or directly in the Celtic Collective classrooms themselves :) 

Here are some quick resources in case you need them:
​​
🧚WANNA REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT
to the lesson you've been working on
so you can come back more easily tomorrow?
Print a FREE Celtic Collective Navigation Sheet! 

​🧚WANNA TRACK YOUR LESSON PROGRESS?
Download a FREE Awesome Art School Daily Lesson Sheet
to help you stay organized. 

🧚TOTAL ART BEGINNER? Join us here to chat supplies, grab some cheatsheets, or here to start playing with watercolors & Lucy!

🧚NOT AN ART BEGINNER & want a FUN project to work on? Scroll through the Visual Index to find one that floats your boat!!

🧚WANNA POST YOUR WORK in the Facebook Group but don't know how? This one's for you!

​ 🧚Use my 20% Off Code in Karen's Etsy Shop for Swag
​
🧚Download any of my 6 FREE ebooks! 
Links are right under the calendar on this page:)

🧚Grab some Cheatsheets from the YouTube & Cheatsheet Library (this is a BRAND NEW CLUB PERK!!)
​
🧚Post my #CelticCollective artwork in the Facebook Group to enter the next monthly giveaway (always a Facebook LIVE held on the 1st of Every Month)! 
​
​Let us know if you need anything else!
​
Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

We'll see you inside the club!!