Happy March!! I'm feeling SPRING in the air, and hope YOU are too!!

This month in the Celtic Collective we are studying mythical centaurs, and can't wait for you to try these FOUR new lessons with us :)

For this project, I initially thought I might watercolor him, but then loved the way he looked in graphite so much, I decided to keep him that way! If you feel like you want to watcolor yours, go ahead!

Just make sure you're working on watercolor paper. 

As always, feel free to use whatever you have and love most.

Here's what I used for this project...

0.5 from my Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil Set:
https://amzn.to/2GFzZlf


0.3 from this (affordable) set:
 https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL


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


Blackwing Matte pencils https://amzn.to/45mgirV


Blending Stumps https://amzn.to/450KGID


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

Tombow Mono Eraser https://amzn.to/3Ov36ds


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

I absolutely LOVED making this project!! 

Isn't she majestic?! I hope you love working on her as much as I did!

I kept myself to a limited watercolor palette, using only the Prima Woodlands set, and left you not one, but FIVE reference images in the classroom to help you along :)

If you're new to watercolor, feel free to dive in and follow me because everything is step-by-step.

If you feel like you could benefit from an intro or refresher to watercolor first  - the Watercolor Basics lesson is a great place to start in your practice journal. (This is also a fab warm-up if you haven't done this lesson before and want to experiment with a  variety of techniques).

0.5 from Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil Set
https://amzn.to/2GFzZlf


Fabriano Cold Press 11" x 14" https://amzn.to/45oeAql
I used 18x24," but use the size YOU feel the most comfortable with!!


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


Prima Woodlands Watercolor Set https://amzn.to/3SHXRum


Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes Round numbers 1, 2 and 3 https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order


Pentel Arts Sign Pen (in brown) w/ Micro Brush https://amzn.to/3JhAjZ2


Colored pencils by Prismacolor that match the watercolor colors
Copic white for highlights https://amzn.to/3DO2r23


Transfer paper for the Celtic Cross: https://amzn.to/483zpbh

🧚Wanna do this 2.5-Hour Lesson? Heck ya, you do!!

​How cute is this little guy?!

I LOVE everything about him from his little worried expression to the gorgeous, rainbow color scheme Lucy created!!

Lucy used alcohol markers for this project, but feel free to go your own way and do watercolor or whatever else floats your boat.

If you're new to alcohol markers and feel like you might benefit from an intro or refresher to markers, this simple floral lesson is a great warmup of how it FEELS to work with alcohol markers before jumping into a more in-depth project :)

• ​Marker paper (Lucy loves Strathmore marker paper)

• Lucy first sketched her drawing out on scrap paper using a blackwing, then transferred it to the marker paper using a lightbox and cool-erase pencils

• Ohuhu markers in the following colors: E090, E490, R18, R27, R26, YR148, YR209, V020, V160, P4, BG3, BG9, G120, Y1, YR070, B050, P3, V250, B350, R1, G340

• Black fineliner pen

 

• White gel pen

 

• Colo-erase pencil in brown & peach

 

• Lightbox for tracing (you don't need this if you are drawing directly on you marker paper!)

🧚Ready to start this 1.5-hour cutie?! Me too!!!

I love this one toooooo!!

From the mighty warrior centaur to the loose background and touches of gold - Lucy's watercoloring is gorgeous as always!!

​There are three references waiting for you in the classroom to help you along with this project. 

• Watercolor paper 300gsm (any brand will do!)

• Colored pencils or cool-erase pencils in blues or greens (perfect for sketching out watercolor designs!)

• Fineliner pen in black (waterproof)

• White gel pen

• Metallic watercolours (I use the Finetec brand but any brand will do - or even metallic gouache or ink)

 

• Watercolors in the following colours (again - you can substitute for what you already have. Do not feel you need to go and buy these exact colors):
  • Winsor & Newton Naples yellow, Alizarin Crimson
  • Daniel Smith Burnt Yellow Ochre
  • Daniel Smith Apatite Genuine
  • Daniel Smith Amazonite Genuine
  • Daniel Smith Undersea Green
  • Daniel Smith Prussian Green
  • Daniel Smith Cascade Green
  • Windsor & Newton Neutral Tint
  • Daniel Smith Indigo

​
🧚Ready to play this amazing hour & 10 minute lesson? Me too!!!

No problem!! You can have JUST AS MUCH FUN with the replay!!

We have TWO Members-Only Podcast art alongs this month because last month's needed to be rescheduled to March 8th.

​I can't wait to see you again, Thursday, March 21st!

​Stay tuned to your inbox for details on time & link to join :)

Horses are such majestic creatures. If you loved the centaur lessons and are looking for more similar lessons inside the Celtic Collective, check out our *5 UNICORN Lessons* in graphite, on toned paper, in alcohol markers, with gouache, and watercolor!!

​👉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

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!!

Hello Celtic Collective Member!!

And an EXTRA SPECIAL hello to you if you're a brand new member!! 

Lucy and I (Karen) are thrilled to have you here and don't ever want you to feel overwhelmed.

This members only blog is a great place for you to go to quickly find all the links for your monthly lessons, extra links to resources to support those lessons, or to just look up lessons differently than you would using the Visual Index. 

On the blog, you can choose lessons by CATEGORY based on their topic, art supply, or lesson length.

We've also got a FOR NEW MEMBERS post with everything you need all in one place to help you get up to speed and feel more comfortable faster :) 

I don't know about you, but I can barely believe we're into November already!! Time always flies when we're having SO much fun!! 

This month we are diving into the style and artistry of Kevin Keele. If you're new to Kevin's work, he does the most beautiful illustrations. I'm a huge fan of how of everything he does, but especially love his work on toned paper and how he renders HAIR! It's out of this world. He's also got some really amazing fantasy art pieces. Basically, I'm obsessed.

​CLICK HERE to see more of Kevin's work on Instagram. 

Isn't she gorgeous?!

​I hope you love her, because she's one of our projects for this month!!

Kevin has ever so kindly given us permission to use his work as references so we can dive into his style and try to emulate it for our own personal growth (obviously not to ever sell, steal etc!). This is strictly for learning purposes and personal enjoyment at home.

This month your lessons can be found in the Master's Apprentice Classroom because that's exactly what we are this month! We're studying a Master to learn how we can improve our own artistic skills.

*Karen's product links are affiliate & for U.S. Residents Only.*

Our first project this month is to study the above reference to create our own glowing watercolor fairy. This project may look familiar to you if you follow me on YouTube.

She was in the background of my product review video for the Tropical Watercolor Set by Prima. In case you wanna check that video out to learn more about the plaette I used to create this lesson, CLICK HERE to watch watercolor set review, or simply press play below.

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

Arches Coldpress 300 lb Watercolor paper 9 x 12 https://amzn.to/3ERXSEd


Mechanical Pencils https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL


Prima Tropicals Watercolor Set https://amzn.to/461ajd8

Assorted Color Pencils


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


Silver Paint Marker https://amzn.to/3LuAK2w


White Gouache (honestly any white is fine!) https://amzn.to/3LvmAhB

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


Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes Mop #3 and Round #2 https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

Ready to start this 75-Minute Watercolor Lesson? Let's do it!

*Lucy's product links are affiliate & for UK Residents only.*

Lucy is typically a watercolor / gouache girl, so doing a drawing on toned paper was a little outside of her usual comfort zone, but she LOVED it!

​Again, as we have with all lessons for this artist study, we've gotten Kevin Keele's kind permission to use his work as references so we can learn from his gorgeous style and try to improve our own skills.

​If you'e never worked on toned paper before, you *might* want to visit the Toned Paper Introduction in the Maiden's Classroom prior to doing the next couple of lessons in order to feel a bit more comfortable. ​

However, if you wanna bulldoze your way straight into it - we respect that method as well (and often choose that route ourselves!), we've got you, everything is step-by-step in today's new lessons too.
​

Just a reminder, Lucy's product links are for UK residents. If you're a UK student, please use Lucy's toned paper art supply recommendations for Karen's toned paper lessons as well :)

If you're a U.S. resident, scroll down and grab Karen's supply list from the next project. Supplies can be used interchangeably for Lucy and Karen's toned paper drawing projects depending on where you live.

If you don't have any "fancy" supplies, don't sweat it - all of the toned paper drawings can totally be done in pencil or black pen.

• Pastel Paper in various colors (I think this one is perhaps a smaller size than I used) https://amzn.to/3tZYp4W
• White Stabilo All pencil (this is a multi pack option) https://amzn.to/3MxRvdB
• Tombow Mono eraser https://amzn.to/3QJ8s7v
• Uniball White signo gel pen https://amzn.to/40vjqAH
• Gelly roll white (an alternative to the Uniball) https://amzn.to/3FLbZvA (keep in mind that the gel pens come in different thicknesses so you can get a variety of thick to super fine if you wish!)
• black pens with different nib shapes https://amzn.to/3sjZqV2
• Chinese brush pens https://amzn.to/3SrjsYd​​

You can also use just a black gel pen or even a biro (or similar office type pen!)

Ready to start Lucy's 1-Hour Profile Lesson? Let's do it!!

Wanna try a 3/4 face in this same amazing style?

I hope you have as much fun with this lesson as I did!

She's actually kind of a bonus lesson for you because the original toned paper drawing lesson I recorded turned out a bit warbly. I didn't know it until I was done filming. You're still getting that lesson too, but hopefully this extra will make up for the fact that the quality of my other toned paper project isn't as awesome as usual :)

Strathmore Toned Grey paper (while this is Mixed Media paper, I ONLY use it dry) https://amzn.to/3Oq1sKg


Mechanical pencil 0.7 from this set https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL


White 1.0 mm from this set https://amzn.to/47hSR42


C5 and C8 Grey Copics from this set https://amzn.to/3tZvi1T


Black Gel pen 1.0 mm https://amzn.to/47fmQcX


Ready to Begin this 75-Minute Lesson? Click the button below!

Lucy has taken a different approach to this project and I can't wait for you to try it! She's doing a bit of a "mash-up" by using a reference photo of a winged angel, and rendering her in Kevin's style.

It's seriously SO awesome!! 

Supplies for the Winged Angel lesson are exactly the same as Lucy's supply list noted above.  And, just a reminder, if you live in the U.S., feel free to use Karen's supply list above to get the same results. 

Ready to start this 75-Minute Lesson? Press Play below!

Last but definitely not least for this month!!

This is the lesson I mentioned above where the video quality was not as great as it usually is. I wish I would've known sooner so I could've made some adjustments. But, I that's life, right? 

I'm sure you can STILL have fun with this lesson and I KNOW you'll learn something from it too.

I actually loved how my robed "wanderer" turned out:) 

​Supplies for this project are the exact same as what I used to create the Flower Fairy girl on toned paper, or what Lucy used to create her Fariy Girl. Make sure you follow Lucy's supply list if you're in the UK, and mine if you're in the U.S.

​Ready to start this 1.5-Hour Lesson? Click the button below!

That's TOTALLY ok!!

Maybe you'd prefer a scroll through the Visual Index on our website to see which project DOES catch your eye?! I think the Visual Index is such a cool feature for the Celtic Collective, and ALL the art clubs at Awesome Art School!

​Click the button below to check out the Visual Index.

If the Visual Index feels at all overwhelming because of ALL the fantastic choices, feel free to click on the Maiden's Classroom to brush up on some simpler art techniques, learn about an art supply that's new to you, or to do a smaller "warm-up" type project in your "practice journal," like watercolor tartans or clouds in a moody sky!

If you're ever feeling like you're in a creative slump, just doing some little exercises or mini projects like these can help to release any pressure you've been putting on yourself in your own head.

I also REALLY love the idea of calling a journal my "practice journal," or even my "crappy journal!" LOL! It totally makes me feel better - like who cares if you mess up?! It's just the practice journal :) Heck, you could even put ALL your projects in the practice journal!! And if one turns out amazing and you wanna frame it - you can easily cut that single page out!

Another way you can choose a project is by visiting the Latest Lessons Classroom to work on one of the awesome projects released LAST month!

Aren't they gorgeous?! And they're not TOO Halloween-ish that you couldn't do them at any point during the year, right?!

There's NO WRONG WAY to choose a project to work on. Everything is here for YOU to enjoy at your own pace, on your own time, whenever you're ready for them!! 

We hope you have SO much fun with whatever you choose, and hope you share a pic of your finished pieces in the Facebook Group. 

Remember, simply add the hashtag #CelticCollective to your post for a chance to be entered to win a prize during the next Giveaways LIVE on December 1st! Soooo fun!!

And YES, if you post multiple pieces of art with the hashtag, you get to enter the drawing MULTIPLE times and have a higher chance of winning!! Woohoo!!

Happy Art-ing!