I'm so excited the Shimmer Classroom inside the Celtic Collective is now open for watercolor beginners to enjoy :)

The Shimmer classroom features bite-sized lessons for beginner watercolorists covering EVERYTHING you need to know about supplies and simple techniques. 

🧚Ready to check out this awesome new classroom? Let's go!!

We each made a few of these, and I (Karen) showed off my favorite art supplies to take along with me while traveling. Just in case YOU happen to be headed off on vacation sometime this summer :) 

Isn't this little baby watercolor journal just the cutest (above)?!
I LOVE it!! And check out the fairy eyes Lucy created LIVE!!

If you couldn't join us LIVE, watch the replay with us and watercolor along right now. It's SO much fun!! 

Our next Members Only LIVE Podcast is on the 27th because I'm away on vacation on the 21st. 

Next month, we'll be releasing another new BEGINNER classroom inside the Celtic Collective for Gouache "Virgins", lol! Gouache can be a tricky medium to master- just like watercolor, so we want to make sure you have a solid foundation to help you feel comfortable :)

​👉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

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

This month, we're visiting the enchanting world of friendly fae royalty in the Celtic Collective! Lucy and I can't wait to teach you how to draw and paint these adorable King & Queen couples, a HOT young King, and SULTRY Princess! We'll be working in a variety of mediums including pencil, alcohol markers, and watercolor. 

This one is totally beginner friendly, so PLEASE don't shy away if you've never tried working with alcohol markers before, or if doing 2 faces (one being a guy!) intimidate you in any way. Remember, I'm holding your hand the entire way, step-by-step in this super FUN online art lesson!! 

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 :)

As always, use whatever you have and love most, this is what I used...
Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil Set
https://amzn.to/2GFzZlf

Bristol Paper 11 x 14 https://amzn.to/3MkxzdY

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

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

Ohuhu markers WG0.5, R19, R26, R29, Yr6 (crown) from skin tones set https://amzn.to/3XphRmx

and Copics for the following colors:
Greens YG63, YG67
Blues BG49, BG15
Purple V17
Browns E59, E79
Artbeek assorted (red, greys, dark yellow)

Do NOT get caught up in having the exact colors. Just pick quick and GO HAVE FUN!!

Sharpie paint marker for highlights or 3 pk White Posca Paint Pens https://amzn.to/3OLAiiu

​And a big bowl for the wreath :)

🧚Ready to start this 2-hour lesson? Me toooooo!!​

Another cute couple in alcohol markers!! So fun!! 
​
I love their matching crowns, freckles and smiles :)
And of course, Lucy's rendering of these two is amazing as always!!

Feel free to use whatever you love and have on hand.

​Here's what Lucy used...

11x14 inch marker paper​

• a pencil to sketch out
• Black fineliner pens (varying sizes to get different thickness of line are good!)
• White gel pen for highlights

Rather than listing all the specific marker shades, Lucy just snapped a pic for us, so if you need suggestions - here's what she was working with :) 

🧚Ready to start this awesome lesson?! Me tooooooo!

I think we should do HOT Fairy Kings every month!! LOL :) 

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

I used my Terrain Watercolor Set by Prima for this project. If you don't have it, but are thinking about purchasing this palette, I recently reviewed it on YouTube HERE.

​Here's what else I used...

Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil https://amzn.to/3OMntBT

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

TERRAIN Set by Prima https://amzn.to/47ln5UO

Danel Smith lamp black https://amzn.to/3DO0FOh

Danel Smith phthalo blue https://amzn.to/3OqfFXF

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

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

Flat Watercolor Brushes 1/2" and 1" by Silver Brush
(Velvet) https://amzn.to/49VPqC6

If you don't have any watercolor brushes I highly recommend this super affordable set and it does come with a flat brush too: https://amzn.to/3gCZWRZ

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

🧚Ready for this fun 1.5-hour lesson? Yay!!

I just LOVE this lesson from Lucy!! Isn't she gorgeous?!

Lucy used two other Prima watercolor sets for this piece - the Woodlands set (which has this beautiful turquoise in it! I reviewed it here on YouTube if you wanna see the other colors), and the Prima complexions set (reviewed here on YouTube). 

Don't worry if you don't have either of these palettes- use whatever you have. Here's what else Lucy used...

I LOVED this sexy fairy queen!!! Isn't she pretty? Tons of peeps have been posting their versions of her in the Facebook Group!

I'm so proud of everyone who did this lesson with us.

​We had a blast playing with everyone :)

If you weren't able to join us for this exclusive Members Only Podcast LIVE - please don't worry! That's what the replay is for :)

​CLICK HERE or press the button below to do it now.

See the LIVE Event scheduled for the end of April on the 28th?

This is totally FREE and is a mixed media project you might LOVE! 

You get FREE access to this as a Celtic Collective member:)

We'll be painting this Speakeasy girlie below, "Hambuger style!"

Amazing!! I love them too!!

Some of these aren't labeled as "Queens," but they're definitely diva royalty because of their bejeweled headpieces :) 

​Enjoy!!

​👉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 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!!

As the Celtic Wheel of the Year continues to turn, it's time to welcome the season of IMBOLC - the midpoint between Winter Solstice (Yule) and Spring Equinox (Ostara). I've left a little PDF for you in the Imbolc Classroom over at Awesome Art School so you can learn about the various animals, crystals, colors, flowers and more that symbolize this marking of time for the Celts.

Lucy and I have prepared FOUR new fantasy art lessons for you to enjoy this month to go with our Imbolc theme.

Let's get started with these lovely lessons, shall we?

In case you're new to the Celtic Collective, I've been making a 10" circle canvas to celebrate each season from the Celtic Wheel of the Year. We've only got TWO left after Imbolc until the collection is complete!

I did my Imbolc canvas in gouache, but it's more expensive to work with than regular acrylics, so please feel free to substitute, or use whatever you have on hand.

I LOVE working on circle canvases. If you don't - feel free to work on whatever surface you like. An art journal would be fun too! Just make sure those pages are nice and sturdy (when in doubt, use watercolor paper because it can take on just about any art supplies you throw at it!!). 

Circle canvases are pretty easy to find at local craft stores, but I get mine in bulk (5-pack for $20) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MMXWb2

Here's what else I used...

I've settled on these angled brushes as my favorite for gouache. Here is a GREAT deal (12 set for $9!): https://amzn.to/3wE77ow

Plus my trusty sponges:
Sea sponges https://amzn.to/3AumYGp
Circle sponges https://amzn.to/46ISEYt

For the grass you'll want to use a Rigger https://amzn.to/3HvlfVz

White transfer paper (the good stuff!!): https://amzn.to/42cBS1V

Here are the exact colors of gouache I used:​

Golden So Flat Bismouth Yellow

Liquitex acrylic gouache in the following colors:

Scarlet https://amzn.to/3U7AZFT

White https://amzn.to/42f9sEC

Black https://amzn.to/42f9sEC

Hooker's Green https://amzn.to/3UiA6KR

Vivid Lime Green https://amzn.to/3Sw45MT

Brilliant Purple https://amzn.to/47QjXzf

Light Blue https://amzn.to/497imWC

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen https://amzn.to/3SeV62n

✨Ready to start this 1-Hour Lesson? Me tooooooo!!

Imbolc (Feb. 1st), is ALSO known as Saint Brigid's Day in Ireland and Scotland, although it was originally a pagan festival... according to Wikipedia (where else would we get some quick backgroud to share?! lol!). Pagan Goddess Brigid was revered by poets and also associated with "healing, protection, domesticated animals, smithing and wisdom."

Some believe Saint Brigid is the "Christianization of the goddess, or that the lore was transferred to her," (read more here from the article I found if you're interested!). 

Artistically speaking, I tried an experiment in this lesson to see if masking fluid worked with fountain pen ink painting like it does with watercolor, and it DOES NOT.

Consider yourself warned here - when you see me playing with masking fluid in the video - simply ignore those parts and leave the leaves (LOL) until the end. You can totally do those in gouache or acrylics then. 

And as always, if you don't have inks or don't prefer to work with them today, feel free to do this entire project in watercolor, acrylic inks, or whatever you enjoy most and have on hand!

I'm more than a little ink obsessed and love my sweet stash stored in these vintage crystal bottles that I find at thrift shops everywhere at home and when I travel! And yes, some are totally from Scotland!​

Stonehedge Cold Press Watercolor Paper: https://amzn.to/3U86qjn

Ellipse Template https://amzn.to/3ZegSFV
and Circle Template https://amzn.to/3QwtxAt

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

0.4 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

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

Noodler's Ink Walnut https://amzn.to/3v3FAKy

Noodler's Ink Turquoise https://amzn.to/3uIyiv0

Noodler's Ink Habanero https://amzn.to/2R9bKEU

Noodler's Ink Apache Sunset https://amzn.to/42dGJjx

Diamine Ink Meadow https://amzn.to/3vYzo5X

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

Diamine Ink in Sepia https://amzn.to/3Ow9dMS (USE THIS NOT PECAN ABOVE)

​You'll also need some transfer paper for the Celtic symbol!

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

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

How gorgeous is this?! Lucy's work never ceases to amaze me :)

Lucy shared that common symbols during Imbolc are snowdrop flowers, lambs, and spring shades of blue and green - two of my favorite colors!!

If you look closely at the circle that surrounds Lucy's Imbolc Maiden, there is a Celtic knot. She said not to stress about this because she totally felt like hers was messy, but loved how it turned out in the end when she it with some watercolor.

Lucy also did this piece primarily in colored pencil FIRST, with a light watercolor wash on top. Interesting, right? Typically when I do that combo or art supplies, I reverse the order that I use them. I always think it's fascinating to hear how others work!! 

As always- use whatever you have on hand and love most!

​Here's what Lucy used...

✨Ready to start this 2.5-hour lesson? Let's go!!

Lucy is LOVING her alcohol markers lately. I KNEW she would!! She's created some amazing alcohol marker drawing lessons for the Celtic Collective over the last few months. I hope you have SO much fun with this one! It's filled with more snowdrop florals, candles, and Saint Brigid's cross - which (according to Wikipedia again, if you wanna read more) were woven and "hung over doors and windows to protect against fire, illness, and evil spirits." Interesting, huh?

Ok! Enough history, let's get to the good stuff!!

​Use whatever art supplies you have and love, here's what Lucy used...

​✨Ready to bang this lesson out in less than an hour?! I thought so!!

This is a party NOT to be missed!!

If you love a good laugh as much as we do, you've got to check out this replay!! It will totally crack you up, teach you about Robbie Burns Day (because who DOESN'T need to know about that?! Lol!), and MOST IMPORTANTLY, help you loosen up with a completely ridiculous project that is for nothing but sheer FUN!!

✨Catch the replay HERE & draw haggis with us!!
​
​😜YES, HAGGIS!!😜

I'm outta the office on our typical LIVE day (the 21st), so we're sliding the next Members Only Podcast art along to the 27th!!

​ Be there, or be square, friend!! 

👉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!!

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!

Hi Celtic Collective member!! I feel like it's "our month!" Don't you?! 

Time for the witches, good and bad, ugly and gorgeous to pull out their broomsticks and fly into the night...

By popular demand, it was requested that Lucy and I provide some sexy witches for our October's lessons to get us into the Halloween spirit.

​We were more than happy to deliver!! 

This month, your art lessons can be appropriately found in the Spell Casters classroom.

*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*

If you've been following me (Karen) on YouTube lately, you might recognize my Sexy Manga Witch project from the background of a book review video I did a few weeks ago on How to Draw Anime & Manga for Beginners. 

​​Here's that video in case you're interested and missed it...

If Manga or Anima are styles you're interested in learning, this book is all ya need to get started. It has amazing step-by-step instruction and breaks each project down into simple steps. I used one of the drawing projects in this book as the inspiration for today's lesson, then added my own twist, watercolor, gouache and posca pens to bring her to life. 

​I hope you enjoy! 
​

As always- use whatever you have and love, here's what I used...

Super cheap mechanical pencil set https://amzn.to/3OW5YBL

Canson watercolor paper 12" x 18" https://amzn.to/44eOqVN

Prima Watercolors Essence Set https://amzn.to/454WM3D

Polina Bright Watercolor Brushes Round no. 1 and Mop no.3 and rigger (free with Dream or Mop set actually!) https://www.polinabright.com/karencampbell and use coupon code KARENCAMPBELL to save 10% off your order

Turner Gouache White https://amzn.to/36XZ8bq

Turner's Designer Gouache in CARMINE https://amzn.to/3KKwFGV

Turner's Designer Gouache in NIGHT BLUE https://amzn.to/3P06e2u

Turner's Designer Gouache in DEEP VIOLET https://amzn.to/3shI7DK

LIQUITEX Bright Aqua Green https://amzn.to/3KMcGrp (USE THIS INSTEAD OF STARTING THE PUFFY PAINT PART IN TURQUOISE).

Posca Pens in Black and White https://amzn.to/3OZfKDg

​Circle Template https://amzn.to/3QwtxAt

​Ready to start this 2-Hour Lesson? Let's get to it!!

*All links to Lucy's products are affiliate & for UK residents only.*

How adorable is Lucys Woodland Witch?! I can't even!! 
​
She's got this innocent look to her, but at the same time looks like she knows WAY more than she lets on...

Lucy included a template of her drawing in case you'd like to focus more on your painting skills today, so look for that inside the classroom.
​

As always, use whatever you have and love, here's what Lucy used...

• Fabriano cold pressed watercolor paper (you don't need this make just use what you have!) https://amzn.to/45npeNv

• Colo-erase pencil for sketching out (but you can just use a graphite pencil if you want) https://amzn.to/46ydqcR

• Mono eraser by Tombow is super handy for erasing small details: https://amzn.to/3tmYKyo

 

• Some good all round brushes for gouache (I use brushes for gouache/acrylic rather than watercolor brushes) These ones by KingArt are AMAZING but I appreciate they are pricey - you do not need them! Just have a variety of sizes of brushes. https://amzn.to/3LRmhOm (this is for the set of filbert brushes but they also sell fine liners, flat brushes etc on Amazon too)

 

• Gouache in the following colors: White, Naples Yellow, Pink (I used "brilliant violet by Winsor & Newton) Mauve, Burnt Umber, Black and Olive green. I used a mix of Winsor & Newton and Arteza just because that was what I had at hand. You can see both here:
  • white: https://amzn.to/45ly7XY
  • Naples yellow https://amzn.to/3RTcco1
  • Brilliant violet: https://amzn.to/46yfAbM
  • Black https://amzn.to/48JpeKI
  • Burnt Umber: (this link is for Schmincke I cannot find it in W&N sorry!) https://amzn.to/3rKxVDG
  • Arteza Gouache set: https://amzn.to/3ZZMhwZ (this is good value if you want a lot of gouache for a cheap price!)

​

Ready to get started?
​I don't know how, but this lesson is ONLY a wee bit longer than an hour! (Did ya like how I worked the word "wee" into a normal sentence?! Love ya Lucy!!) She's a magician!!

Ready to give your watercolors a break and dive into the world of markers? Let's do it! Instead of doing this drawing from scratch, we'll be outling from our reference image and transferring that to a sheet of Bristol or cardstock to focus on our coloring skills.

?If you've never worked with alcohol markers before, you can totally try this project because it's all step-by-step, but it might help you feel more comfortable to do some SUPER simple florals with markers as a warm up before diving into a face.

​CLICK HERE to access these two projects in the Maidens Classroom.

?If you feel like you want a little more practice on a simpler face project before starting the Sexy Sorceress, this one is awesome. 

?You can also dive into your FREE ebook of Skin Tone Secrets to try any one of these easy coloring projects as a warm up or for extra alcohol marker practice after the Sexy Sorceress lesson.
​

?If you're already comfy with alcohol markers, let's get into today's NEW Sexy Sorceress! For this project I'm mainly working with alcohol markers from my fave Ohuhu Skin Tones set for the face part of the project: https://amzn.to/3XphRmx

Feel free to use ANY alcohol markers you have for this project.

I think I've tried all the brands, even alcohol markers from the dollar store with NO brand name! LOL. One of the biggest things I learned from all that research is that an alcohol marker is an alcohol marker, regardless of brand.

They can be used interchangeably in projects - or you can stick to your own favorite brands based on your own personal preference. My favorite brands are Copic, Ohuhu, and ArtBeek. As you'll see in today's project - I'm using shades from all three brands, maybe even more!

You use whatever you have and love.

​Here's what else I used...

Bristol https://amzn.to/3OlOZr0
(You can also use this cheaper cardstock alternative by Hammermill)

Molotow Fineliners set https://amzn.to/3Bp41GF0
Fineliners like these are very affordable and a better option than Sharpies (which should not be used with alcohol markers) https://amzn.to/3DKH0i8

Tons of fun purple, reds a black and grey from ArtBeeks and Copics for color.

​I used this for the earrings
Spectrum Noir Metallic Marker in Gold https://amzn.to/3Z5yXqm 

For the highlights and sparkles, I used a 1.0 Sakura Gelly Roll from this set: https://amzn.to/3YZ1Jc1

Transfer paper: Black Carbon transfer paper: https://amzn.to/3ajeau0

Ready to start this UNDER 30-minute lesson?
You are correct, it's WAY faster to work with markers!

I can't get over how gorgeous THIS witchy woman is!! Lucy's portraits in any medium are next-level. And if you're already wondering about the gold- YES, it IS gold leaf (by member request!).

Just like her other lesson this month, Lucy included a template so you can skip over the drawing part and dive right into painting if you prefer.

She told me the gold leaf was a bit of a "faff," which in American English means "an overly complicated task, possible waste of time," (according to google!). LOL. She said she might have preferred simply using gold gouache here - but she knew members wanted to learn how to work with gold leaf, so into the lesson it went!

If you don't have gold leaf, you can totally try substituting gold ink or gouache for a similar effect.

As always, use what you have and love, here's what Lucy used...

• Fabriano cold pressed watercolor paper. I use these packs of 50 sheets but you can also buy it in a smaller pad or block. https://amzn.to/46kqvGg

• Colo-Erase pencil for drawing out (But you can use a pencil instead!): https://amzn.to/3rE7orG

• Mono Eraser is super handy for erasing small areas: https://amzn.to/45sFkWk

• Prima watercolors complexions set: https://amzn.to/3F5UXrP

• Prima watercolors woodlands set: https://amzn.to/46Gwvcr

• Mod Lodge (or you can get specialist glue for gold leaf but I didn't have it!) https://amzn.to/48F81SB

• Gold leaf: https://amzn.to/3Q3ltIG

• A cheap brush or glue spreader - plus a fluffy large brush for removing excess gold leaf

• Ph Martin Bleed proof white: https://amzn.to/48H4zXy

​

Ready to go? You're gonna LOVE this 1-hour lesson!

No problem! There are SO many more projects inside the club just dying for you to try them :) Feel free to check out the Latest Lessons Classroom if you didn't get a chance to do our September Fairies in Jars projects. Just look at how many of these gorgeous girlies are flying around in the Facebook Group!! Soooo fun!! 

Find your Fairy in Jars lessons in the Latest Lessons Classroom!

I know there are a LOT of days coming up with me out of the office between family visiting and Lucy and I hosting the upcoming retreat. While we are not able to do a LIVE members-only podcast this month on the 21st, you WILL be getting an extra special lesson just for fun:) 

In addition... please take note of our EXTRA LIVE Draw Along event scheduled for Halloween!! We're so excited for that and hope so much that you can join us :)

Welcome!! The last thing we want is for you to feel overwhelmed.

❤️️This is everything you need to get started.❤️️

Have a wonderful week!!

Welcome to September and four brand new Celtic Collective lessons!! 

Last month "Fairies in Jars" were requested by the group,
so here you go - 3 fun watercolor lessons, and one literal fairy in a jar :)

We hope you love them!  

This month your lessons can be found
in the Seelie Court (Friendly Fae) classroom.​

​Just when you thought fairies were cute, putting them in jars takes them to a whole new level of adorable doesn't it?!

​Just look at this... isn't she the cutest?! 

As you know, working small is hard for me... so my wee fairy isn't quite so wee, and has ended up in a bit of a jar-shaped fish bowl, LOL!

Honestly, I suggest you do kinda the same, because for this particular project I'm creating my fairy and goldfish on a separate piece of waterclor paper and cutting her out to glue onto a seperate sheet of paper with my watercolor jar. You may want to do the same :)  

I left you a reference image of the most beautiful fairy girl holding a goldfish, along with 2 from me, including my final and a closeup of my fairy girl to help you along.

If you have your Celtic Collection book of reference images (or the eBook), this is where today's reference comes from.

✨Not sure where to find your FREE eBook? Click here to download it and print a couple of pages, or just pull up this particular image on your phone and set it next to you while you work. If you don't have a physical copy of this book and would like one, click here to order one from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YYLP1o​ 

I drew my fairy and fish on 8"x8" watercolor paper: https://amzn.to/44VzEoh

The jar was drawn on Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor Paper 11” x 14” https://amzn.to/3kVTJsj

Using Pentel GraphGear Mechanical Pencil https://amzn.to/3OMntBT

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

All the watercolors are from the Woodlands Set by Prima https://amzn.to/3DGOe77
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY THIS.
Simply use similar colors from your own stash.

Molotow fineliners https://amzn.to/45xkLsh
(ALTERNATIVES @ 1/3 the price https://amzn.to/3DKH0i8)

Frisket Set (brushes not included, just be sure to use stiff/OLD ones) https://amzn.to/3qj9BYT

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

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

Click here or on the button below to start this 1.5ish hour lesson:)

I think you're gonna love this one! The pic above doesn't do her justice at all! It's SO freaking adorable and worth it in person when you're done!! She's a super satisfying crafty project and so glittery and beautiful to light up a dark room when you're done.

For this project, I went on a field trip to pick up a few supplies,
but did my best to keep them minimal and cheap!

I don't have links for the things I picked up at my local craft store and dollar store, but I'm sure you can find exactly the same items at yours! 

​​Jar (Michaels)

Adhesive (I recommend but did not use regular matte Mod Podge)

Ultra Fine Glitter (Michaels)

Twine or Jute or ribbon (Michaels)

Some fake foliage (Michaels)

Cardboard

Tea light (battery operated by Dollar Tree)

Moss (Dollar Tree)

Glue Gun

Additionally in this lesson, you'll find I left you a PDF file of our Celtic Collective Fairy silouette so you can trap her in your own jar :)

Click here or on the button below to start this 30-minute lesson!

If you're only in the mood to watercolor today, Lucy has included a line drawing of her mushroom fairy in a jar so you can trace away and pull your watercolors out sooner :)

Lucy painted her fairy using the exact same Prima watercolor set as I did for the Terrain fairy last month! So if you happen to have that already, you can use it again for this project. But remember, you totally don't need to buy this watercolor set. Use whatever you have!

Here's what else Lucy used to create this adorable fairy in a jar...

Isn't she beautiful?!! Lucy again included the line drawing of this fairy in the classroom in case you'd prefer to trace instead of draw her free hand. 

This fairy in a jar lesson was done in gouache (opaque watercolor). If you don't have gouache, go ahead and use regular watercolor, or even acrylics. It's totally up to you.

If you're totally new to gouache and interested in trying it and want to buy a set to play around with, we recommend you visit the Quill & Parchment classroom. 

Lucy has a 10-minute overview of which gouache supplies she uses and loves, and I have a quick 5-minute video in the same classroom.​

Lucy also has a Beginner Gouache lesson in the Maiden's classroom that you may want to watch as well prior to working on this project.

Ok...sniff, sniff.

Kidding! It's fine! Every project is NOT for everyone!

Feel free to check out the Latest Lessons classroom if you didn't get a chance to do our August Lammas lessons, or to check out the Visual Index for something different that DOES take your fancy!!

Catch the replay here of our FIRST members-only Podcast!

Make sure you mark your calendar for the 21st to see the next podcast!

Welcome!! The last thing we want is for you to feel overwhelmed.

❤️️This is everything you need to get started.❤️️

Have a wonderful week!!