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!! 

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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😜

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🧚CLICK HERE if you're a new member

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​
🧚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!!