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​Celtic Collective



​Members-Only Blog

How to Draw & Paint EVIL Fae Kings & Queens in Watercolor & Gouache

5/6/2024

0 Comments

 
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!
Evil Fae King & Queen Online Art Courses with Artists Karen Campbell & Lucy Brydon in the Celtic Collective

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

The Wicked BAD Couple in Ink & Watercolors with Karen

Wicked Bad Couple Watercolor Painting Online Art Course with Karen Campbell Artist in the Celtic Collective Art Club
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...

Supplies

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!!
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Super Evil Dark Queen in Line & Wash with Karen

Evil Dark Queen in Line & Wash Online Art Course with Karen Campbell Artist in the Celtic Collective Online Art Club
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...
How to Activate the Elegant Writer and Achieve Pinks & Purples with Karen Campbell Artist

Supplies

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!!​
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Evil Crone Queen in Gouache with Lucy

Evil Crone with Crows Gouache Online Art Lesson with Lucy Brydon in the Celtic Collective
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. 
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Today's gouache project only requires a few tubes to create a super striking and CREEPY old woman. Lucy teaches you exactly how to draw this woman from scratch, but also includes jpgs of her finished piece and original drawing reference- in case you'd like to skip the drawing portion of this lesson (to transfer/trace her instead), and dive right into painting. 

​Again, use whatever art supplies you love most, here's what Lucy used:

Supplies


  • Watercolor paper (Lucy used 11x14 inch Fabriano but any make will do as long as its 300gsm - hot pressed is better for gouache than cold pressed although Lucy's is sort of in between)
  • Selection of brushes suitable for gouache/mixed media (not watercolor brushes) Lucy used the Kingart Original Gold but any make will do: https://www.dickblick.com/products/kingart-original-gold-brushes/ here is an example but you can google for where to buy at the best price.
  • Gouache in the following colors: Black, white, grey (optional because you can mix black and white) mauve (if you haven't got mauve you can choose another color) and a red such as alizarin crimson for the lips, Naples yellow and a brown such as burnt Sienna or umber for the skin tone.
  • pencil for sketching
🧚Ready to start this nearly 2-hour lesson?? Me too!!!
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Spooky Spider King & Queen in Watercolor with Lucy

Spooky Spider King & Queen in Watercolor Online Art Lesson with Lucy Brydon in the Celtic Collective Online Art Club
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...
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Supplies

  • Watercolor paper 300gsm
  • Polina Bright watercolor brushes
  • Colo-erase pencil in purple
  • PH Martin bleed proof white
  • White gel pen
  • Elegant writer pen
  • Pentel brush pen
  • you might also want to use a fine liner black pen

​🧚Ready to start this super fun 2-hour lesson?! Let's do it!!
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​​Missed Our Last LIVE Paint-Along?

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!!
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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. 
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What Else is Coming Up in May?

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Enjoying the "Couple" Projects? 

You'll love these too, if you didn't get to do them last month!
Adorable Happy Couple Alcohol Markers Drawing & Coloring Lesson from Karen Campbell Artist
Happy Fairy King & Queen Alcohol Markers Online Art Lesson with Lucy Brydon Artist
Gonk Gnomes in Watercolor with Lucy Brydon Artist Online Art Lesson in the Celtic Collective

And, Just in Case You Missed It...

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!!
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Looking for Something Else?

​👉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
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How to Draw & Paint Enchanting Portraits of Fae Kings & Queens in Alcohol Markers & Watercolor!

4/7/2024

2 Comments

 
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. 
How to Draw & Paint Fairy Queens, Kings & Princesses with Artists Karen Campbell & Lucy Brydon

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

✨Adorable Fae Couple in Markers with Karen✨

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 :)
Fairy Alcohol Marker Art Drawing Online Art Lesson with Karen Campbell Artist in the Celtic Collective

Supplies

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!!​
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✨Happy Fairy Couple in Markers with Lucy✨

Fairy King & Queen Alcohol Marker Online Art Lesson with Artist Lucy Brydon in the Celtic Collective
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...

Supplies

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 :) 
Alcohol Marker Colors Love by Lucy Brydon for this Lesson
🧚Ready to start this awesome lesson?! Me tooooooo!
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✨HOT Fairy King in Watercolor with Karen✨

How to Watercolor a HOT Fairy King with Karen Campbell Artist
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...

Supplies

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!!
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✨SULTRY Fairy Princess✨
with Lucy in Watercolor

EASY Watercolor Princess Online Art Lesson with Lucy Brydon Artist in the Celtic Collective
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...

Supplies

​
  • Watercolor paper 300gsm (I used a large sheet of Fabriano cold pressed)
  • Prima complexions set
  • Prima Woodlands set
  • Paintbrushes by Polina Bright
  • I also use a small "mini quill" by Schimoni Art - you can find them HERE
  • Fineliner pens (make sure they are waterproof)
  • Pentel Brush pen
  • White gel pen for highlights
  • Circle tool is also handy for drawing out the eye shapes if you need it!
🧚Let's begin this lesson!! Love it!!
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Missed Our Last LIVE Art-Along?

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 :)
March 2024 Celtic Collective LIVE Art Along Online Art Lesson with Artists Karen Campbell & Lucy Brydon
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.
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What Else is Comin' Up This Month?

April 2024 Celtic Collective Calendar
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!"
Speakeasy Showcase LIVE Art Along Event with Karen Campbell Artist
Grab the PDFs to prep for this lesson here: ​
https://awesomeartschool.com/p/speakeasy-special-event

Love These Fairy Queens & Want More?

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!!
Easy Watercolor Fairy Online Art Lesson with Karen Campbell in the Celtic Collective
Alcohol Marker Fairy Drawing Lesson with Karen Campbell Artist
Watercolor Snow Queen Online Art Lesson with Karen Campbell Artist in the Celtic Collective
Easy Fairy Face Drawing in Graphite & Watercolor Wash Online Art Lesson with Karen Campbell Artist
Easy Fairy Face on Toned Paper Online Art Lesson with Karen Campbell Artist

Looking for Something Else?


​👉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
2 Comments

Create Fantasy Art You Love Using Drawing Techniques Inspired by Illustrator, Kevin Keele!

11/6/2023

0 Comments

 
Hello Celtic Collective Member!!

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

via GIPHY

✨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 :) 
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✨NEW November Lessons Are Here!✨

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

✨Watercolor Glow Study with Karen✨

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...

Supplies

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

✨Kevin Keele Fairy Girl with Lucy✨

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. ​
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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.

Supplies

  • 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!!
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✨Sweet Flower Fairy on Toned Paper with Karen✨

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 :)

Supplies

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!
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✨Winged Angel with Lucy✨

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!
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✨The Robed Wanderer with Karen✨

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!
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Not in the Mood for Toned Paper Drawings?

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.
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Haven't Had Time to Art Lately?

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!
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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!
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Aren't they gorgeous?! And they're not TOO Halloween-ish that you couldn't do them at any point during the year, right?!
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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!
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How to Draw & Shade FOUR Sexy Witches in Watercolor, Gouache & Alcohol Markers!

10/6/2023

0 Comments

 
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...

via GIPHY

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.
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*All product links are affiliate & for U.S. residents only.*
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✨Karen's Sexy Manga Witch✨

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...

Supplies

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

✨Lucy's Woodland Witch✨

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...

Supplies

  • 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!!
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✨Karen's Sexy Sorceress in Purple✨

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.
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?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

F
eel 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...

Supplies

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!
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✨Mirror Mirror on the Wall with Lucy✨

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...

Supplies

  • 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!
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Not in the Mood for Sexy Witches?

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!! 
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Find your Fairy in Jars lessons in the Latest Lessons Classroom!
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What Else is Comin' Up!

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 :)
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New Member?

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

❤️️This is everything you need to get started.❤️️

Have a wonderful week!!
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August Watercolor Lessons to Celebrate the Celtic Tradition of Lammas!

8/5/2023

3 Comments

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

Learn more about Lammas in this wee lesson! 

Or...

❤️️Watch this week's Awesome Art School Newsletter❤️️
"Hi from Karen" Video!
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All links are affiliate and are for U.S. residents - always use what you have on hand!
Next, it's time to settle into some seriously lovely lessons. Pull out ALL you fave watercolor art supplies, because they're gonna see some action this month!! 

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

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

Supplies:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's it!! Ready for this cute 2-Hour lesson??​
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Next up, a FUN & EASY gouache circle project!

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

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

Supplies:

Use whatever YOU want, this is what I used:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​
Ready for this fun 45-min lesson?
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Next up, some GORGEOUS lessons from our very own Lucy Brydon!! 
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How freaking adorable is she?! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!

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

Supplies:


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​Ready for this adorable 1-Hour Lesson?
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If you thought the last project from Lucy was stunning, Lucy's Dark-Skinned Lammas Queen is one's gonna rock your world!!
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Supplies:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Polina Bright watercolor brushes

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

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

Ready for this gorgeous (less than 1.5 Hour)lesson?
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​We hope you have SO much fun working on these projects this month!!
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?Not in the mood for these lessons right now? That's ok! Scroll through the Celtic Collective Visual Index to find something else you ARE in love with!! There are so many fun choices!!
​

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Need Something for Beginners?

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

What's Up for the Rest of August:

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

Let's help you get settled!

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

❤️️Watch Our Celtic Collective Welcome Video❤️️
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I hope that helps!!

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

​Sooooo many of your common questions may already have a video ready & waiting for you with the answer on the Awesome Art School YouTube Channel, or directly in the Celtic Collective classrooms themselves :) ​
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Here are some quick resources in case you need them:
​​
✨WANNA REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT
to the lesson you've been working on
so you can come back more easily tomorrow?
Print a FREE Celtic Collective Navigation Sheet! 

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

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

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

✨WANNA POST YOUR WORK in the Facebook Group but don't know how? This one's for you!
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Take Advantage of MORE Membership Perks!​ 

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

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

Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
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    Author

    Karen Campbell, Mixed Media Artist, Author & Online Art Class Instructor

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