Fall flowers are abundant! Here are some recent card creations from my studio. I've been playing around with the "Eric Carle" style of making collage papers on tissue paper. The centers of the flowers and some of the flowers themselves are made with this thin collage paper. I use a fun flower punch to cut them out.  Some of my backgrounds I made using a stamp and watercolor paint on card stock. The darker images were made with several layers of acrylic paint. 

Fun with "negative" painting. Sometimes...ok...often times I just have to throw some paint around. I do this with my collage papers, watercolor paper and on canvas or clapboard. Here is an example. The red colors with a variety of tones, lines and textures were thrown down over the entire surface. Later I came in and painted the lighter tones around the flowers and the word bloom. This is a fun way to have fun with paint with an energetic, spontaneous stroke. I then come to it with a more discerning eye and find the form within. 

This was a great idea that I found in Danielle Donaldson's book on creative watercolor. These are pieces of magazines and scrap paper, wasi tape and other tid bits from around the house that I glued onto tracing paper. Later I sewed randomly across the papers. Danielle suggests using these as a color palette for watercolor doodles and images.  Great idea!

One of my favorite ways for new inspiration comes from a visit to the local library.  My library has a section of books dedicated to creative handiwork. I never know what I'll find here but there is always something of interest. Lately I discovered this book by Danielle Donaldson. It offers a plethora of fun ideas for painting with watercolor. Check it out!

Let's see what's up in the studio!  
I've recently created these papers in an Eric Care style for future collage work. Here I used tracing paper with fluid acrylic paint applied with a big brush with big strokes. 

Your life will be richer if you make art part of each day. At least that is what I have discovered. It doesn't really matter if you are a professional artist, beginner or just appreciate art. We are all creative...........yes......ALL of us!  I hope you will join me as I share ideas, insights and inspirations that keep me creative, exploring and inspired.  And please share what keeps you inspired as well!