It's all about the colors!

One day you wake up in an excellent mood, a day off and a hankering to paint something.
You head out to gather up some supplies.  Even though it got a bit overwhelming when you walked into the art supply store, this time it's gonna be a masterpiece!!

Except...it wasn't....you just couldn't get the colors that you saw in your head onto the canvas.
Into a box your new supplies go....

I know what you were thinking.  You thought the day was going to play out with a glass of wine, a little Jack Johnson on Pandora and painting an angel....A perfect Sunday afternoon!

Here is a fool proof plan to at least get your colors right:

Understanding the laws of color takes a great deal of study and practical application.  And looking at that color wheel seems a lot like school, right?  After all, you are not trying to get anything in a gallery.....you just wanted to play!  But once you get started, you get invested in the piece.  You WANT it to look good.

Why not let the color experts do all of the work for you?  Take advantage of their abilities to put together color combinations that appeal to you.

 All big box art supply companies (Michael's, JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby) all have these large books of paper.  Each book is filled full of paper in different patterns.  All of the pages have designs and colors that coordinate with each other.  When you find the book that appeals to your taste, there is enough paper to get you through YEARS of Sunday afternoons!

 In that same store, pick up a canvas the size you want your piece to be.  I like an 11x14 when I am starting a new series or just testing out an idea.  I use joint compound to add texture to my canvas.  It is an affordable, easy to use way to add some UMPH to your design.  Apply a layer with a palette knife going in different directions and allow it to dry.  Don't stress over this stage.  No matter where the bumps and grooves are, your finished piece will benefit from all of them. 

 I like to sketch with oil crayons.  It is a bit like coloring and keeps my design loose.  Any of you familiar with my work know that I like things a bit "wompy".  When considering what subject matter to paint, look around your house and just try to sketch something.  It's ok if it is not perfect.  With the right color scheme everything looks good.

 Flip through your paper book and choose your color scheme. This is what you will use to pick out your paint colors.

I primarily use Chalk Paint® a decorative paint by Annie Sloan.  I blend down the colors to be the color that I want.  The pigments are dense, the texture is soft, it dries in under 10 minutes and works the best for my process.  I like to also use the Soft Wax® when it is complete.

However, that does take a bit of practice.  If you are going to use several colors, I suggest taking your paper to Home Depot and match up their paint swatches with your paper.  They will mix up 8oz samples of paint for around $3. 

Voila'!!  Angel complete!  This is also a fun afternoon with the girls!  Share that big ol book of paper!

Enjoy!!