New Art Archives - Stephanie Martel: Artist

Abstract Painting Art In Progress: Let Joy Be Your Guide

When I first started working on this one, I only had a few minutes to put some paint on paper, so I was pretty hasty in my technique. I threw some colors down and moved it around and needless to say, my lack of focus (and time) showed up in what I created. I ended up kind of hating it and because of that, this page stayed quiet for at least a month, maybe more. *Ugh* I just couldn’t figure out how to attack it again because it was so choppy looking to me and I didn’t love the color scheme. But in the end, this piece was a good lesson in not giving up–especially when I’m just at the beginning of something.

So during the next session, I went allllll in and added a different color palette. I left some of the original colors in the background, but I wanted to move this piece in a different direction than what I started with, so I added some markings and a little piece of collage. I’m not sure why I picked that piece in the bottom corner, but I saw it, liked it and then just slapped it on. I try not to think too hard when I’m creating and just go with the flow of inspiration. Eventually those little whispers make sense.

Next I wanted to create a spot for my girl. At this point of creating, I usually don’t know what the sentiment will be or what she will look like, I just put the bare bones down to create space for the next layer of creativity.

So I added the features, collaged in her dress and added some accents to her hair.

Then all of a sudden the collage piece in the corner made sense when I saw a little bird in my collection of collage papers. I love little birds. I even have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to bird art! So yes, the bird made sense to nest there in the corner.

And then the sentiment came to me. It had a lot to do with the bird bringing me joy 🙂

And then here’s the finished piece.

This is in my sketchbook which I’m getting used to working in and slowly starting to LOVE. It’s a lot more portable and forgiving. No worries about screwing up an entire canvas which is great because more experimenting = more learning. And I’m totally into that!

I hope you enjoyed this view into my process + If you do nothing else today…just let joy be your guide 🙂

Some Supplies I used:

Canson Sketchboook
Sharpie silver pen
Liquitex acrylic paint, burnt umber
Letter stamps
Black Stazon Ink
Handmade modern acrylic paints (softer colors)
Collage Papers

Abstract Painting Art In Progress: Let Joy Be Your GuideSteph2018-03-29T20:23:05-04:00

New Art: You Are My Very Favorite

“Be with those who help your being” -Rumi

This sweet girl came from a spot of honest truth, because who doesn’t like to be a favorite?

Some people feel it’s taboo to pick favorites, but I think in life it’s ok to let some know that they are your #1. (Even if it’s just for a short time.) We all need to be appreciated deeply and this girl will help you say it.

So go ahead, tell someone today that they are your very favorite. You’ll both be thrilled.

Prints available in my shop.

New Art: You Are My Very FavoriteSteph2018-03-29T20:23:07-04:00

Art In Progress: Dream Big, Little One

No dreamer is ever too small; no dream is ever too big. -anonymous

I started this piece in class one night and it came out quite quick. I wanted to try a different color palate–one that involved a few cooler colors and no pinks 🙂

Here are the first couple of layers:

The background colors + style reminded me of trees so I cut out a few chubby birdies to add to the piece.

Here they are up close + with more layers for the wings. One is a little bigger so I made her the mamma.

dream big painting art in progress technique

Next, I added some embellishments around the edges of the painting. I wanted a little more interest in the background, so I added purple and some collage pieces. The birds got an outline and some sweet stick legs–Don’t you just love the gentleness of them?

dream big painting art in progress technique

Then lastly, I added in the sentiment: Dream Big, Little One. I love how simple yet strong that message is.

You can buy the print here in my shop.

Remember to dream big, friend!

Signature

Art In Progress: Dream Big, Little OneSteph2018-03-29T20:23:08-04:00

New Art: How Do You Know?

One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Print available in my shop

There’s a question that comes up so much in my life, and I’m betting it comes up a lot in yours, too: How do you know?

How do I know in my everyday life if I’m doing the right thing? Headed in the right direction? Making the right moves? I think about this daily, wondering what’s the right path.

Luckily, I don’t have to worry for too long before I remember the answer: My heart will tell me so.

Again and again I’ve been in a situation where I wasn’t sure which direction to follow, but I just went with my gut (my heart) and things turned out the way they should. And that doesn’t always mean things are perfect–on the contrary, my friend. Things go awry on a regular basis over here. But it does mean that I followed what I thought to be the best path for me at the moment and it all worked out in the end. I really couldn’t ask for more.

So what about you–are you trusting your heart these days? Try to remember to follow it next time you have a choice to make–tap into that inner voice + you will know what to. Your heart will tell you so.

How Do You Know print is available here.

New Art: How Do You Know?Steph2018-03-29T20:23:08-04:00

New Art: Be Yourself

This print is available in my shop.

Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.

-St. Catherine of Siena

I love this quote for so many reasons, mostly because it affirms how I think we all feel inside and need to hear every once in a while. It’s vital to the world that we share our gifts.

It’s a good reminder that being myself is why I’m here. I’m meant to learn certain things + interact with certain people in this life. They have things to show me as I grow + change.

And it can be hard at times sticking to that path of being myself–warts and all. It’s easy to conform, not to stick out and to just blend in to the background. There’s a lot of influence in the world to go with the herd and it can make me feel inadequate at times.

The comparison game is such a buzz kill.

But each time I rub up against this self-defeating attitude, that maybe my art isn’t good enough or that no one cares about what I have to say, I remind myself that my journey matters. It may have been done before, but it hasn’t been done by me. That alone is enough to keep me going.

Be yourself, friend.

New Art: Be YourselfSteph2018-03-29T20:23:12-04:00

New Art: You Are So Very Special

I may not know you, but I know you’re special. And here’s why: no matter who you are , there is good in you that you share everyday. You have been kind to people and shown them love. Sharing this love + kindness is what connects us all and brings us together. And how you do that is what makes you special; there are so many ways.

That’s where the inspiration for this painting came from–it’s so important for us all to remember how special we are because when we feel loved and appreciated for who we are, we can share that feeling with others, and help them do the same. It’s a win-win, friends.

This sweet girl is a new print in my shop and I had so much fun making her! The sentiment has been in my mind for some time, I was just waiting for the right girl to use it on (my favorite is the butterfly at her collar, by the way.) And she came to me at the perfect time to share with you.

So here is Lola, the newest addition to my girls series. Here’s what the print looks like:

I hope you enjoy her as much as I do! You are so very special, friend. <3

New Art: You Are So Very SpecialSteph2019-01-09T21:28:05-05:00

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