Stephanie Low's Creative Designs
Been in a weird limbo for the past few weeks. One day I have got ideas ans free flowing creative energy and the next day I have got nothing. No. Thing.
I know I need to accept this limbo but it is difficult. Maybe I need more sleep!
I shouldn’t complain, I have a productive week or two.
Example A:
Example B:
Example C:
Once upon a time I tried my hand at pencil sketching and shading. This was always what I thought I needed to be good at in order to be a respectable and “real” artist. I remember trying so hard over the years! Someday I will find the old attempts and show them off but this is the ONLY one I kept in my portfolio collections because, let’s e honest and let’s also stroke my ego – it looks amazing!
It is a replica from a photograph I took of my half blind cat which was over exposed. The over exposure actually added to the ordinary photograph, so when I was given an assignment to draw a portrait in school I decided that the photograph would work nicely.
I used a grid system to draw this. And if you don’t know what that is (GOOGLE IT!), it is when you take the image you wish to draw and take a ruler to it and section the image off in equal squares. Then you take your blank paper and section it off in the same sized squares, or same size ratio if you are enlarging or shrinking the image. You then copy what is in each square and focus on small sections instead of an overall image. It can take much of the stress and hassle out of drawing a detailed image. Some amazing artist do not need this help, which I always resented! haha!
Anyway – this turned out great so I will keep it forever, BUT, I will probably never try again because it is just not my thing, and that it OKAY!!!
I got the digital images back from my art printer! They look amazing! Much better than my iPhone camera attempt at sharing them!
Supplies:
Sakura Gelly Roll metallic and colored pens
Daniel Smith, M. Graham & Co., and Grumbacher Watercolor Paints
Princeton Art & Brush Co. Brushes
Canson Watercolor Paper, 9×12, 140 GSM
Sometimes I sit down to my desk and have no idea what I want to create but I have a tangible feeling, or rather; urge, to create something. There have been countless times that what I create is of no aesthetic value and gets crumpled into the trash in frustration OR donated to my daughter’s growing pile of mommy discards (at lease I will always have one unconditional and loyal fan!). And sometimes I actually like what comes from it.
Sometimes I go into this urge with a plan. I know that I want to create a certain image or I know I want to paint or I know I want to doodle nothingness while I mostly watch Netflix! But MOST often I get the urge to create something and I have zero inclination as to what it should or will be. I sit down to an empty desk and start thinking.
First I think, how much time do I have? A few hours?! Not likely! I have three kids and I work from home and my sweet dedicated husband is working hard at work.
Second, how much mess do I want to make, AKA, how messy is the desk right now and do I have to clean it up before getting started on a new project?! Ugh! Maybe I will ignore the urge today!
Third, what has been inspiring me lately. Browsing hashtags on Instagram or pinning images on flowers on Pinterest or maybe a you tube video I watched on a media I would like to try my hand at.
Fourth, do I have any projects I want to make for someone?! A personalized baby shower gift? An inspirational quote for an upcoming event at church?
An lastly, do I have any priority projects and paying customers waiting for draft updates or finished projects?
Once I have assembled my mental answers to my mental questions I get started. I make a mess, spread my project all over my desk and spend time getting my hands dirty!
Like I said, I often don’t like what I make, but that’s ok! I have learned over the years that it is better to make something everyday and like a small percentage of it than to not make anything at all!
Supplies:
Yupo paper
Tim Holtz Ranger Alcohol Ink; Aqua, Wild Plum, Gold, Sunshine Yellow
Sharpie
Sakura Gelly Roll Metallic Gold Pen
Weekends in our family are sacred. With kids in school and an Army Doctor husband that works long hours, we take time off very seriously! Sometimes so seriously that the pressure to have an amazing time is overwhelming!
We are so lucky to live in Hawaii for a time and we couldn’t be happier about that if we tried!
Here are a few glimpses into our Hawaiian weekends!
But wherever you live please remember to get out and make memories and get dirty and laugh too loud and take photos of the fun!
Another delicate and delightful design from my earlier years but is definitely a fan favorite for good reason. This design has a wild and untamed feel to it and is of course accompanied by some sweet critters.
Created on watercolor paper with India ink and a dip pen and paint brush.
An oldie but a favorite of mine here. This simple feather has some little wild flowers and an assortment of leaves and berries. This design was completed for pleasure and not as a custom tattoo order, however I have had customers place it on skin over the years.
Drawn on watercolor paper and with India ink with a dip pen and paint brush.
A sweet little hot air balloon floats above this desert paradise with two types of cacti and an adorable succulent in this custom drawn temporary tattoo design.
Drawn with the iPadPro, Apple Pencil and the Adobe Draw app
A spin on my classic and original sugar skull and hibiscus tattoo – this design is adorned by a flawless rose. The sugar skull and daisy are beautifully framing the blossom and the overall design is nicely balanced
Drawn with the iPadPro, Apple Pencil and the Adobe Draw app
I was on a watercolor feather kick for a minute recently. I did a few several months ago but could tell that they were barely scratching the surface of what I wanted them to ultimately be. So I revamped them.
I began with a color scheme and blank paper with a simple feather outline and began painting from bottom up. Randomly choosing the design as I went along.
As I went and the paint dried, I went in with my Sakura Gelly Roll pens and added details and pops of color which I think really brought it all to life for me!
These are terrible photos, but eventually I will have digital images back from my art print guy. He will alsobe supplying me with professional prints which I will sell in my shop once they are received!
I do love them, and have intentions to create many more!
Supplies:
Princeton Art & Brush Co. Watercolor brushes
Daniel Smith, M. Graham & Co., and Grumbacher Watercolor paints
Sakura Gelly Roll pens
619.398.5830