Texture Tutorial-A Free Exercise From My Book!

Hello Friends!  I hope you had a great holiday with family and friends!  I'm still coming down from my sugar and family fun high!  I have lots of new blog posts planned for the coming days but first, I wanted to share an article I wrote for my friends at Cloth Paper Scissors where I have been  'moonlighting' as a guest blogger and soon to be guest columnist in 2017 for the magazine!   This tutorial has a clickable link that includes a downloadable tutorial taken straight from my book,  "Abstracts in Acrylic and Ink".  If you haven't received it yet or wondering about the projects included--here's a variation of one of them!

Some of the supplies you'll need include:  Silks Acrylics  (any colors),  Ampersand Claybord , High Powered Heat Gun,  Golden's Tar Gel (or Self Leveling Gel, or Pouring Medium), and to get the black marks on the bubbles, Staz on Ink.  You'll see in the project featured I also use a bit of Titanium White and a Brayer.


Let's Get Started:  

Do you have an affinity for texture? I know I do. I love it so much that I’ve come up with a couple of classes where texture is the star of the show. There’s just something about a piece of art that has imperfections or clearly has an uneven surface that begs to be touched.

I have long used many gel mediums in my work but when you’re teaching a one day class, it’s hard to use many of the commercial mediums to teach with because they simply won’t dry in time. I came across this technique by accident when I was trying to speed my painting for a class I was teaching, with not just a heat gun, but a heat tool—you know the one that looks like it should be used in a factory or welding shop? Needless to say, it didn’t just heat up my gesso/gel medium—it also burned it and bubbled the surface. The look was actually fascinating.   

......Read on for the rest of the article and to download the tutorial!

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I'm so thrilled, my book is trending #1 in Mixed Media and on the Hot New Release list!  If you haven't bought it yet,  you can get it a variety of different ways!   

Through Amazon by clicking this link or image:

Or, if you'd like a signed copy of my book, I'm offering 3 different package deals that you can check out here!

Most major book stores will be carrying it, too!  If your local shop doesn't carry it yet, please recommend it to the manager/owner!!  

Here's a few of the reviews that have come in so far!  (BTW...after this week, I'm going to try not to read the reviews...lol as I know someone is going to not love it and I don't want the bad reviews to hurt my heart..but in my head I know it's coming).  For now, I'm going to ride the high and pat myself on the back for doing the best job I could do for the place I was in creatively, and so far...that job looks like it's resonating with artists who have bought the book!   Thank you all for the emails, texts, and Facebook posts!  Keep em coming if you have bought the book yourself! I love seeing them!     I'm already thinking of what's next and there will be a next!! :))

 Order this now! Fantastic book.I buy many, many art books and mostly mixed media oriented topics -- and I am picky, and I don't often review books. But this book is worth more than 5 stars to me. Everything about it is wonderful and I think it is a perfect combination of attractive (to me) projects and techniques. Although it is step by step technique, it isn't a "make this" crafty project book nor do I find myself not finding the techniques approachable. I am excited to dive in and see where it takes me. Wow is all I can say --- and I hope to someday take an in-person workshop with Jodi.  (M. Shea)

It is a beautiful book, the pages are fantastic qualityI have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book since I pre-ordered an age ago. It arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to delve in. It is a beautiful book, the pages are fantastic quality, full of vibrant color. I have been following Jodi for quite a few years now and have several of her online courses. I had the good fortune to attend one of her workshops in Florida last year, which was amazing. She is a lovely lady who very generously shares her techniques and unique ideas with everyone. Her playful style is super easy and there are no mistakes....everything is an opportunity. Love this book. Super inspirational. Buy it, you won't be disappointed!  (M. Scales)

5.0 out of 5 starsAwesome Book For Beginner to Advanced"Highly Recommended"There's an old saying, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear". This is my book-of-the-year! I'm a trained, skilled artist and this information has taken my study to a new and exciting level. A great tool for those beginning and experienced.  (V. Phillips)

What a wonderful book. Was delighted when it came. Easy to follow with great illustration. The author has years of experience teaching and it shows. I highly recommend this book for beginners to advanced, something for everyone.  (D.Belica)

Powerful Interview-Behind the Scenes at Artists Network with Cherie Dawn Haas and Amy Jones

Recently I was in Cincinnati filming a new group of DVDS/Videos for Artists Network and I have to say we had so much fun with the crew and 'students' while producing the new set of instructional art videos!   Today they shared a bonus clip where they asked me to share something people may be surprised to know about me....click HERE to see the article and watch the film. It actually brings tears to my eyes hearing the story again.

To see the full interview/video-click HERE

TToBe sure to check out my upcoming book published by the same company my DVDS are issued from.  Pre-release orders  for Abstracts in Acrylic and Ink are now being taken!

Art Journal Live!!

In case you are wondering where I'm heading next,  it's TEXAS!  Next Thursday I'm working with 3 amazing artsts,  Gina Rossi Armfield,  MaryBeth Shaw,  and Nathalie Kalbach , along with the crew from Create and Cloth Paper Scissors to bring to you Art Journaling Live 2016.!

We have a few spaces left so if you are a last minute Lucy and looking for something to do, join us at the Great American Scrapbooking Convention and participate on June 16th in our full day Art Journaling Class!

What's special about this event????   Take a look!

 This is a rare opportunity to take excellent art journaling classes from you and three other incredibly talented artist instructors. 

• The skills learned in each workshop can be incorporated in other art and mixed-media projects. 

• Attendees will be able to interact with and get feedback from the instructors.

• No prior art journaling experience needed! All levels are welcome.

• Almost all the supplies needed for the workshops will be provided, and attendees will be able to take many of the supplies home with them.

• Signing up for the class allows attendees free access to the Great American Scrapbook Convention Vendor Faire, held at the same location.

• Great prizes will be given away!

• Attendees will also get access to a streaming version of the 

classes at ArtistsNetwork.tv.

Ready to join us???  Click HERE to register.

I'm off to grab my cowboy boots and journal.  See ya next week!!!

Go Behind the Scenes with Jodi Ohl at the Filming of her latest DVD's

Throughout the week of taping my DVD's, the film crew were like little mouses, sneaking around with the cameras and asking me oddball questions..lol   Here's a quick little promo videos with a couple of the out-takes. Everyone had a great sense of humor and lots of fun during filming :)

To view all of the products and options available from F&W Media,  please click 

HERE.

Part 2 of the Big News: This is Really Happening! Behind The Scenes of Making My DVDS!

The last few months have  been a whirlwind for sure with all sorts of cool projects going on,  fun trips, awesome classes with super fun students,  and just incredible memories made doing work I hardly consider a job.  This week I'm super EXCITED to share even more news (with a few more announcements to come..what the what!!!!).  

Last May, some of you may recall that I traveled to the Cincinnati film studios of F&W Media (parent company of Cloth Paper Scissors,  Artists Magazine, North Light Books,  Artists and Makers, to name a few),  to spend 4 days filming for upcoming DVDs of mine they are producing. Well....the time has come and the 4 new DVD's  are ready for Pre-order (they  will be shipping starting October 2nd). The digital downloads are available now!!!   This is one of those pinch me moments that I can hardly believe is happening!

I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the behind the scenes photos of my work table and set up as well as meet a couple of the wonder women behind the scenes filming (sorry I didn't get pics of the guys that made it all happen, too)!  One thing is for sure, there's so much hard work and effort that goes into producing videos,  each and every person plays a vital rol in making it all happen!

My producer,  Amy Jones.  She did an awesome job putting all the details of my creative vision  for the projects into an actual product that we are delivering to you!    Not to mention she is a lot of fun and has a great personality. I felt welcome and valued as soon as I arrived on set!   I was scared as could be, not knowing what to expect and I know the first day I was not as comfortable with the whole process as I could have been but it didn't take long for my nerves to settle with all the support and help the crew lent me!

 Wowza...do you see that big camera facing down on the set?  They had 4 of those around the room...and 3-4 camera/film operators at any one time working on the set along with myself and the producer. It was quite the arty party!!!  :)

The projects range from watercolors on Yupo,  acrylic painting, collage, and ink paintings. Just tons of techniques and information jam packed into the DVDs that will be soon available.   The fact that I had the opportunity to do this is just beyond words.  I know I'm blessed for sure and I am excited to bring to you this new avenue of creative education at an extremely affordable price!   There have been tons of requests in the past from students of mine to have downloadable products or dvds and I just didn't have a way to create that type of product...well that's an issue of the past.  Now you can  enjoy the classes/projects anytime, anywhere!

Here's Christine, another one of the camera woman and a photographer along with Amy, our producer.  I hope you can tell how much fun we all had from their contagious smiles!  :))

 More samples I brought for the shoot...we 'prettied' up the set with a fun selection of my art over the course of the week. I brought a ton of stuff!  I seem to do that where ever I go.  Packing lightly is just not something I'm very good at!! :))

Preparing to work on a new project for the film...there's a lot of stop and starting during the course of the day but it is definitely a FULL day of work for each of the DVD's we created and then months of editing and polishing it all up for the  the final project(s).

So other than noticing for sure how dang chunky I look, I'm really proud of everything we created at F&W Media!!  I hope that you take a second to check out the DVD's or Downloads and buy one or two for yourself!   These would make great stocking stuffers for the holidays, too...just sayin!!! :))

Here are the pictures for the DVD's and if you click on them they will take you right to the store to purchase them!

Collage Characters

Expressive Watercolor on Yupo:  Painting Flowers

Graffiti Grunge Art

Tandem Techniques 15 Mixed Media Techniques for Canvas and Art Journals

My last words of wisdom for this post is simply to be brave in your quest to achieve your dreams.  You never know what can happen if you simply try.  Now go out and make some beautiful art or run that marathon you've been wanting to do!  You got this!

Ohhh...one more thing,  if you haven't had a chance to stop by my last blog post-I'm having a giveaway. Entries taken through 9/30!  

Stay tuned for more big news coming!!

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If you are in the neighborhood, join us for the opening reception for my new featured artist show, "Land of the Whimsical and Odd".  October 1st from 630-830. The show will be up through the end of October at Artful Living Group in Carolina Beach.  

Breaking News! Art Journal Retreat in Austin, Texas!!!!! HURRY!

Hello Everyone!

I'm super excited to announce I am participating in a NEW retreat upcoming VERY soon,  November 2-5 in Austin, Texas brought to you by the editors of Cloth Paper Scissors and the event team at F&W media (who host retreats such as Create in NJ, Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle).    My artsy friends Kari McKnight Holbrook, and Australian artist Jen Crossley along with editor of Cloth Paper Scissors, Jeannine Stein and myself will be coming together to give you 2 1/2 days of classes, treats, inspiration and more during this  sure to be fun event.

CREATE ART JOURNALING RETREAT IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY 

to learn new, exciting techniques from some of the best artist-instructors in the country, in a beautiful, relaxed environment. The Retreat at Balcones Springs near Austin, Texas, is the backdrop for two and a half days of classes focused on painting, collage, image transfers, bookbinding, and other techniques that will take your art journaling to a new level.

Instructors Kari McKnight Holbrook and Jodi Ohl will introduce you to new ways of working with a variety of journaling styles and materials that will add dimension, color and depth to your art journals. With Jen Crossley you'll learn how to make a beautiful metal journal necklace, perfect for making notes or sketches anywhere. On the last day you'll take the pages you've been working on and bind them into a gorgeous book, with easy instructions from Cloth Paper Scissors Editorial Director and book artist Jeannine Stein. In addition, you'll be treated to fun activities, presentations, and other surprises, while being inspired by the peaceful surroundings. We hope you'll join us for this amazing opportunity. Sign up now, registration is limited!

Did we mention that other than travel, this is all inclusive????   Food, classes and special events, lodging and many goodies for you are all included.  You will only need to bring minimal supplies and your favorite tools!

This retreat is a perfect way to relax before the busy holiday season in a beautiful location.  Don't delay in signing up as the spaces are limited!

For more information and to sign up for the event, please click HERE!

Hope to see you soon!

Deals, Deadlines, and News Part 3

Hopefully your head isn't about to pop off yet with my part 3 of my Deals, Deadlines, and News series of posts and updates! Mine is..lol   I don't think I could possibly pack anymore into my last few weeks than I have honestly.  As I said before though, it's all good and I'm soooo grateful to have all these experiences to share and awesome sauce news to get you up to speed with!

Some of you may know that I've been teaching all summer long at Create Mixed Media Retreats (ran by the folks at FW Media/ North Light/  Cloth Paper Scissors), first in July in Somerset, NJ (my 3rd year there!!!)

I just returned from a huge event in Chicago for Create where I met even more creative and fun lovin' peeps!   Oh my, what talent!!

4 classes, vending, open studio nights, demos, wine with my roomie Jacquie--I mean really what more could you ask for?  

Perhaps a do over in Texas???? Ya, let's get our boots on, grab the paint brushes, and head to Dallas! That's my big news for this post--My house is a pure T disaster as I have boxes of class schtuff, art to sell, paintings in progress, lists everywhere as I prepare to drive to this far and away but super cool place for Create Mixed Media Retreats, Dallas, Tx! NEXT WEEK!!

I've never been to Dallas before and I've certainly never driven that far so I'm excited, scared, can't wait, but need more time! lol all those things put together but in the end, I know this is going to be a fantastic first event and even better, you can join in the fun still! Yes, there are open seats in several classes (including mine!).  I'm looking forward to meeting a whole new group of students in just a few days.

I'll be teaching 5 classes, yes 5!!!! Holy cow, there is going to be a colorful explosion of fun and adventure down in the southwest!

Glazed and Not so Confused is a class that really rocked the socks off the peeps in NJ and Chicago, but we still have space in Dallas for you to join in the fun. Honestly, if I had a dollar for everyone that said they wished they had taken the class after they saw all the cool projects/samples and pieces that came out of each of the classes..I'd be able to buy me a new pair of cowgirl boots! :))!!  Seriously, I want to thank the folks at Ampersand Claybord and Colourarte for supporting me in my teaching efforts, you guys bring awesome products to the market and I'm thrilled to share some of the potential with everyone.  

See more info here on all of my classes at Create Dallas:)

One of my new classes, Water Flowing Selfie is also supported by Colourarte and the kind folks at Yupo Paper!   Believe me, this is a combination that is stunning -watercolors + Yupo paper creates some of the brightest candy like pieces you've ever seen!

There are lots of cool classes to choose from and as an instructor, I want you to know that I value you as a student and your choice to spend your hard earned money with me, trusting in my guidance and ability to lead you along this stop in the creative journey.  I hope if you were on the fence about coming to the event, you take that leap of faith and join us.  

If you can't take a class, there is always  the artist faire Friday evening to join in, it's free to browse--with lots of original art, prints, jewelry, unique supplies and more! It's only from 6-9 with a TON of drawings for door prizes from all the vendors, how could you resist??

The other day the folks at Cloth Paper Scissors blog asked me to share some painting advice so Here is a little article I wrote about some of my essential tools.

Take a peek!

I have more deals, deadlines, and news to share but I think this is more than enough for one day (pheweeee, 3 posts in one day!!!!!).  Life is good. Hope you have a great weekend!

In case you missed the posts:

SALE->Deals  Part 1

Deadlines--> Deadlines Part 2