It's Not A Secret Anymore!

Shouting from the art easel--this is something not to miss!

Now through November 30th, I wanted to share a fantastic opportunity to join in on 21 Secrets, a classic edition of an extraordinary collaborative workshop I was a part of back in 2016. 

 Check it out and be sure to read on for the special code to use at check out:

I had the great fortune to be in tools and techniques last year, during that lesson I gave a tutorial on colorful facial features using watercolors and some simple drawing tools.   While we didn't do the whole face,  isolating on a couple of features can have a bold impact on the viewer and YOU of course.   

Below are the luscious details:

• 21 SECRETS Flashback sale is a $21 discount on 21 SECRETS Tools & Techniques and 21 SECRETS Color, Color, Color ONLY.
• To receive your discount, use coupon code: FLASHBACK during check out to receive the discount.

The last day of the Flashback sale is Thursday, November 30th.  Come December 1st -- the sale is done, over, closed, nada

Remember the code will work on only Tools  & Techniques and 21 Secrets Color.

  Have fun and enjoy creating!  

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone, here's to a holiday filled with

 family, friends, laughter and fun.

-Jodi Ohl

Make 2017 Your Most Creative Year Ever!

There are so many ways to get your creative on it's almost mind boggling on where to start!  Lucky for us that we have the internet available which truly opens up the entire world  of creativity to us!  So many of my readers and followers love online classes and e-learning with the best of the best--this another amazing opportunity to learn about art, journaling, painting, stylized portrait work and more.  I'm honored to have been asked back to teach durinjg Life Book 2017 and would love for you to join us!

For a limited amount of time, you can receive 20% off the tuition by typing in Fireworks 2017 at checkout.

To register or find out more information, simply click here!  By going through my link, you help  me receive payment for my part of the teaching for Lifebook-much appreciated!

Online classes not for you?  Perhaps you need a giftie for that special someone (including yourself),  well, what are you waiting for?  Stop over to my Etsy shop and see what's new!!

My Favorite 2014 Journal Pages A Flip Through

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite pages from 2014 out of my journal (s) but when I started to compile my list, oh my goodness...I have a hard time editing anything so I figured why not make a short video featuring some of the pages.

It's always interesting looking back through some of your pages. You start to remember pieces of your life you might not have remembered had they not been documented.

Or you might say, what the hell was I thinking?? 

I have to admit, I am inconsistent when it comes to journaling but I'm glad I do it and will be doing much more of it in 2015, especially since I'm updating my journaling class and will be featuring a new one online.

I've found I try things I don't normally do in my regular paintings...

And it serves as a space to let go and just vent or lament every once in a while.

Take a peek at some of my fav's from the last year. If you haven't picked up your journal in a while (or ever),  today's a good day to start.  

New beginnings.  

I thought I'd write a New Year's post what my intentions are for the next 12 months but honestly, my eyes and back are tired from being at the computer for the last several days working on a project  & fixing a catastrophic computer program...so that post is going to have to wait a bit so I can focus a bit better.
I hope your first day of the New Year has been a grand one!  I'm excited for all the possibilities and can't wait to move forward.

Here's to all of us shining on our best selves in 2015.  Make every day count!

****************

LAST DAY---to take advantage of the special over at Icreateflix.com 

Save 25% off classes using code:  New Year 15

Less than a week left to save on the pre-registration special for my upcoming workshop, "Podtastic"

This class is chock full of exercises, ideas, techniques, tips, and of course lots of painting. I dare say you'll find it "Podtastic"!!!

She's A Girl That's Untangling

A few months ago as I was preparing for my first round of classes at Art Is You in Memphis--I took out my watercolors and practiced working on my "Girl Untangled" and couldn't help but notice how delicious these colors were sitting on my palette almost like little jars of hard candy ready for consumption.   Watercolors were my first love when I started painting years ago. I loved the free flowing movement you could achieve that was somewhat unpredictable and a bit softer around the edges.   At the time, I just needed to flow with out barriers. Working in that medium allowed me to do just that. Funny how you are drawn creatively to exactly what you need when you need it (if you are open to that type of inspiration)

You can see from my original sample that the background is a melding of many different colors but the added surprise elements come from the doodles and candy like colors surrounding this "Girl Untangled".   In addition to first loving watercolors, I have always loved doing portraits and have seen an evolution of myself with each and every one that I do.   Creating portraits whether realistic or stylized can be another way to immerse yourself into an almost meditative state of creativity. At least for me, I almost make up stories about my subjects.  I've been told that many look like me. Not that I go around with head dresses or crazy jewelry or outfits (well maybe sometimes), but it's hard not to capture your own likeness at times even in the smallest of ways.

Not all watercolor artists use pen in their work, but we aren't regular artists, are we?  As a mixed media artist, I tend to try new things a lot, see what works, what doesn't, and push the boundaries from the traditional method of operation.    Doodling and watercolor seem to go hand in hand to me.  It is fairly portable, a great way to get lost, and most definitely a fun way to de-stress while still creating beautiful pieces of art that aren't exactly 'traditional'.

I'll be teaching this class again in October at Art is You in Stamford, Ct. If you are looking to explore watercolor (we will be using Twinkling H20's that I will be providing for you!!),  doodling and portraiture, consider taking this class with me.  We touch on drawing facial features so that you have a well rounded understanding on how to not just paint, but draw your "Girl Untangled" as well. I step out each of the steps for you and with you before we go on to our main project.

As you can see from this picture and my sample projects, I am one that uses a lot of color, even in my faces.  I don't know about you, but even without makeup, my skin tone is about 40 colors. :)  I can help you think outside the box and explore the 'not-so-traditional'.  You don't have to follow a formula.  You can just be you.  We will be working on traditional watercolor paper for this class, and truly, other than a few brushes and some pens--I have most everything taken care of for you.
Consider joining me and see how you can combine Twinkling H20s (watercolors), doodling, and portrait work in a relaxing atmosphere full of creative types just like you.  You'll walk in the class room by yourself or with a friend and walk out a new person with a new sisterhood of people just like you (oh and a super cool work of art, too!).

Take a look at some of the lovely students from Memphis and their girls in progress.  You can do this, too!    To find out more information on this class offering: Girl Untangled  click HERE.


UPDATE--PLEASE NOTE:  Registration for Art Is You this October in Stamford, CT  closes September 15th!!!! You need to register before then to get the classes of your choice and participate in the event.  (You can add on classes later if avail and not sold out..but you have to pick your main selections before the closing date of September 15th).
*******************************************************************************

My other classes at Art is You:
Pod-Tastic

My Gellis-HeART

Extreme Portraits Online Workshop Giveaway!

 It's just one of those weeks where I may have to post a couple of times a day to get you up to speed with all the juicy creativeness that has been going on over the last few weeks.   From North Carolina to South Carolina, on over to Memphis and back again to the Outer Banks, it's been a whirl wind time with so many memories and new friends 'collected' along the way,  I am truly blessed to be doing what I love each and every day.

First things first, for those of you who have been waiting (thank you for your patience)...my next online class is coming up starting Monday, May 26th-- and ongoing for 6 weeks with access as a self study thereafter for 12 months from the date you start (or class begins, whichever is longer).  This class will be held over at Dreaming in Color's Arte Village and will include a 30.00  coupon for product at the shop online.  We will be using a variety of mixed media painting and drawing supplies, most of which you probably already have.   There's still plenty of time to join and collect your supplies, I promise!!

As an added bonus, I'm giving away 2 spots to the class--one from my newsletter sign ups over at Art Is You in Memphis, that winner is "Melony Lane"  whooohooo~~  Melony,  you can contact me to receive your class info;  The second giveaway is going to be a quickie--I"ll announce the winner on Thursday morning so you have 2 1/2 days to get in on the promotion.  Simply make a comment here and tell me what you love about portrait painting or what you'd like to learn--share this post and you can get an extra entry.

To claim your extra entry, simply leave an additional comment on this post. If you have already signed up for the class and win (random number generator will choose the entry from all commenters) you can choose to get a refund, give away your winnings as a gift to someone else, or you can apply a credit to another one of my online classes at Dreaming Color.


****NOTE---PLEASE PLEASE be sure to leave your contact info if you don't have a blog or email associated with your comment.

 I am so excited to present....

Extreme Portraits
Start Date : May 26th -June 30th 2014
Class Description:
Are you looking for ways to build more depth in your portrait painting? Extreme Portraits is the newest portrait class offered by Jodi Ohl that will help you take your portrait work to the next level, even to a cutting edge extreme. In each of the lessons covering a span of six weeks, you will find easy to follow directions and content that is rich in information that you can use not just in your portrait work, but a variety of mixed media applications.
In the fall of 2012 Jodi released Painterly in Pink, an online class which focused heavily on drawing before painting the mixed media stylized portraits and now we are excited to present the much anticipated offering of Extreme Portraits, which takes many of those lessons learned in her first class to a new level of depth and character. The focus on this class will be more on paintings and building up layers through glazing and underpaintings along with some fun extra surprise lessons.


Read on and Register by clicking HERE.

I hope to see you in class!


**Don't forget to enter to win a free class by commenting on this post!

Share the post (copy and paste the link into your favorite social media site) for an extra entry.


*****************

See what' s new in the shop this week!

AEDM Project 2 Am I Worthy

AEDM Project 2

"Am I Worthy"

Hello friends..it's Sunday and a bit cold outside. The leaves are dancing around the yard carefree and congregating in places that I should be taking care of right now, but here I am warm and cozy inside hibernating on this fall morning. I will be out soon enough, taking care of my chores that I've been putting off all week.  One of these days I will have a full time yard boy:)

For yesterdays project I worked on a portrait on grey toned paper by Strathmore which I love. I've been using it quite frequently as you can build up the tones quicker and the face doesn't look as harsh as when you are sketching on white paper.

Normally I use a reference photo from a magazine and just change the pictures up. I avoid anyone who is smiling with their pearly whites showing at all costs.LOL   I haven't graduated to drawing teeth just yet. Or bodies for that matter.

I do love me some eyes though.

Lips are my next favorite.

I've even come to love and respect hair.  We often rush when it comes to drawing hair, or at least I used to.   Now I enjoy seeing it build up and come to life. I've learned some very valuable tricks along the way and am sure I will continue to learn the more I practice.

The more and more I glazed on the layers of pencil and charcoal, I thought that my girl looked a bit sad. Almost teary eyed.  She was not feeling strong or confidant, questioning herself in many ways.

It's funny how our own emotions can come out in our art even if that wasn't what we intended at first.

I finished off with building depth around the girl by doing some freestyle writing and even scribbles. It's  a good way to get your feelings out and it also gives the background an edgy look.

Am I Worthy.

I know I am, but it doesn't always feel that way..and so I art:)

Hope you have a wonderful Sunday, stay warm and make time for YOU.

Artfully Yours,

Jodi

*********************

Stop by my Etsy shop to see what's new!

A Quiet Moment of Reflection

There are some days when I just don't want to speak....just write and listen to all that is going on inside of me.   Today is that day....a quiet day of reflection starting out on my back deck, a cup of good coffee and my journal.   Life is good.  Especially when you slow down and listen.

Painting with Pencils

After taking a weeeee little break from teaching classes so I could attend art festivals and complete an online class, I'm super duper excited to present my first local class in a few months!  "Painting with Pencils" coming soon (July 24th from 12-3pm) at Swank Coffee Shoppe and Handmade Market!  I"m working on a longer version of this class so whomever attends will get a SWEET deal on the price with tons of information and inspiration!  Pick up your pencils, journal, eraser and come join us!  Did I mention that Swank has some of the best coffee you will find on the East Coast???   PLUS some amazing art and arti-crafts that you will ever feast your eyes on in our little gem of a town.  Make a weekend of it and take in some of the shops and local flair or hit up a round of golf in one of our bazillion world  renowned golf courses!  Hurry though, space is limited!!!
Town of Southern Pines
Village of Pinehurst

Come and enjoy an afternoon learning the basics of drawing and illustrating a magical character & painting with water soluble pencils.  We will be working with assorted graphite pencils,  water color pencils and water soluble graphite pencils to compose our character and background  in your journal or sheets of watercolor paper.   No experience necessary!   Shading, blending and facial feature development will be covered in this fun filled class!

Supplies:  2b, 4b, 8b pencil,  watercolor pencils in indigo, brown, and yellow, You may bring more if you have them.  Kneaded eraser, kneaded eraser, watercolor paper or Bristol vellum paper, small angled paint brush. 

Date:  July 24th  12-3pm
Cost:  $35.00 plus supplies *If you would like the instructor to bring supplies, there will be a 20.00 supply kit charge which must be ordered 1 week prior to the work shop.
Place: Swank Coffee Shoppe and Handmade Market in Southern Pines, NC

To sign up email Jessica or Petra at swankgirls@gmail.com
Visit the shop on Facebook  HERE


If you are interested in me teaching a work shop for your shop, gallery, or organization-email me at jodiohl@hotmail.com !

Faces....

Let's face it...there are times when we have only small bits of time for art. When those times arise, I've taken to one of my face journals or sketch pads. The funny thing is, this tiny chunks of art time are helping me grow in new ways because I'm working in a new medium or rather a medium I hadn't dabbled in for awhile.  I love seeing the progress!   What do you do with your little bits of art time??

Can't Sleep Make Art Art Everyday Month Day 30

And so here it is, the end of Art Everyday Month!  Where did the time go? Like an impatient child, time keeps going and going whether or not we keep up with it or not. It moves on whether we are ready or not.  I'm ready for December and so happy for the month that I've had in art. I've learned a lot, I've created a lot and the challenge has  taught me a bit about endurance and routine.  Just like anything, you can make excuses after excuses as to why you can't do something. If you spent a few minutes a day doing things in the same amount of time you complain about not having time do it--you will  be surprised in a good way that you can you accomplish sometihng once your obstacles are removed!   Last year at this time I wrote an article in Cloth Paper Scissors about just BEGINNING (A Beginner's Guide to Beginning  Jan/Feb 2010).  Half the battle is creating good habits and  setting time aside everyday to do what you love alongside with doing what you need to do.  Are you a morning person or a night person. I'm a night person. I just am.  I will get up early though and do stuff but right now, I do most of my work late in the evening just because that's when life settles down, I get home from work, chores are done..yadayada.  

Last night, I couldn't sleep.  I was tired but I couldn't fall asleep.  I grabbed my new journal that is going to be dedicated to faces, and started in that with just a few simple tools.  A couple pencils, pen, marker and eraser.  No magical set up or items and I just started drawing this face. I don't even really care for how it came out, I"m not good at drawing profiles.  But that's all right because one day I will be good at it.  I'll keep on trying and late at night when I can't sleep because too many things are buzzing around my head, I'll have something release my feelings into.  I'll keep this up and other creative techniques I've incoporated into my creative routine so that maybe this time next year, I'll not only be writing about beginning things, I'll be well into a new career path and full time art life. It's going to happen. I can feel it :)   Stay tuned and lets see.

I hope good things come to you with your new creative routines that were forged this month and you continue to be inspired by the friends and connections you have made  during the challenge. I know I will and I am :)

 

The Best Is Yet To Come.....Art Everyday Month Day 22

Things I love....I can't help it I've listened to this song about 50 million times and I just love it...actually love the whole album of these rugged southern hippie boys, Kings of Leon :) Listen to it and hopefully you'll be inspired to create! Or dance....or just ride down the road with the music blaring smiling on your way to your destination!

So if you've walked along my road over the last week...you will have seen these pages and canvases evolve....my painted muses really have taken form and they are at the point where I am feeling like they are strong enough to leave alone so I can go on to my next inspiration.

How will I know what that will be?  Did you ever feel alone and wonder if anyone could hear what you are saying?  Did you ever wonder if you were ever going to be able to do better than you've done before?

What if this last one was as good as it gets and you will never be able to top that last big thing?

I was listening to Elizabeth Gilbert's speech on nurturing creativity and the expectation the world places on creative minds who have achieved greatness....and the expectations that we place on ourselves.  Is it realistic?  Are we destined to a life of solitude and crazy moods or  be predisposed to turn to altered states of mind to cope with what was and what might not ever be again.  Go ahead and listen to it.  It gives you another perspective on achieving greatness and nurturing what is in you no matter how good the 'next' is.

When you are feeling alone and aimless....there is someone watching over you and nurturing you even when no one is looking. Or listening.   A muse, a guiding light, a supreme being, a God, a friend, a loved one, a stranger, they are behind you and watching and helping to guide and shape that which is inside of you. I have to admit...even though I by far have not achieved the ultimate success of whatever I do...I have that fear of not being able to come up with another story idea, what if I never sell another painting and the best is already behind me....what if, people laugh at me and what I do??? Silly things but fears nonetheless....if you listen long enough, you can be moved into inaction and the creativity fades away.  Stomp it out and listen to the positive muse inside of you....let  her show you that the best is still yet to come.

Turn on your favorite song.  Listen to the beat, the movement, the voice, the enthusiasm and let everything else happen. Even if your greatest thing  you've ever done happened yesterday, who cares! You will never know if something else better isn't just down the road as you plant the seeds each and every day trying to find it unless you try and move along. .  You have to do it.  You must do it....you must engage in persistence. Determination.  Allow guidance from the world it will show you the light.

Listen.

Let's Face It.....Discover Yourself!

Facing who we are and who we'd like to be through exploring ourselves within the safety net of our journals created on a childrens board book. Are you looking for some messy creative fun?  Learn more about yourself and painting faces, creating funky backgrounds, and explore a variety of techniques in my latest online workshop!
"Let's Face It" is now available for purchase over at
Creative Workshops.

Class starts September 27th
Cost: $45.00 plus supplies