happy organizing!

People who know me know that I often contradict myself as an artist by being extremely organized. Normally the two don't go together. Typical artists are very messy and surround themselves with piles and stacks and jars full of goodness. Trust me, I have my times, and certainly a "dedicated" area for artistic chaos is a necessity. However, I get a great sense of joy and accomplishment over staying organized. Labeling, color coordinating, etc. When I was small I started separating my M&Ms by color to eat them in a specific order. OCD? Maybe. Did you know, it is a proven fact that organized people are more productive people!?
I saw something really awesome - that incorporated both artistry and organization. This artist on flickr had organized their books on their bookshelves by COLOR! See here.

I don't know who they are, but this is pure genius. I had thought about trying it myself, but I don't have quite as many books and my living room isn't quite as glamorous, but I gave it a shot once I had some spare time laying around...

I'm not much of a book reader. I buy books in anticipation of finally getting the motivation to sit down and read through them. I buy titles that grab me and find books on topics that I'm interested in and still never get around to either starting them, or finishing them once I've started. I'm afraid to say I've only finished one or two books in my lifetime, and they were probably required readings for a class in high school. I've got quite the collection of art books; however, most of them are in my classroom! Once I bring them home I'll have plenty more to add to this collection and hopefully a better variety of colors :)


Just google "organize books by color". It's sure to bring a smile to your face!

new etsy shop!

I just opened up my very own etsy shop! There's nothing there, but I'm excited to list some of my artworks and handmade items!

Hope to get lots of tips and advice from my friends who are seasoned etsy shop owners :)

Here's to new adventures!

Saturdays in the Studio

Today as I take you for a peek into my studio I want to talk about paint. Paint choices are crucial to determining the end result of your work. Not just colors, people, but the brand and the body. You don't have to purchase the most expensive brand to get great results. It took me a while to find my favorite and this is what I've stuck with ever since! The "body" of the paint refers to the "juiciness" - the viscosity. Different bodies will give you different results. I tend to lean more towards the medium and heavy bodied paint to get real some really great textures in my work.


My favorite is Liquitex BASICS. You can get them at Hobby Lobby for just a few bucks, and an even better deal when they run art supplies on sale (which is usually when I wait to stock up)!

I keep all my paint in this great little wooden suitcase I found in college that I keep little tidbits of memories and inspiration inside of as well. It's such a happy feeling to open it all up and see all of my colorful bottles just waiting to be used and fond memories of art school and friends posted inside. It's kind of like a time capsule. The paints in this suitcase have been part of many works throughout their little lives!

In fact, this suitcase makes traveling with art supplies super easy. It took a two week adventure to Italy with me once :)

Storing your paints in a protective and sturdy container is a MUST! Even though one of the clasps of this box is broken I can't find it in me to get rid of it after all we've been through and seen together :)

Happy painting!