Fun With Procreate

Seems all I’m doing is practicing and taking classes. I feel like I should be a doctor of something by now.

I’ve actually been working on a big project that I thought would have been done about 6 months ago. But as usual, there’s another huge learning curve and I’ve had a few technical issues that I am still trying to work out, but it is getting there. At least I’m moving forward, right?

In the meantime, I’m doing something that is just for fun but that will also help me with my workflow in Photoshop and Illustrator and eventually get me closer to my big goal.

I have had this Procreate app on my iPad for well over 5 years and it has been a bit of a struggle getting to where I understand how to use all the brushes and honestly, having to work in layers was so cumbersome, it really took all the enjoyment out of it. Drawing doesn’t feel very spontaneous when you have to keep clicking around to get different brushes and add or switch between layers. But as with anything it just takes practice and soon it all becomes more intuitive.

I really wanted to dive into Procreate as Procreate files are compatible with Photoshop and I think I’ll enjoy being able to draw from the comfort of my sofa or beach or anywhere else other than feeling tied to my desktop.

I discovered Art with Flo on YouTube and had so much fun with her tutorials there I just HAD to join her Patreon. OMGOSH – I’m having so much fun working through all of her lessons! Flo’s projects range from beginner to advanced and she offers lessons in many different styles and a range of subject matter, which is great for learning how to use all the brushes. I’m really excited to be able to work more in Procreate, as it’s a great way to get away from my computer and work from pretty much anywhere.

I’ve also learned to give myself permission to just have fun with this. It is a nice escape from the project I’ve been working on, and I look forward to the evenings when I can spend a little time working on Flo’s lessons. Though her lessons range in time from 30 minutes to an hour, I’m ok if they take me longer. I’m really enjoying this process and can’t wait to learn more.

Here is a fun one I thought I’d do as I always start thinking about lots of sweet treats this time of year and today happens to be National Cupcake Day!

I think I worked on it over 3 nights and I have to say that though realism isn’t really my preferred style, I’m not that detail-oriented, I did really enjoy doing this.

Here is a shot of the cupcake Flo did in her tutorial on Patreon. But you can find more of her classes on YouTube as well.

National Personal Space Day

I thought I’d share a peek into my personal space for National Personal Space Day. This is where I keep a few of my favorite things. You see the corner where I spend most of my life and my two assistants, who do nothing but fight over who gets to nap in this really sad, ratty chair.  I feel very fortunate to have this space. 

I have several workspaces set up in my studio, but in the last couple of years, most of my time has been spent at my computer “station”. Next to that, I have a place by the window where I like to do my drawing and painting, which has been the second place I spend most of my time, though not very much lately. My paper-cutting and assemblage station is out of commission, but I hope to get back to that soon. 

I tend to rearrange this space when I am trying to avoid work, or when I start a new project. And by project, I mean another class, because let’s face it – that is all I’ve been doing; class after class. At some point, I need to put all this learning into action. Perhaps 2024 will be the year I make it happen. But, first I’ll have to completely rearrange my space, which could take a while.

Inspiration is Everywhere

I’ve been moving along slowly in From Paint to Pattern, while I haven’t been so motivated to work on any patterns, I did find some inspiration from my little friend here. It was nice of her to bring a little present too, so thoughtful! I thought I’d put my new Photoshop skills to work and bring in some vector art from Illustrator. While this isn’t great, I’m pretty happy with what I’ve learned so far. I’m still struggling a bit and not sure why my vector art looks so pixelated. It’s something I’ve been working on figuring out.  Thanks so much to Sara Watts for her guidance and also the fabulous Jane and Whitney for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes!

Here’s the inspiration for the above photo. It was actually a pretty easy process, but something I wouldn’t have been able to do a few weeks ago on my own.

Monday Mood Board

I’m not one to photograph my food, but the beautiful earthy palette in these clams needed to be captured.

It was hard choosing the colors from this photo. I reluctantly reduced it down to these 14 colors from 23.

Have a great week!