Making Lavender Prints and Cards

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I got a bunch of fresh lavender flowers at the grocery store. They are my absolute favorite flowers. I’m not sure what to do with it except to savor the lovely scent and make some art. I enjoyed slow sketching and looking at the little details, done on a small handbound sketchbook made from watercolor paper.   Then, of course, I had to do some printmaking. I decided to make some prints by drawing the lavender, transferring it on a … Read More

March 2018 Rekindle Memories Gallery and Stories

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One friend said that Rekindle Memories is making her record happy times on paper… Making memories come alive by sketching and painting them not only make us rekindle the happy old times but it also forge new memories as we notice one thing today that captures our interest. What a way to savor and be grateful for each moment, don’t you think? Making art depends upon noticing things– things about yourself, your methods, your subject matter. Sooner or later, for instance, every visual artist notices … Read More

February 2018 Rekindle Memories Gallery and Stories

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“Thank goodness for Elisa’s 7 day challenges“, said one artist friend about Rekindle Memories. Her statement made me think that yes, Rekindle Memories is not just about sketching, painting and sharing our wonderful memories but it’s also an opportunity to try a new medium, to sketch and paint something out of our comfort zone and most of all to learn and enjoy the process of creating art. What better way than to make art together with other artists from around the world? Without … Read More

November 2017 Rekindle Memories Gallery and Stories

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Smita, one of the participants in Rekindle Memories said, “This challenge gives us a chance to think about life’s manifold blessings.” Such an inspiring statement that resonates on why we are doing this challenge in the first place– to remember and appreciate life in all its wonder and beauty through sketching and painting wherever we are in the world. I am so grateful for all of you (in 6 different countries!) and your wonderful memories that you share every month. May you enjoy this month’s gallery and stories. … Read More

October 2017 Rekindle Memories Gallery and Stories

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I felt a little closer to the artists who shared snippets of their lives through sketches and paintings. The stories that accompanied the art made me visualize what they have experienced in the other side of the world. Please enjoy the October collection of artworks and stories that rekindles so many wonderful memories. I’m thankful for this small community of artists who support this tiny endeavor and make it so meaningful. Susan; Canada The autumn leaves rekindles memories of walks in the woods around … Read More

(New Class) Watercolor Sketching Your Life

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As much as I like sketching in pen, sometimes I find the freedom of not doing any initial sketch and just diving right in with watercolor. It’s the same feeling that my young learners have whenever I will ask them to outline their penciled drawings with marker. They mostly feel daunted by the task because they prefer to just go and paint. I remembered when I was just starting out, I would draw directly with watercolor. It doesn’t matter if the output looks … Read More

Postcard to Inspire Swap

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Painting on bed Savoring each moment. That’s what I love most when I slow down and make time to sketch and paint the life around me. Last weekend morning, I woke up a little earlier and watched my husband sleeping peacefully by my side. Instinctively, I traced the contour of his face with my eyes and said to myself, you know what, I am going to sketch and paint him. Gingerly, I grabbed my sketchbook and pen. There were many imperfections–the other arm … Read More

Make Something Everyday + Nanodrawmo 2016 Round-up

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Well, I was only able to accomplish 15 artworks for Nanodrawmo. Not even half of the goal of 50. But this challenge has rekindled me to make something everyday. Surely I may not be able to sketch everyday (or often) but I press on to create something…anything (!) with my hands. That could mean writing letters, making paper brooch, painting, crafting… So many ways to be productive. Because when you don’t attempt to create one thing often, the following might happen … Read More

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