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Hey friends! My latest online class Miniature Masterpiece launches today and I've got a little peek below. MINIATURE MASTERPIECE launches APRIL 2ND $30.00 While I love to work on large surfaces, I've learned over time that working small- like really small can really push your creativity. In this class we will be exploring small surfaces. From painting on tiny canvas to drawing on small surfaces to creating tiny art journals, I will share some of my favorite ways to create miniature art! more information or register HERE
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Working in layers when I paint is a really big part of my creative process! There is something really interesting and dynamic about color, pattern, marks, text and images that are layered on top of each other. I've always loved that layers enable you to tell a story, create the sense mystery (what is beneath all those layers?) and play with color. Today I thought I would share some of my favorite tips and tricks for working in layers. If you are working with lots of color, I always recommend starting with 2 or 3 colors and then letting things dry before adding more. I always hit my surface with a hair dryer so it will dry fast and I can keep going. As you get comfortable with using 2-3 colors, try adding even more! Don't be afraid to layer lots of color but remember letting colors and layers dry in between is the best way to keep things from getting muddy. For me, it is really important for me create surfaces that have a lot of vibrant colors that pop. As my layers dry, I like try to lighten and brighten things up by adding vibrant or contrasting colors for my last layer. Don't be afraid to use a variety of supplies to add those layers! I love using paint brushes but I also like using all kinds of other supplies like a brayer, old credit cards for swiping paint, even my hands! If you are painting over the top of a colorful and messy page, keep in mind you want to select colors that won't blend or get lost. For example, I tend to select black or white to go over the top of darker/brighter colors because I am able to really create a lot of contrast. Keep in mind those black and white layers of paint make a great surface for a layer of drawing! Don't be afraid to add expressive and messy marks, doodles, stamps, stencils and drawings in between all those layers of paint. I even love taking it a step further and painting over parts and pieces of those details. Give yourself a number of layers to build- for example start with two or three layers. Try practicing this amount of layers and then work your way up to adding more. This process can help you figure out how many layers work for you and when it feels right to stop.
The last couple of weeks have been amazing for beachcombing here on the Oregon Coast. And if you know me, you will know that I am a happy girl! Hunting for shells is probably my favorite way to relax and clear my head and a bonus is coming home with all kinds of treasure! Here is a little peek into our beachcombing.
I spent A LOT of time sketching but I probably spend just as much time working in an art journal. For me there is really a fine line between an art journal and a sketchbook. For my sketching process I limit my supplies- I use all an purpose paper sketchbook, a pen and watercolors. I like to keep my sketching supplies simple so that I can take them on the go. I use an art journal (that typically has heavy duty paper like watercolor paper) to explore all kinds of mixed media techniques like painting, collage, sewing (with paper), stamping, doodling, drawing and printmaking. My art journal is a small and accessible place for me to practice, explore and brainstorm all kinds of techniques. There are all kinds of at journaling supplies but these are what I tend to use most- 1. While I am not picky about the sketchbooks that I use, I am particular about my art journals only because I use a lot of paint and wet media which means I need paper that will hold up to all my layers and techniques. I prefer watercolor paper or bristol paper because it is nice and thick and holds up well when using paint. 2. I really like using matte acrylic paint when I am painting in an art journal because the pages, once closed, won't stick together (sometimes they will when using acrylic paint that has a gloss). 3. I always keep a glue stick around so I can quickly glue collage ephemera or photos to pages of my art journal. 4. I spend a lot of time drawing and doodling over the top of my painted journal pages so I always have a good collection of permanent pens and markers on hand. 5. When I am creating painted backgrounds in my art journal I tend to reach for my brayer before a paint brush- I love the look of messy color rolled all over the surface of a page. 6. Paint pens, especially white ones are one of my favorite tools to use when I am drawing or doodling over the top of dark backgrounds. 7. I will use any kind of tape (washi tape, masking tape, scotch tape, etc) to attached photos and collage ephemera to my pages. Often my art journal becomes a place to store ideas which means a lot of pages have little notes, ideas, pieces of doodles and photos attached to the surface. 8. I use watercolors all the time and even though I use a lot of acrylic paint in my art journal pages, I also like to use watercolors to add color to doodles and drawings. p.s. I've got another batch of handmade art journals in the shop HERE!
My husband loves to cook and he has a knack for coming up with his own recipes with unique flavor and simple ingredients. One of my favorites is his curry chicken and kale- a hearty dish perfect for a fall evening. Start by chopping all of the fresh vegetables. In a pan, cook the chopped sweet potatoes, potatoes, garlic and onion in a little bit of peanut oil until "almost" tender. Grill or bake the chicken breasts until tender and chop into bite size pieces. Andy likes to fry the chicken in peanut oil until golden brown. Add a couple tablespoons of curry powder to a mixture of coconut milk (16 oz), chopped potatoes, chopped kale, chicken, 2-3 garlic cloves, 2-3 chunks of ginger, diced red chilis, a pinch of salt and pepper and a pinch of chili powder. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes on low heat. We like eating ours with naan (Indian flat bread) it is is perfect for dipping!
My latest online class- Larger Than Life is well under way and I am having so much messy fun creating and filming in the studio that I just couldn't resist sharing a tiny peek into the class! larger than life peek from Alisa Burke on Vimeo. The best part about this class (and all of my online classes) is that you can register at any time and work at your own pace AND you have unlimited access! Visit my shop for more information on Larger Than Life.
Having been raised in a beach town and taught to appreciate the ocean, I've always been smitten with the sea- the smells, the colors, the treasures- there was even a short moment when I thought about giving up my dream of being an artist and wanted to be an oceanographer (until I found out how much math and science I needed!) These days my passion for the ocean is greater than ever. Because I am BEYOND blessed to live in a beach town in So. Cal. and have the ability to travel to my hometown beach in Oregon, I do not take a moment of it for granted. This last week at home in Oregon I used my camera to record my favorite findings, collected things to add to my collection and spent a great deal of time drawing and making notes about my findings in my sketchbook. Here is a peek inside...
I'm currently taking Alisa Burke's Flower Power class. Alisa is an amazing artist who does incredible watercolor work in her art journ...
I get asked all kinds of questions about all sorts of creative things and once in a while I take the time to answer the frequently asked questions here on my blog! Something I get asked a lot is how to price art or handmade goods and while this process looks really different for everyone, I thought is might be helpful to give a little insight into my own philosophy on pricing that art. So pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and join me for a little chat about art and money! Have a question you want me to answer? Feel free to leave a comment or email me [email protected] Looking for more art business tips and advice? how to start selling your artwork- HERE jump start a creative career- HERE taking a leap into full time artist- HERE coping with creative burnout- HERE coping with failure- HERE how to keep your work authentic- HERE the art of chasing a dream- HERE managing life and a creative business- HERE the art of setting goals- HERE the art of blogging- HERE and HERE the things I haven't shared- HERE stronger than I ever knew- HERE
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
On today’s episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast we’re talking about creativity and drawing and making art with my guest Alisa Burke. If she’s not making art in her Oregon Coast studio, you can find freelance painter and mixed media artist Alisa Burke blogging, teaching art workshops or crafting her handmade accessories. Whether it’s […]
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
When it comes to making art, I'm all about the process. While I love working on a project from start to finish, I've found that it's in ...
With the Super Bowl this weekend I thought it would be to share one of my husband Andy's delicious recipes for wings. He is a master at making oven baked wings in variety of different flavors. My favorite are his garlic ginger wings. They are crispy, a little spicy and CRAZY yummy! INGREDIENTS Wings: 1-1/2 to 2 pounds chicken wings, cut at joint, no tips Salt and pepper to taste Sriracha to taste (I use 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on who's eating them) Around 1 tablespoon peanut oil Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Line a baking sheet with foil and grease foil with non-stick cooking spray Place chicken wings in large mixing bowl and add salt, pepper, sriracha and peanut oil Stir mixture so the wings are coated Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes Turn wings and return to oven. Cook until crispy for another 20 minutes Glaze: 2-3 finely chopped garlic cloves 1-1.5 inch chunk of fresh ginger root, minced 1 tablespoon Sambal (or preferred type of chile pepper sauce) 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar 1/2 cup seasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon of soy sauce Whisk together ingredients and bring mixture to a boil. Immediately remove from heat. Place wings into a large mixing bowl. Pour desired amount of the glaze over the wings and toss. Use extra sauce for dipping. Transfer to plate and let wings sit for approx. 5 min for the sauce to absorb into the meat. Garnish with basil.
As usual life has been busy, preparing for students coming back, filling some orders for purses and other little creations that I have been working on and trying really hard to work on the writing for my book. It is hard for me to get into a mood to write- too many distrations that are easy to give into but I am making progress and I will make my deadlines no matter what!!! I have also been trying to enjoy the last days of summer, savoring the extra warm Southern California weather, spending time with my hubby- helping out my photographer friend Duvy build up her portfolio- by "playing" model, spending time with family, trying to keep our fat cat Jack nice and cool- and most importanly been doing my darndest to live in the present and not worry about the future. I can feel fall approaching and though San Diego is usually warm and sunny, there are still signs that time is passing- In the six years I have lived here, I have NEVER gotten used to the lack of visible seasons, but I have found new ways to identify the approaching months- the days are get shorter, the nights are cooler, leaves start to change on trees other than the palms, and the tourists will soon leave the sandy beaches- thank goodness! Though the weather will continue to be warm and sunny even in December (the most beautiful of months) I can still feel fall and winter approaching!
Exploration and nature is a really big part of our lives so when the tide is low, we make sure we head to the beach. Lately we have been spending time teaching Lucy all about tide pools and it has been so much fun! Since tide pools are living, our exploration is not about collecting things to bring home but more about making observations. We take photos of things that catch our eye and we hunt and look for creatures to identify. Then we head home and spend time researching, identifying, drawing and recording our findings. This process began as a science activity for Lucy but it is quickly growing into something that the entire family is passionate about! Here is a little peek into our process.
I spent the entire day yesterday flying across the country (and getting stuck halfway) and what better way to pass a little time than playing around with pattern in my sketchbook.
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One of my favorite fall treats are spice cookies and my favorite recipe is an easy one that I've put my own little twist on (a pinch of ingredients here and there). I LOVE these cookies and could eat dozens of them (and actually have in the last few week!) In a bowl, mix together all dry ingredients Using a mixer, beat egg, molasses and butter into the dry ingredients until combined and a dough forms. Roll dough into little balls, sprinkle with sugar and line on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
The last couple weeks I've been busy teaching in my studio and today I’ve got a little peek into the Petals and Paint retreat! It was such a colorful, messy and fun weekend!
sketch from Alisa Burke on Vimeo. the sound of sunshine by michael franti & spearhead
As a goal minded kind of gal, I love planning for the future, day dreaming and finding ways to make things happen. For years I chased big (unattainable) goals that were all about fast results and I failed over and over again! It wasn’t until I began setting small attainable daily goals that I created lots of momentum in my life. I’m not saying to stop dreaming big but sometimes small steps will lead to amazing things! With the new year upon us, today I wanted to share some of the best advice I can give about setting goals!
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
Explore mealisab's 11054 photos on Flickr!
Another trip to the aquarium with my camera has provided me with lots of inspiration! to create your own palettes and patterns visit - COLORlovers.com
With the new year in full swing I am sure there are a lot of you out there setting goals and hoping to pursue your creative dreams. Today I have put together a post for those of you looking to get focussed and jump start a creative career. creative jump start from Alisa Burke on Vimeo. We are living in a time where we are bombarded with so much information. Through social media we are able to look into other people's lives, we face advertising and all kinds of messages about the people we should be and the life we should be living and it can be challenging to stay true to yourself or even know who you are and what you stand for. When you are growing a creative business, it can be even more challenging to know what makes you and your business unique. I think the best place to start is to quiet all the noise out there, STOP looking at what everyone else is doing and get back to the basics of your life and the things that define you. Before you can set out on a path towards a creative career you MUST take time to really identify what makes you unique, what kind of goals you have and what direction feels right for your life. TIP: Keep in mind that defining who you are and setting creative goals for your career may take weeks, months even years of trial and error. But taking the time to define who you are will keep you authentic and provide a clear direction for your creative goals. Once you have a good idea of who you are and what you want, I think it is important to begin putting yourself out there. This could mean anything from showing your art, selling your art, taking a class, looking for ways to be creative, connecting with others, starting a website or blog, growing a business, etc. One of the most important things in my journey as an artist has been putting myself out there and trying different things. While I had lots of dead ends, failure and rejection I was able to really learn, grow and evolve as an artist. TIP: It can be really scary to put yourself out there as an artist because the creative process often feels so sacred (which makes rejection and failure feel really intense) but taking chances and trying different different things will help you become better at your craft. Selling goods or handmade products (or art) is a really accessible and easy way to put yourself out there.This is something that I did for years on the side. After spending 8 hours at my day job I would spend weekends and evenings creating stock and large quantities of handmade goods or art to sell. While it was hard juggling a day job with my creative endeavors, this process really enabled me to put my art out there with a safety net (my job), that enabled me to take risks and even fail. GOODS TO SELL: Good to sell can really vary depending on your strengths, schedule and needs: Hard Goods: From your art to handmade creations, hard goods or your actual handmade products are what a lot of artists and crafters want to sell. There is nothing better than making art and then putting it out there for others! E-Goods: E-goods are another option- anything from digital downloads, patterns, digital kits, online classes and DIY tutorials can all be sold. Typically this route can take a lot of time to set up and keep fresh but in the long term it can be rewarding because you are don't have to work like crazy to make tons of products. Knowledge or Services: Your knowledge or sharing something that you are good at is another option for selling. From teaching classes to writing articles and books to consulting- your strengths and experience can be a great way to offer something unique for sale! TIP: Unless you get lucky, it can take a lot of time to actually sell enough products to make a decent paycheck. Don't give up if things are going slow. Instead hang in there and try making little changes to the way you sell and market your goods. There are all kinds of places to sell art or handmade creations it is just a matter of finding what works best for you. Below I have included all the different places I have utilized over the years. Craft Shows: Craft shows can be a tricky venue to show and sell your work but is a great way to gain experience putting yourself and your work out there. Typically you need to apply or jury into a show, there may be a fee associated and you typically need a booth for your work. A great resource for finding all kinds of craft shows is The Crafts Fair Online Directory Online Shop: These days selling your work online is really accessible. With sites like Etsy, Big Cartel, Storenvy and easy to access resources for building your own store (I use Shopify), getting your work online is one of the easiest way to begin selling your art immediately! Directly From Your Website or Blog: While an online shop is the typically the way to sell, you can start small by offering things for sale on your blog or website. With resources like paypal (or online payment applications) you can add simple shopping options to art that you want to to sell. If you are starting out and want to test the market, this is a simple way to get started. Galleries: Getting your work in a gallery can be challenging, but it is a great way to showcase your art and build your creative resume. Often you will need to send a copy of your portfolio or resume to begin the process. Handmade Boutiques: Handmade or smaller boutiques are a great alternative to galleries. They are a little easier to gain access to and often will be interested in a variety of handmade products, accessories and art. Approaching a boutique is as simple as walking in with your portfolio or samples and asking to speak to the manager. If in person feels too scary you can always send email inquiries. Consignment: Consigning your work to smaller independently owned stores is not a big money maker but can promote your work and provide some great experience selling in a retail setting. When you consign you split the cost of your work with the store typically 60/40. While you can loose or not make money consigning it can be a great way to try out a retail setting. Wholesale: Selling your work wholesale is another option but is typically a better fit for those artists who are producing larger quantities of handmade goods. From selling to boutiques, stores and galleries, wholesale accounts can provide you with more steady work selling your goods, they can supplement your income and can help get your work out there. There are also a variety of wholesale trade shows where you can exhibit your work (typically an investment to apply) and attract new wholesale relationships. In the past I have really loved using the wholesale crafts.com, a resource that connects artists with buyers. TIP: It might take some time and trial an error to find the right place to sell your art. Don't give up. If something doesn't work- give it some time and be willing to try another opportunity. Often it takes a lot of testing the waters to find the right fit. While working as a freelancer still means you work for yourself- it is common to build relationships and work with agencies or companies that use your services. Anything from graphic design, illustration, photography and even creative consulting can all be things offered in a freelance capacity. Thanks to the internet, working as a creative freelancer has become more accessible because it is easier to connect with opportunities. Licensing your work is another avenue to make an income from your art. From home decor to art to accessories, there are all kinds of opportunities to get your art on a variety of products. It can be a tricky to begin the process of licensing- you typically need a good body of work and lots of education and understanding of the industry. Not every licensing opportunity will be the right fit for your work but there is a lot potential to grow and expand your art business. There are some great resources out there for artists looking to learn about licensing- I really like Maria Brophy and Tara Reed for good clear information about the industry. Not ready to jump into selling your art or handmade goods or ready to be a creative entrepreneur? There are still all kinds of ways to get your "creative fix" while making money, learning the ropes or even finding where you fit in. I spent a HUGE part of my creative journey working for other people and trying A LOT of different things. For many years my goal was to find a job that had creative elements where I could use my strengths and skills. From working at galleries, a frame shop, interior design, event planning, graphic design, creative programming for college students and marketing- I tried a lot of different jobs hoping something would fit for good. Many of these different jobs were perfect for the different stages in my life. While I spent many days in my cubicle day dreaming about making art full time, I was still able to learn new skills, take home a paycheck and have a safety net that enabled me to take risks with my art. Below is a list of some different paths and ideas that might look a little different from the like of a self employed artist but they are still creative nonetheless! Galleries and Boutiques: A gallery or even a specialty boutique where handmade items are sold is a great place to be surrounded by creativity. It is also a wonderful way to learn the in's and out's of selling art. Some of the greatest lessons I have learned about art were during the days when I worked in a gallery. From understanding the public and what they liked to working with artists, putting on creative events, planning shows, handling and archiving artwork and networking with a variety of creative individuals were all things that I discovered on the job. These types of jobs (or even volunteer opportunities) provided me with a valuable education and lessons that I still reference today for my own business. Retail: Along the same lines of working in a gallery, finding a retail opportunity that has merchandise that inspires you is something that can also provide a creative atmosphere. Flower shops, art supply stores, clothing stores, even unique cafes and restaurants are all places that can be creative and inspiring places to work while you pursue your art on the side. Event Planning: I spent a handful of years working in an event planning position. From planning educational lectures to organizing fundraising events to hosting workshops for college students, I was able to get my "creative fix" while working on events. While I was able to get creative, I will say that working in event planning was really stressful for me and I often found myself worried and over worked. But with that said, I learned a lot of valuable skills that I have used in planning and organizing my own retreats and events. Marketing: Working in marketing was where I really was able to learn and experience lots of creativity in a 9-5 job. From photography, graphic design, creative brainstorming, learning to work with clients and collaborating with a team all become part of my everyday tasks. Marketing can be a very inspiring and creative atmosphere to work in. This information is really just touching the surface of all the different things that you can do to jump start a creative career. I hope some of it is a little bit of encouragement and hope that there are all kinds of options out there if you are craving something more creative! Have your own advice, tips or things that have worked for you? Feel free to leave comment
When we decided to start a family we had no idea what to expect but we knew we wanted (and needed) our lives to grow and change- we needed life to be turned upside down. Since Lucy's arrival, the experience of becoming parents has been one of the most profound and powerful adventures for both of us. And when we set out to create a new life in Oregon, to simplify and to "leave it all behind" (so that we could provide a better life for our little family), we had no idea the twists and turns that this journey would present along the way. At times we have struggled with the transition, we have experienced growing pains in our marriage and we have been overwhelmed by being first time parents. We got what we wished for- our lives have been turned upside down in the most uncomfortable yet FABULOUS of ways. Now as we settle into this new chapter, we have started to redefine ourselves as individuals, as partners and as parents. Friday is Lucy's birthday and we have been very reflective around here about all that has happened in our first year with her and we decided we wanted to kick off her birth week by doing something special to celebrate our journey becoming a family. We also wanted kick off a brand new chapter together by doing something unique that would represent the kind of theme we want to set for our family as we move forward...ADVENTURE! So yesterday we packed up the car and drove 2 hours for a hike that is known for being unique, challenging and incredibly breathtaking. The Oneonta Gorge hike is not accessible by trail, the creek IS the trail! We scrambled and hiked over a log jam, walked through the icy cold creek, below towering mossy walls of rock and made our way to the waterfall. I've been lots of places but this may be one of the most magical and inspiring places I have ever been. It was here that we celebrated Lucy and our first year as parents and made a promise to each other that we will move forward as a family with joy and wonder filled days, we will look for magic, beauty and inspiration in the world around us and we will continue to always seek out adventure. Since we were packing Lucy we couldn't make it through the last few yards together (through a deep pool) so we had to take turns and go separately to the falls. Andy took the hardcore way.... I took the not so hardcore way!
