Here is what my mixed media project looked like after following Karen Campbell's easy and informative tutorial video.

Suggested Books to Read as You Begin to Venture Further into Your Art Making Experiences:  This book by David Bayles & Ted Orland offers beneficial & fundamental advice for all artists...both veteran artists and those of us who are new to this form of expression.

Art & Fear ... Observations on the Perils & Rewards of ArtMaking

A few months ago I took a day class in oil paint and cold wax. It was radically different from anything I had tried before.  It's a very messy adventure! I felt uncertain throughout the day. I was definitely out of my comfort zone!  In the end...I fell absolutely in love with the process and the end look. If you're interested I highly suggest you try a class before making the investment in your own materials.

Wabi-Sabi...Painting with Cold Wax by Serena Barton 

Books that have had Radical Impact 

These are books I can personally testify to that have had significant impact to my spiritual and creative path.  I resonated with parts or all of each book.  Each book offers something different. I cannot guarantee any benefits if you choose to read.

This is a selected poem from Nikki Grimes' book: One Last Word

My "Fav's" When it comes to playing with Colors!

Anything "TIm Holtz" in my opinion! I enjoy working with his Distress Crayons and Inks. Aged Mahogany, Salvaged Patina, and Dried Marigold are 3 of my favorite colors in the Distress line.

Ranger Ink Website 

I also really like to see a little metallic and / or iridescent color to my art work. There are numerous metallic marker options at places like Target. Walmart (and Amazon) offer FolkArt Color Shift paint. I especially like Green Flash.  And if you want to use your fingers and smudge in some metallic...may I suggest Shiva oil sticks.

Color Shift Paint 

Shiva Oil Sticks 

Whether you want to get messy and get your fingers full of fun colors...or use an applicator tool...I like using Pan Pastels for their silky application and vivid colors. You can also go low budget and use old eyeshadow or chalk pastels. I like using my fingers to apply and then rub the powder / chalk into the canvas using hand cream. So Fun!!!

Pan Pastels 

Chalk Pastels 

Water Soluble Oil Pastels! Absolutely LOVE! Easy to use, no mess and bright beautiful colors!       

Hashi Oil Pastels 

Watercolors... I don't venture into the world of watercolors much...(it pushes my Comfort Zone)...but when I do...I do recommend using Watercolor Paper (Target, Walmart, Michaels, Amazon...). Whether using watercolor markers or a palette...watercolors help foster tranquility within me...as water is added... washing over the colors...I find myself traveling with the flow.

Art Pop Watercolor Markers 

Watercolor Palette 

Budget Friendly Watercolor Palette 

Watercolor Paper 

Love at first sight! Reminiscent of a Gorgeous Sunset...Golden Acrylics Quinacridone / Nickel Azo Gold. Absolutely Beautiful!!!

Golden Acrylic Nickel Azo Gold 

For collage` making...a friend suggest Nori paste. It's best kept in the refrigerator. I prefer this paste over Mod Podge for adhering paper material to a collage` piece.

Nori Paste 

And last...but certainly not least...WASHI TAPE!!!  I haven't a clue as to "why"...BUT even looking at washi tape offers me Pure Joy! You can purchase washi tape most anywhere. Go to the Dollar Store if you don't feel like investing much money into trying on this creative additive. I use it for framing my paintings and use it in my journals.

Washi Tape!