Learning How to Watercolor

Ah, watercolors. They are the simplicity and elegance that everyone loves. While they look do effortless, it is quite guise for a technique that takes lots of patience and time. Ever since college, I have been dappling in watercolor illustration but also finding it turing into a big grey mess. After a day and a half of playing around and not worrying about the outcome, I think that I have some tips for learning to watercolor:

1. Have the correct brushes. Unlike oil painting, smooth synthetic brushes with a thin pointed tip are best. Also start with small brushes. 

2. Let go of what you want and let whatever happen happen. Put down that pencil and start with a blank page. If you were a artist like me, this was the hardest part. I have always pre-planned all my finals with pencil sketches. But hide those pencils and start with thin also translucent color

3. Take your time and don't rush the process. In the past, I was quick to attempt to add more color to my drawing which ended up with it turning into a utter mess. Watercolors need time to dry before moving onto layering more color one. I suggest watching tv or listening to music while watercoloring. Take quick couple minute breaks in between layers. 

4. Layering! Slowly build color up and mix colors by layering slowing. Play around with this too. Layering different colors while one is still just a little wet can give you that effortless elegance. 

I hope these 4 tips can help you in your watercolor adventures and leave a photo or comment below with your illustrations! 

Historical Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha

Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939) was a Czech Art Nouveau artist that captured my heart long ago. His eye for nature and color has surpassed its time. Mucha's works are truly amazing in that they are both advertisements but also delicate, detailed works of art. Mucha also completed decorative art projects that included stained glass and interiors. His grandest project was a series of twenty huge paintings called the Slav Epic. The twenty painting depicts the history of the Czech and Slavic people. These epic paintings were bestowed to the city of Prague when completed. 

As a designer, Mucha's work influence my color palettes and use of line. His transitions from thin to thick create depth and volume in his works. I could spend hours getting lost in his works. There are so many details unseen that are left to be discovered. It is defiantly worth taking some time to take a look at his great body of work and see what you can discover.  

      Spring 1896                           Autumn 1896                              Summer 1896  

For More Art History Inspiration: Check out my Pinterest Page: HERE

                                             

Introducing Embroideries!

I am happy to announce that Ginger Prints is now selling handmade, custom embroideries! In college, fiber arts was my favorite creative outlet. Embroidery finally allowed me to combine to of my favorite things, typography and textiles. I am very excited to share these with you today! 

Continue reading if you would like to hear about my process

My first embroidery for my shop is C'est la Vie. I started by googling images of different leaves and vines to inspire my design. After sketching my idea, I move to transferring that to cloth. The act of sewing is my favorite way of relaxing. It also happens in a cozy space, some coffee or tea, and binge watching Netflix. My current addiction is Gossip Girl. In the process of sewing, my designs change and growing to reflect the nature of embroidery. For my first design, I simplified the vines and made the lettering the main focus. 

I think this design is great for places next to a mirror or in the kitchen. It's the perfect size to be mixed into a already growing gallery wall or tight places. The warm and simple colors can go with any decor. 

Don't forget to check out my other designs here! 

Back to School Discount | Get $10.00 Off when you spend $30.00

Get Ready for the new school year with this Great Discount! 

 When you spend $30.00 at Ginger Prints on Etsy, you'll get $10.00 off 

when you use the coupon code BACKTOSCHOOL at checkout! 

Use it before it's gone! This code is good until September 11, 2015!

This discount is great if you have just moved into a new space or

want to spice up your office area. Pick out a couple of designs to add or
to start creating a gallery wall. Also stock up on notecard to give to your

teachers and friends! 

Welcome to Ginger Prints

Welcome to Ginger Prints, the blog! About half a year ago, I decided to create and open my very own Etsy Shop. Inspired my textiles from around the world and my favorite books, I began to create notecards and typographic art prints. After a slow start, I'm finally starting to get into the groove of being my own boss. I am creating this blog with the hopes of sharing some of my process and new products along with some happenings of my daily life. I hope you enjoy and let me know what you'd like to see next! 

Check out my work on: 

Etsy

Redbubble

Society6