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Watercolor Painting is Takes Your Mind Off What Hurts

4/30/2021

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Eastern Blue Bird Watercolor Painting

Janise Crow experimenting with watercolor painting, Crows Nest Arts
I recently had surgery on my left foot last month, unable to walk around much I am confined to a chair more often than I like.  I have tried to make jewelry but I just can’t seem to say focused and I neve seem to have the supplies or tools I needed within arms reach so I quickly became frustrated.  I have often admired watercolor painting and thought I’d watch a few videos to get an idea if this was something I thought I could actually do.  I was intrigued by the soft flowy effects by some of the skilled artist.  They made it look so easy… like anyone could do it.  So, I thought why not give it a go.  I borrowed paints and purchased paper and sat down to paint.  Well, as it turns out it’s not so easy.  There are things that ya just don’t know until you invest time and yes, money too.  Like for instance that quality paint, paper, and brushes are essential.  You don’t have to break the bank but if you think this is something you will enjoy it’s worth spending a little extra time and money to get decent supplies.  I did just that.  Not the best but got good enough to learn with without getting frustrated that my painting was working like the demonstrators.

My first painting I started was of bumble bees.  I followed what the demonstrator was doing, making modifications with the colors of paint I had and starting painting a bee! I was so excited that my bees were actually looked like bumble bees.  This was encouraging to say the least.  I had to stop for the day, but I was hooked and I ordered a few more paint colors.  The next time I was able to open my paint set I thought I’d start with something easier for a beginner where I could learn more about brush strokes and how to mix colors.  I found a one hour tutorial on the Michael’s website.  Admittedly it was a fast class for someone with on watercolor experience, but I was able to stop the video till I was ready to proceed.   I’m no Picasso but I think my Eastern Blue Bird looks pretty good for my first bird painting.

I find watercolor painting relaxing and good for the soul. As an instant gratification kind of person, I like that I can finish a painting in one setting, I don’t have to wait too long for the paint to dry before I add another layer. My mind is relaxed and I don’t even notice the pain in my foot.  It certainly keeps me still and occupied which is making my recovery more enjoyable.   As an added benefit it’s easy to take anywhere.  There is little to pack and sets up quickly. 😊
Photos
​
If you want to give it a try here is the video I watched. 
Here is a printout of the drawing of the blue bird you can trace if you don't want to free-hand the drawing.
Here is the printed instructions from the video 

I  did not have all the colors or supplies listed on the video but here is a list of the supplies I used:
  • Paint: Windsor & Newton Cotman tube watercolor paints set of 12 – purchased at Michaels
  • Paper: Strathmore Watercolor paper 140 lb.  purchased at Michaels
  • Brushes: watercolor set that starts with size 0, I prefer some sort of hair as they seem to hold more water or a blend of hair and synthetic
  • Tim Holtz Mini bottles: Refillable bottles for water, purchased at Michaels
  • Paint Pallet: Plastic reusable tray to mix colors, purchased at Michaels
  • Masking tape
  • Pencil and Eraser
  • Clip board with a flat clip, purchased at Walmart
If I do give watercolor painting a try, post a pic on social media and be sure to tag me @crowsnestarts1 #crowsnestarts so I will be able to see it.
I'd enjoy hearing from you drop a comment below.​  Enjoy!
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A New Sign For Our Community Rock Garden

5/2/2020

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Neighbors encouraging each other.  We invite you to participate and add your painted rock.
A New Sign For Community Rock Garden State College, PA by Crows Nest Arts, Janise Crow
New Sign Replaces Broken Sign
Picture
Painting the new rock garden sign
Hand painted rocks for community garden, Crows Nest Arts, Janise Crow
Our Garden is Growing with over 40 rocks!
Hand painted sign for community rock garden, Janise Crow, Crows Nest Arts
Garden Sign Securely Fastened
After some pretty strong winds our sign had fallen and broken.  I knew I had to get the paints out and make a new one.  I used a recycle floor tile, craft paints, and sealed with several coats of clear acrylic.   It was a fun project.  I made it much brighter in color.  Ed and I designed a frame that now hangs the tile securely in place.  The garden is growing, it's so fun to see others thoughts, art work, and words of encouragement.  For me, it rewarding to have neighbors and park visitors stop and chat about the rocks and brainstorming what they plan to paint on a rock.  I hope to see more painted rock and encourage anyone interested in adding to it.  I look forward to seeing your rock soon.

If you need directions: see this previous post
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Corna Virus - Simple Acts Bring a Community Together

3/27/2020

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Picture
We are in a volatile time in the world right now as we experience the Covid-19.  We wanted to create a space / place for our community express words of encouragement, fear, art, and other feelings in a safe and simple visual way. 

The Community Rock Garden – you matter, you are not alone, and you are part of a community
Why:  We are all experiencing something new (covid-19) which impacts us all and we have many thoughts and feelings about it.   Our community has a rich history of supporting each other and I thought a community rock garden would be a good way to express ourselves to one another in simple, but visual way.
How It Works: Select a rock, paint/draw on the rock images, messages, encouragement, feelings, art, or what ever you want.  Then add it to the tree line garden area located in the middle Greenbriar/Saybrook park, barked/natural areas (not grass) around the trees.

​​Who: Anyone who wants to participate, all ages
What: rocks painted your expressions on a rock and share it in our garden
When: Started 3/27/2020 – no end date
Where: Greenbriar Saybrook Park, in State College, PA  (row of trees in between near the Greenbriar pavilion) Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/X6av42yNZz3LLYJ16
 
    Instructions:
  • Think about a feeling, message, word, encouragement, etc. you want to express
  • Locate a rock, consider the texture and size as it relates to your expression
  • Clean the rock, may need to scrub with soap and water
  • Paint/draw your image, words, phase, symbols, etc on the rock
    • You can use anything you want, paint, markers, crayons, nail polish, glitter… be as creative as you wish… stick figures are good too
    • You may want to apply a base coat then paint on top of that layer
  • Be sure to seal your work with a clear coat of paint or nail polish
  • You can add your name or not.  I would suggest first names or initials only if you do. Dates are fine.
  • Add your rock/rocks to the garden area: row of trees located in the middle of Greenbriar park
 
Guidelines:
  • If others are visiting the garden, please remain 6’ apart
  • Add rocks in bark area around the trees, NOT IN THE GRASS
  • Don’t touch someone else’s rock
  • Add as many rocks as you want, whenever you want
  • Share this with other friends especially in Greenbriar, Saybrook, Chestnut Ridge, and Chestnut Ridge Manor.
  • No experience or special skill necessary
  • If you would like to participate and are unable to get out of your home or walk the distance within the park, I would be happy to pickup your rock, add it to the garden and send you pictures, I bet your next door neighbor would also.
  • If you would like to help with this project by clearing away the leaves and brush around the trees, feel free. Thank you
 
Inspiration:
I used symbols on my rocks here is where I found some symbols along with their meanings

More inspiring images
 
          Share pictures of your work, your story of the meaning behind your art work, the rock garden, you at the garden, etc on social media (be sure to tag us or checkin at Crows Nest Arts)  Facebook Instagram   CrowsNestArts1
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely rock garden idea.  I just added one  and would encourage others to do the same. The process of creating and then taking it to the designated spot in the park felt nourishing.  Good for the soul.  Jody
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Concrete Block Planters - From building building blocks to colorful planters

3/19/2020

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These decorative cinder blocks are part of a larger project to makeover a tired and underutilized garden area.  The area was flat with some existing plants and river rock, but pretty lifeless and boring.  Keeping with our mantra of to cut down on waste in the landfills we planned an echo friendly project using as many recyclable objects as possible.  The inspiration came from Mexican style tiles, I love the colors, and the feeling of playfulness in the artistry.  Color, height, durability, and function were key elements in our design process.
Hand-painting cinder blocks for custom garden makeover by Crows Nest Arts
Hand-painted cinder blocks for custom garden makeover by Crows Nest Arts
Before: recycled cinder blocks for custom garden makeover by Crows Nest Arts
The Process:
Design: height with visually pleasing, colors, playfulness, and holes for plants
Concrete Blocks: collect used blocks from around the house, clean, prime the blocks
Color & Design: researched the web for design ideas, and rummaged through paint stashes to come up with a color pallet
Hand painted each block, some needed several coats, then sealed with block sealer, and allow to dry for several days.

Want to work with Janise on your own DIY projects? contact Janise

On to the next items needed.    I will keep you posted on the progress of the larger garden makeover. 
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    Hi, I'm Janise Crow a jewelry designer and mixed-media artist. Here you will find our latest projects, experiments, and even how to's.

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