Instagram Hand Lettering Challenge for July

I've been having so much fun participating in hand lettering challenges on Instagram, that I decided to create my own! I'm calling it the #InspiredLetteringChallenge. To kick it off, the first month is filled with inspiring words. I'd love for you to join me! Do them all, or just one - whatever moves you! Use any style of lettering you like - calligraphy, brush lettering, or even iPad lettering! Let me know if you're going to participate by sharing the photo below and tagging me - @angelabishopdesigns. :)

New Work

I haven't been blogging much, but I have been painting quite a bit lately (yay!) Here is some of my recent work -

 "A Summer Day on Lake Pepin" - Watercolor and PanPastel (9 by 12)

 "Butterfly in Spring" - Watercolor (8 by 10)

"Sunset Petals" - Watercolor (5 by 7)

 "Fly II" - Watercolor (5 by 7)

"Mr. Kitty" - Watercolor (5 by 7) (My first animal/pet in watercolor!)

Untitled - Watercolor and PanPastel (5 by 7)

Some of these paintings are available in my Etsy shop and the others are just practice. If you'd like to keep up with my work, please follow me on Instagram - @angelasexpressions

Hope you all had a great weekend! xoxo

Remembrance V

For the past five years I have been painting an American flag in honor of the anniversary of September 11th. This is appropriately called "Remembrance V," done in watercolor. I hope you will keep those affected by the tragedy in your thoughts and prayers today. 

Inspiration

Recently, I was reminded by Patience Brewster, the artist behind these adorable Christmas ornaments, that August is Artist Appreciation Month! I thought I would do a post about who/what inspires my work to celebrate. I have given it a lot of thought over the past several days and come to the conclusion that color is probably my biggest inspiration. I get so excited when I squeeze new paint onto my palette and working with fun colors is almost like a therapeutic experience. 

I not only like to create art, but I love admiring others work as well. I seem to be particularly drawn to loose, colorful watercolors. I have always thought of color, especially in paintings, to be healing in some way. I have been known to soak up the beauty in paintings in galleries and in nature that invoke a positive emotion in me. What I hope to achieve is create works of art that cause others to feel something, like I do when I'm admiring a really beautiful painting or taking in a breathtaking scene. And, in a way, this extends to my quilts and other handmade items as well. I love the way handmade quilts, decorative items, and artwork make a home feel. 

So, in general, I am inspired by color and the beauty around me. If I can put that love into my work in a way that extends to the person admiring it, I have done my job. :)

New Painting!

If you can believe it, I just finished a new watercolor painting! It's called "Almost There." This is my first watercolor painting in over a year, which is completely ridiculous. School keeps me so busy that there isn't much time for anything else but I've been trying to paint for at least an hour a day. I also recently finished a new miniature watercolor. It was a fun challenge. :)

I've been posting quite a bit to my Instagram page (@angelasexpressions) if you want to see more. :) Hope you all are well!!

Instagram

Hi all!! It's been about 9 months since my last blog post! Eeek!! I have been incredibly busy with school but I'm trying to find more time for my art because I miss it terribly! A huge part of my heart feels like it's missing when I'm not working on something creative. I created an Instagram account for my art/quilts/creative pursuits and I'd love for you to follow me if you wish! My username is @angelasexpressions 

Hope you all are well!

Halloween Cards

In some of the free time I've had over the past couple weeks I have been making greeting cards. I think I've been going a little overboard but it's just so much fun! I made a pile of Christmas cards and realized I was jumping the gun a little and decided I had better make some Halloween ones too. I made two different ones (several of each) - 

 Cute, right? I'm a sucker for Halloween. I couldn't tell you why exactly. I'm not really into the scary element of it, but more the innocent fun part. What isn't to love about pumpkins and candy? :)

These cards are now available for purchase in my Etsy shop. 

Have a great weekend!

Remembrance IV

"Remembrance IV" - Original Pastel Painting, size 5 by 7

I know I haven't posted a new blog post in ages, but I wouldn't miss my annual painting for the anniversary of September 11th. As you can tell from the name, this is the 4th year that I've done an American flag painting in remembrance of that life-changing day. 

I hope you will keep all of those directly affected by the tragedies that day in your thoughts and prayers today. 

Burst of Beauty

"Burst of Beauty" 8 by 10, Original Watercolor Painting

"Burst of Beauty" is my latest watercolor painting. I had some help from a Facebook friend with the title and I think it's perfect (Thanks Chris!). I couldn't resist painting that bold, detailed center. I also loved the color of the flower even though I did change it a bit. 

I used two different types of masking fluid for the center of the flower and when I peeled it off I couldn't help but notice that one caused the paper to yellow while the other did not. I used a Masquepen for the outside and Incredible White Mask on the center. I experienced the exact same thing on the previous painting. I either never noticed that the Masquepen caused yellowing before, or it's only happening now because the bottle is just about empty. In any case I'm going to make a mental note and see what happens when I open a new bottle. 

This fun painting is available for purchase in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested. :)

Sale Item for the Week

"Purple Whimsy" is this week's sale item on Etsy. Regularly $75 plus shipping but this week it's only $60 with free priority mail shipping. 

Have a great week!

Blooming White Rose

"Blooming White Rose" 8 by 10, Original Watercolor Painting

 

My latest watercolor painting is this beautiful white rose. I was drawn to the photo because of the contrast of the white flower and dark background, and shadows. I just loved everything about it, and I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

 

 It's available for purchase in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested.

 

Have a great weekend!

Purple Whimsy

"Purple Whimsy" 5 by 7, Original Watercolor Painting

 

"Purple Whimsy" is my latest painting. I originally thought the flower was a Cosmo, but now I'm not sure. In any case I was drawn to the photograph I used as a reference because of the soft purple petals. It was just so beautiful.

 

This painting is available for purchase in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested.

 

Have a great week!

May Lily

"May Lily" 5 by 7, Original Watercolor Painting

 

I finally got a good scan of this painting. I used my new light tent and I think I like it. I did a comparison between the light tent and the scanner. For making reproduction prints, the light tent is definitely the best.

 

This painting is available for purchase in my Etsy shop if anyone is interested.

 

Next, I think I'm going to work on some larger paintings. Maybe 16 by 20? Should be fun! :)

 



New Painting

I recently moved my "studio" up to my sewing room and have been painting a bit.

 

 My new set up. It's not my favorite place to work because of the lack of natural light, but it will work.

 

This is the watercolor painting I've been working on the past couple days. I overworked it a bit but it still came out quite nice. I will take a proper photo soon. I ordered a light tent for photographing art so I'm anxious to receive it and give it a try. :)



Cyber Monday

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I'm having a Cyber Monday "sale" in my Etsy shop today. Free shipping on every item! Simply enter coupon code "CyberMondaySale" at checkout. Only within the U.S. please. Offer ends tonight around midnight! :)

Black Friday Sale

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend. Simply use coupon code "BlackFriday" at checkout to receive 25% off everything in my shop! I've never offered such a large discount before so if you've been eyeing something up, now is the time. :) This sale will run until Sunday at midnight.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

New Rice Bags

I just added a bunch of new rice bags to my Etsy shop. The weather is getting colder and it's the perfect time to start making use of these bags. If you're not familiar with rice bags, they can be heated in the microwave and used for aches and pains, to keep warm, or to toss into your bed at night. They can also be kept in the freezer for "boo boo bags."

 

I have loved using these bags since I was a kid, and all the adorable prints make them even more fun. They're reasonably priced and would make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

 

Have a great weekend!

New Scripture Paintings

 "Fruit of the Spirit"

"Psalm 139:14"

 

I know there is nothing complicated at all about these scripture paintings, but I'm having a lot of fun with them. Doing the lettering, and masking it out is incredibly tedious, but I'm loving the outcome. "Fruit of the Spirit" is 12 by 16, and "Psalm 139:14" is 11 by 14. I want to do some even larger.

 

I was inspired to do these paintings from a love of wood signs done in a similar style. I was looking into making my own signs (which I still may do at some point) but got the idea to do paintings instead. I just love them. And they look spectacular framed. So, they can be more of an elegant addition to home decor, compared to a wood sign. It just all depends on what style you like.

 

Here's an example of one I framed for myself:

 

Anyway, I have prints available of all 3 of these paintings, and I will list some originals soon. I may even take some custom orders.

 

Hope you're having a great week!



Chocolate Macaroons

I made these delicious chocolate macaroons last week and promised on Facebook to share the recipe soon. So here it is:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup organic shredded coconut

1/4 cup organic melted coconut oil

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons organic maple syrup

1/2 organic vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

 

First mix the shredded coconut and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Then add all the other ingredients and mix well. Form approximately 10 balls using a tablespoon and place on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Store in the freezer.

 

These are fantastic because they're gluten free, vegan, and you can play with the recipe. If you're allergic to nuts, omit them. You could also add more nut, or add flax seeds or chia seeds, just whatever you like. They're super good!

 

Definitely try these! :)

Remembrance III

"Remembrance III" Pastel Painting, Size 5 by 7

 

Starting with the 10th anniversary of 9 -11, I have completed a "Remembrance" painting each year. I barely made it, but I was able to complete another one this year. I don't know about you, but the anniversary of 9 -11 is always a somber day for me. I can't help but go back to where I was when I heard the news (in my senior year of high school, in advanced biology class). My heart also aches for all of those who lost loved ones, or even survived the attack. I couldn't help but notice how little news coverage is being given to the ceremonies today. The more time that goes by, the less people seem to reflect on that day that changed our country in such a significant way. They will all be in my prayers today.