Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
How many of you have any "professional" art training becaus you are all amazing at coloring and design??!! or are you self taught?
My other is do you have neck issues from coloring a lot and if so how the heck do you help it? I have some neck problems and the pain is intensified from coloring and drawing unfortunatley. I did do some pt a couple of years ago and that helped but now it seems to be back. I had to leave my desk and work yesterday and sit with a hot rice bag all night which helped a lot..( ok..rice put in a sock..but rice bag sounds so much better LOL)..but today I am almost sick to my stomach from it. I know you ladies probably sit and color as much if not mroe than I do..so help a girl out here. LOL
For me..I use Strathmore Bristol paper. I have MANY large pads that I cut into what ever size I need ( I do this with water color paper too if that is what I am needing for the project/image). I use this sheerly becasue it is what I use to draw and have a lot of it so it is readily available for me. I would like to try some other papers though..
I have some SU! whisper white but do not like it for most techniques that require lots of coloring. That is just my own opinion though as I see a lot of fantastic work done on that paper...it just doesn't work well for my own coloring style. I have noticed that the bellas use Bellas Bestest so when I make my order I am going to try some of that. For ME...I like smooth paper ..even my water color paper is smooth ( Hot Pressed).. but I know a lot of people prefer some "tooth" to their paper. I like and have smooth because it works better for my drawings and like I said ..it is what I have readily available. I have also had pretty good luck with cheap old Georgia Pacific from Wal - Mart if I wasn't doing anything too detailed and I keep that for my kids to use LOL..
Quote:
Originally Posted by RosieLP
Paula, do you have a favorite paper for coloring with Prismas and OMS?
Strathmore Bristol is what I've been using, too. And I've tried SU Whisper White also and I totally agree with you - not a good paper to use for a lot of techniques. We must be on the same wavelength...I plan on getting Bellas Bestest paper, too.
We are on the same wave length..I have a AFA..LOL..but honestly..stamping has taught me more about coloring than I learned in college all thsoe years ago..( of course I did stop drawing and doing any thing creative for about 8 or 9 years.so that could be why I have learned more LOL)
As for my neck..I have some nerve issues ..been down the road with the neuros...I set it off a couple of years ago crocheting of all things.. so I stopped that altogehter..then I crocheted my daughter a hat back before Christmas..and I *think* that is what set it off this time. I know what to do ..my Dr already called in some anti inflamatories and my husband is going to go pick those up plus some pain meds..I need to ice/heat and rest..but none of that is fun LOL. I do have some exercises to do as well..but they aren't very fun either HA!...However I can catch up on Weeds....
I have a balky shoulder and my doc told me to follow her 15/15 Rule whenever my arthritis flares up again. (she's big on rules, some I even pay attention to...LOL) For every 15 minutes of activity, like coloring, or housecleaning (where I always stick to the Rule...LOL) take 15 minutes of rest. Stretch a bit (I went through PT for my shoulder so I know what you mean about knowing what to do for your neck) and go back to work. Somedays I can't work at all, my shoulder screams at me to leave it alone and I've got no choice but to oblige it. If I don't, I know I'll be sorry for days that I didn't listen to my body.
I don't like the ice routine, either, so I just do the heat routine...again 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. My doc's 15/15 Rule, part 2. Sometimes I sit with a heating pad on my shoulder for hours. That feels soooo good.
I hope you get relief from the anti-inflammatories and pain med. Anti-inflammatories do nothing for me but kill my stomach, and I've tried them all, I think.
I can't do the ice part of it at all. If I get that chill from it I am cold for what seems like days..so not worth it in my book. I am loving the heat from that rice right now. When I do get back in my studio..I am going to set a timer for 20 on and 20 off. My husband says it is from "Being "hunched" over the desk for hours"..he is right..but I told him he wasn't HAHA. The anti inflamatories KILL my stomach as well...they are near diet pills for me LOL..
Paula, do you have a favorite paper for coloring with Prismas and OMS?
Ok girls here's my take...I started coloring with Copics on Neenah Classic Crest solar white. It's smooth but I do feel that it is fiberous. I liked the way copics blended with it but you had to be careful about bleeding out. Then I met Paula, she stamped a few Bella images on Bella's Bestest for me and told me to try it...I have never gone back! It is very smooth! And colors blend so beautifully. Bleeding can be an issue but NOTHING like with the Neenah (or maybe I've just gotten bettah hehe). Also, I like the way you can build color. If you lay one color down, let it dry and go over it again like with hair, you can actually see the strands of hair on top of the previous colors! It's amazing. And no I am not just saying this because I'm a Bella, I truly believe this is the BEST paper to color using a copic pencil combo.
As for training...I'm a finance major, no art in there for me at all. I've been crafty most of my life but the coloring came after having met Paula. If you have the opportunity to take a class from her - take it. It was the best darn present I evah received. She will show you how to layer color to give images a depth perspective true to life. Linda is also phenominal. I haven't had the joy of taking a class from her but I did spend a day with her in Bellaland with my pencil and paper trying to write down everything she said. Haha she was laughing at me but I couldn't pass up the opportunity learn a thing or two from the best colorers around!
Best piece of advise I can give is to color - don't be afraid to give it a try. The most you have to loose is less than a buck on a piece of paper. And seriously, practice! With practice you will grow to feel more comfortable with your tools. And then show us whatcha make so we can see how well you did!
Thank you, Cath! I just checked out your blog and your coloring is AMAZING! And your card designs are, too! I'm working on getting an order together and I'll for sure be adding Bellas Best to the list. You're so right about practicing, there's nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Paula, do you have a favorite paper for coloring with Prismas and OMS?
Rosie I have only used Bella's BESTEST paper, since she gave it to me to try. It's been a few years now and when I go back to color something that is on a not-as-smooth paper, I can tell the difference. hehe, and WHY would I go back to a not-so-smooth paper? Because I have a small stash of pre-stamped images from a few years back...{generally stamps I have borrowed from friends}
I am not making it up on my blog just to sell it. I only stamp on Bella's BESTEST.
Strathmore Bristol is what I've been using, too. And I've tried SU Whisper White also and I totally agree with you - not a good paper to use for a lot of techniques. We must be on the same wavelength...I plan on getting Bellas Bestest paper, too.
Oh gosh, SU paper for coloring would not be a choice. I used to have lots of this and if you try a smooth paper...you will see the BIG difference. That being said, SU paper is great for card bases and all other sorts of applications. They have some very nice color families!
How many of you have any "professional" art training becaus you are all amazing at coloring and design??!! or are you self taught?
My other is do you have neck issues from coloring a lot and if so how the heck do you help it? I have some neck problems and the pain is intensified from coloring and drawing unfortunatley. I did do some pt a couple of years ago and that helped but now it seems to be back. I had to leave my desk and work yesterday and sit with a hot rice bag all night which helped a lot..( ok..rice put in a sock..but rice bag sounds so much better LOL)..but today I am almost sick to my stomach from it. I know you ladies probably sit and color as much if not mroe than I do..so help a girl out here. LOL
Don't laugh, but neck probelms is not my issue...it's my aging eyes. I got my first progressive lenses a few years ago and they were a mild Rx. Last summer I got a stronger pair...due to age and strain...I have no doubt! lol, {told Emily she could have my bill} I can color at night, after working all day, and I can color till the lines get blurry. Time to leave the room and look at the tv which is farther away from my eyes. I also have focusing problems, so I need the break for my eyes.
I have always made some sort of arts-n-crafts, since I can remember. ART was my thing and I took many classes in my small Catholic HS. Started taking art classes in a Comm. College, moved to art school in Columbus OHIO, came back home to Detroit, went into Interior Design...then got pregnant. I have no degree. When Jordan was a baby, I took a LOT of tole painting classes and sold art that way...many years, HGTV episodes later I am here. I know everything I have done and read only helps me. Coloring takes practice, and will only improve the more you play around with it. Watching design shows, reading Martha or decorating magazines...color inspiration/combos...PRICELESS!
Ok girls here's my take...I started coloring with Copics on Neenah Classic Crest solar white. It's smooth but I do feel that it is fiberous. I liked the way copics blended with it but you had to be careful about bleeding out. Then I met Paula, she stamped a few Bella images on Bella's Bestest for me and told me to try it...I have never gone back! It is very smooth! And colors blend so beautifully. Bleeding can be an issue but NOTHING like with the Neenah (or maybe I've just gotten bettah hehe). Also, I like the way you can build color. If you lay one color down, let it dry and go over it again like with hair, you can actually see the strands of hair on top of the previous colors! It's amazing. And no I am not just saying this because I'm a Bella, I truly believe this is the BEST paper to color using a copic pencil combo.
As for training...I'm a finance major, no art in there for me at all. I've been crafty most of my life but the coloring came after having met Paula. If you have the opportunity to take a class from her - take it. It was the best darn present I evah received. She will show you how to layer color to give images a depth perspective true to life. Linda is also phenominal. I haven't had the joy of taking a class from her but I did spend a day with her in Bellaland with my pencil and paper trying to write down everything she said. Haha she was laughing at me but I couldn't pass up the opportunity learn a thing or two from the best colorers around!
Best piece of advise I can give is to color - don't be afraid to give it a try. The most you have to loose is less than a buck on a piece of paper. And seriously, practice! With practice you will grow to feel more comfortable with your tools. And then show us whatcha make so we can see how well you did!
Happy Crafting!
Awww, Cathy....so glad you got my class as a gift. I will NEVER forget that story. haha Does that NOT seem like FOREVER!?
Thank you, Paula! Now I can't wait to get my hands on Bella's Bestest. I've been copic coloring on Cryogen White and it's a wonderful paper for copics, though it requires a lot of ink to get deeper saturation of color. Cryogen allows for copis to blend beautifully and I like the sparkly finish of the paper but it takes oh so much ink! and I'm always on the lookout for a good copic-compatible paper that could save on ink. I'm new to Prismas and OMS and I've tested the blendability on Cryogen and GinaK's Pure Luxury Cardstock and I don't care for either of them. I was surprised that I can get a better blend using the Strathmore.
Paula I can so sympathize with the eye sight issues..I have worn glasses since I was 3! ( so..I have worn them for 34 years ..please don't do the math for my age )
We had a discussion going on in the Prismacolor chatter thread about how the new pencils don't have the color names readable..they are kinda "debossed" looking..and a lot were wondering if it was their eyes..HAHA.
My glasses and contacts are so strong my friends joke that I can see the future with them HAHAH..so for me..it is my neck. I literally have a pain in the neck. I haven't been at my desk all weekend..and truthfully it is feeling almost 100 % better today. That is kind of scary for me. That my drawing and coloring could be the root of my intense pain..but that is ok..I have a plan in place...20 mins coloring /drawing..and 20 away from my desk..yes I think that could be an even bigger pain in the ...neck ..than what I already have LOL
I think with copics i am scared to lay down the color!! with other color applications if you put down too much color the paper rips or it gets blotchy looking - lol! Practice, practice, practice. I have been wanting to try bella's bestest paper! next order i am going to get some!
What ink do you ladies use with your colored pencils and OMS..in order to keep it from smearing? I have been using Archival black and sepia..but I think I would like to try something a bit more crisp looking. The archival works wonderfully with water colors though..so I guess it is kind of an all purpose ink huh?
What ink do you ladies use with your colored pencils and OMS..in order to keep it from smearing? I have been using Archival black and sepia..but I think I would like to try something a bit more crisp looking. The archival works wonderfully with water colors though..so I guess it is kind of an all purpose ink huh?
For quick stamping and because I mix copic {for all skin areas} with pencil coloring...I use Memento Black. It isn't the crispest of ink, I will admit, but I use it for coloring. I use Versa-Fine black for my sentiments. It is the crispest I have found...but if copics are used, it can bleed. I don't want any smeary faces!
Also, I have noticed when I buy a new pad of Memento... it is SO juicy, you gotta be careful and not saturate your stamp. Too thick and heavy.
I will NOT be getting them. I bought the last set...I am just trowing more money out the window. I may need to purchase some MIXED MEDIA stamps from a certain other artist lady. lol Linda usually puts her order in for hers at her local store. I did hear there was another new set.
How do the babes color wings? are there go to colors? I love the Chichi fairies but think my wing coloring sucks! LOL
Laura, I know I use pencils, you copics...but I like to color my fairies in shades that I see in {sp} irridesent material. Like soft green, pinks or pale blues. Then it depends on the outfits...boy, girl...what will match the image well. LOTS of glitter. Sometimes I have even used two colors in one wing. green/blue, pink/purple. pastel shades!
have the babes bought the new copic colors??? I am hoping Lindabella did so I can get an updated copic chart! LOL
I know I'm not a "babe"...but I just placed my order for the new 12 this am=) But now I'm bummed that I did all that work to get do that lil' checkbook type color chart...and now there's 12 new colors, sigh...
I will NOT be getting them. I bought the last set...I am just trowing more money out the window. I may need to purchase some MIXED MEDIA stamps from a certain other artist lady. lol Linda usually puts her order in for hers at her local store. I did hear there was another new set.
What do the bellas do when they lose their mojo? Mine has dissapeared down the washing machine drain that has been running non-stop for hours now..
I think I need new stamps..and had an order all ready to go..then we find out my van is DEAD. Dead as in ..never running again..HA! Guess that awesome order will be on hold for a while huh? LOL..to bad I can not convince my kids they can walk everywhere and live off Ramen so mommy can have new toys LOL
Aw, InkinOne, I'm sorry to hear you're having problems with your washing machine and that you've got to bury your van. Unfortunately, that's how life goes sometimes -- when it rains it pours. Giving you a cyber hug!
Thanks Rosie! We have a plumber coming this afternoon...then we will begin car hunting. The bright side of this is that my husband is doing the grocery shopping on his way home from work tonight
Ohh..yeah. Paula, I gotta ask, since we ehehem...share the same visual difficulties..what kind of light do you use to color under? I am researching a few and haven't quite found the one I want. Right now , my studio is a HORRIBLE color of ..idk..maybe peanut butter or butterscotch ( are you seeing the "brown" theme here?). It is just awful..and not very bright . But since we will probably be moving by this time next year ( nearly across country), I am not going to do a whole lot in here ( unless we end up staying here by some odd chance). I may paint it a nice white ( I love white LOL)..but that is it..no "installed" lighting or anything like that. I have a nice desk top lamp ,then one mounted over my shoulder..but I could So use something else....my blind eyes have trouble working late..well at all since there are only two windows..side by side mind you LOL ( I am NOT complaining as I have my own space..but I could certianly use some more "stuff)...what's a girl to do..live with it ? LOL..
Ohh..yeah. Paula, I gotta ask, since we ehehem...share the same visual difficulties..what kind of light do you use to color under? I am researching a few and haven't quite found the one I want. Right now , my studio is a HORRIBLE color of ..idk..maybe peanut butter or butterscotch ( are you seeing the "brown" theme here?). It is just awful..and not very bright . But since we will probably be moving by this time next year ( nearly across country), I am not going to do a whole lot in here ( unless we end up staying here by some odd chance). I may paint it a nice white ( I love white LOL)..but that is it..no "installed" lighting or anything like that. I have a nice desk top lamp ,then one mounted over my shoulder..but I could So use something else....my blind eyes have trouble working late..well at all since there are only two windows..side by side mind you LOL ( I am NOT complaining as I have my own space..but I could certianly use some more "stuff)...what's a girl to do..live with it ? LOL..
Lighting, this is so important and I travel with my OTT to places. I keep an OTT light on my desk {I have the one that looks like a real long skinny bar. In the overhead ceiling fan, I use 3 of those curly, new CFL bulbs, that take a few seconds to brighten up. I gotta have BRIGHT.
I have good lighting in my kitchen and used to use Reveal bulbs, but the new CFL's are so much better!!
What do the bellas do when they lose their mojo? Mine has dissapeared down the washing machine drain that has been running non-stop for hours now..
I think I need new stamps..and had an order all ready to go..then we find out my van is DEAD. Dead as in ..never running again..HA! Guess that awesome order will be on hold for a while huh? LOL..to bad I can not convince my kids they can walk everywhere and live off Ramen so mommy can have new toys LOL
When my mojo takes a break I just wait around and do something different til it comes back. I don't worry about it, because I have been doing this for far to long to think it might not show up again. But, I did notice that looking at blogs really gets me inspired and I usually have a few ladies who I feel have a different style and I LOVE seeing things that I don't normally go towards.
I do get into a 'funk', i'll call it...where I can make a batch of cards that I like...don't LOVE...that is what gets me. I hate that feeling and eventually I feel I hit the mark with a card and all is returned.
My lights are the Pivoting Dome Lamp, only in white instead of black. I bought mine at Joann's when they had 50% off. I think Joann has that 50% off on ott lights going on now.
)
Linear Mode
