close-up of a mixed media art piece
Using gouache for the first time and lots of texture Sunday inspiration 3-22-20
Posted Mar 22, 2020
11 Comments

I tried gouache for the first time in today’s Sunday inspiration. I figured if I failed miserably at it I could share my thoughts and how to do it better… but I loved it!

I love the look and feel of it and its versatility. There are a few tricks that I’ll share in the video, but overall it was perfect!

I also started this project in an untraditional way for me… Super heavy gesso as my foundation (no paper!) with lots of texture making going on with some drywall tape and a few other tricks.

This piece came from my head spinning in so many directions, feeling unsettle and so many words and worries inside that I just let it spill out on the surface. That’s why this piece is title “Words”.

I’m having a hard time focusing on any one thing… It’s really hard to explain, but everyone I talk to is feeling the same…

I share more about my thought process and inspiration about it in the video.

Have fun watching! Rest…. and let all your words spill out as you create!

The original is available HERE and the prints on wood or print to be framed HERE

Supplies used: 12 x 12 mdf board, super heavy gesso, regular gesso, liquitex matte medium, Arteza gouache in a variety of colors, Lukas acrylic in raw umber for glaze, Deco art glazing medium, Soho soft pastels, fineline applicator with a mix of black acrylic paint and airbrush medium, china marker in black and white, drywall tape, latch hook rug material and parchment paper to make texture, Krylon workable fixative to set the gouache

Stencils used: Numbers 2, Old school font, pattern 6, numbers jumbled, positive words, geo hex 4, geo cross 4

Subscriber resource library has new papers and good stuff. If you are not a subscriber you can do that HERE: https://shawnpetite.lpages.co/subscriber-sign-up/

THIS WEEK STARTED THE CALM JOURNALING SERIES ON YOU TUBE

week one part one video

I wanted a way to add some calm and creativity to our world situation and I thought we could do it together!

1 word prompt for each page, for 4 weeks, quick and easy using very little supplies.

A simple way to distract from all the things and just be present in the moment with our art journals.

Word prompts are:

week 1 – love & joy week 2 – peace & patience

week 3 – faith & hope week 4 – gentleness & courage

Then we’ll finish the cover. This is just my way of helping calm my own anxiety and yours.

If you want to play along that would be great! Share what you’ve created on instagram #shawnpetite #calmjournaling and I will share them.

week one part 2 video

Addressing the Corona virus

I just want to let you know that we, (myself and the staff) are all practicing strict cleaning protecal …. disinfecting our hands, packaging and surfaces daily. Social distancing in the shop and all the things we are required to do. 

I thought it would be important to let you know that,…. so that you have confidence when ordering.
Since we are a small team we are still able to be together. Everyone takes their temperature and we are extremely careful in all areas to get your orders out in a timely manner.
With that being said….. I’m unbelievably thankful for your orders. It is keeping us alive. It is paying for the salary of the staff that so depends on that right now.

Thank you, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
 Be sure to support all you local small businesses out there, It makes such a big difference!
All of us here are picking one independent restaurant that is offering take out, to order food and lunches from and they are so grateful! 
There are so many little things we each can do to help our communities and neighbors.
We are better together (at a safe distance :))
WE will get through this and there is still joy to be found in every day!
Thank you again for all you do to bless us!
Shawn, April, Patty, and Jenny

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Posted Mar 22, 2020
Headshot photo of artist

Hello there! I’m Shawn Petite

I’ve been teaching and creating for well over 25 years. About 15 years ago I found my art soul mate in mixed media, and it changed my life! I love the story that can be told by combining paint, texture, ink, paper and—really anything that you can imagine.

But what I’m truly passionate about is being your guide, walking with you step by step and helping you become your own hero in your creative journey.

Along my path, I’ve learned that the creating art also creates a healing space. Life can be messy and complicated and painful, but something about a paint brush can help heal your soul. I believe—no, I know—you are worthy of love, and I want to teach you to know that about yourself. Join me on this journey of art and inspiration!

11 Comments

  1. Nancy A Olsen

    Thank you for the video using gouache , I have some and needed a little courage to use it lol ! Your relaxing technique is contagious (sorry, is it to soon! lol) I’m planning on getting lost in my art room. Have a blessed day !

    Reply
  2. Lynne

    Shawn, this is lynne the young lady that has been driving you crazy this week. I am so happy I stumbled on to your u tube site.To me that was a blessing. I think your very smart and super creative. I like learning from you. I was wondering could I send you a couple if things I have done.i really would like a honest answer- opinion.
    Please let me know.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • shawn

      Lynne,
      of course you can send me what you’ve created! look forward to seeing it!

      Reply
  3. Lynne

    Hello again. I hope you read the comment. Have a wonderful Sunday🌻

    Reply
  4. Yvonne

    Shawn This is a wonderful piece to look at great colours
    but more than this it is a prayer as well to help us all through this difficult time God bless!

    Reply
    • shawn

      Yvonne,
      Thank you and I pray you are safe and taking care of you and your loved ones. Hugs!

      Reply
  5. Charry Wijers

    Dear Shawn, thank you só much for your free, inspiring tutorials. I love your calm journaling series and looking forward to week 2.
    Thank you again, be blessed! ❤️

    Reply
    • shawn

      Charry,
      Thanks so much! and glad you are enjoying the journaling series. Many blessings and take care of yourself during these difficult times.

      Reply
  6. Susie Risk

    Thank you, Shawn, for such a delightful piece of art yesterday. I love the color & the texture. I have never used gouache either but I sure like how it looks. Thank you, also, for the new journal weekly series. 💕

    Reply
    • shawn

      Thank you Susie! Glad your enjoying the journal series! Be safe during these difficult times.

      Reply
  7. Janene Anderson

    Thank you Shawn for your wonderful inspiring art and love your thoughts at the end of each session, always supportive and regardless of what is happening, it provides positive and genuine love and encouragement. Kind regards Janene

    Reply

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