I hope everyone is having a wonderful week with their families and friends celebrating such a special time of year. I do not have my usual long blog for you today. I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!! I will share a neat video my husband shared with me last night of some watercolor paintings. Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Gingerbread Houses
Merry Christmas!!! As I bake cookies, I figured I would take a break and write my blog for this week. What cookies are you making this year? Or are you like I am every year or so and just wait for someone else to bake some amazing cookies for you to eat? Either way, we all end up having a sweet tooth for all the goodies that are made this time of year. I am trying something new this year....pizzelles. They are an Italian cookie that basically looks like a flat waffle cone. You need a iron to make them, similar to a waffle iron, which I got as an early Christmas gift. I'll see if I can do them justice.
Since we are talking about baking......lets talk gingerbread houses! A fun tradition that most families have each year is decorating gingerbread houses. Growing up, my family really didn't partake in this tradition but I thought maybe I can start it with my little family. We took our son to make one in town a few weeks ago and he seemed to like it. He especially liked destroying the house when he was done decorating. So since I am new to the game, I bought a gingerbread house kit for us to do at home. Hopefully, we will get going on it soon but until then, let's look at some really amazing houses other people have created.
Since we are talking about baking......lets talk gingerbread houses! A fun tradition that most families have each year is decorating gingerbread houses. Growing up, my family really didn't partake in this tradition but I thought maybe I can start it with my little family. We took our son to make one in town a few weeks ago and he seemed to like it. He especially liked destroying the house when he was done decorating. So since I am new to the game, I bought a gingerbread house kit for us to do at home. Hopefully, we will get going on it soon but until then, let's look at some really amazing houses other people have created.
Amazing right!? I can promise you mine will not hold a candle to these. But I plan on trying my best and most importantly, having a good time. This is meant to be fun and to create wonderful lasting memories with your families. So have fun and remember to be the best artist you can be!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Paint
I hope that everyone is having a great Christmas season! As the special day gets closer, more and more traditions will be had and fun by all! I hope you are enjoying your time with family and friends this time of year.
So, as promised, lets talk art. Well, paint that is. I am going to be talking about four different kinds of paint. All are kinds I have used and I will give you my personal opinion on each. Let's get educated!
Watercolor: In the 1400's, watercolor paints and painting started to move Westward and began to become popular in Europe. Artists had their own recipes for creating their paint which they kept very secretive. As time went by, more and more people started using the paint and manufactures were making it more accessible. By 1835, it was easy to access and provided in ceramic pans in the form of a cake, similar to how we find watercolor paint today. After the industrial revolution, the colors were created brighter and more vibrant which made the look of paintings change. By 1856, watercolor paints were made to be provided for classrooms worldwide. Bringing it to the point we know it today.
-I have used watercolor a few times but it takes a certain techique to control the water and paint to create the desired image. I love the look of watercolor paintings, the delicate and soft look is very beautiful. One day, I hope to use watercolor more. Go out and buy a small kit in the children's craft section at your local store to get started before you move up to the more advanced kits you can find at an art supply store.
Source: here
Tempera: Tempera paint or otherwise known as egg tempera have been around as long ago as ancient Egypt. The paint was mixed with some sort of pigment and a water-soluble binder, one being egg. Egg tempera paintings are long lasting and we can still find paintings well preserved from centuries ago. In the 1400s, with the popularity of oil paint, tempera painting almost fell off the map. In the 1900s, egg tempera painting started to make a comeback in America with universities teaching the techinque and paint to their students. We might think of tempera paint as a poster paint found in the craft section of most stores. They no longer use egg as a binder but a binder is still used to make the paint water-soluble.
-I have only used tempera paint as a poster paint and never the egg tempera kind. I personally do not like the chalk-like look it has whether it have egg or not. But if that is the look you like, keep using it and do not let this paint die away again.
Source: here
Acrylic: In the 1940's, acrylic paint came on the scene. It is widely popular for most artists but never will be as popular as oil paint. Since acrylics have been around for such a short period, we have benefited from more vibrant colors provided in easy to use tubes. Acrylic like the other two above paints, is water-soluble and can be mixed with oil paint and used as a glaze.
-I personally love acrylic paint. It is not my favorite but it is cheap and easy to use. You can use it in large projects and small. I like that it is thick and can be layered to build texture onto a canvas or board. It is fast drying so it makes layering much easier. Acrylic is easy to find at any art supply store but quality does match the price.
Source: here
Oil: The origin of oil paint is unknown but the earliest known use of it was in the 11th century which is not making it the oldest paint I have talked about today. Oil paint is made up of three things, pigment, binder, and thinner. The pigment is what gives the paint it's color. The binder is what holds the paint together like egg was for tempera. Finally, the thinner is what thins the paint out so it is easier to apply with a brush. Unlike the other paints I have described above, oil paint dries by oxidation. This means that the paint reacts with the air which slowly allows it to harden. Most art restorers would claim that an oil painting is not fully dry for 50 years.
-Oil paint is by far my favorite paint to work with. The pigments you have are so rich, no other paint can compare. The downside to oil paint is the cost, proper space to use it, and decomposing of paint. Oil paint is a lot more expensive because of the pigments used and the binders to go with it. When you buy oil paint you can not just buy the paint and have all you need. You need a thinner and a way to clean the brush. I used odorless Mineral Spirits to keep my brushes clean. Even when you rinse your brush in that, you still need a strong soap to cut any remaining paint in the brush. Also because you are using products that give off a fume, you need a space with good ventilation, which I do not currently have. Decomposing of the paint is also a problem. You can rinse your brush in a sink, only after you have cleaned it in a contained container with the mineral spirits. (I would recommend using gloves when painting and cleaning due to the toxic chemicals used.) When you need to dispose of the mineral spirits you need to find a local toxic waste site to have them properly take can of the leftovers. It is a lot of work but once you use oil paint, it all becomes worth it. I love this paint and I hope I did not scare you away from ever using it. Let me share with you a painting of mine I used oil paint with:
Source: here
Now try all these paints and make your own opinion based off how you like the paint. My opinions are just that, mine, so do not decide based off what I have told you.
The above painting was created using acrylic and oil paint with pumice gel to give extra texture. The painting is for sale in my Etsy shop which you can find here. This painting is worth more due to the materials used to make it. I built the stretcher myself and stretched the canvas as well. The frame built around the painting is also done by me as well. So as always friends, keep being the best artist you can be!
So, as promised, lets talk art. Well, paint that is. I am going to be talking about four different kinds of paint. All are kinds I have used and I will give you my personal opinion on each. Let's get educated!
Watercolor: In the 1400's, watercolor paints and painting started to move Westward and began to become popular in Europe. Artists had their own recipes for creating their paint which they kept very secretive. As time went by, more and more people started using the paint and manufactures were making it more accessible. By 1835, it was easy to access and provided in ceramic pans in the form of a cake, similar to how we find watercolor paint today. After the industrial revolution, the colors were created brighter and more vibrant which made the look of paintings change. By 1856, watercolor paints were made to be provided for classrooms worldwide. Bringing it to the point we know it today.
-I have used watercolor a few times but it takes a certain techique to control the water and paint to create the desired image. I love the look of watercolor paintings, the delicate and soft look is very beautiful. One day, I hope to use watercolor more. Go out and buy a small kit in the children's craft section at your local store to get started before you move up to the more advanced kits you can find at an art supply store.
Source: here
Tempera: Tempera paint or otherwise known as egg tempera have been around as long ago as ancient Egypt. The paint was mixed with some sort of pigment and a water-soluble binder, one being egg. Egg tempera paintings are long lasting and we can still find paintings well preserved from centuries ago. In the 1400s, with the popularity of oil paint, tempera painting almost fell off the map. In the 1900s, egg tempera painting started to make a comeback in America with universities teaching the techinque and paint to their students. We might think of tempera paint as a poster paint found in the craft section of most stores. They no longer use egg as a binder but a binder is still used to make the paint water-soluble.
-I have only used tempera paint as a poster paint and never the egg tempera kind. I personally do not like the chalk-like look it has whether it have egg or not. But if that is the look you like, keep using it and do not let this paint die away again.
Source: here
Acrylic: In the 1940's, acrylic paint came on the scene. It is widely popular for most artists but never will be as popular as oil paint. Since acrylics have been around for such a short period, we have benefited from more vibrant colors provided in easy to use tubes. Acrylic like the other two above paints, is water-soluble and can be mixed with oil paint and used as a glaze.
-I personally love acrylic paint. It is not my favorite but it is cheap and easy to use. You can use it in large projects and small. I like that it is thick and can be layered to build texture onto a canvas or board. It is fast drying so it makes layering much easier. Acrylic is easy to find at any art supply store but quality does match the price.
Source: here
Oil: The origin of oil paint is unknown but the earliest known use of it was in the 11th century which is not making it the oldest paint I have talked about today. Oil paint is made up of three things, pigment, binder, and thinner. The pigment is what gives the paint it's color. The binder is what holds the paint together like egg was for tempera. Finally, the thinner is what thins the paint out so it is easier to apply with a brush. Unlike the other paints I have described above, oil paint dries by oxidation. This means that the paint reacts with the air which slowly allows it to harden. Most art restorers would claim that an oil painting is not fully dry for 50 years.
-Oil paint is by far my favorite paint to work with. The pigments you have are so rich, no other paint can compare. The downside to oil paint is the cost, proper space to use it, and decomposing of paint. Oil paint is a lot more expensive because of the pigments used and the binders to go with it. When you buy oil paint you can not just buy the paint and have all you need. You need a thinner and a way to clean the brush. I used odorless Mineral Spirits to keep my brushes clean. Even when you rinse your brush in that, you still need a strong soap to cut any remaining paint in the brush. Also because you are using products that give off a fume, you need a space with good ventilation, which I do not currently have. Decomposing of the paint is also a problem. You can rinse your brush in a sink, only after you have cleaned it in a contained container with the mineral spirits. (I would recommend using gloves when painting and cleaning due to the toxic chemicals used.) When you need to dispose of the mineral spirits you need to find a local toxic waste site to have them properly take can of the leftovers. It is a lot of work but once you use oil paint, it all becomes worth it. I love this paint and I hope I did not scare you away from ever using it. Let me share with you a painting of mine I used oil paint with:
Source: here
A Constant
Now try all these paints and make your own opinion based off how you like the paint. My opinions are just that, mine, so do not decide based off what I have told you.
The above painting was created using acrylic and oil paint with pumice gel to give extra texture. The painting is for sale in my Etsy shop which you can find here. This painting is worth more due to the materials used to make it. I built the stretcher myself and stretched the canvas as well. The frame built around the painting is also done by me as well. So as always friends, keep being the best artist you can be!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Black Friday
Have you been keeping taps on my Etsy shop? Because Black Friday deals are here and here to stay! So get your shopping done now with some original Brenna Dailey art! Click the link below to see the 20% off discounted prices! Prices have already been reduced for your convenience, original price will be in the description below the image. If you know me personally and have questions regarding price, delivery, or anything else, message me or contact me. I will do my best to help.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and food. Now that the meal is over, Christmas is here! Decorations are up, and shopping has begun. I just love buying gifts for people, it makes me so happy to know that my family and friends will receive a gift that was well thought out and carefully selected. But, we often forget what the true meaning of this year is all about. When we are fighting the crowds in the stores or fighting the always tangled Christmas lights, the true meaning is forgotten. Christmas began 2000 years ago in a tiny manger. A child was born who re-wrote history for all mankind. Remember that Jesus is the reason for us to celebrate. Spend time with your family this year, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And of course, celebrate the birth of our Savior! Here is it well explained in the movie, "Charlie Brown Christmas".
Sorry to not post any art related info this week. I will come back next week with a helpful tip for your holiday decorating and art-related projects. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!!
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Food and Thankfulness
Since Thanksgiving is just two days away and we all have food on the brain, lets just talk food.
This year Thanksgiving falls on my husband and I's 4 year wedding anniversary. Once I saw that, I told my husband I am not cooking....at all. He told me he wasn't either. Well, what are we to do when pretty much everywhere is closed. We had BBQ at our wedding so my husband is going to throw a rack of ribs in the crock pot and slow cook them for us to eat. He claims that still means he isn't cooking, but well that sounds like cooking to me. I'm not complaining and am looking forward to the wonderful non-traditional meal we are having this Thursday.
Do you have any non-traditional food at your thanksgiving feast? I would love to hear what you have and the story behind it. Every family has different traditions and memories and all are fun to share. So have a Happy Thanksgiving and do not forget to give thanks for all the many blessings you have. Let me share with you all the things I am thankful for this year as I finish my short blog post this week.
I am thankful for:
1. God, He has given me all that I have, am, and will be
2. Jesus, my Savior, my redeemer, my payment so I may have eternal life in Heaven.
3. My husband, for four wonderful years of marriage, full of challenges and joy (more joy then anything).
4. My son, the joy he brings me everyday and answer to many prayers.
5. My family, the support and love they give each and everyday.
6. My health, a true gift of God that I may breathe and live without pain.
7. A warm home, when so many do not have one, I am thankful that I was blessed enough to have one.
8. My silly dog, for bringing me comfort and playfulness.
9. My friends, for being the support and friendship every person needs.
10. The gift of art, I was blessed with a gift and I pray that I can help others with it.
*Black Friday Deals coming in my Etsy shop this Friday! Stay tuned in*
This year Thanksgiving falls on my husband and I's 4 year wedding anniversary. Once I saw that, I told my husband I am not cooking....at all. He told me he wasn't either. Well, what are we to do when pretty much everywhere is closed. We had BBQ at our wedding so my husband is going to throw a rack of ribs in the crock pot and slow cook them for us to eat. He claims that still means he isn't cooking, but well that sounds like cooking to me. I'm not complaining and am looking forward to the wonderful non-traditional meal we are having this Thursday.
Do you have any non-traditional food at your thanksgiving feast? I would love to hear what you have and the story behind it. Every family has different traditions and memories and all are fun to share. So have a Happy Thanksgiving and do not forget to give thanks for all the many blessings you have. Let me share with you all the things I am thankful for this year as I finish my short blog post this week.
I am thankful for:
1. God, He has given me all that I have, am, and will be
2. Jesus, my Savior, my redeemer, my payment so I may have eternal life in Heaven.
3. My husband, for four wonderful years of marriage, full of challenges and joy (more joy then anything).
4. My son, the joy he brings me everyday and answer to many prayers.
5. My family, the support and love they give each and everyday.
6. My health, a true gift of God that I may breathe and live without pain.
7. A warm home, when so many do not have one, I am thankful that I was blessed enough to have one.
8. My silly dog, for bringing me comfort and playfulness.
9. My friends, for being the support and friendship every person needs.
10. The gift of art, I was blessed with a gift and I pray that I can help others with it.
Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!
*Black Friday Deals coming in my Etsy shop this Friday! Stay tuned in*
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Photo Editting
Happy Fall Y'all! I hope your home is just as lovely as ever with all the leaves changing. Thanksgiving is on the horizon and boy oh boy is their cooking to be done! Thanksgiving is sometimes glossed over by Christmas but no worries, that food will find it's way to your table I am sure!
This past weekend we went with some friends to take family pictures for upcoming Christmas cards. It was a lot of fun! Taking pictures of little ones can be difficult, so my motto is, take a million and you have a good chance of finding one good one to keep. We did just about that, we took 300+ pictures and I managed to find a few to work with. I wanted to share how I edited them in hopes that will give you ideas of how to edit photos.
First, let me start with the editing software I used....an online website. HERE is the website I used. It is similar to Photoshop but not completely. If you have Photoshop or Lightroom (my preferred photo editing software) you are already one step ahead of me. Let's talk about photos now-a-days. They are usually look over exposed and bright. I am finding that to be the trend of photos today and I do not think they are bad just the current trend. I personally like my photos to be rich with color. Heavily saturated to experience every color present in the photo. So when I edit, I find myself adjusting the saturation more then the white balance or lightness settings. Here are a before and after of my editing:
This past weekend we went with some friends to take family pictures for upcoming Christmas cards. It was a lot of fun! Taking pictures of little ones can be difficult, so my motto is, take a million and you have a good chance of finding one good one to keep. We did just about that, we took 300+ pictures and I managed to find a few to work with. I wanted to share how I edited them in hopes that will give you ideas of how to edit photos.
First, let me start with the editing software I used....an online website. HERE is the website I used. It is similar to Photoshop but not completely. If you have Photoshop or Lightroom (my preferred photo editing software) you are already one step ahead of me. Let's talk about photos now-a-days. They are usually look over exposed and bright. I am finding that to be the trend of photos today and I do not think they are bad just the current trend. I personally like my photos to be rich with color. Heavily saturated to experience every color present in the photo. So when I edit, I find myself adjusting the saturation more then the white balance or lightness settings. Here are a before and after of my editing:
Before
After
You can tell that the original image was darker due to the outside lighting so, of course, I wanted to brighten that up. I like to avoid filters that Photoshop offers. Such as, sepia, black and white, or old photo. I go straight for the sliding options under hue and saturation or brightness and contrast. This gives you the opportunity to adjust it perfectly to your liking or what is best for the photo. But, I have to always remind myself to not get too carried away with the contrast slider....because it can really ruin the colors in your image.
So, take a photo you have and go to Photoshop or Lightroom, if you do not have that software use the link I provided above and experiment. The best way to learn is just messing around on the computer a little bit. Make your photos something special and remember to be the best artist you can be!!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Carve a Pumpkin
How was everyone's Halloween? I hope it was fun and a safe time. Now that Halloween is over, most people gloss right over Thanksgiving and move straight on to Christmas. I will try my best to behave myself and wait until after Thanksgiving to put up decorations. I usually try and wait until the day after Thanksgiving to start that process. This year, Thanksgiving happens to land on my husband and I's 4th wedding anniversary. I told him I was not cooking a big meal this year since it's just us three and our anniversary. So, the wonderful man he is, is going to cook BBQ for us since we had BBQ at our wedding. That's what happens when you are born and raised and married in the great state of Texas, have BBQ at your wedding!
Anyways....back to pumpkins. This year we carved our pumpkins the day of Halloween since it landed on a Saturday. My husband carved his usual jack-o-lantern and I found a last minute idea minutes before we started carving. Not my best work, but something different. The picture is not the best....take a look:
Anyways....back to pumpkins. This year we carved our pumpkins the day of Halloween since it landed on a Saturday. My husband carved his usual jack-o-lantern and I found a last minute idea minutes before we started carving. Not my best work, but something different. The picture is not the best....take a look:
If you can't tell (which lets face it that's a bad picture) It is fireflies in a jar and some flying around it.
Now that you have seen my not well planned out, bad picture, poorly carved pumpkin....let's look at some good ones.
Pretty cool and well done huh? I guess my lesson learned is to start planning for next year now. The key to good pumpkin carving is the use of negative and positive space. You have to think about when the candle within is lit, that the orange parts will look black. The yellow rind will be yellow. And the completely cut out parts will be white. The main part of pumpkin carving is to control the light and use it to create you image. It might take some trial and error but you can make some amazing pumpkin carvings too. So, start planning for next year with me and let's see what we come up with. So like always, be the best artist you can be!!
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