Local newspaper article

I'm so excited!  My very first feature in a news article.

You can read it here:  http://www.hbindependent.com/entertainment/tn-hbi-me-0820-coloring-book-20150818,0,6008497.story

Enjoy!

Secret Sale this weekend only......

Secret Sale for my Blog friends!  This weekend only!  15% off my Etsy shop.  Use coupon code: COLORINGFUN at checkout.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/JulesBakerArtStudio

How to pick a color palette to use in coloring books

As an artist, even I have a hard time picking a color palette once in a while.  That is when I turn to reference material for inspiration. 

I will go through home decoration catalogs such as Frontgate or Pier 1 Imports, or search the Internet for colorful photographs. There is even a blog called Design Seeds that creates color palettes for inspirational use.

I had my mom try it out (she is my creative guinea pig on everything) and she really enjoyed this technique. 

Here is how it's done:

First off, grab those catalogs that you have laying around the house. You know, those home decor ones that you keep "just in case" you hit the lotto one day and want to buy that killer princess dog bed that matches your couch. 

Go through the catalog and look at the beautiful color schemes they use in their home setting photos. Sometimes they will even have the palette shown. My favorite photos just happen to be extra colorful and outdoorsy. Such as poolside or garden settings.  Example:

Once you've selected a photo to use, select three to five main colors used in the photo.  The Frontgate photo above has bright pinks, light blues, creams, and greens. 

Now the fun part, from your photo and colors you've picked out, select the pen, pencil, and/or paint you want to use.

Now color!  Don't stress out about where the colors should go or what it should look like. Just have fun!  My mom used one of the mandalas out of my "Creative Spark Coloring Book - Relaxing Mandalas" (found on Etsy and Amazon)

Once was done, this was her final piece. She has since then colored a bunch more using her catalog as inspiration. She did a great job.  What do you think?

Try this exercise and show me how yours ended up. I can't wait to see your masterpieces!

Free coloring page!

Everyone seems to really enjoy the coloring page I made for Johnny's Saloon so I am offering it as a free coloring page.  You can either click on the photo and save to your desktop, or click the link and download the PDF version.  My only request is that you share your finished piece with me!  Have fun!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B71E4jzO2wUHNXQyaVZuX2VVbGM/view?usp=sharing

DIY project for your coloring book pages

Here's a great DIY project for your finished coloring book pages: 

1. Go to your local thrift shop/Goodwill, and buy old framed pictures or empty frames. 

2. Buy some fun colored spray paint (I used regular outdoor enamel spray paint). I picked colors that would make my pictures pop. 

3. Take the back and glass out of the frame (or tape up with painters tape)

4.  Spray the frame (you might need a couple of coats) and let dry. 

Added bonus tip: use a pearly top coat spray after the normal paint has dried. It will give it a lite shimmer effect. 

5.  When done, put your picture inside the frame and you now have beautiful art to hang or give as a gift!

**post your finished projects for me to see!

My Coloring Book is out now!

My coloring book is now out.  How exciting!

It is available through Amazon at this link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Spark-Coloring-Book-Doodles/dp/1511961449/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1432346226&sr=1-3&keywords=letter+doodles

If you prefer a downloadable version, you can purchase through my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JulesBakerArtStudio

As a thank you for following me, I have set up a sample page for free download at this link:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5wA7VJlxIXkcWdvVjM4ZXpDQkE/view?usp=sharing

Enjoy coloring and please share your pictures with me!

Coloring Book is Halfway Done!

I'm at the halfway mark on illustrating my coloring book. I'm super excited!  

I can't wait to be done so I can get it published and share it with the world. 

I set up a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed to complete the book and publish it myself. 

Here is the link:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/julesbakerartstudio/coloring-book-for-adults-and-illustration-prints

Please check it out and share with everyone. I appreciate your support!