In a creative dry spell? Here's what to do...

What question have you always wanted to ask an artist but never gotten an answer to?

No matter where you are on your creative journey, you don't have to feel alone, wallow in grief or be embarrassed to admit that you have inner critics tap-dancing like maniacs on your self-confidence.

* Ugh! Darn those gremlins! *

When I first started my freelance illustration business in 2011, I remember praying for someone to come along, notice me, teach me the ropes on becoming a thriving artist-entrepreneur.

I was waiting to be "picked" instead of picking myself.

After this realization, I decided to go full-force with learning everything about marketing + worked on my mindset of FAITH over fear.

And guess what? I was blessed with opportunities to have over 30 solo exhibitions, my art published in two best-selling books + invited to be a guest designer for blogs like Jane Davenport, StencilGirl Products + DecoArt.

Wishing + hoping didn't get the job done, boo-boo. I chose to become my own knight in shining armor. I was the one riding the freakin' Palomino stallion. I started calling those things which be not as though they were!! (Romans 4:17)


One of the things I’ve learned since starting my creative business is how important it is to have FuN along the way.


Are you struggling with any of these roadblocks?

• Loosening up. You feel like your art-making is too literal, too uptight. Those snobby inner critics keep holding you back.
• The fear of not being good enough because you have no formal training.
• Lack of confidence, OCD + thinking way too much into things.
• Analysis paralysis in choosing what to do + how to best use your time.

A creative dry spell can strike at any moment. That's why I want to help artists create strategies to get outta their own way, replenish their idea well + get their creativity flowing again.


Need to gain clarity around which direction you need to take?

Book Your Complimentary Discovery Call!

I’m ready to support you in rewiring the way you're thinking or feeling about your goals + remove the patterns or blocks causing you to second guess your creativity.


I create customized game plans for enthusiastic, friendly + ambitious creatives - are you one of them? Will you be my next BFF coaching client? I hope so!


My only request is that if you decide to hop on a call with me, that you're prepared to receive + be open to possibilities. You have nothing to lose. There's no obligation to purchase anything from me.


If you say 'YES, sign me up right now!', just know this: I ADORE YOU!!!


Bring that same creative spirit + your curiosity + join the fun by signing up for a 20-minute chat with me!


This opportunity is a super-specific, breakthrough experience. 🤯 If you've been waiting for a sign...this my possum, is it! And it's flashing neon pink!


Grab your spot now ➡️ https://calendly.com/marticesmithart/20min


BiG hugs + high-fives!!!

NEW VIDEO: Gelli Printed, Stamped and Collaged Cards

Hi creative lovelies!

RubberMoon Art Stamps has published another project from moi:

Gelli printed + Stamped Holiday Cards

You're gonna be so proud of me because I created a...

VIDEO TUTORIAL!

That's right. I'm really enjoying the whole process of filming, editing + yes, being in front of the camera, for a change ;-)

Gelli Printed, Stamped and Collaged Cards by Martice Smith Fine Art + Design
Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/CollagedHolidayCards

This project is step-by-step, super fun + whimsical set of cards that I made from leftover scraps of stenciled gelli prints.

These were gifted as Christmas cards but you can use these same techniques to make your cards for, just about, any occasion.

Here's the general supply list:

• Stamps (RubberMoon)
• White cardstock, cut down to size of card you want to make
• Stack of gelli prints
• Neon fluorescent acrylic paint in an applicator bottle (I’m using Sizzling Pink by DecoArt Americana Acrylic)
• Adhesive / Matte Medium
• Foam dots (to add dimension)
• Small paintbrush
• Permanent Ink pads (black and gold)
• Scissors

Grab your supplies + come play with us over on the RubberMoon Artmosphere blog!

Gelli Printed, Stamped and Collaged Cards by Martice Smith Fine Art + Design
Watch the video here: http://bit.ly/CollagedHolidayCards

P.S. If you haven't already, I'd LOVE for you to give me a little boost of love + confidence over my YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe + click on the bell icon to receive alerts whenever I drop a new video!! Thank youuuu

Digital goodies just landed in my shop

Happy August, my creative lovelies,

I have a new, digital goodies alert for you!!

Feast your eyes on my brand new, graffiti-styled downloadable STICKERS!

"Tribal Chic" collection of Collage Stickers from Martice Smith Art + Design

I wanted to offer an affordable option for you to get my art in your hands + into your own awesome creations. (If you have any suggestions on other products you'd want, please message me via the Contact form on my website.)

(Seriously, I'm like a toddler, running around the playground + squealing with joy over these boldly saturated beauties!) This collection has been all types of FUN. What's not to love? 

I've designed TWO sets - both are inspired by the symbols, tribal mark-making + grungy textures found throughout my artwork.

My hope is that these stickers, not only infuses joyful color into your world but also:

• Make you feel loved, encouraged + makes your creative process even more magical. 

Basically, the more colors you have, the better you'll feel. It's science.

BUT WAIT - THERE'S MORE!

You have the option of getting BOTH SETS of stickers as a bundle!

With the BUNDLE, you'll receive:

• 24 hi-quality unique stickers (instead of 12)
• unlimited reprints! Save the PDF to your computer + print them out as many times as you want

"Tribal Chic" BUNDLE of Collage Stickers from Martice Smith Art + Design

From my heart to yours, the "Tribal Chic" collection of stickers is now available!

  SHOP STICKERS >>  

P.S. When you purchase any set of stickers, you get *unlimited* reprints!

New art to bring joy into your space. My new shop is OPEN!

Hey abundant, creative lovelies!
A li'l miracle was born in the wee hours of the night, on Thursday, at 8:57 pm. I want to officially announce the arrival of my...

ONLINE ART SHOP!

::Cue HALLELUJAH music for the singing baby unicorns!::

Seriously tho, this art shop has been a true labor of love. I've relied on word of mouth for awhile (which has been great) but this feeling of having all my best work in a central place for you, is incomparable.

I love how so many of you have cheered + encouraged me to do this. 

(I've got butterflies in my tummy from being so nervous about this new venture; not knowing how people will respond...but I'm HOPEFUL + believe in miracles!)

The feature collection is called "SHOP MY INSTA".

This collection features high-quality art prints from the 30 day art challenge I hosted in April.

(Fun, behind-the-scenes moment: my favorite part of setting up shop was writing the product descriptions!)
I'd love for you to come by / buy + please let me know what you think of my li'l art shop! (I just LOVE saying that!)

I have another collection in the works! If you would love to see something else from my Instagram feed in the shop, please let me know, via email or leave a comment below.

I am SO grateful that I have an online BFF (like you) to celebrate right along with me!

Your support + encouragement means so much to me. My shop wouldn't be a success without you!

High-fives + confetti toss!

Pantone Inspired Abstract Art

 Pantone Inspired Abstract Art - Large Scale Color Swatch

Hi friends!
Today, I’m sharing how to create a large scale color swatch using DecoArt's new Americana® Premium™ acrylics, which are now available at select Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores.

I've included a downloadable color guide, below, so you can see the entire range of colors.

This project is great for the color-mixing-challenged folks. Super simple, I pinky promise! There's no exact rule on how to mix the colors - we are just gonna layer them one-by-one, on top of each other. Simple + instant happiness, which I know you love!

With all of the colorful frenzy happening in my studio, this muted pink was the perfect color to bring a sense of calm + more feminine energy.

This isn't just a simple, solid-color swatch - it’s layered with multiple colors so that it gives the illusion of depth. Let's get started...here's what you'll need:

Products Used:

DecoArt Americana Premium Acrylics:

• Titanium White
• Titan Buff
• Primary Magenta

Supplies Used:

• Watercolor paper
• Paint palette
• Paint brushes (flat, wide bristle brushes)
• Container of water
• Picture frame (16”x16”)
• Black marker
• Pencil + eraser
• Utility knife + cutting board

Time to complete: 1 hour (includes drying time!)

  

Step One: Clean the frame + cut out paper

I purchased a frame from my local thrift store + gave it a good cleaning because it had a lot of yucky dust buildup. If your frame has a cardboard backing, make sure you keep it as you’ll need to use it later to keep everything snuggly inside the frame.

Next, I cut a 16"x16" piece of watercolor paper. This will be our Pantone swatch.

  

Step Two: Draw lines to create the Pantone box

I don’t know about you but I don’t mind getting messy while creating art! I drew a border around the paper to represent the space where I'd paint.

One inch borders on the top, left, and right side. The bottom has a four inch border.

Step Three: Paint the color swatch

Don’t be afraid to paint outside of the box! In fact, the messier the paint strokes, the better.

(Notice the test swatch! I referenced the exact Pantone color, "Pale Dogwood".)

Squeeze out the acrylics onto your paint palette.

Take a large bristle paintbrush + apply the colors to the paper. You don't need to wait until each layer is dry - keep adding colors until you're satisfied with the color.

Order of application:

First layer of color: Titan Buff
Second layer of color: Titanium White
Third layer of color: a small dip of Primary Magenta.
(These premium colors are highly pigmented so, literally, a dip into the Primary Magenta will quickly change the mixture.)

Step Four: Add hand-lettering

Using a pencil, write the words on the Pantone swatch then trace with a black marker. Erase pencil lines.

Finally, add a pun to make it fun! I love a clever play on words.
Mine says “I have a blush on hue”. (This is a play on the phrase ‘I have a crush on you”.)

Step Five: Reassemble the frame + hang on the wall

Carefully place everything pack into your frame + admire your new Pantone-inspired abstract art!

  

Still curious about these awesome acrylics? Watch the video to learn more about 'em...

Americana® Premium Acrylics™ provide an intermediate-level, artist-grade tube acrylic at an affordable price point. YES! ::insert all the heart eyes::

They're similar to the Americana acrylics that you may already be using. However, these premium acrylics are medium-bodied...just a bit thicker than the craft ones.

They are intermixable which means that they blend well with other paint brands so that you can have #allthecolors! I also appreciate the flip tops which makes them super easy to use.

Happy creating!

How to Make a Color Wheel for Your Art Journal

Color is definitely my thing. (I'm guessing that if you've been hanging with me since the beginning of my blogging career, you already knew that, didn't ya?)

I admire how people respond to color in different ways. We know what we like + there is such a yummy buffet of combinations. Being able to articulate what turns you off about a certain color will help as well. (Maybe you prefer olive green over pine green or light pink over flourescent pink...)

I understand the frustrations of not being able to mix that perfect color from your imagination. Learning the basics of color theory will help you immensely. Color theory is easy to learn!  

Tutorial: How to Make a Color Wheel for Your Art Journal

Every artist - no matter their skill-level - uses a color wheel at some point for their creative projects. Learn how to make your own color wheel, so that you can study at your own pace.

Fear no color.

Allow yourself to be open to experimenting + playing with color. This activity teaches you how to mix up your own, unique colors, apply them to your work + what you want to express.

Alright creative peapods - are you ready to slosh paint around? Hop on over to my guest post on the StencilGirl Talk blog to create a color wheel for your art journal.

April Art Challenge Days 11-15, Plus a Roundup!

I feel like I can be honest with you - we are art sistas after all, right?

I cried happy tears this past weekend. Sure did. I'll tell you why...

A sweet lady, who is participating in the 30 day challenge, reached out to me to share her experience with the art challenge. She's given me permission to share her words:

"Martice, I can not tell you how much I love your 30 day art challenge! Your prompts are the best ones I've come across and they have given me the motivation to get up and create something. I am thankful to have found a fellow artist who leaves such thoughtful, generous comments on my art. You are a true example of what I aspire to as a professional artist. I have hidden my love for painting for the past 5 years. Yesterday, I decided to show my husband what I painted for the day 5 (spirit animal) prompt. He was shocked at the amount of detail I put into it! He also said that I should have it framed so we could hang it up in our living room!"

AH-MAZING, right?! Watching someone get past their fears to reach their breakthrough is nothing short of a miracle.

Want to join in? It's never too late.

Get all the details for the 30 day art challenge HERE.

Here's the cover of my board book for this 30 day challenge!

Click HERE to see a step out tutorial: How to Layer Jane Davenport Collage Papers.

Take a look at how I've been tackling each prompt...

DAY 11: DEEP IN THE OCEAN

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 11, 2017 at 6:45pm PDT

DAY 12: STREET

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 13, 2017 at 3:25pm PDT

DAY 13: CRYSTALLIZE

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 14, 2017 at 11:12am PDT

DAY 14: VINE

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 14, 2017 at 4:10pm PDT

DAY 15: SOMETHING FUNNY

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 17, 2017 at 7:11pm PDT

  SHARE THE INSPIRATION!  

Here is a roundup from people who are joining in, from all over the wooorld!

Guessing game time!! See if you can you match the artwork with its prompt.  

Curious to see what other artists are creating? While you're visiting Instagram, search for the hashtag #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 or click here:

View photos from #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 on Instagram

Remember: you can start with DAY 1 or skip around to any prompt that speaks to you. Just have FUN!

April Art Challenge Days 6-10, Plus a Roundup!

:: Trumpet fanfare ::

We made it past the first week of our challenge! Woohoo!

I am blessed + completely in awe of the participation + encouragement that's been shared during this challenge.

Want to join in? It is never too late.

Get all the details for the 30 day art challenge HERE.

Here are two things I love about this challenge:

1. working on a smaller scale (Most of the time, I'm working on 9x12 or larger if it's commissioned pieces.) There's not a lot of pressure, which means, I get to enjoy being in the moment, creating something that makes me smile.

2. cheering for other people! I'm as proud as a mama hen when I look at the work that's being created under the hashtag #MarticeSmithArtdaily30. I make an effort to respond to EVERYONE'S posts. I leaving thoughtful comments - not what you might expect, right?! Well, I like to let you know what moves me, what makes me say 'You go, chica! You are rockin' this prompt!' Emojis can only say so much...

Take a look at how I've been tackling each prompt...

DAY 6: SPLASH

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 6, 2017 at 3:39pm PDT

DAY 7: REVERSE

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 8, 2017 at 5:21pm PDT

DAY 8: STAMP

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 8, 2017 at 11:16pm PDT

DAY 9: PATTERN PLAY

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 9, 2017 at 11:47am PDT

DAY 10: LEAST FAVORITE FOOD

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 10, 2017 at 5:34pm PDT

SHARE THE INSPIRATION!

Here is a roundup from people who are joining in, from all over the wooorld!

Guessing game time!! See if you can you match the artwork with its prompt.  

Curious to see what other artists are creating? While you're visiting Instagram, search for the hashtag #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 or click here:

View photos from #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 on Instagram

Remember: you can start with DAY 1 or skip around to any prompt that speaks to you. Just have FUN!

April Art Challenge Days 1-5, Plus a Roundup!

Hello, fellow art challengers! I hope that this first week of the 30 day challenge was a creative one for y'all. I'm having the best time creating my marks + illustrations in a cute, little children's board book.

The board book only measures about 5 inches by 6 inches. The pages are a fun, random assortment of scrap papers + textured surfaces: phone book paper, canvas + heavy duty watercolor paper (300lbs!).

My favorite thing about the journal itself is that each page has a unique personality - there are wrinkles + some papers are torn. I LOVE it!

What kind of journal are you working in for this challenge?

Take a look at how I've been tackling each prompt...

DAY 1: PATH

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 1, 2017 at 1:44pm PDT

DAY 2: TROPICAL

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 2, 2017 at 9:19am PDT

DAY 3: 3 (333) THREE

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 3, 2017 at 8:01pm PDT

DAY 4: MANDALA

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 4, 2017 at 2:38pm PDT

DAY 5: YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL

A post shared by mARTice • The Curly Artista (@marticesmithart) on Apr 5, 2017 at 1:20pm PDT

Want to join in? It is never too late.

Get all the details for the 30 day art challenge HERE.

SHARE THE INSPIRATION!

Here is a roundup of incredible art works from people who are joining in, from all over the wooorld! 

How cool is this?! You can follow these BRAVE artists on the 'gram + cheer them on!

Guessing game time!! See if you can you match the artwork with its prompt. 

Curious to see what other artists are creating? While you're visiting Instagram, search for the hashtag #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 or click here:

View photos from #MarticeSmithArtdaily30 on Instagram

Remember: you can start with DAY 1 or skip around to any prompt that speaks to you. Just have FUN!