

What Makes a Compelling ABC Book?
ABC and Early Readers I am making another ABC book! Yep, its time for a new attack. For those who do not remember the ins-and-outs of my work timeline, my last alphabet book was commissioned two years ago by a family friend. The books had two slight variations adapted to the children's or parents' preferences. Completed in watercolors, these books were very simple 'Q is for Quack' style reads. This is great for a personalized memento and learning letters. Now, it is time for


Using Masking Fluid (without ruining your paper)
What is Masking Fluid? Hi world! Today I am going to show you a couple of ways I use masking fluid in my watercolor works. Masking fluid is a removable liquid latex mask with ammonia that resists paint and can be used on unsized papers. It is usually a slightly pigmented off-white that yellows as it dries and is a very sticky, brush destroyer. I use Winsor & Newton’s ‘Water Colour Art masking Fluid.’ Why Masking Fluid is Amazing Masking fluid is an incredibly useful material


Backyard Treasures: Using Other’s Ideas to Create My Own Work
One of the most exciting, but difficult, aspects of commissions is turning the clients’ ideas into your own. How do you represent what they want? How do you make all of the elements work together in your own style? Do you even understand what the client really wants? Do they even know that answer? I have had some really easy commission themes and some more complex ones. One of my simplest subjects was a giraffe watercolor for a baby girl. I chose the composition and made sure