The first one was a volcano for Pure Haiku. She wanted the left side to be grassy, with flowers blooming and a dormant volcano, while the right side is a dark sky and lava pouring from an erupted volcano. I lightly sketched the elements and created a dividing line. I used watercolor to paint and blend the middle part to depict one image in two different scenarios.

The second one was a headshot of a man named Ravage bitten by a demon hound and became a shapeshifter. His favorite form is a wolf. The hardest part about drawing Ravage was making him look fierce. I had to re-do the eyes several times. Another challenge was how to paint the fur without it looking realistic. I like to challenge myself to think beyond what’s already out there. I prefer coming up with a different approach that I haven’t tried before. I used the dry brush technique and scraped it back and forth to create fur.

The third is a headshot of Anor, a princess, and is an Iendu, a long-lived elf-like race known as the Quirati. She has dark skin with long silver hair, slightly slanted bright blue eyes, and silver/white eyebrows. She prefers to wear grey clothes. I debated whether to add a dark background to showcase her white hair. However, I decided against it since the dark of her clothes contrasted nicely with her hair.

The last one was a headshot of Nareya, who is also an Iendu from the tribe of the Vorni. She is tall and lean, has high cheekbones, slanted eyes, and eyebrows. Her eyes are green, and sun-tanned skin due to her journeying. Her hair is long and dark brown, and she prefers to wear a green tunic and leggings.

Overall, I enjoyed the challenge of turning Freya’s words into illustrations. Thankful for the opportunity and exchange of creativity. If you wish to read Freya’s creative writing (it’s free), please email her at dragonscaleclippings (at) gmail (dot) com with “Subscribe Clippings” on the subject line.

The post Illustrating for Freya Pickard first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

The post My Experience of Sketching with Noodler’s Ahab Fountain Pen first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

I enjoyed slow sketching and looking at the little details, done on a small handbound sketchbook made from watercolor paper.

Then, of course, I had to do some printmaking. I decided to make some prints by drawing the lavender, transferring it on a rubber block, carving the design, and printing it on watercolor paper. If you’re ever curious about how this is done, I have recorded the process for you.

I printed some lavender cards by “dyeing” the paper with soft watercolor washes before printing. Printmaking is a laborious yet worthwhile endeavor. I enjoyed every minute of it. What are your interests and hobbies? What have you been up to? Thank you for reading.

The post Making Lavender Prints and Cards first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

Monoprint is a form of printmaking where you can create only one print from your design. In the first video, I show you how to create a monoprint using the lining from a bag of chips.

In both videos, I shared how you can elevate the prints and turn them into cards. If you’re interested in printmaking, I think monoprint is a great technique to explore since most of the items you need can be found at home, plus a brayer, acrylic paints, and some paper.

Here are the final prints. :) I hope you enjoy the demos. Till next time!

The post Monoprint with Reusable Items first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

According to Handprinted, “Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking method that involves scratching an image into a plate with a pointed tool. These lines create a burr that holds ink that reveals the drawing. It is the opposite of relief printmaking as it is the sunken areas of the plate that print rather than the raised areas” (Handprinted, 2015).

I drew an old abandoned house on tracing paper inspired by Freya_De_Cay‘s image.

I washed and cut a juice, Tetra Pak. I transferred the graphite side of the tracing paper drawing to the Tetra Pak using a bone folder. You can use a wooden spoon as well.

I used an awl to scratch the outline of the drawing back and forth to create an incision. Handprinted suggested using a nail as an alternative. The process was time-consuming.

I used a Xacto blade to peel away the top layer to reveal some of the cardboard layers underneath. The purpose is to print a darker tone. I kept looking at the reference image to guide me.

At this point, I soak the 300 gsm watercolor paper in a basin of water. You need to use at least 300 gsm to prevent any warping.

I used credit card-sized thick cardboard to get a small amount of block printing ink and apply it onto the plate.

I also used an onion mesh to push the ink into the lines in a circular motion.

I used tissue paper clipped between my fingers and gently clean the excess ink on the surface. I tried not to clean too much so the ink in the lines will remain.

I grabbed the drawing again and marked the areas that I want white with a “w”. Then I used a cotton bud to remove the ink that I want to remain white.

The surface of the plate still has some ink. In the future, I can try and remove more of the ink using tissue paper.

I put the wet watercolor paper on the towel to blot out excess moisture. I think the paper was soaked for more than 30 minutes.

I gently place the damp watercolor paper on top of the inked Tetra Pak plate, then I place another scrap paper on top of it then used a wooden spoon to rub the surface vigorously to help transfer the print.

When I peel the paper, I was mesmerized by the outcome. I was surprised that the ink gave me enough working time.

I used a grey water-soluble pencil to add details inspired by Freya’s image. The intaglio drypoint printmaking was a rewarding learning experience. I hope you enjoy reading and try creating one yourself.

The post Intaglio Drypoint Print Using Tetra Pak first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

I sketched the chameleon lightly with a pencil and outlined the major parts using a pen.

I painted the chameleon’s spots using Burnt Sienna and Orange.

I used Cobalt Blue to paint the spaces between the spots.

I darkened the shadow area of the chameleon using Prussian Blue. I also added more darks on the brown spots and details on the eye.

I tore pieces of paper that resembled the texture of the branch and leaves and created a collage.

I added more darks on the blues and painted small organic shapes inside the colored spots. I used a black pen to draw small circles on the body of the chameleon to give it a bumpy textured skin. You can read more about the Arturina story over on Pure Haiku here.

The post Slippery Chameleon first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

I began by doing a wet on wet sunset sky. I use a range of warm colors and leave the sun unpainted so that it shines brightly.

While the sky is wet, I painted the clouds wet on wet using a mix of Permanent Rose and Ultramarine Blue. I like how the clouds got some of the light coming from the sunset.

I used a dry brush to paint the grass from the bottom up. I wanted to create a mysterious feel of what’s beyond the grassland by painting tall curvy grass on the left and right side.

I added more value contrast and details on the tall grass. I look forward to seeing the image alongside Freya’s Hrukham novel. You can read more details here.

The post Grassland first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

Writing down the specification helps organize my thoughts. I did some research and roughly sketched Parsley and a variation of her annoyed facial expressions.

I transferred the ideas into watercolor paper. I enjoyed painting the different shades of greens on her dress and the grassland. The colors seem to pop because of the red of her hair.

Freya’s newsletter will be published in April (and it’s free). It contains lots of her poems and the story Reality (where the painting was inspired). If you wish to receive the April Clippings, please email her at dragonscaleclippings (at) gmail (dot) com with “Subscribe Clippings” on the subject line.

The post Lady Parsley Wigglinis first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

I began to write down the guidelines on a notebook. I checked Freya’s Pinterest board for inspiration and did additional research. I drew variations of the dancing goddess and took some notes.

After the brainstorming stage, I measure a square and began drawing. I did several revisions, each time tuning the proportion of the character. I trust the eyes of some of my loved ones who patiently gave me feedback and encouragement. Sometimes, I fail to see what I need to improve on.

Once I’m happy with the drawing, I carefully outline with a pen. I use watercolor to paint in a splashy manner which was very enjoyable! I use warm colors like yellow, yellow orange, red, pink and also cool colors like blue and purple. I use salt, tilt the paper, spatter and add layers to create depth.

I took several photos and chose one to edit using Affinity Photo. I adjusted the Level (light and dark) and White balance (warm and cool), use the Dodge to lighten some areas. Then I use the pen tool to draw lightning (from reference photo) then use the effects to adjust the inner and outer glow to create electricity.

This was a good challenge. Thank you so much Freya for your vivid imagination! Please head on to Pure Haiku and contribute a haiku inspired by this painting. I hope it will inspire you. :)

The post Dancing Goddess for Pure Haiku first appeared on A Bun's Tale.

This August, we have 17 artists participating in 11 countries from around the world! As always, I like seeing all the different subjects that have captured their interests. There’s so much richness and depth in the art, words and learning that they all have shared. Wonderful priceless memories. Please enjoy!

Rekindle Memories Artists

Carolyn; USA

Dominik; Germany

Fernando; Brazil

Janet; USA

June; USA

Kay; Philippines

Mel; New Zealand
Michael; Africa

Olivia; France
Rina; Philippines
Samiah; Saudi Arabia

Smita; India
Sudipta; India
Teri; USA

Valeriya; Russia
Veronica; USA

Yana; Brussels

Let’s make each day memorable through Rekindle Memories–creating memories through art! It starts 1st to 7th of September (and beyond if you want to!)

• To join: sketch and paint one thing inspired by your life and use  #rekindlememories  when you share them on Instagram or Facebook. You can also email your artworks to me: lis@abunstale.com
• If you think someone might enjoy this art challenge, please invite them!
• To join other Rekindle Memories Artist, please go here. Note: Rekindle Memories FAQ, gallery and stories: https://abunstale.com/rekindle-memories

I can’t wait to see what memories you will create!

The post August 2018 Rekindle Memories Gallery first appeared on A Bun's Tale.