Alma Stoller

Video Series:freeform painting on a magazine page

2013-05-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

This is the 21st video in the series of freeform painting on magazine pages.

I started this video series as an exercise in freeform and intuitive painting.

It is a great way to play with color, create interesting color combinations,

develop your painting style while at the same time making your own one-of-a-kind

collage paper out of the finished piece.

To start, gather all of your supplies.... everything from paint brushes,

scrap paper and 4-5 different colors of paint.

Everything you like to use should be close at hand so that you can immediately act when inspired.

I use all kinds of paints....and I don't prime or gesso the magazine page.

I like to start with a coat of a heavy body acrylic as the base.

Then paint something.... paint anything.

Don't think....just do it.

Paint lines, circles, swirls, dots, plumes, triangles, squares and

any organic or odd shape that flows from you.

You may want to time yourself.

Setting a 10 -15 minute time limit helps you focus on painting fast and intuitively.

At first, it won't feel very comfortable and the finished piece might not look like much....

but like anything, the more you do it

the more comfortable you will be with the freeform process.

VIDEO SERIES:

freeform painting on a magazine page

Video Series: freeform painting on a magazine page

2013-05-14T13:12:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day 2013

2013-04-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

This weekend was all about the Green Festival.

Rose and Talat Jonathan Phillips. She loved his presentation about gnosticism and spirituality.

Sara Moulton....whom I love.

Video Tutorial: how to make a cardboard canvas

2013-03-10T18:16:00.001-04:00

This is my process of making a mixed media canvas and a step-by-step look at

one of the ways I create a painting.

The process is intuitive and freeform.

*No rules*

Mindful of nothing but of putting paint to canvas and seeing what happens.

No consideration of color theory, perspective, realism, or conventional painting processes.

Just do something....and get lost in it.

Create something....anything.

I never buy canvases.

It just doesn't work for me or what I do.

What I love about handmade canvases is that the materials are readily available and/or free.

I can design it and shape it any way I want, and that it doesn't take up a lot of space.

So, I'd like to encourage you to explore these options.

Over the years, I've posted tutorials on how to make your very own handmade canvas.

The links are below.

how to make a magazine canvas

how to make a cardboard canvas

how to sew magazine pages to make a canvas

how to make a soap box canvas

Today, I want to share with you a video tutorial of my favorite method...

and probably the easiest one of all.

This one is great for all kinds of mixed media applications.

enjoy!

Supplies:

cereal box, Golden Regular Gel Matte, and scraps of junk paper

a spotlight on the work table

2013-03-01T13:26:00.001-05:00

A new painting/collage on a piece of cardboard

Tutorial: how to crochet a heart

2013-02-12T19:14:00.000-05:00

I simply love this pattern.

All of stitches are worked in the very first stitch made,

making it a simple and easy project for even a complete beginner.

a spotlight on the work table

2013-01-31T01:48:00.000-05:00

how to make a fabric bracelet

2013-01-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

This is a project that I have been teaching via my Etsy shop and at

various art retreats for a few years now.

You can also make colorful necklaces and other soft sculpted jewelry

and home decor items with this technique.

I am happy to share it with you.

enjoy!

supplies needed:

pipe cleaners/chenille stems, fabric, felt,

basic sewing supplies,

optional: beads, crochet supplies

You can stitch anything on it... bits of other fabrics, lace, felt beads, metal findings etc...

When you are done, the fabric bracelets will look like this.

RECYCLE:

For these, I used fabric from an old T-shirt, a dress

and random scraps from other sewing projects.

You can also add bits of crochet stitches to your fabric bracelet:

Welcome 2013

2013-01-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

VIDEO:String, Felt, Thread

2012-12-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

VIDEO TUTORIAL:how to crochet a flower

2012-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

yarn by Debbie Macomber

Blossom Street Collection

color: 106 bluebell

100% wool

crochet hook: size H/ 5.00mm

Happy Holidays

2012-12-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Sandy: New York City

2012-11-15T12:26:00.000-05:00

a spotlight on the work table

2012-10-10T17:45:00.000-04:00

Video Series:Freeform Drawing: doodling on a book page

2012-09-19T15:13:00.002-04:00

"Matisse makes a drawing, then he makes a copy of it. He recopies it five times, ten times, always clarifying the line. He's convinced that the last, the most stripped down, is the best, the purest, the definitive one; and in fact, most of the time, it was the first.

In drawing, nothing is better than the first attempt. ~ Pablo Picasso

Draw spontaneously and intuitively.

Take ink to paper...be brave and fearless about the process and the result.

Time yourself....10- 15 minutes

Just draw something. draw anything

These exercises are meant to loosen you up creatively.
To strengthen your intuition about design.
To make the best out of mistakes....and you will make several.
Setting a time limit will force you to make it work the best way you know how.

With serious and committed practice, it will all feel less daunting.

It will feel like meditation...without the 'Om'.

Supplies:

a page from a book

a permanent marker/ or a pen