#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Creativity, Sketch, Sketchbook, Watercolors

The Artist’s Essential Tool: Embracing the Sketchbook

Sketchbooks_s

Welcome to my  new series of insightful blog posts tailored specifically for artists, designed to provide valuable tips, inspiration, and guidance to help you thrive in your creative journey.
This is my second post of this series, if you missed the first you can read it here:  Dive into creativity: Tips for Watercolor Artists to Stay Inspired

Yesterday I was going through my sketchbooks. I realized it would make for a great post!

In the world of art, the sketchbook holds a special place as the artist’s constant companion and trusted confidant. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out on your artistic journey, the importance of using a sketchbook cannot be overstated. In this post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of sketching and why every artist should make it a priority in their creative practice.

  1. Cultivating Creativity: A sketchbook is more than just a place to jot down ideas or doodle aimlessly, it’s a playground for creativity. By regularly sketching and experimenting in your sketchbook, you’re giving yourself the freedom to explore new ideas, techniques, and concepts without the pressure of producing a finished piece. Embrace the spontaneity of sketching and allow yourself to play, knowing that every mark you make is a step toward unlocking your artistic potential.
  2. Capturing Inspiration: Inspiration can strike at any moment, and having a sketchbook on hand ensures that you never miss a creative opportunity. Whether you’re out and about always carry a sketchbook in your bag or if cozied up at home, keep your sketchbook nearby to capture quickly moments of inspiration, observations from your surroundings, or flashes of insight. Use your sketchbook as a visual diary of your artistic journey, documenting ideas, sketches, and reflections as they come to you.
  3. Honing Your Skills: Just as athletes train rigorously to improve their performance, artists must dedicate time to honing their craft. A sketchbook provides the perfect platform for skill-building and experimentation. Use it to practice drawing, with pencil or a ink pen without the use of an eraser. Explore new techniques, or refine your artistic style. The more you engage with your sketchbook, the more your skills will develop, paving the way for growth and mastery in your chosen medium.
  4. Overcoming Creative Blocks: Creative blocks are an inevitable part of the artistic process, but a sketchbook can be a powerful tool for overcoming them. When faced with a lack of inspiration or motivation, turn to your sketchbook as a means of reigniting your creative spark. Experiment with different ideas, doodle aimlessly, train yourself to continual line contour or simply let your thoughts flow onto the page. Often, the act of sketching can help break through mental barriers and open up new avenues of exploration.
  5. Art is a deeply personal form of self-expression: and a sketchbook offers a safe space to explore and express your innermost thoughts and emotions. It’s your space where you are free to do anything you want. Use your sketchbook as a means of catharsis, pouring your heart and soul onto the page through drawings, sketches, and written reflections. Embrace vulnerability and authenticity in your sketchbook, knowing that it’s a reflection of your unique perspective and voice as an artist. Treasure and collect your sketchbooks years after year you would love to see your growth and transformation.

In a world filled with digital distractions and constant busyness, the humble sketchbook remains a timeless tool for artists seeking to cultivate creativity, capture inspiration, hone their skills, overcome creative blocks, and foster self-expression. Whether you’re sketching on the go or indulging in a quiet moment of reflection, embrace the power of the sketchbook in your artistic practice. Your sketchbook holds the key to unlocking your creative potential,  so pick up your pencil, and let your imagination soar!

Get your sketchbook ready hope this post was helpful to anyone in need and please share with your artists friends.  I am curious to know  what are you all going to sketch?

To know when I release new paintings and work >>>  Join my Collector’s List
Follow me on  Instagram @carolinarussoart

Wishing you a creative week!
Thank You!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#landscapes, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Collector's List, Creativity, Ethereal, My Paintings, Nature, Watercolors

Art Vs. Artist 2024

Art vs Artist 2024

#ARTVSARTIST2024

Happy Spring friends!  I hope to find you all well!
Today I like to share my annual Art Vs. Artists 2024. Let me quickly explain what this is all about in case you aren’t familiar with it.

The hashtag #artvsarist  is a yearly on repeat trend, started among artists around 2016 on most social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook etc.  It is a way for artists around the world to showcase some images of their work along with a photo of themselves in a nine squares grid. Artists chose some of their favorite artworks, mostly from the current year.  The center spot of the grid is usually reserved for the Artist selfie. This is a nice way to discover the Artist face behind the Art!  And it is a kind way for supporters to share an artist work. In the past few years I loved to participate, it feels always great to look back, remember and see my artistic evolution.
This is a great way to discover more artists just click on the hashtag link on any social platform.
If you would like to participate showcasing your work and yourself, all you need to do is to create your grid and share it, you have time until the end of the year!

Are you an artist participating already? Then leave your link in the comments!

  • How to create the grid? Easily find a template grid, I used the Layout App on my iPhone. When you created your 9 squares grid share it using the hashtags #artvsartist #artvsartist2024

    If you are new to my Blog and my art, welcome! !f you want to know more of what I do to start read my About me

On a side note to know when I release new paintings and work >>>  Join my Collector’s List 

Follow me on  Instagram @carolinarussoart

Find my Original Paintings on Carolina Russo Square Shop

For Prints and Fun Art and Illustrations Check my ETSY Shop

Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for your support!

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Drawings, Etsy Shop Sale, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors

End of Year Art SALE!

End Of Year SALE 2023

END of YEAR ART SALE!

Hello dear friends,
I am having a End of Year Sale visit my ETSY Shop!  My Sale just started today December 28, 2023 ends December 31, 2023 at 12:59 US PST. 
You find 20% Off on almost everything in my Shop exclude the new 2024 Christmas Collection paintings they would be available at regular price until the end of this month then I will take them off sale until October 2024 when they would be released again! This is my last Sale of the year I wont have anymore Sale for awhile!  I also offer Free Shipping on $35 orders within US.
♥️ Don’t miss out if you have your eyes on something that I have created during this year and before! Visit my Shop I hope that you find something you love! 

 In my Shop you find listed lots of new and older work a variety of  Limited and Open Edition hand enhanced Signed Prints of my original watercolor paintings. Most prints are available in two sizes Limited Edition 8×10 inches or the Open Edition are 5×7 inches. In case you don’t see what you had your eyes on, Contact me!

Thank you so much for your support and for following my Art ❤
ETSY Shop CarolinaRussoArt

I wish you a Wonderful New Year 2024 and an Amazing New Beginning!
Always Shine your Light!

Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Doodlewash, Drawings, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Holidays Art, Illustration, Ink Drawing, Love, My Paintings, Seasons, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland, World Watercolor Group

Merry Christmas!

Day 11 Polar _Day 12 Spirits 

I hope that December is treating you well  and that you had a beautiful Winter Solstice!  I have been busy creating a new Series of Christmas theme Art.  I have participated to the yearly  12 Days Winter Draw Art Challenge. The drawing here is one of them! Keep on the look up for my next post I will show you all my 12 drawings. During the challenge I had no time to write a daily post here on the Blog but I have posted daily on Instagram and Facebook if you follow me there you saw it and I thank you!  Wishing a wonderful Christmas Eve and a Blessed Christmas Day may your heart be filled with Light, Joy and Peace! Much Love to all and Happy Holidays!

Your heart knows the way.
Run in that direction.
– Rumi

Thank you for your support and for following my artistic journey it means so much to me!

Follow me on >> Instagram

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Ink Drawings, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland

New Release: Snow Queen

 

il_1140xN.5604062735_oq3c

New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023
This is last of the five new released drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge which the same challenge will start new again tomorrow December 1st and last for 12 days until December 12. During these 12 days I would be creating new Christmas Art for the next year 2024! 

Today New Release is : Snow Queen
Prints of her as never been for sale before!  Limited Edition Prints are now available for quick a purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP

Painting Title: “Snow Queen”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10″
Price: $40 
Shipping:  Included in US

NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with white and highlighted with a subtle touch of silver inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) P
rint is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful  Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.

❤️ If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.

 For any questions  Contact me!

IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES: 
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class  with Tracking if you need faster let me know.

Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist.  If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me! 

Etsy Christmas Banner 2021
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
 Shine your light!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

il_1140xn.5488910214_rw4u

Title: Snow Queen

Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch

$40.00

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Ink Drawings, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland

New Release: Woodland

92ed92b2-5f40-4893-b090-c8750b9c7f4d

New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023
I am releasing five new drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge!  I  have been posting the new drawings one at the time check my previous posts to see the others, These prints has never been for sale before. Limited Edition Prints available for quick a purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP

Painting Title: “Woodland”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10″
Price: $40 
Shipping:  Included in US

NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with white and highlighted with a subtle touch of silver inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) P
rint is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful  Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.

❤️ If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.

 For any questions  Contact me!

IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES: 
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class  with Tracking if you need faster let me know.

Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist.  If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me! 

Etsy Christmas Banner 2021
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
 Shine your light!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

Title: Woodland

Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch

$40.00

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Ink Drawings, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland

New Release: Christmas Fairy

 

Stocking_Christmas Fairy_s

New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023

This year I am releasing five new drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge!  I will post the new drawings one at the time during the coming days, These prints has never been available for sale before. This is  the Official Release of the Limited Edition Prints, now available for a quick purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP

Painting Title: “Christmas Fairy”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10 inch.
Price: $40 
Shipping:  Included in US

NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with black, white and highlighted with silver, gold inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) P
rint is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful  Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.

❤️ If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.

 For any questions  Contact me!

IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES: 
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class  with Tracking if you need faster let me know.

Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist.  If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me! 

Etsy Christmas Banner 2021
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
 Shine your light!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

stocking_christmas-fairy_s-1

Title: Christmas Fairy

Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch

$40.00

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Ink Drawings, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland

New Release: Wassailing

 

Wassailing_Jingle Bells_s

New Release Christmas Theme Art 2023

This year I am releasing five new drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” Art challenge!  I will post the new drawings one at the time during the coming days, These prints has never been available for sale before. This is  the Official Release of the Limited Edition Prints, now available for a quick purchase here on my Blog, see the PayPal button at bottom page.
Or find the whole Christmas Collection and much more in my ETSY SHOP

Painting Title: “Wassailing”
Limited Edition Prints 1st run of 20 prints signed and numbered size 8×10 inch.
Price: $40 
Shipping:  Included in US

NOTE: Each print is “Hand Enhanced” with black, white and highlighted with silver, gold inks. It is like a semi original (you don’t receive just a normal print but it has my hand work on it!) P
rint is signed and printed one by one in studio by me on a beautiful  Fine Art paper includes Certificate of Authenticity.

❤️ If you want to make a difference and support me directly please purchase on the Blog via PayPal.


 For any questions  Contact me!

IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES: 
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 15 the earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class  with Tracking if you need faster let me know.

Thank you so much for following my Art and support me as an artist.  If you share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me! 

Etsy Christmas Banner 2021
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
 Shine your light!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

wassailing_jingle-bells_s-1

Title: Wassailing

Limited Edition Fine Art Print run of 20 Prints numbered and Hand Enhanced Size 8×10 inch

$40.00

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Creativity, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Holidays, Illustration, Ink Drawings, Limited Edition, Messages to readers, My Paintings, Watercolors, Winter Wonderland

New Release: Christmas Art

Holiday Art 2023

Hello dear friends,

hope to find you well I can’t believe is November which means that is that time of the year  where I am very happy to share and release my new Holiday Christmas Theme Art Collection 2023! 

I love to create my Christmas Drawings one year in advance while participating to very inspiring art challenges occurring during the month of December. You might see some of the drawings when I post my entries but since the time is so close to Christmas I don’t release them for sale until the next year! Sometimes during the challenge I have a Flash Sale for two days only where is possible to buy prints of the new drawings! After that you have to wait to the next December when the Official Release occur. This year I am going to release five new drawings created last December 2022 during the “12 Day Winter Draw” art challenge! The Official Release of the Limited Edition Prints is happening right now they are available in my ETSY SHOP

 I updated and restocked the Shop with the New Christmas Art you will find  lots of my watercolor art prints available in two sizes 8×10 or 5×7 inches there is new and older work! Included also my landscapes series.
If you would like something arriving on time for Christmas, “Right Now” is the time to order your favorite prints without the last minute rush.  I offer Free Shipping within US with a minimum $35 orders! I also have a Value Pack 3 Prints of your choice! Consider that all my prints have my last touch on it they are “Hand Enhanced” one by one you receive not a normal print, but it has my hand work on it and a subtle highlight with gold or silver! 
 In case you don’t see what you had your eyes on, just Contact me!
Always consider shipping time don’t shop too late!

IMPORTANT CUTOFF DATES:  Holiday Orders December 1st would be my last shipping date for “International Orders” please contact me in advance! 
Within USA last day to order Prints would be December 12 earlier the best!
I ship everything with USPS First Class  with Tracking.

I like to highlight one of my prints “Christmas Fairy” available in my Etsy Shop!
2_ Stocking_Christmas Fairy

Thank you so much for following my Art and choose to support me as an artist and my small business, if you do, share or purchase know that your support is truly precious and means the world to me! 
ETSY Shop CarolinaRussoArt

Etsy Christmas Banner 2021
Wishing you all a wonderful and Happy Holiday Season!
 Shine your light!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#landscapes, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Community, Drawings, Emotions, Illustration, Life, Love, Messages to readers

In Memory of my Dad

For Papa' 26 July 2023

♥️ The month of July left and it took my Dad, my Papa’ with him!

In a warm Wednesday on the 26 of July, he peacefully left embraced by my Mom and Brother. A day that we never wanted to arrive, our hearts are broken but it was expected during last month! My mom took great care of him! I am so grateful that I was able briefly to talk to my dad last time two days before. I will always miss the ways he used to greet me on the phone, the sound of his happy voice calling my name and the funny laugh together. I missed twenty one years of my Dad and Mom and Brother, because we live so far away. I am in California and they are in my native country Italy! Not easy to see each other but we talk daily! My Dad was an amazing artist his oil paintings and his limitless creativity fascinated me since I was a child.
His Art gene is in me and right now his Art continues to live through my watercolor paintings. He used to tell me ” Carolina you’re brave you choose watercolor, it is much more difficult than oil painting!” My dad was a free spirit, he loved to create from anything, he loved nature, especially the sea and loved fishing, he was an athlete in his young age he played Soccer professionally and he loved Tennis which he practiced and wanted me and my brother to practice since kids and we did with great results! Now my brother is a Professional Coach! He was a wonderful father he worked hard all his life and with my mom he took care his family, a man of loyalty and integrity a great husband. He was the friend of my friends “the eternal young in spirit” like they called him! A gentle heart, I will miss him every day but I know he is with us!
Shine your Light Papa’!
I love you

Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com