#INKTOBER, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Community, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawings, Sketchbook, Watercolors

Inktober 2024 Prompt List: Challenge Your Creativity Daily

Prompt List 2024

INKTOBER is Almost Here!

Get ready, artists! Inktober is just around the corner, starting on October 1st. It’s the perfect time to challenge your creativity and improve your inking skills by creating one drawing each day based on the official Inktober Prompt List, which has just been released!

This year’s list is full of inspiring prompts that will spark your imagination and push you to explore new sketching ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Inktober is a fun and rewarding way to grow and connect with other creatives. I have participated from years since 2016 I kind of skipped last year. So this year I really would like to do it!
The theme showing up from the prompt list is pretty clear to me and inspiring!
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make this Inktober unforgettable! I hope you joining me!

Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of InkTober  released the new “Official Prompt List 2024” I am happy to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to get your supplies and plan your challenge, get ready is going to be fun!

Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules:
Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year.
Here there are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink is the original rule but you’re free to use any drawing medium you prefer! Of course Ink is what originated it all.
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2024
4) Repeat

That’s it! Now go make something beautiful…
Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about InkTober.  If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2024  #INKTOBER  post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!

Some of my Favorite Supplies:
I use  Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I have no affiliation with any of these brands. I purchase all my supplies and I am only sharing what I like and use)

Good luck to everyone joining InkTober 2024
There is plenty of time to prepare yourself! I honestly during the past 6 years I never planned or worked any sketch in advance it didn’t resonated with me because the goal of this challenge for me was to improvise and get creative and inspired day by day!  I only got my supplies ready in advance! But that’s just me! Do what is the best and resonates for you and most importantly have fun and create daily!
Please if you do participate share your plans or ideas I would love to read! If you’re a beginner and have questions leave it in the comment section. I would be happy to respond!

Have a great weekend! And Happy Inktober!

Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

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

Embracing the Flow: How Artists Can Relax and Achieve a Creative Flow State

In Studio painting_s

Embracing the Flow

As artists and creatives, we strive for those magical moments when creativity flows effortlessly, ideas come to life, and time seems to disappear. This beautiful state, often referred to as “flow,” is where we produce our best work and feel most connected to our creative selves. However, achieving this state can sometimes be very challenging, especially in our fast-paced, distraction-filled world where it often feels like we have no time. Here’s a guide to help you relax, find your flow, and unlock your creative potential no matter what type of creator you are. Whether you’re a painter, a writer, or a designer, you can benefit from this.

Understanding the Flow State

Flow is a psychological state where you become fully immersed in an activity, losing track of time and external distractions. It’s characterized by intense focus, a sense of control, and intrinsic motivation. Achieving flow is not only about enhancing productivity but also about experiencing profound satisfaction and joy in the creative process.

Steps to Relax and Enter the Flow State

  1. Create a Dedicated Space
    • Set up a space that is solely for your art. This can be a small dedicated room or even a corner of a room, a studio, or a convenient portable art kit that you can take  where you need it. Ensure it’s a space free from distractions and filled with materials and things that inspire you.
  2. Establish a Routine
    • Having a consistent daily routine can signal to your brain that it’s time to create. This could involve dedicating a specific time of day to your art or engaging in a pre-creative ritual. Consider meditation, stretching, or listening to particular music. You might also enjoy a cup of herbal tea while lighting your favorite candle, turning on an aromatherapy oil diffuser, or burning incense. These practices can help you unwind, boost your mood, and improve your focus.
  3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
    • Mindfulness and meditation can help quiet the mind and reduce stress. Spend a few minutes each day practicing deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided meditation to center yourself before starting your creative work.
  4. Set Clear Intentions and Goals
    • Before you begin, set clear intentions for your creative session. Whether it’s experimenting with a new technique, finishing a piece, or simply enjoying the process, having a goal can help focus your mind.
  5. Eliminate Distractions
    • Turn off notifications and keep your phone distant from you, set boundaries with those around you, let them know that you’re working, and create a serene environment. Consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing calming music to maintain your focus.
  6. Embrace Imperfection
    • Allow yourself to create without the pressure of perfection. Embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and give yourself permission to freely experiment and play without any pressure.
  7. Stay Physically Comfortable
    • Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly. Comfortable seating, proper lighting, a good room temperature, wear comfortable clothes and taking breaks to stretch can prevent physical discomfort that might disrupt your flow while being seat for long time in the same position.
  8. Engage in Warm-Up Exercises
    • Start with simple, low-pressure activities to get your creative juices flowing. This could be doodling, sketching, or experimenting with colors and textures.
  9. Use Positive Affirmations
    • Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. rise your energy. Remind yourself of your capabilities and the joy you find in creating art.
  10. Allow for Breaks and Downtime
    • Sometimes stepping away from your work for awhile can help rejuvenate your mind and overcome creative blocks. Engage in activities that relax you, such as walking in nature, reading, or spending time with loved ones.

Techniques to Enhance Creativity

  1. Journaling and Brainstorming
    • Keep a journal to jot down ideas, thoughts, and inspirations. Regularly brainstorm and mind map to explore new concepts and perspectives.
  2. Collaboration and Feedback
    • Collaborate with other artists is very inspiring and motivating, seek feedback. Different viewpoints can spark new ideas and help you see your work from a fresh angle.
  3. Explore New Mediums and Techniques
    • Challenge yourself by trying new mediums or techniques. This can break monotony and open up new creative pathways. I personally work primary with watercolor and  I love to create in many different ways,
  4. Stay Inspired
    • Surround yourself with inspiration. Visit galleries, read art books, follow other artists, and immerse yourself in different art forms and cultures.
  5. Reflect on Your Progress
    • Regularly reflect on your artistic journey. Acknowledge your growth, celebrate your achievements, and learn from your challenges, help and inspire others.

The Benefits of Achieving Flow

Reaching a flow state has numerous benefits for artists:

  • Increased Productivity: Work more efficiently and produce higher quality art.
  • Enhanced Creativity: Tap into deeper levels of creativity and innovation.
  • Greater Satisfaction: Experience profound joy and fulfillment in the creative process.
  • Improved Mental Health: Reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better overall well-being.

Achieving a flow state is a powerful way to enhance your creativity and produce your best work. By creating a dedicated space, establishing a routine, practicing mindfulness, and embracing imperfection, you can relax and enter this state more easily. Remember, the journey to flow is personal and unique to each artist. Experiment with these techniques, find what works best for you, and let your creativity soar.

What techniques do you use to relax and enter a flow state? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

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

Wishing you this week to embrace your flow state!
Thank You!

Thank You!


©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#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

#INKTOBER, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Community, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawings, INKTOBER2022, Sketchbook, Watercolors

INKTOBER 2022 Official Prompt Lists

Inktober 2022

InkTober 2022 is coming soon!
And it means that artists around the world will participate to this great and inspiring drawing challenge.  I have participated to InkTober Challenge for the past 6 years Usually I have followed the Official prompt lists combined with another of my favorite October challenges working on the two challenges in one, combining the prompts! Indeed very challenging to do it grows and test your skills. This year I am not sure I will participate I have several projects in mind! Maybe I will draw some of the prompts here and there!

Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of InkTober  released the new “Official Prompt List 2022” I am happy to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to plan your challenge and get ready!

Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules:
Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2022
4) Repeat

That’s it! Now go make something beautiful.
Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about InkTober.  If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2022  #INKTOBER  post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!

Some of my Favorite Supplies:
I use  French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,   Pentel Aqua Brush – Bee Paper for Watercolor 140lb, 100% cotton, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches . Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I have no affiliation with any of these brands. I purchase all my supplies and I am only sharing what I like and use)

Good luck to everyone joining InkTober 2022
There is plenty of time to prepare yourself! I honestly during the past 6 years I never planned or worked any sketch in advance it didn’t resonated with me because the goal of this challenge for me was to improvise and get creative and inspired day by day!  I only got my supplies ready in advance! But that’s just me! Do what is the best and resonates for you and most importantly have fun and create!
Please if you do participate share your plans or ideas I would love to read! If you’re a beginner or not and have any questions leave it in the comment section I would be happy to respond!

Have a great weekend!

Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – carolinarussoart.com

#INKTOBER, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Community, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawings, Inktober2019, Sketchbook, Uncategorized, Watercolors

INKTOBER 2020 – October Drawing Challenges Official Prompt Lists

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October Challenge

COMING SOON!
“INKTOBER 2020 
31 Days 31 Drawings”

Since 2009 in  October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month.

InkTober 2020
October is coming soon! And it means that artists around the world will participate to this great and inspiring drawing challenge.  This is my 5th year of InkTober, I will do all my best to create as much as possible and I hope to be able to complete the 31 days.  This year honestly I have no idea how I will approach the two challenges! Usually in the past few years I have followed the Official prompt lists and to make it more challenging and intriguing I combined the two challenges in one, combining the prompts! Not easy to do. Sometimes the two prompts aren’t a good match but that’s were creativity do the magic! Right now, I am navigating ideas  trying to make plans, not sure I want to combine the two challenges together. If not, I need to pick one, or not follow the official prompts and make my own list….lots to think for me! Your suggestions are welcome! ❤

Jake Parker the illustrator and creator of Inktober  released the new “Official Prompt List 2020” and I love to post it here so that you have some time until October 1st to plan and get ready!

Inktober 2020 Official Prompt List

My Inktober history:

2016  following the “Official Prompt List” I have created a “Fantasy Character Design”  which I love, her name is ©Ylia.  I have illustrated her adventures inspired by the daily prompts and developed her character and story throughout the month. If you follow me from the last 4 years, then you should remember my character Ylia,  the pic below shows one of my entry and you can see her. If you like to see more check all the other entries about her on my InkTober 2016  Gallery:

Day #12 – WORRIED – InkTober 2016 ©Carolina Russo

I had fun to create ©Ylia, she is a futuristic kind of “Superhero Warrior” with a nod to the past, she is a Messenger of “Love and Peace” and a creature of the universe that fight for the universal love. Most of my drawings were accompanied by quotes and Haiku poems that I wrote. Maybe one day I will publish an illustrated book of @Ylia Adventures! I would love that!  We will see what the future brings!

2017 I have Joined the two challenges InkTober and MabsDrawlloweenClub this one is a little more spoocky – Halloween theme prompts are created by Pop Surrealist artist Mab Graves!  My daily drawings were inspired by the combination of the two challenges daily prompt words creating my own hybrid challenge “DrawllooweenTober”  yes this was my idea to enable me to join both challenges daily creating one drawing. And well it was pretty challenging, not easy but I wanted to make it harder to stimulate creativity in a different way and I made it! The outcome was a lovely collection of dark themed spooky drawings which I am very pleased!

My drawing “Frankenstein Bride” of this series become my first Die Cut Sticker

And if you like see more click the link of my  Gallery Inktober+ MabsDrawlloweenClub 2017

Day #2 Goblin Divided – Supplies

2018 I have joined again the two challenges, I really love both and the community of artists around these two challenges. I didn’t want to miss them so I’ve participated with my hybrid mixing the prompts and my own hashtag is  #drawlloweentober  you can see my Gallery Inktober+ MabsDrawlloweenClub 2018

INKTOBER-MabsDrawlloweenClub 2018
Day 29 – Double, Mary Shelley ©CarolinaRusso

2019 Once again last year I have combined the prompts of the two challenges here you can see some of my drawings! To see all the drawings visit my Drawlloweentober 2019 Gallery

InKtober – Mabsdrawlloween club 2019

Settember 1st 2020  both challenges Official Prompt Lists were released on September 1st. Here there is also the MadsDrawlloweenClub2020 Prompt List  artist Mab Graves list is always inspired and dedicated to the Halloween theme.

Mabsdrawlloween 2020 Official Prompt List

My Favorite Supplies:
I use  French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle,   Pentel Aqua Brush – Bee Paper for Watercolor 140lb, 100% cotton, cold pressed, size 6×9 inches . Micron or COPIC pens Black, Brown, Dark Red inks #01, #005, White SAKURA Gelly Roll pen, Pentel Pocket Brush blak ink, ALVIN Mab Graves Draft/Matic Pencils , Winsor & Newton Drawing Inks.
(FYI This is not a sponsored post I purchase all my supplies and I am sharing what I like and use)

My Supplies!

Join us: these Challenges are open to anyone that love sketching with ink pens and if you’re member of the #worldwatercolorgroup you’re free to add a dash of watercolor. I hope that some of you will try this and join me and thousands of other artists around the world. You don’t have to be drawing every day if you don’t have time. You can drawing every other day, or every few days, or one entry a week! Doesn’t has to be a complicate drawing, it can be a small sketch, it will help you to develop a habit and refine your skills. Btw if you’re not crazy like me you don’t have to participate to both challenges just pick one! 😉 Good luck everyone hope to see you in October!

Here is the INKTOBER Story and Rrules:
Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the Official Rules:
1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).
2) Post it*
3) Hashtag it with #inktober and #inktober2019
4) Repeat
That’s it! Now go make something beautiful.

I am very excited to join once again and participate to the challenges! I would be sharing my progress here on the Blog and daily on Instagram @carolinarussoart  Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn about Inktober.  If you like to join these challenges don’t forget when you post your drawing online always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2020  #INKTOBER  if you choose Mab Graves challenge add #mabsdrawlloweenclub2020 and if you add watercolor hashtag  #worldwatercolorgroup2020 post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online! Phew….I made it to the end of this long post! ❤

You can find some of my past Inktober drawings available as Open Edition Signed Prints in my ETSY Shop

#carolinarussoart 

I hope that artists here on WordPress will join this challenge with me,
There is time to get organized and prepare yourself for for October! Please share your plans or ideas I would love to know!

Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Creativity, Drawings, Ethereal, Illustration, Indie, Ink, Ink Drawing, My Paintings, Nature, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Watercolor – Queen Flower

Queen Flower – Original Watercolor ©CarolinaRusso


Exploring a new idea 

Today I am excited to share with you one of my latest watercolor painting having the title  ” Queen Flower”.
I painted in my traditional signature style in watercolor and ink but this time not on the usual watercolor paper. I came across this 10 inches diameter paper lace doily at home and my first thought was to make a ink drawing on it! I love to explore new artistic and creative ways to paint, testing papers or surfaces and see how watercolor works especially on unusual ones! I am always driven to try new techniques and materials. I have to say that the combination of watercolor and ink pen did work really well without any bleeding through the paper! I am happy and pleased with the outcome! The watercolor looks great on this paper doily, the original painting is lovely and would look great with a floating frame.  I will sure create more paintings on paper doilies in the future.

Queen Flower – Original Watercolor ©CarolinaRusso

The Original Painting is Available for sale!
If you are interested in this Original Watercolor painting or if you have any question please Contact me.

Queen Flower – Original Watercolor ©CarolinaRusso

 

Artist’s details about the painting:
 .I used a  Draft/Matic Pencil  0.5mm by ALVIN for my sketch. I painted on a 10 inch Paper Doily, I used  French Artists Watercolor by  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle. Ink pen COPIC Multiliner #01 and a SAKURA White Gelly Roll pen.


You can see more of my Paintings visiting my  GALLERY  there are several Galleries here on my Blog you find  them in the drop down menu under Watercolors.

All my collections of watercolors paintings and illustrations are always available for Pre-Order in Limited Edition Art Prints  here on my Blog!

❤ Please follow me on my Instagram dedicated to my Art! @carolinarussoart 

  #CarolinaRussoArt

Have a great weekend!

hand-signature-logo-copyright
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

Shop Carolina Russo Art

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Creativity, Drawings, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Indie, Ink, Ink Drawing, Limited Edition, MerMay, My Paintings, Ocean, Sketch, Sketchbook, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Exploring The Abyss #MerMay2019 – New Release

Exploring The Abyss – #mermay2019 Watercolor ©CarolinaRusso


Exploring The Abyss #mermay2019

The month of May is almost over and so the #mermay Art Challenge.  I love painting mermaids and sadly this year I had no time, I was only able to create one new mermaid to include in my existing Mermaids Collection.  I painted only one but I am very happy with my painting and who said that time is over for creating Mermaids? Yes the challenge is over but I can create new Mermaids whenever I want! 😉

Today I am excited to share with you myNew Release” of my Mermaid painting having the title  “Exploring The Abyss”  I painted in my traditional and signature style watercolor and ink. If you followed my recent posts on Instagram you remember this mermaid because I was showing my work in progress with some sneak peek,  from the pencil sketch to the begin stage of watercolor, if you missed you can visit @carolinarussoart  and see how this painting become alive. This watercolor mermaid had a quite long process, lots of details and layers for me to be able to obtain all the shades of colors.

A Limited Edition of #20 Fine Art Prints is now Available made to order!
If you would like to order one of the beautiful twenty numbered, signed and hand embellished Prints you can they are available only in size 8×10 inches and I Offer a 10% Off discount to my Bloggers friends and anyone that place an Order here on the Blog  if you like to reserve a print just read the details and fill in the order form linked in this page. I do ship Worldwide. If you have any question contact me.

Details about my painting:
 .I used a  Draft/Matic Pencil  0.5mm by ALVIN for my sketch. I painted on BEE Paper 140lb 100% Cotton Cold Press, I used  French Artists Watercolor by  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle. Ink pen COPIC Multiliner #01 and a SAKURA White Gelly Roll pen.

 


You can see more of my Paintings visiting my  GALLERY  there are several Galleries here on my Blog! You find  them in the drop down menu under Watercolors.

All my collections of watercolors paintings and illustrations are always available for Pre-Order in Limited Edition Art Prints  here on my Blog!

Please follow me on my Instagram dedicated to my Art! @carolinarussoart 

 #mermay2019 #CarolinaRussoArt

Have a wonderful week dear friends and happy Mermaids!
I am wonder which home will adopt her?

hand-signature-logo-copyright
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

Shop Carolina Russo Art

#INKTOBER, #INKTOBER2018, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Community, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawings, Sketchbook, Uncategorized, Watercolors, Ylia Adventures

INKTOBER 2018 is Coming Soon – Official Prompt List!

78315df6f0f901f4-weblogo
October Challenge

INKTOBER 2018  31 Days 31 Drawings

Every October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month.

Anyone can do InkTober just pick up an ink pen and start drawing!

Hello Friends,

InkTober 2018 is coming soon! Are you getting ready for this great challenge of daily drawing?
Time goes fast and I had many beautiful things happening in one year. I am very grateful for everything! This is my 3rd InkTober, I hope to be able to complete the 31 days.  This year I have been very busy with my art and collaborations. For who is new to this InkTober is a fantastic challenge that help to refine your sketching skills and stimulate your creativity at drawing with the daily prompts, it is a great challenge for experienced artists and for beginners, you can choose to follow the Official Prompt list or have your own!

2016 InkTober  following the “Official Prompt List” I have created a “Fantasy Character Design”  which I love, her name is ©Ylia.  I have illustrated her adventures inspired by the daily prompts and developed her character and story throughout the month. If you follow me from the last 3 years, then you should remember Ylia,  the pic below shows one of my entry and you can see her. If you like to see more check all the other entries on my InkTober 2016  Gallery:

I had fun to create Ylia, she is a futuristic kind of “Superhero Warrior” with a nod to the past, she is a Messenger of “Love and Peace” and a creature of the universe a feeler of the universal love. Most of my drawings were accompanied by quotes or Haiku poems that I wrote. Maybe one day I will publish an illustrated book of @Ylia Adventures! I would love that!  We will see what the future brings!

Day #24 ONE DOZEN – InkTober 2016 ©Carolina Russo

InkTober 2017 Last year I have Joined two amazing challenges InkTober and Drawlloween that is a little more spoocky Halloween themed prompts created by Pop Surrealist artist Mab Graves!  My daily drawings were inspired by the combination of the two Challenges daily prompt words and I have combined the names creating my own challenge “DrawllooweenTober”  yes this was my plan to be able to join and drawing daily for both amazing challenges at the same time, let me tell you it was pretty challenging and not easy but that was what I wanted to make it harder and extremely challenging and I made it! Creating a lovely Collection of dark themed little spooky drawings which I am very pleased see my whole Gallery Inktober Drawlloween 2018

Day #1 Inktober Drawlloween 2017: Werewolf with a Swift

InkTober 2018 For now I just got the “Official InkTober Prompt List”  I don’t know at this moment what I would be creating. I need to think! This challenge is open to anyone that love sketching with ink pens but for the #worldwatercolorgroup we are free to add a dash of watercolor, I hope that someone of you will join me and millions of other artists around the world. You don’t have to be drawing every day if you can’t, you can do a drawing every other day, or every few days, or one entry a week! Doesn’t has to be a complicate drawing, it will help you to develop a habit and skills.

 

 

Here this is the Story :

Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake  created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the 2018 Official Rules:

 

 

I am very excited to join Jake Parker once again and participate to the challenge! I would be Sharing on the Blog and daily on Instagram @carolinarussoart  I probably would be participating again to  Drawlloween challenge like last year I love both challenges and the only way to make it through is to combine them in a double challenge. I mix the official prompts to make it more challenging to produce a great collection of drawings, or another idea is to alternate the days between the two challenges if anyone will do it let me know.

Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn. I exported here the Official prompt list for the month.

The Official 2018 InkTober Prompt List:

 If you like to join the challenge don’t forget when you post  to always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2017  #INKTOBER  and if you add watercolor hashtag  #worldwatercolorgroup post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!

 

I hope that artists here on WordPress will join this challenge with me,
I made this post early to get organized and prepared for October!

Now let’s get sketchbooks, inks, watercolor, pens and brushes and let’s have fun in October! ❤
Leave a comment and let me know if you will participate and what you plan drawing if you know already!

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#INKTOBER2017, #WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Creativity, Drawings, Events, Illustration, Ink, Ink Drawings, One of a kind, Sketchbook, Uncategorized, Watercolors, Ylia Adventures

2017 InkTober 31 Days 31 Drawings!

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October Challenge

 

31 Days 31 Drawings

Every October, artists all over the world take on the InkTober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month.

Anyone can do InkTober just pick up a pen and start drawing!

Hello everyone InkTober 2017 is behind the corner I can’t believe how fast time goes! Last year I loved to participate to this amazing challenge which gave me the opportunity to refine my sketchy skills and creativity!  During the event, following the “Official Prompt List” I have created a fantasy character her name is ©Ylia and I have illustrated her adventures inspired by the prompt words. If you follow me before last year, then you remember Ylia, here there is one of my 2016 InkTober entry so that you can see her, also if you like you can see all the other entries on my InkTober 2016  Gallery:

Day #17 – BATTLE – InkTober 2016 ©Carolina Russo

I loved to create Ylia, she is a futuristic kind of superhero- warrior with a nod to the past, she is also a Messenger of “Love and Peace” most of my drawings were accompanied by quotes or Haiku that I wrote. Maybe one day I will publish an illustrated book of @Ylia Adventures! We will see what the future brings! For now I just got the InkTober  2017 “Official Prompt list”  I don’t know yet what I would be creating, I need to brainstorm! This challenge is open to anyone that love sketching with ink pens but for the #worldwatercolorgroup we are free to add a dash of watercolor, I hope that someone of you will join me this year, you don’t have to be drawing every day if you can’t, you can do a drawing every other day, or every few days, or one entry a week! Doesn’t has to be a complicate drawing, it will help you to develop a habit and skills.

Here is the Story of this event: Illustrator Jake Parker is the creator of this great challenge and initiative started in October 2009. Jake  created InkTober as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor with thousands of artists taking on the challenge every year. Here are the 2017 Official Rules:

Jake Parker Official Rules

I am very excited this year to join Jake once again and participate to this great challenge with artists all over the world! Sharing on the Blog and on Instagram @carolinarussoart I really would love to create all the 31 ink drawings but I think I wont have much time this year, because I would be participating also to another challenge event (I will tell you about this later on!) So I will pick all the prompts that inspire me to produce great drawings.

Visit Jake Parker website for more details, videos, inspiration and lots to learn. I exported here the Official prompt list for the month.

The Official 2017 InkTober Prompt List:

InkTober 2017 Official Prompt List

 If you like to join the challenge don’t forget when you post  to always add the hashtags #INKTOBER2017  #INKTOBER  and if you add watercolor hashtag  #worldwatercolorgroup post your ink drawing online on your Blog and/or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter…add all the tags to any place you share your drawings online!

 

I hope that my friends artists here on WordPress will join this challenge with me, that’s why I made this post early in advance so that you all can get prepared!

Now let’s get paper, inks, watercolor and have fun in October! ❤

Thank You!
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com

#WorldWatercolorGroup, Art, Challenge, Creativity, Drawings, Ethereal, Etsy, Events, Fantasy Art, Illustration, Indie, Ink, Ink Drawing, Limited Edition, MerMay, My Paintings, Ocean, Sketch, Sketchbook, Uncategorized, Watercolors

Wander In The Abyss #MerMay2017

  

Wander In The Abyss – Original Watercolor ©Carolina Russo

– Wander In The Abyss Mermaid #MerMay2017!

The month of May is over in few days and so the #MerMay2017 challenge, I loved to participate and during the month I re-posted some of my mermaids I previously painted and I made this new mermaid painting.
I am sorry I haven’t post much lately, it was because I had to fix a problem with my computer, thankfully right now is all working and fixed! I haven’t been writing here on my Blog but I did post my work on Instagram and if you follow me there you know I have been pretty busy drawing and painting!

Wander In The Abyss – Original Watercolor ©Carolina Russo

Today I am excited about my  ” New Release” and  to share with you my finished  “Wander In The Abyss – Mermaid” a watercolor and ink painting. If you came across my previous post you remember this mermaid and that I was showing my work in progress, from the pencil sketch to the begin stage of watercolor, if you missed that post, maybe you like to read it and see how this painting come alive. This watercolor mermaid had a pretty long process, lots of patience and layers for me to be able to obtain this look and all the shades of colors on a “not watercolor paper” like the gray toned paper sketchbook that I used. This time, I really wanted to try something different using a toned paper for background and I wanted to see how  I could use watercolors and inks on a paper for dry media.  I can say that It’s pretty tricky! I am happy with the way the painting turned out!

A Limited Edition of 20 Art Prints is now available only hand embellished
I will add by hand the gold ink to embellish each print and turn it in one of a kind and special. It is very difficult to print the gold ink from an original painting because the scanner and printer aren’t able to give the real gold pigments and spark, that’s why I decided to do only a very small run of special prints hand embellished. When the 20 prints are sold out I won’t print them again and with time they will increase in value!  Prints are size 8×10 inches, I offer a special discounted price for  my friends and for anyone that  place an order here on the Blog Price is $45 + $8 Shipping via USPS Priority Mail within US if you like to reserve a print just fill in the form linked.

Wander In The Abyss – Original Watercolor ©Carolina Russo

Details about my painting:
 I Sketched on a Strathmore 400 Series medium surface 80 lb – gray toned paper large sketchbook size 9 x 12 inches for dry media.  I used a  Draft/Matic Pencil  0.5mm by Mab Graves Limited Edition for ALVIN for my sketch  and I used  French Artists Watercolors  Sennelier  l’Aguarelle and Artist’s Loft watercolor pan set I used this set for a opaque- chalk effect. Ink pen COPIC Multiliner #0.03 and a SAKURA  Metallic gold Gelly Roll pen.

 


You can see more of my Paintings visiting my  GALLERY  there are several Galleries here on my Blog! You find  them in the drop down menu under Watercolors.

All my collections of watercolors paintings and illustrations are available for Pre-Order in Limited Edition Art Prints   here on my Blog!
Some of them are also available on my Etsy Shop CarolinaRussoArt.

Please follow me on my Instagram account dedicated to my Art! @carolinarussoart 

 

#WorldWatercolorGroup #mermay2017 #CarolinaRussoArt

 

Happy weekend!

hand-signature-logo-copyright
Thank You!

©Copyright Carolina Russo – yesterdayafter.com