MID-WEEK RAMBLINGS // LATELY IN THE STUDIO

Hello! Just popping in to share a few favorite snaps of some work in progress from this past week.  The above photo seemed to be a hit on instagram. I loved all the nice comments about me switching it up a bit (with my color palette). YES, I will offer this as a print as soon as I have a free moment to clean it up and get a test print made to make sure it looks great before I offer to y'all. I never, ever use orange and yellow. Not because I hate them, I'm just not drawn them I guess. I don't wear these hues much / don't like how they look on me so maybe that's why? Anyways, I am challenging myself to introduce some new color combos into my life (all aspects of it) this year...

 I've also been really into old folk art lately and have been researching various European styles.  I'm not really trying to create an accurate depiction of it, but I like to feel inspired by different types of art and then just make it my own. Hence, the above and below photos. This stool has been around for years and I just randomly did this to it last week, ha.  I'm liking it so much that I am painting part of my spring collection in this style.  I can't wait to share what I'm working as spring and the National Stationery Show get closer! 

A few snippets from my desk and deciding what to turn these guys into...

Finally, my painting area after a long week.  It's not cute but it's necessary to my productivity. I like being able to leave everything out as sometimes I need to go back and forth from here to my computer. Coffee, a million paints, tiny brushes... ya know, all the essentials for surviving around here. haha. 

Hope you all are having a lovely week. It's raining today but Florida is finally experiencing our tiny spurt of winter. Not complaining about putting my favorite sweaters and boots to use that I never get to wear! 

XOXO

WEEKEND SCENES

I know, a couple days late on sharing some weekend scenes but these little snippets from the weekend made me happy so I decided to compile them anyways. 

I've been working on some paintings for my shop (I've posted a few sneak peaks but have some new things as well).  I keep an ongoing list of quotes and words that inspire me, it was time to start lettering some new ones.  I may add a little design to some of these but I always love how simple the black and white look (especially when nicely framed)... 

I've been really into painting floraly letters.  I'm excited to share what I have in store for these.  Although, since a few friends asked already I think I will offer a little alphabet poster similar to how the original looks below...

 Friday night we went to see some favorite bands play in Tampa (Mickey Avalon, Pepper, Rebelution, and Sublime with Rome).  It was a blast! (instax photo by @influencegirl ).  Although rainy most of the day, it brought cooler weather for the evening outside // Saturday I made the rounds visiting some friends and doing a little shopping of course! I've been wearing my new converse a ton (from the kids section at Nordstrom Rack, ha!). I tried on some of Camilyn Beth's new fall pieces at her studio and fell in love with them all! // Sunday was back in the studio painting and planning shoots.  Little Twiggy always seems to find the best light as she perfectly places herself on my sketches by the window.

Hope you are having lovely week! 

XO 

PAINTING DAYS

I had to take some updated head shots recently for an upcoming project.  I love these few "behind the scenes" photos my friend Jess snapped of me.  Getting your photo taken is pretty weird.  Well at least for me since I'm usually the one taking.  As I tried to get a "serious" head shot, we couldn't stop laughing (mainly at my awkwardness and inability to smile without feeling cheesy lol).  So when given a prop, like my paints, things went a little smoother, haha! 

Anyways, I thought I would share as the paintings featured are a few new things I'm pretty excited about.  The colorful poppies (on the floor in the second photo) are now available as an 8 x 10 print here.  The feathers I have been working on this week and am really pleased with the outcome, you can see a better shot on my instagram.  

XO

necklace: madewell / bracelet: bourbon & bowties / rings: misc, some from H&M

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS

Drying flowers is the best.  A few snaps just for fun. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

A few things I loved this week: 

Coffee & Coconut exfoliating scrub via Free People

Crushing real hard on this home, via sfgirlbythebay

A new couch is on our radar, this looks way too cozy

The cutest gingham sun dress for summer 

This guilded rim stemware from Anthropologie 

Unconventional studio portraits of dogs, so fun

This new Fitzgerald calligraphy print in my shop!

Really cute one pieces for summer via Urban Outfitters 

I love making boards organized by color, this one is really inspiring me right now

XO

HELLO MARCH [ + A ROUND UP ]

 

I feel this way every month lately, but I still can't believe how fast they go by. How is it already March? I had a great February with some fantastic projects beginning for the summer and fall.  I can't believe it's possible for my work to get more exciting, but somehow it just keeps getting better.  I am so grateful.  

Here are a few of the things (and insta snaps) I loved from February: 

-Invitations for Ali & Vincent's Burgundy & Blush wedding featured on Every Last Detail

-Featured in Emily Henderson's round up of the best online art resources! 

-Speaking of, don't forget to shop my limited edition art prints on Buddy Editions

(aka there are only 50 of each size of my three prints then they are gone!)

-Featured on Style Unveiled's "the best invitations to excite your guests"

-Got to shoot a couple looks for Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific blog while she was in Sarasota. Check out the posts here and here. Soooo fun! 

-Featured on MODweddings, such a sweet post.

-I announced on instagram a couple weeks ago that some of my prints will be available in West Elm Florida stores as part of West Elm Local.  So far Palm Beach, Miami Mid-town, Estero, and Orlando. Beyond exciting! 

-(photo below) Working on something fun with my best friend and designer, Camilyn Beth

below, some new poppies using acrylic paint.  It's fun to experiment with this medium and dark backgrounds every once in a while. The results are so different but still "me"  :) 

And some snaps from Palm Beach... 

I feel like the weekend consisted of us just doing a food tour of the city, ha.  By "food tour" I mean cocktails as well, obviously.  Spending time at the Breakers is always my favorite.  Hanging out and having appetizers at the Seafood Bar never disappoints.  A couple places that opened since my last trip, The Bee and The Alchemist, were two joints I also greatly enjoyed. The Rabbit coffee and their fresh juices / smoothies...amazing.  Blood orange cocktails and veggie portobello burgers at Alchemist, fabulous.  We had a lovely brunch at Table 26 on Saturday to honor my friend who is expecting her first little girl.  So thankful for my friends and weekends in Palm Beach.  Between great meals and champagne, laughing until I can't breathe, and sharing memories of college times...this is typically how our weekends together go and I am obsessed! 

 Finally, us popping into West Elm in Palm Beach Gardens, the first West Elm to receive my prints.  We were beyond excited to see the little bio there as well. 

Cheers to a wonderful new month, let's make it count.

xox

WHATS IN MY TOOLBOX

Happy Friday y'all! I thought I would end the week with a little "whats in my toolbox" roundup (the one I teased about last week on instagram and just now finished, yikes).  Anyways, I hope this gives a little insight to my process and answers some of the questions I neglect on instagram.  I guess I was sort of feeling guilty that I have a hard time keeping up with questions between insta, e-mails, and Facebook.  I'm getting a lot of the same ones about supplies and such these days so hopefully I can cover a few.  So basically this post is inspired by my guilt but also my appreciation for your sweet words and encouragement when I post my art on social media.  I truly thank you! 

PAPER:  I'm a long time fan of Canson brand watercolor paper (the larger pad shown in the photo).  I typically buy the 11 x 15.  It is 140 lb stock and I always (for any paper) prefer the "cold pressed".  I don't know why I like the larger paper because I sometimes have to trim my edges to scan but I like having a larger canvas to play around with and I also will mix my colors / dab my brush on a corner of the paper as well.  I buy Canson at Michael's craft store, which is great because Michaels always has a 40% off coupon and sometimes these are buy one get one.  Just as of this year, I also started using the Arches cold pressed watercolor pads (size 9" x 12").  These are more expensive at around $26 for 12 sheets.  It's definitely not necessary to have this type of paper but if you are a professional making art for re-sale then the price balances out and the quality of this paper when scanned is excellent.  Honestly, I use the canson more because sometimes I'm just sketching for fun and don't know how it will turn out.  If I end up loving my creation, I still get a great scan quality and just do a little cleaning up in Photoshop. 

BRUSHES:  This is something I get asked about a lot.  I hesitated to answer because I truly believe it is your skill (and natural eye) not the tools you use that make you a good artist.  Buying a certain brush is not going to make you be able to letter a certain way.  It takes tons of practice to perfect letters and truly find your own unique style.  However,  I do have a few favorite sizes that have helped me.  I recommend not skimping on brushes (aka don't get the cheap packs at the craft store).  The cheap ones have harder bristles and they will start falling out quickly (and get stuck in the paint, it's not fun).  I'm not really concerned about brands when it comes to brushes though.  In the photo of my brushes, I keep a variety of very tiny heads for lettering.  Those first few are my favorites, I'm almost always using a brush this small.  They are round brushes (as opposed to flat heads) and definitely help with fluid strokes.  I don't like ones with long bristles because I feel there is less control.  The two thicker ones I use for larger lettering projects and blending my florals.  The last largest one I like for making brush strokes or watercolor washed backgrounds.  Again, this takes practice! I recommend buying a lot of different brushes to see what works for you. 

PAINTS:  I'm truly obsessed with gouache.  I almost always use Acryla paints (I buy them locally but they are available at various online art suppliers).  I spend a lot of money of paints but I don't think it's always necessary, especially if your just getting started and experimenting.  The Acrylas are around $6.49 for .68 oz tube.  A good old watercolor palette works great for practicing, combined with the cold pressed paper, you're going to still get a great result when scanning. I've read that some artists actually prefer the lesser quality paints to the more expensive paper.  Again, this all comes with time and experimentation to see what works for you and your goals!

MISC: I use standard no. 2 pencils for sketching.  Prismacolor is my favorite brand of pencils, I use their erasers for cleaning up my paintings as well.

I'm not always great with words, but hopefully this was a little helpful insight to my process! I added a FAQ page to my blog and have started answering some further questions about art, business, my art background, etc (it's not finished yet but will be up there soon).  I'm happy to try and answer anything further if you leave questions in the comment section below. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Thanks for stopping by!  xoxo 

OFFICE REMIX : THE INSPIRATION

images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

chair / boxes / light / shelves / vase / filing cabinet / lamp / rug 

I've been on a mission lately to get my office in shape for the busy months ahead.  Throughout the year I have arranged and re-arranged (using what I've had for a long time) to find that it just hasn't been quite right.  You see, a big issue is my battle between keeping everything organized and visually pleasing versus functionality (aka having my supplies out at all times so I can quickly and easily stop and start projects).  I decided to take the time to evaluate my process, the things I'm using everyday, and what set up will work best and keep me inspired for the long run. 

A few things I've considered are that I need three main areas in my office.  I need my messy table where I paint, my desk with my computer where I do my e-mailing, editing photos, etc) and a clean table I can use for packaging client projects and photographing my products.  Also, I've decided what bothers me most is seeing lose papers everywhere (and there are a ton of them between paintings, scans for clients, actual business paperwork, etc).  I decided to get a few filing cabinets like the above simple white one from Ikea.  These have helped sort my papers and I labeled each drawer with things like "artwork originals", "client artwork / scans", "to be scanned", etc.  This has helped tremendously in cleaning up the place!  Just a small step into it's complete makeover but I'm excited about the way things are turning out.  I took some (scary) before pictures so I hope to share both once I'm finished.  The above spaces are a few that inspire me greatly.  The fresh white walls, inspiration boards, and fun lights and accessories…love. 

Any tips on how you stay organized and productive while maintaining a space that is aesthetically pleasing?  Any resources for your favorite office supplies and furniture? 

And also, happy friday! xx 

HELLO SEPTEMBER + AUGUST ROUNDUP

I'm a little late on welcoming September this week (with open arms might I add).  I had a great summer that flew by so fast.  I've been so busy working on client and personal projects over the past couple months.  Above are some of my recent favorites!  I have a couple exciting collabs in the works and am working on some products for the holidays!  I know this fall is going to bring great things (and lots of pumpkin spice).  I'm looking forward to cooler temperatures but first taking this month to get organized before the craziness hits.  I always feel like once October comes it just flies by, as there is always so much to do over the holidays.  Trying to make my days last as long as possible and savor each month. I've been a little quite over here lately, but I always post some sneak peeks on Instagram (@shannonkirsten) in case you're interested in keeping up!  

xox

PAINTED PHOTOS // A FLORAL FEAST

If you follow my photography work as well, you'll know that I have been experimenting with studio settings lately.  I've been wanting to try some just-for-fun things that would allow me to combine my paintings with my photography.  I wanted to shoot these white and bright to make a simple palette for drawing over.  I just tried a few to start and also painted a backdrop for this shoot as well (middle photo).  I love doing things like this that allow me to combine my favorite things, hoping to make a full series in the future.  You can see more on my photography blog - shannonkirstenphoto.com/blog

xo

PAINT LIFE

Popping in to say happy Monday.  I spend the weekend painting, working on personal home projects, and practicing with my new studio equipment (see here).  Now it's back to wrapping up wedding invitations! xo

OFFICE REMIX

I'm thrilled to be almost finished remixing my office.  It's long overdue and quite the task.  I finished painting the last bit of the wall this week.  Now everything will slowly but surely get put back into place.  It's so nice to have a blank canvas.  I'm not totally sure what else I'm going to hang but I love what has been started with the shelves above.  I wanted one wall with lots of shelving for storing everyday supplies and already packaged goods.  I can't wait to complete it and share more.  This is literally the breath of fresh air I needed to prepare for a new, crazy year!  

Items shown above: 

buffalo print via The Animal Print Shop // black frame via Michaels // wire baskets & black /white stripe bin via Container Store // small printed frame is Nake Berkus for Target // black shelves and brackets from Ikea // bowls, vase, antler, dreamcatcher are vintage / flea market finds // larger white shelf is custom.  

xox

STUDIO SNAPS

Happy Monday! 

Here are a few little snippets of what has been going on around here lately (and what is to come).  Lots of floral art prints in progress and the beginnings of holiday items.  I've been trying to re-vamp the office and get more organized, my sleepy assistant makes that task more difficult sometimes.  Silly me for thinking that purchasing letter trays would keep her off of my papers. But at least she's cute.