Helen, your work is such an inspiration to me, to loosen up and just make marks and not need everything in my journals to be "perfect". I really love what you do!
Thanks, once again! After watching this, I started going through all my drawers, looking for abandoned work that I can use to make something new! It's amazing how much I have found already!
Helen!! I can look at your sketchbooks all day. Your paintings make my heart sooo happy. I especially loved the collage pieces in this one. I often look at your old videos for inspiration, when ever I feel "stuck" . Thank you! Enjoy your coffee!
I really appreciate so much all you share in your videos, Helen! It’s as if your book - which I have and consult regularly - actually came even more alive. You are a very inspiring artist. And your art is a total expression of deliciousness! xx
Wow, thank you Karin! What a lovely thing to say.... I might have to add that into my bio.. her work as been described as a "total expression of deliciousness" ha ha, only joking thank you
I like a bit of wildness with control too! 😂 I really like your coffee cup! Thank you for another insight into your work Helen - it's wonderful to see! x
Great video Helen! Enjoyed hearing about the sequence that you laid your art materials down on the pages. I think I speak for all your fans when I say, your use of colour is absolutely amazing. Can you give us some commentary about your colour choices, do you have a defined personal colour palette or do you just work intuitively as you go, how did you develop your use of colour, has it changed over the years? Thanks so much!
Oh Christina how lovely of you. You are like a mind reader - next week's video is all about colour, I've already made it (I try and work a few weeks in advance with my video making) I'm not sure if I answer all those great questions... it's definitely a big topic which I can revisit. Thank you so much x
It’s been months since I created anything . Your work has ‘fired me up’. I have different books for different things, paint effects, black and white detailed drawing, experimental art, including chopping up old paintings and rejigging them , collage. Your work has shown me that I can combine all of the styles and processes that I love in one place. That is so exciting. I am going to get started immediately. Thank you for sharing your work . It has inspired me.
Hi Helen! I found you on instagram a while back and your sketchbooks are magical, mesmerizing and absolutely beautiful! Just ordered your book! Thank you for sharing your process and ideas with us!
Hi Helen! I found you through Laura Horn, and I'm so glad I did! The glimpses into your sketchbooks that you share, and your insights are feeding my creative spirit! I very recently realized how burnt out I was creatively after a very busy year professionally, and I decided to take a sabbatical for the remainder of the year. A break from professionalism in my work; a way to recapture the joy in my art practice. Your videos have become a valuable part of this break! Thank you so much ❤️
Oh wow Jillian, what a super lovely thing to say, thank you, I'm sorry you were feeling burnt out, sometimes we just have to prioritise filling the well don't we. Thank you much for your enthusiasm and kindness...x
Hi Helen,Perhaps you already know this tip but.....here goes.I have had oil pastels around for ages but knew that they never really dried so put them to the back of my cupboard,then I discovered that you can seal them with Acrylic matt medium,WOW,what results,it dries without dulling your colours and it totally seals,at the moment I am using this method to make Collage papers but will be incorperating this in any large Abstracts I work on in the future,it was a light bulb moment for me.Have a FAB Christmas,thanks again so much for your Fantastic Videos.x
What can I say? Another beautiful, inspiring share my friend. Love the journal pages and the courage in combining many types of media together! Will have to dig out those old pieces I really am not happy with and overwork a few ... blessings xx
Thank you, thank you, yes I find it really helpful to reuse, recycle and know that anything I don't love can be cut-up, repurposed and given a new life... xx
When my life “doesn’t go according to plan”, my art making immediately goes on the “back burner”, sometimes for weeks or even months; it’s almost like “how dare you play with paints/collage/whatever media” when there’s IMPORTANT stuff to worry about…it’s like I need everything to be in place and “safe” (ie free from worry) in order to create. I was wondering if this is common among artists and if you have any advice.
I do totally understand, it is so hard to feel creative when there is so much difficult stuff happening to folk. I'm not sure i have any advice as such other than to share my experience... I personally have had a challenging few years what with some health difficulties and a flood which meant we had to move out of home for six months and that really curtailed and challenged my creativity,... and I guess the thing that I now know to be true for me is that there is always important stuff to worry about and there will always be obstacles to creativity, but creating and making art just feels more empowering,, gives me more connection to myself and the world around me and feels like a more meaningful and positive way to respond to and channel all that worry... I make the decision to create whether I feel like it or not and I nearly always feel better as a result... I wish you well in finding your path through...xx
@@HelenWellsArtist Please consider making a video about artists that inspires you. I have many that do that and wanted to know what artist you like. Thanks.
Oh thank you. Yes so you are right that felt tip pens are not really lightfast... but as they are in a sketchbook they never get exposed to much light. I don't use felt tip pens in any original artwork that needs to have longevity... but in a sketchbook they are just fine and dandy and seem to last...
Thank you for sharing your process. My recollection is the sketchbook you shared with the red and white cover doesn't have heavy duty paper. Do you prep the pages before using watercolor or other art materials? Your pages don't look like they have buckled at all. Second question...how do you keep your pages from sticking together? My pages with acrylic paint are quite sticky. I'm looking forward to taking your classes. Peace.
Hi there. The Venezia Book from Fabriano with the red and white cover has 200gsm paper which I find just fine and heavy enough for acrylic. I never prep my sketchbook pages. I prevent sticking by trying to use acrylic paint which isn't very glossy or shiny, satin or matt, acrylic gouache or adding more matt medium or adding some sort of wax over the page to prevent sticking...x
helenwellsartist.com/blog/2022/9/3/sketch-books-filling-them-up-and-my-favourites Here’s a link to a blog about some of my favourite sketchbooks. This one is the large Venezia Book from Fabriano x
Helen, your work is such an inspiration to me, to loosen up and just make marks and not need everything in my journals to be "perfect". I really love what you do!
Oh Deb that’s just to lovely to hear, thank you for watching and for your lovely comment x
“That’s not a cup, THIS is a cup” lol. Sounds like hubby is a keeper and I just love your lil books
Ah that’s funny, yes he’s a keeper! Particularly when he makes me coffee. Thank you for watching and commenting xxx
I absolutely loved looking at your journals. Thanks for sharing your process, it’s very inspirational. ❤
Thank you so much Lynda! What a lovely thing to say, I really appreciate it. Thank you, thank you Helen xx
Thanks, once again! After watching this, I started going through all my drawers, looking for abandoned work that I can use to make something new! It's amazing how much I have found already!
Glad I could help in some small way! I think its lovely to re-purpose old work.. xx
Helen!! I can look at your sketchbooks all day. Your paintings make my heart sooo happy. I especially loved the collage pieces in this one. I often look at your old videos for inspiration, when ever I feel "stuck" . Thank you! Enjoy your coffee!
Thank you so much Maribel! that is just so lovely to know, I really appreciate that. Thank you so very much x
I really appreciate so much all you share in your videos, Helen! It’s as if your book - which I have and consult regularly - actually came even more alive. You are a very inspiring artist. And your art is a total expression of deliciousness!
xx
Wow, thank you Karin! What a lovely thing to say.... I might have to add that into my bio.. her work as been described as a "total expression of deliciousness" ha ha, only joking thank you
@@HelenWellsArtistoh but it IS! Absolutely add Karin's quote! I love it! It is a perfect expression and description of your wonderful art Helen 🎨 ❤😍
I like a bit of wildness with control too! 😂 I really like your coffee cup! Thank you for another insight into your work Helen - it's wonderful to see! x
You are so welcome! Thank you so much for watching and cheerleading. Helen x
Great video Helen! Enjoyed hearing about the sequence that you laid your art materials down on the pages. I think I speak for all your fans when I say, your use of colour is absolutely amazing. Can you give us some commentary about your colour choices, do you have a defined personal colour palette or do you just work intuitively as you go, how did you develop your use of colour, has it changed over the years? Thanks so much!
Oh Christina how lovely of you. You are like a mind reader - next week's video is all about colour, I've already made it (I try and work a few weeks in advance with my video making) I'm not sure if I answer all those great questions... it's definitely a big topic which I can revisit. Thank you so much x
Yes! Agreed 👍🏼
Helen, your art is sublime! I cannot get enough of it! Your sketchbooks are all so inspiring and beautiful! Thank you for sharing your process too ❤💚
Gosh Sandra what a wonderful thing to say … huge thank is for your lovely encouragement xx
@@HelenWellsArtist 🌹❤💚
Omg, Helen. That's what I call a cup of coffee. I so love your sketchbooks. Pure eye candy.🤭☕💙💚💛🧡❤💖🇦🇺
Thanks so much 😊 That is lovely of you Claire. xx
It’s been months since I created anything . Your work has ‘fired me up’. I have different books for different things, paint effects, black and white detailed drawing, experimental art, including chopping up old paintings and rejigging them , collage.
Your work has shown me that I can combine all of the styles and processes that I love in one place. That is so exciting. I am going to get started immediately. Thank you for sharing your work . It has inspired me.
Oh how lovely! I’m so pleased something I’ve shared had resonated with you. Wishing you lots of luck 🍀
Your use of color and pattern are so inspiring!
Oh wow that is very kind of you, thank you so very much Linda, I really appreciate that xx
This is the fourth time I am watching this video. And each time it inspires me in a different way. Bravo. Triple thumbs up ❤
Wow that’s amazing! Thank you so much Helen xx
Thank you for sharing your sketchbooks and thoughts on mixed media 😊
My pleasure 😊 Thank you for watching and being so kind. x
Hi Helen! I found you on instagram a while back and your sketchbooks are magical, mesmerizing and absolutely beautiful! Just ordered your book! Thank you for sharing your process and ideas with us!
Oh wow Shan what a super duper lovely thing to say. Thank you so very much. I really appreciate that. Helen xx
Your videos are always such a feast for the eyes. So inspiring, thank you for sharing your gifts with us Helen. 💜💜💜
Wow, thank you Trudy Berry that is really lovely of you...Helen xx
This is one of the most beautiful things I have seen.
Gosh what a lovely thing to say! Thank you 🙏🏼
Hello beautiful! Thank you for another peek into your sketchbook and process. Loving your new pages…
You are so welcome Arlene! Thank you for your kind words x
Thank you! This share really added a boom to my soul and inspired my DAY OF CREATIVITY😁Really appreciate you sharing so generously
You are so welcome! What a really lovely reaction. Thank you 🙏🏼
Hi Helen! I found you through Laura Horn, and I'm so glad I did! The glimpses into your sketchbooks that you share, and your insights are feeding my creative spirit!
I very recently realized how burnt out I was creatively after a very busy year professionally, and I decided to take a sabbatical for the remainder of the year. A break from professionalism in my work; a way to recapture the joy in my art practice.
Your videos have become a valuable part of this break! Thank you so much ❤️
Oh wow Jillian, what a super lovely thing to say, thank you, I'm sorry you were feeling burnt out, sometimes we just have to prioritise filling the well don't we. Thank you much for your enthusiasm and kindness...x
@@HelenWellsArtist It's true, we do. Thank you ❤️
I love the one with the blues and grey and pink.
Yay! Thank you lovely xx
Thankyou for sharing your sketchbooks, fascinating to see 😀
Hi Helen,Perhaps you already know this tip but.....here goes.I have had oil pastels around for ages but knew that they never really dried so put them to the back of my cupboard,then I discovered that you can seal them with Acrylic matt medium,WOW,what results,it dries without dulling your colours and it totally seals,at the moment I am using this method to make Collage papers but will be incorperating this in any large Abstracts I work on in the future,it was a light bulb moment for me.Have a FAB Christmas,thanks again so much for your Fantastic Videos.x
It’s a great tip and something I often do but lovely of you to share it. Thank you 🙏🏼
“Wildness with control” ❤
Bingo… l love a bit of unruly with a bit of neatness…x
What can I say? Another beautiful, inspiring share my friend. Love the journal pages and the courage in combining many types of media together! Will have to dig out those old pieces I really am not happy with and overwork a few ... blessings xx
Thank you so much Gail! Anything I don't love gets cut up and turned into something else - it feels like positive recycling xx
@@HelenWellsArtist and fits me perfectly .. always been about recycle; reuse; re-think so I just love it!
@@HelenWellsArtist 💗💗💗
I love this. And I have learnt from yr past videos to re use old art. Just a fantastic idea. I love love yr work. XX
Thank you, thank you, yes I find it really helpful to reuse, recycle and know that anything I don't love can be cut-up, repurposed and given a new life... xx
When my life “doesn’t go according to plan”, my art making immediately goes on the “back burner”, sometimes for weeks or even months; it’s almost like “how dare you play with paints/collage/whatever media” when there’s IMPORTANT stuff to worry about…it’s like I need everything to be in place and “safe” (ie free from worry) in order to create. I was wondering if this is common among artists and if you have any advice.
I do totally understand, it is so hard to feel creative when there is so much difficult stuff happening to folk. I'm not sure i have any advice as such other than to share my experience... I personally have had a challenging few years what with some health difficulties and a flood which meant we had to move out of home for six months and that really curtailed and challenged my creativity,... and I guess the thing that I now know to be true for me is that there is always important stuff to worry about and there will always be obstacles to creativity, but creating and making art just feels more empowering,, gives me more connection to myself and the world around me and feels like a more meaningful and positive way to respond to and channel all that worry... I make the decision to create whether I feel like it or not and I nearly always feel better as a result... I wish you well in finding your path through...xx
@@HelenWellsArtist thank you so much for the encouragement!
Oh my goodness love them all.
Oh that’s so lovely of you. Thank you June x
Fearlessly mixing and matching ❤ ❤ ❤-- I need to find this boldness in my art making too! Thanks for inspiring me time and time again.
Oh wow Joni you are lovely. thank you so much for watching and commenting xx
@@HelenWellsArtist Please consider making a video about artists that inspires you. I have many that do that and wanted to know what artist you like. Thanks.
Love seeing your work Helen. Do you find the felt pen fades over time, or are you using super good quality felts?
Oh thank you. Yes so you are right that felt tip pens are not really lightfast... but as they are in a sketchbook they never get exposed to much light. I don't use felt tip pens in any original artwork that needs to have longevity... but in a sketchbook they are just fine and dandy and seem to last...
Makes complete sense. I don’t care about longevity in my art journals. I thought you might have found some super duper felts!
Thank you for sharing your process. My recollection is the sketchbook you shared with the red and white cover doesn't have heavy duty paper. Do you prep the pages before using watercolor or other art materials? Your pages don't look like they have buckled at all. Second question...how do you keep your pages from sticking together? My pages with acrylic paint are quite sticky. I'm looking forward to taking your classes. Peace.
Hi there. The Venezia Book from Fabriano with the red and white cover has 200gsm paper which I find just fine and heavy enough for acrylic. I never prep my sketchbook pages. I prevent sticking by trying to use acrylic paint which isn't very glossy or shiny, satin or matt, acrylic gouache or adding more matt medium or adding some sort of wax over the page to prevent sticking...x
@@HelenWellsArtist Good to know! Thank you for your reply. Peace.
Beauuuuuuutiful! What brand of sketchbook do u use?
helenwellsartist.com/blog/2022/9/3/sketch-books-filling-them-up-and-my-favourites
Here’s a link to a blog about some of my favourite sketchbooks. This one is the large Venezia Book from Fabriano x
Helen, your works are so yummy and delicious I want to eat them.
Thank you 😋 What a brilliant reaction. Thank you Michelle x