Welcome
Brenda Swenson
by
7M ago
If you're checking into my blog for the first time - Welcome!  You'll find a wealth of information, inspiration and tutorials in the pages to follow. Over many, many years I built a wealth of instructional information for my followers. Sharing, inspiring and encouraging others has been a motivating force in my life. The community that came out of the blog was life changing. You walked beside me through some of life's toughest trials (son's cancer and the death of parents) and celebrated my achievements. Thank you!  I'm no longer adding new content but I'm leav ..read more
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I'm still here.. in the art world!
Brenda Swenson
by
10M ago
Now a days I split my time between creating new artwork for shows, commercial commissions, serving on art boards, teaching and sketching. Of course, he illustrated journal will always have a special place in my life.  I've been using a new sketchbook, the Etchr Perfect Sketchbook. I really like the "true" watercolor paper, Fabriano 140lb cold press. The paper can take a lot of paint, glazing and scrubbing. Below is a video of a completed sketchbook. You can click on the image below. If that doesn't work use this link, The Illustrated Journal #2 I rarely post on my blog anymore. The ..read more
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The Art of the Illustrated Journal
Brenda Swenson
by
1y ago
 NEW VIDEO!  The Art of the Illustrated Journal You'll learn the fundamentals of watercolor, how to draw and paint from life and references, and how to find limitless artistic inspiration in everyday life. Throughout the course, you’ll work on thoughtfully-designed projects that help you hone your illustration, sketching, and watercolor skills and breathe life into your own illustrated journal.  You may not consider yourself a “writer,” and the good news is, you don’t have to be! Words can act as both an informative element and a creative one. I use words as a design ..read more
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Blog No More
Brenda Swenson
by
2y ago
Dear Artists' and Friends, For many years I enjoyed sharing my life, inspiration and instruction with you. I'd come to love the art community that grew out of this blog. You walked beside me through life's ups and downs. Unfortunately, the increase of internet theft and trolls has gotten out of control. Sadly, I can't do it anymore. Sharing was always the motivating force behind my blog and teaching. Going forward: my art tips, inspiration, instruction, material reviews... will come in the form of a newsletter. To sign up visit my website SWENSONsA ..read more
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Blog No More
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
Dear Artists' and Friends, If you received extra emails from my blog over the last couple days, sorry. It was a technical glitch. I've been going through my site and removing posts. You'll understand why in the paragraph below.  Last month 100+ images were lifted off my blog. A website was using them to promote their business. It took me days of filling out forms: copyright infringements and verification with links to show where the images were taken from my blog.  In my research I found many more of my images on other websites. I also found out my blog is a favorite place for these ..read more
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LIVE DEMO...COMING SOON!
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
Have you wondered what the technique of Negative Painting is all about? You're not alone! Now's your chance to see me paint/demo LIVE. That's right!  Saturday, May 15th. I'll be sharing my approach to"negative painting." You'll see how I create glowing lights by using transparent glazes and saturated color to carve out shapes in the negative space.  Subject: White blossoms on branch. Horizontal format (not image in photo) Questions & Answers: Following demo Hosted by: California Art Club Tickets: CAC Members: $25, Non-Members: $35 Location: Online ..read more
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Sketch Collage: San Juan Capistrano
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
Do you remember the old movie posters that had multiple images that gave you the highlights of the best scenes? I do. They were beautiful! They were called a montage. The technique of selecting, editing and piecing together separate scenes of a film to form a continuous whole. I often feel one sketch isn’t enough to capture the feeling of a place. This is when I sketch multiple objects on a page. I call this a "Sketch Collage". These sketches tell a bigger story of what I was seeing and experiencing. The very word "collage" means collection or gathering which is perfect for ..read more
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Art of Letting Go
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
Again, I turn to my sketchbook as a tool for comfort and healing. I’m more comfortable with writing then I use to be…but images are my first choice of communication. In my sketch I’m able to express myself in ways words won't do. Last week my mother passed away suddenly in her home. She was 84 years and one day. The cutting reality is, I will never see her again on this earth. I worry my memory will fade. Sketching with pencil, pen or brush is a powerful tool. I find comfort. In a sketch I honor her memory...an act of love…time spent alone with her. My eyes carefully studying every angle and ..read more
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It's Finally Here! .......VIDEO RELEASE!!!!! GLOW...
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
It's Finally Here! .......VIDEO RELEASE!!!!! GLOWING WATERCOLORS  Negative painting is the technique explored and demonstrated. It's just like being in one of my workshops...without traveling!  Here’s some of what you’ll discover:  Developing your composition with layers of color  Unravel the mystery of paint Painting around a subject to find definition Apply transparent glazes to create shapes and depth of color Develop your skills when painting wet into wet, under-paintings, and wet passages Experience Brenda creating paintings that glow — now you’ll know h ..read more
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Glowing Watercolors
Brenda Swenson
by
3y ago
...It's Finally Here! My new video on negative painting, GLOWING WATERCOLORS will be released in a week! The Matilija Poppies will be one of the two demonstrations.  I also cover: Transparent vs. Opague Understanding Index/Color Codes Selecting Subject Matter Building Glazes Drawing for Negative Painting ...and more! They've offered a Pre-Release Discount for those who sign up....by this Tuesday Jan. 19th  On the same day as the release, January 23rd. I'll have a Facebook Live event sponsored by Streamline. You'll see a segment of the video and I'll be answering yo ..read more
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