Are you an art superhero?

Creative bravery isn’t about being fearless. Let’s be honest—fear never really goes away. It’s about feeling the fear, maybe having a good old-fashioned freakout, and doing the thing anyway. Being creatively brave means embracing your inner mad scientist and experimenting with your art in ways that are thrilling, uncertain, and, yes, sometimes a little messy. Here’s what creative bravery means for mixed media artists like us, and why it’s the most important tool in your art kit:

Willing to Try New Things (Even if it’s Weird or Terrible)
If you’ve ever found yourself holding a hairdryer over a puddle of paint, you already know this: trying new things in your art can be, well, bizarre. But the beauty of mixed media is that anything goes—until it doesn’t. Being brave means giving yourself permission to make something truly awful, because without that risk, there’s no room for greatness. Sometimes, bravery looks like gluing feathers to a canvas. Other times, it’s learning how to unglue them after realizing that was a terrible idea.

Be OK with Being Bad at Something (It’s a Skill, I Promise)
Here’s the thing: you will be bad at new things. And that’s a gift. When you can laugh at your wobbly first attempt at something, you’re already ahead of the game. Creative bravery is being okay with stumbling through your first few—dozen—tries. Your first art journal spread might look like an over-enthusiastic toddler’s finger-painting. So what? You’re learning. Give yourself a pat on the back for showing up, even if the end result looks like it belongs on the refrigerator door rather than in a gallery.

Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome (AKA Enjoy the Chaos)
Let’s admit it: we all want that perfect end product, that showstopper piece that’s going to get all the Instagram likes. But creative bravery means taking a deep breath, tossing out the expectation of perfection, and diving into the process. Paint with your hands. Rip things up. If it ends up looking like a flaming dumpster? Congratulations! You’ve embraced the process. In the end, the journey of creating is what fuels growth. The final result is just a bonus.

Let Go of Limiting Beliefs (They're Boring Anyway)
We’ve all got that voice in our heads that says, "You’re not good enough" or "You can’t pull this off." Newsflash: that voice is a liar. Creative bravery means grabbing those limiting beliefs by the scruff of the neck, shaking them loose, and sending them packing. Tell yourself a different story—one where you are capable, are talented, and totally have what it takes to make something incredible (even if it’s just for you).

Accept Where You Are in Your Creative Cycle (Yes, Even the Weird, Unproductive Parts)
Sometimes, your creative cycle looks like a fireworks display of inspiration. Other times, it’s more of a slow-cooker situation—you’re just simmering in ideas with nothing quite coming to a boil. Creative bravery is about respecting where you are, even if that place is the artistic equivalent of Netflix and pajamas. You’re not a creative machine; you’re an artist. Trust the down times—they’re where your next big idea is brewing.

Letting Go of Something (Because Even Superheroes Need a Break)
Sometimes bravery isn’t about picking up a new technique—it’s about dropping the brush entirely. Letting go of an idea, a project, or even a whole medium that’s just not serving you can be a huge act of creative courage. Maybe you need a break, or maybe you need to break up with something in your practice. Either way, stepping back is often the bravest move you can make. After all, real strength lies in knowing when to rest.

So the next time you hesitate before trying something out of your comfort zone, remember: creative bravery is about embracing the unknown, the imperfect, and the process. Go ahead—be bold, be bad, and most of all, be brave.

Next time we’ll talk about how to cultivate your creative bravery.

How much are you packing?

My mom had knee replacement surgery a few weeks ago, so I traveled to Maryland to help her out while she recovers. I knew I would have time for art-ing. I started out by deciding to fly Southwest so I could have two free checked bags. The quest was to travel with the minimal amount of clothing, allowing for as many art supplies as my 50 pound limit could hold. 😂

I’m happy to say that both bags were under 50 pounds and no one questioned why a suitcase had 5 glue sticks, 4 pairs of scissors and a bag of paint.

I’ll share exactly what I brought and am making while I am here, but what would you bring? What are your must-haves, what could you do without and what would you find substitutes for when you arrive at your destination?

Color theory for the gel plate

With all the fun of gelli printing, who wants to follow rules?

Not me, but a basic understanding of color theory can help you create papers that you love.

When first starting to use your gelli plate, don’t bother with most color theory. Just have fun! The only rule I recommend starting with is picking one side of the color wheel. Do you lean towards blue and greens (cool colors) or red and oranges (warm colors)? Start with whichever side calls to you. Mixing any shade of blue or green will give you appealing color mixes. That same with red and orange. The problem happens when you cross colors from opposite sides. In equal quantities, a warm and a cool color will typically make a brown-ish color (otherwise known as “making mud”). When you are first starting, I don’t want you to have to worry about colors. I want you to get to know your gel plate, how the brayer works, which paper you like and how to create different effects on your plate. Once you dive a little deeper, then you can explore some color mixes.

I’ll continue exploring color theory with you over the next few weeks.

Let’s break in that gel plate!

Are you ready to go gelli? Let's dive into the gelli printing shenanigans with my quick 5-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Gather Your Gel Printing Supplies

Before you start, gather your gel plate, acrylic paints, a brayer, and some paper. If you have a few stencils, grab those too. Don’t worry about anything fancy when you are just starting. I always recommend you use things that you already have. One of my favorite papers to print on is simple copy paper.

Step 2: Paint the Town Gel

Squirt a bit of acrylic paint onto your gel plate and spread it evenly using the brayer. You can always add more if you need it. When first starting, don’t worry about color theory. If you stay on one side of the color wheel (either blues and greens or reds and oranges), you will be fine. With more practice you can start color mixing.

Step 3: Let the Layers Dance

Place stencils onto the painted gel plate. Get creative – use leaves, lace, or even bubble wrap to add texture. Layer on more paint, creating a colorful masterpiece with each pass. This is the play time.

Step 4: The Big Reveal

Hold your breath as you carefully lay a sheet of paper on top of the painted and textured gel plate. Gently smooth the paper down, making sure the paper absorbs all the artsy goodness.

Step 5: Peel and Repeat

Peel back the paper to reveal your one-of-a-kind gel print. Admire the chaos you've created and, if you're feeling brave, repeat the process with new colors and textures for even more artistic mayhem. If you don’t love what you see, keep printing!

Gelli printing is not just an art form; it's a playful journey into the world of monoprinting. So, grab your gel plate and let the creative chaos unfold. Remember, there are no mistakes in gel printing, only opportunities for more artistic mischief. Embrace the unexpected, revel in the mess, and let the gel printing shenanigans begin! Your artistic soul will thank you for it.

100 days of what?

You may be seeing all of the posts on social media about the 100 Day Project. This is the eleventh year of the project and my sixth year attempting to do something for 100 days. I will admit that I have not been successful most years. My art-ADD is strong and I struggle to stay with what I thought was a great idea two weeks ago, let alone 100 days ago.

Over the years I have tried broad projects, like “paint everyday” or just “create everyday”. For me, I have realized that broad projects don’t work. Now to be honest, focused projects don’t always work either. But I can say that even my “unsuccessful” years have taught me something. I have discovered a love for mini collages and watercolor doodles. I have also learned that I need 15 minute challenges that I can do even in my chair while watching TV.

So, what am I going to do this year? I am still waiting for my inspiration to strike. Have you decided what you are doing or are you skipping it this year?

Want to read a bit more about challenges? Check out these blog articles.

Why I love creative challenges:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/creative-challenge

My 2021 project:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/my-2021-100-day-project

One of my unsuccessful years:

https://www.marycorreastudios.com/blog/did-you-start-a-creative-challenge-this-year

A paper weaving for Valentine’s

Last year I created a woven paper piece with some leftover watercolor paper. I even added some stitching. This piece ended up in one of my journals, but could be a card or even a journal cover.

Embrace the Canvas (or Art Journal)

Why do you make art?

For many (including me) it is a great stress relief. Some days where schedules often dictate our every move and demands seem never-ending, a few minutes of art can help me breathe a little easier. Over the years, art has also given me a sense of accomplishment. Being able to take a blank page and fill it is almost magical.

It's easy to forget you and your relationship with art when things are piling on. Amidst the hustle and bustle, finding moments of self-love becomes vital for our well-being. And what better way to express and nurture this love than through art and creativity? For artists like us, the art journal or canvas can become not just a surface for paint, but a mirror reflecting our journey of self-discovery and self-love.

How can you show yourself some arty self love?

GET IT OUT…

Art can turn our pain into beauty and our struggles into strength. It can also let you “get things out” and jut allow you to let go of a bad day. We can channel our emotions onto the canvas, transforming raw feelings into tangible works of art. It's a release of pent-up emotions that ultimately leads to healing, self-discovery and well-being. For me, abstract art has really allowed me to connect my feelings with my art. A bad day can become a bold line across a sheet of collage paper or a painting that gets painted over. So, grab your brushes and let your emotions flow freely onto the canvas. You'll be amazed at how liberating it feels to turn your inner turmoil into a masterpiece of resilience.

ENJOY THE PROCESS OF MAKING ART…

In our fast-paced world, we're often conditioned to focus on the end result rather than the journey itself. But as artists, we know that the true joy lies in the process of creation. From then blank page to the last bit of collage, each step is a labor of love, a testament to our dedication and passion for our craft. So, instead of fixating on perfection or worrying about the finished product, why not savor every moment of the creative process? After all, it's not just about reaching the destination; it's about enjoying the journey along the way.

LAUGH AT MISTAKES…

Let's face it - we've all had our fair share of artistic mishaps. Whether it's accidentally dipping your brush in your coffee cup or realizing too late that we've mixed the wrong colors, mistakes are an inevitable part of the creative process. But instead of getting frustrated or disheartened, why not embrace these mistakes with a sense of humor? After all, laughter is the best medicine for the soul! So, the next time you make a blunder on your canvas, don't be afraid to laugh it off and turn it into a happy little accident. Who knows? It might just lead to your next masterpiece!

CELEBRATE YOUR ART…

We have the power to express ourselves in ways that transcend language and societal norms. Whether it's through abstract shapes, bold strokes, or intricate details, our artwork becomes a reflection of our innermost thoughts and feelings. It's a form of self-expression that celebrates our individuality and uniqueness, reminding us that we are enough, just as we are. So, let your creativity run wild and unabashedly express yourself on the canvas. After all, there's no greater act of self-love than embracing and celebrating who you truly are.

Conclusion: In a world that often demands our time and attention, it's easy to neglect the most important relationship of all - the one with ourselves. But as mixed media artists, we have a powerful tool at our disposal to nurture and celebrate this relationship - art and creativity. Through imperfections, colors, emotions, and laughter, we embark on a journey of self-love that is as beautiful as the artwork we create. So, let's embrace the canvas as a love letter to ourselves, celebrating our authenticity, resilience, and creativity every step of the way. After all, the greatest masterpiece of all is the one called YOU.

Gel Printing…the arty shenanigans you need

Have you wanted to try gel printing?

If you haven't dipped your toes into the world of gel plate printing, you're missing out on an artistic adventure that's as entertaining as it is creative. Picture this: a chaotic symphony of colors, textures, and happy accidents, all coming together on a gel plate. If you're ready to break free from the ordinary and dive into a realm of endless possibilities, it's time you gave gelli printing a whirl.

Why Gel Printing?

So, why should you consider gel printing if you haven't already? Well, it's like the rebellious love child of painting and printmaking, with a generous sprinkle of unpredictability. Gel printing allows you to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints without the expense of a traditional printing press. It's messy, it's fun, and it's the perfect antidote to artistic perfectionism. Here are a few reasons why you should jump on the gel printing bandwagon:

1. Creativity Unleashed: Gel printing is all about letting loose and embracing the unexpected. Forget about meticulous planning and let your creative instincts take the wheel.

2. Budget-Friendly: You don't need a fancy studio or expensive equipment to start gel printing. A gel printing plate, some acrylic paint, a brayer and a few simple tools are all you need to get started. Even if you are starting from scratch, $50 will get you everything you need.

3. Endless Possibilities: Whether you're a seasoned artist or a hobbyist, gel printing offers endless possibilities. Experiment with different textures, layering techniques, and colors to create stunning and unique gel prints.

4. No Rules, Only Happy Accidents: Bob Ross taught us that mistakes are just opportunities in disguise. Gel printing celebrates the happy accidents, turning what might seem like a blunder into a beautiful element in your artwork.

5. Instant Gratification: Unlike some art forms that require hours of meticulous work, gelli printing provides instant results. It's the perfect medium for those who love to see their creations come to life quickly.

Ready to get started? Grab my Getting Started guide here.

Happy Arting!