Lisbeth Zwerger

Pencil, Watercolor, Gouache, Pen & Ink

Playful watercolor blooms & bleeds 

Artist Lisbeth Zwerger

She recently visited the USA for her exhibition at the Erie Carle Museum
http://www.carlemuseum.org/Exhibitions/Past_Exhibitions/A_Z

I love her children's books,

 however my favorite book, is this one all about her;

Click to see Book "The Art of Lisbeth Zwerger" 

WOW
I love the way she allows paint & water to play on her paper.
Arthur Rackham is one of her favorite artist. She really has her own style, but I can see how his muted color palette did influence her early years. In her book she describes using liquid watercolor in most of her backgrounds. I see big bleed & bloom effects in each of those images where she points out the use of liquid watercolor in her backgrounds. I don't know but maybe this is her secret!

Here are some examples of her bloom & bleed style in these backgrounds using liquid watercolor;

Currently, Lisbeth Zwerger has began exploring brighter colors. I noticed she seems to use less of the fun bloom & bleed style (which I love) in her newer works.

  

To learn more about her, please go here 

Art Studio Storage

Chaos to Productivity

I know I have it,

but I can't find it! 

...this is my life in the studio...

Time to reorganize!

My studio turns into a big mess whenever I'm having fun!
Organization is something I'm always trying to improve!

I have a few ideas to share;

My New favorite thing is this Copic Storage Solution. I like it better than my Copic Marker Wire Stand & Block Stand. It can hang on the wall or sit on the table. I bought it on Ebay here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Copic-Sketch-Marker-Ciao-Manga-Storage-Rack-Display-Stand-/200871405570?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ec4de6802

I used to use this copic cube & rack system for my copic markers,
but NOT any more! It looks nice BUT...I stopped using these because it's a bother & struggle to put each pen back into the annoying slots. I like my new stand from Ebay better, it's way easier.

I bought this for the container not for the Crayolas

I keep my miscellaneous in this box from Faber Castell ($12).

I put my sticker on it to personalize it. 

Have you ever broken a glass water jar? I have! Now I use this very simple plastic container as my water bucket. It works great!

My studio's philosophy;

"unpack all art supplies, don't hide them away too deep. Keep them easy to get to"

at my fingertips

Always ready to use, Gouache tubes not hidden away in their original boxes/packaging. I found this 3 level metal basket (at Hobby Lobby) sprayed it powder pink & it works great. 

I do keep some things tucked away (but still easy to get to) like in these containers I keep all my stamps & stencil supplies.

I found this inexpensive vintage plant stand, it's old cool! I was going to paint it, but it has such a nice weathered look, I think I'll wait awhile & see if I still feel like painting it.

I bought this at Home Depot, it is a tool box. It was on sale for $38, on big rollers with a big handle in the back. So much storage for all my watercolor supplies & special tools. I sprayed the little drawers powder pink.

I also have this system for cataloging each new watercolor paint onto this master sheet & the book

I have many brush stands to lay my wet brushes onto while painting. The dog & cat are actually chop-stick holders & I use them the most!

I've been collecting cute unique tiny brush holders on Ebay

The dog & cat are fun & cute. I really do use them more than that real brush holder!

I painted pink this old dirty wooden antique find, it makes a nice brush holder.

Corner rack holds a lot in a small space.

The store, Ikea, has so many useful storage ideas & all inexpensive. I bought 2 things there last week! This cute turquoise rolling rack & black drawers.