Art Journal: Self Portrait

I was so inspired by the Chuck Close self portraits on For the Love of Art I knew that I HAD to make my own. I used my avatar photo for the self portrait part and have been doodling away in the squares whenever I have a few minutes. I have been doodling in pen (more zentangle-y?). I can’t wait to start adding color. I’m not sure that I’m going to used colored pencils like Kristin suggested. I think that watercolor or markers would work better for me.
BTW, if you’re keeping track (I am) this is a pinterest project.

Watercolor Portraits

I found this tutorial on Craftster and thought that the possibilities were endless. This is my first attempt and I have to say it was really easy. This is a super gift idea, I made these to coordinate with my Mother’s dining room.

Here’s what I learned:

* Masking fluid is similar to rubber cement, so you could substitute if you can’t get masking fluid.

* I bought a masking kit at Hobby Lobby that included masking fluid, an applicator, and a removing tool (rubber cement pick up square) for $15.99(-40% off coupon).

* Using tracing paper to trace the white spaces is a bad idea, the lines won’t come off (do this project during the day and hold it up to a window like to tutorial suggests!)

* Don’t make yourself crazy trying to get it perfect, it will be fine if it’s not.

* Allow plenty of time for your masking fluid to dry.

This project went really fast and I’m sure that it will be a super gift. The great thing is it’s super easy, so go get your supplies and make your own!