cesartevolutionlab

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The Story Behind My Painting “In the Company of Creatures” | Symbolism in Art by Christy Strickler Sometimes, the best company isn’t people, it’s the quiet comfort of strange little creatures who just understand. In this video, I share the story and symbolism behind my acrylic painting, In the Company of Creatures. It is a representation of myself and the gentle voices that live inside my head ( appearing as an odd menagerie of animals). This painting is about finding belonging when you feel different, and how pets, imagined creatures and inner symbols can guide us through the hard parts of being human. If you enjoy art that tells a story (where symbolism, imagination, and emotion meet), this channel is for you. Subscribe for more painting stories, symbolism in art, and behind-the-scenes looks at my creative world. This painting is part of the Weird Voices Art Series. Find the original piece in my portfolio: https://ift.tt/U5zPFjd Prints + merch: https://cesartevolutionlab-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/in-the-company-of-creatures Let me know in the comments: do you have your own “creatures of comfort”? via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3mTzHmTBNU

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Mixed Feelings| White Nights Botanika Watercolor Review by Christy Strickler I was gifted the White Nights Botanika watercolor palette. The colors in the set are visually stunning and perform beautifully on paper. But here’s the catch: this palette originates from Russia, and I can’t help but have mixed feelings about it. In this video, I’ll share an honest review and swatch the paints so you can see how they perform. I also reflect on the ethics of using art supplies and how I feel we should try to navigate the space when it comes to environmental and geopolitical concerns. Subscribe for more honest art supply reviews and creative experiments. Have you ever had mixed feelings about your art supplies? Should I put the palette away for a while or use it so it doesn't go to waste? Please share your thoughts with me in the comments. via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJIUL2OXp7A

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How Continuous Line Portraits Helped Me Find My Unique Style by Christy Strickler In this video, I share how continuous single-line (contour) drawing transformed my approach to art and helped my unique style emerge naturally, without forcing it. If the pressure to “find your art style” feels overwhelming, I hope my journey inspires you to focus on joy and growth instead. Stick around for a relaxing time-lapse painting at the end! What’s helped you improve your art the most? Let’s chat in the comments. The drawing in this video is from an art series called " the Weird People". See more work from this series in my portfolio here: https://ift.tt/ifTGIUj Music for the video: Code: BHHBHAAXYVA9FIIT #ContinuousLineDrawing #OneLineArt #ArtStyle #DrawingTutorial #BeginnerArtTips #ArtJourney #LineArt #DrawingChallenge #ArtInspiration #contemporaryart #christyStricklerArtist via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK0J66BGTAc

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Eye to Eye: The Story Behind the Painting by Christy Strickler In this video, I share the story behind my painting “Eye to Eye,” a symbolic work exploring the importance of communication, empathy, and embracing the differences that make us unique. If you enjoy art that tells stories and sparks reflection, you’re in the right place. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you’d like more behind-the-scenes stories from my studio. Links Mentioned in this video: Eye to Eye: https://ift.tt/8s1Ph9a The Weird Voices Portfolio: https://ift.tt/hLauxow Music: Code: FX75ARULMKCPWDM2 via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzcKLgj5DuI

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Still Life Study, Part 2 – Work in Progress

This stage is full of exploration—rubbing alcohol is doing some fun things with the acrylics, and I’m leaning into bold, weird florals. The painting’s still shifting, but I love that part of the process—following texture and color where it wants to go.

I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes in a video soon. If you want to catch the first part or the vlog that sparked this whole series, they’re linked below.

Vlog: YouTube Vlog First Post: YouTube Post

Drop your thoughts—what stands out to you in this stage?

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Inside My Art Studio: Works in Progress, Inventory Chaos & Artist Residency Dreams by Christy Strickler Peek inside my art studio and see what I’m working on right now! In today’s vlog, I’m sharing a tour of my current works in progress, which include: The Little Book of Weird, my watercolor strawberries series for the Four in a Row Art challenge, and still-life paintings. I am sharing about doing an inventory of my studio supplies and some possible upcoming product reviews.PLUS, I’m talking about the process of applying for the Surface Design Association’s online artist residency. Links mentioned in this video: Residency info: https://ift.tt/62k0Vlv Ana Tieche, artists instragram page: https://ift.tt/ow847Dp Artist Residency at Home: Remix Info and resource page: https://ift.tt/XkZYoQg Watercolor Strawberries 4 in a Row Challenge: https://youtu.be/6M9jnck0Hh4?si=2TPH5-wWOSmPWMK- Feathered Forms: Mixed Media Birds in Stitch, Paint, and Sculpture: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdI-ZqTRmzfIhAEfGfzv0uVhAGSyCsgZN&si=iUYOsD81flPz3Buq via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5stmNPXpQg

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Tiny Watercolor Sketchbook Review| Is This Chunky Mini Worth It? by Christy Strickler Join me as I dive into this chunky little watercolor sketchbook! It's pocket-sized, but is it perfect for travel or bite-sized art practice? In this video, I’ll share pros and cons. Let me know if you’ve tried a mini sketchbook in the comments below! Subscribe for more studio vlogs, sketchbook tours, and creative experiments. Mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdI-ZqTRmzfKgXXyZ9_X6Ud0-QHpCbMOV #MiniSketchbook #WatercolorReview #TinyArtJournal #StudioVlog via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sUcpWfqcpU

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The current state of my desk= a complete creative mess. I think I am going through a still life phase. We'll see how long that lasts. This is a current work in progress. What are you creating right now?

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Watch This Cat Come to Life | Mixed Media Painting by Christy Strickler In this video, I bring a cat to life using mixed media techniques over a layered **mosaic-style watercolor background**. Watch as I layer oil pastels and acrylic paint to create a striking feline portrait. The video includes both real-time commentary and time-lapse painting sections, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process. 🖌️ Materials used: - Watercolor - Oil Pastels - Acrylic Paint - Watercolor Paper Block ✨ Like what you see? Subscribe for more textile-inspired mixed media, art journaling, and experimental painting! Music: Code: NSLSU52KZTCDYPBW Code: CZUJAFHRARN7Z1ZW #mixedmediaart #catpainting #artdemo #watercolorbackground #acrylicpainting #watchmepaint #arttimelapse via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eg2sARpH-c

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Watercolor Strawberries| 4 in a Row Art Challenge Ep1. by Christy Strickler In this sketchbook session, I'm painting a series of playful watercolor strawberries. Watch me paint a series of strawberries in compositions that are similar but slightly different. I will be using the same color palette throughout. This episode is perfect for anyone wanting to build a daily art practice or just enjoy some juicy sketchbook fun. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, grab your paints and let's get inspired together! 💌 Subscribe for more sketchbook sessions. Code: OAYMO5TZOXNCAVBV Code: PTB79EYOFX6W8SGD Code: JIIZGZRVS60IISMV via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6M9jnck0Hh4

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After Months of Use… My DIY Wet Palette Setup Has Changed by Christy Strickler It's easy and inexpensive to set up a stay wet palette for your acrylic paints. I was originally setting up my palette the way I did here: https://youtu.be/cfBI5NUN1Fk I made a few changes that have worked better for the type of acrylic paint I am using. via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9YCGXGbrs8

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Worried was finished in 2023.

Materials: Watercolor, ink, fabric, cotton embroidery floss.

28cm x 36 cm canvas.

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Quick Watercolor Practice | Loose Flowers with Water Droplets by Christy Strickler Warming up in my sketchbook with a few loose flowers. I place down water droplets with my brush and add watercolor, creating each flower with a few quick brush strokes. This is a fun technique that I find very relaxing. Code: NU2N9HZWJ5A4OB3Y via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSJUJkvbsJQ

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Together is an older stitched piece from 2022. It features watercolor on fabric with simple hand stitching.

Materials: Watercolor,ink,fabric, cotton embroidery floss.

30×40 cm canvas.

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' Don't Stop Looking' is one of my older stitched pieces. It took several months to finish the hand stitching on this piece, and it was completed in 2020.

Materials: Watercolor, ink, fabric, cotton embroidery floss.

30 x 40 cm canvas.

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Smooth Paint or textured paint? Which do you prefer? by Christy Strickler Sometimes, paint gets old; when it does, you are left with a thick mixture filled with chunks of dry paint. Some artists regard this paint as unusable, while others like the gritty texture. Which type of artist are you? Do you prefer only smooth paint, or will you sometimes use that old, gritty paint in your artwork? Let me know in the comments below. via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHbYhC4hc4