Chrissy

About Chrissy

Wife, Sister, Mother, Friend, Artist, Creative, and an Assistive Technology Assistant!!! What the heck is that you say? I run an office where we have 2 awesome ATS who assist students with disabilities and we help give them a voice and an education!

2021 · January 12, 2022

A Year In Color

Thank you again Larissa for asking me to participate in one of your AMAZING adventures!!

I am excited to let you know that Creative U is opening the doors again to A Year in Color, 52 weeks of creativity, inspiration, and color.

I am one of the presenters for A Year in Color and I want to invite you to the sampler running January 20-24. Free sessions with myself and other amazing creatives. If you registered for the September Sampler you are already registered for the January Sampler.

See the full list of Presenters

Register Today for FREE access

You get free access for a limited time,

If you want unlimited access, a full year, 52 weeks of content, and creativity you can have that and save 15% until the 25th, and they now have payment plans available if you were wavering about the cost

Please Share

#freesummit #summit #free #ayearincolor #creativity #loving #healing #ayearincolor21/22

I am a huge fan of trees, living or not living. They have such beauty of their own accord. Each so different, many very old, many very new, all connected to keep our planet alive. They are the all-loving gift to us that we often take advantage of. This tree is a little tribute to them as they often get overlooked. While painting this tree, I suggest listening to some quiet music and visualize every branch, every leaf, every root you create. It can be quite magical!

This painting was created with my new Artisan watercolors. I also used a few other fun colors and what you cant see in this images is the gold foiling. Once you paint this tree and add the awesome foil, it makes a world of difference!

I am currently working on putting sets together. There are 4 colors in this set including:

Heaven
Eucalyptus
Black Forest
Cranberry

Would LOVE to have you join me on this adventure.

2021 · November 16, 2021

Orphan – Color vs Light

Please read this first before you watch the video. It will give you a better understanding as to how I came up with this design and how I recreated the original photo.

I read this great article about Color vs Light and it made me think about us Artisans. How we can see color and light in our minds and recreate them on a surface. But there are times when we get stumped, I know I do. So what do you do when you find a picture that you really like, but the colors are all off and the lighting is not that great?

Many times we know what we want, but dont see it in our mind. So we are searching for this inspiration only to not find it right away. This is what happened to me when I first found the image of Orphan. I did the hunt on Pexels, I clicked on an image I liked, but it wasnt quite the one I wanted. So I clicked on the designers name. I searched through her AMAZING work and then there it was! Orphan is not the name of the piece, but it’s what I decided to name it as it fit every thing in my little brain!

So, I downloaded the image. Its a bit bland in color but I knew what I wanted to do with it as soon as I saw it. I am a HUGE fan of Photoshop, and TOPAZ LABS. Topaz is a company that makes these awesome plug-in’s. They are not cheap, but you can get them on sale from time to time. If you are a photoshop fan like me, this would be the best place to get some super amazing plug-ins. Topaz ReStyle is the plug in I used to create all these variations. I thought it would be great to show you an example of how I use it so I created this video for you. The beauty of this plug-in is it is totally adjustable to your likings. You dont need to stick with the style the way it is, make your own adjustments and save it for future use.

As you see, the image went from bland to FANTASTIC. You can adjust the lighting, the colors and even the texture if you want to add a texture to it.

So the bland photo was a bit dark for me. It also lacked color. I went through many of the different styles until I found one that looked great! I proceeded to make 5 different color/light combinations to pick from.

PS, as I was writing this article, I learned that Topaz Labs does not openly show Topaz Restyle to purchase. It was a challenge for me to locate the plugin. SO I had to search for it on Google and found it. So if you go directly to the website, they only show their newer AI versions of the plugins, not any of the older ones. But they are still there, you just have to hunt for them a little.. 🙂

Sample Images

I went ahead and created color swatches using an Apple app called DROP. It is such a fun app. Takes a little getting used to, but they have upgraded it and it has many more features available.

2021 · November 2, 2021

Artbundle-6-Giveaway

Well, I had a little technical issue the other day and had to reset my website…sorry for any inconvenience that caused you. In that process I lost this page. So I thought I would try to duplicate what I wrote…but…ya no…because I dont remember exactly what I wrote..HEHEHE With that said, lets try again. Below is the full list of all the fantastic artists participating in this bundle of joy! I am so excited to be on round 3 and am very THANKFUL to John Bardos for asking me to participate once again. Take a peek at #48! YUP..thats me.. Bona Dea is a beautiful painting that I had such a fun time putting her together. In fact, I painted her multiple times and the original is now at a new home.

ENTER -ART BUNDLE #6 GIVEAWAY

Take a peek at the list…maybe download it and highlight the ones you want to check out right away! There are so many to choose from that you can get a little lost in the mix.

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PRODUCT LIST

ENTER -ART BUNDLE #6 GIVEAWAY

Beauty in the Shadow (Tamara Laporte – willowing.org) Value $24
Soul Mantras (Mary Beth Shaw ~ stencilgirlproducts.com) Value $39
Safe Passage (Katrina Koltes – katrinakoltes.com) Value $34
Illuminated Pages January (Renata Loree – artentive.net) Value $45
FACES with Ildy (Ildy Karsay – artbyildy.com) Value $50
Affirmative Collage Play! (Shelley Klammer – expressiveartworkshops.com) Value $25
Art Doll Assemblage ‘Hail Twilight!’ (Sue Young – sujatiartstudio.teachable.com) Value $32
Atmospheric Perspective Value Studies in Ink (Leslie Lambert – watercolor365.com) Value $21
From Acrylics to Oil Painting in 5 Easy Steps (Malcolm Dewey – malcolmdeweyfineart.com) Value $25
Steampunk Doll (Jenny Manno – jennymanno.com) Value $5
Portrait Drawing: Creating Emotion in Colored Pencil (Veronica Winters – veronicasart.com) Value $45
The 5 Symbols Compass – An Intuitive Collage Journey (Heather Hoeps – heatherhoeps.com) Value $79
Loosen Up! (Tara Leaver – taraleaver.com) Value $275
Booklet Bundles of Joy (Roben-Marie Smith – robenmarie.com) Value $55
Painting Horses in Watercolour (Liz Chaderton – lizchaderton.co.uk) Value $34
Empowered Heart Art Journal (Katrina Slade – katrinaslade.com) Value $79
Painting Workshop Bundle (Laurel Greenfield – laurelgreenfieldart.com) Value $150
DIY Alcohol Ink Wine Glasses and Coffee mugs sealed in Resin (Kellie Chasse – kelliechassefineart.com) Value $30
Mango the Toucan + Bonus Abstract Gardens (Eulalia Mejia – eulaliamejia.com) Value $55
The Gift of the Present (Mary Beth Shaw ~ stencilgirlproducts.com) Value $25
Simple Seascape Acrylic Painting Mini-Course (Jenny Buchanan – bluebeachhouseart.com) Value $20
Digital Coloring Your Art – With Any Software! (Patricia Caldeira – doncorgi.com) Value $20
Mixed Media Color Play (Wendy Solganik – willawanders.com) Value $37
Stamp Carving Amazing! (Mimi Bondi – mimibondi.com) Value $29
Create your own: Mixed Media Bookmarks (Consie Sindet – atopserenityhill.com) Value $24
Painting in Gouache (Andy Walker – artclasspro.com) Value $40
Flower Painting 101 (Addie Hirschten – studioalchemy.art) Value $60
Mixed Media Kickstart Bundle (Shawn Petite – shawnpetite.com) Value $49
Collage Hearts (Amy Smith – amysmithart.com) Value $34
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice Mixed Media Workshop (Jill Adamy – glimmerbug.com) Value $27
Embrace a Better Story: 5 Days of Courageous Creativity (Jenny & Rebekah – darlingyourefree.com) Value $27
Layers of Stencils: Opposites Really Do Attract (Mary Beth Shaw ~ stencilgirlproducts.com) Value $25
Mixed Media Art Deco Portrait (Karen Campbell – awesomeartschool.com) Value $37
Winter Woodlands Workshop (Miriam Schulman – schulmanart.com) Value $300
Meet the Beetles (Mindy Lighthipe – mindylighthipe.com) Value $99
Brushes to Blossoms (Tracy Verdugo – tracyverdugo.com) Value $27
Journal Jam (Effy Wild – effywild.com) Value $45
PAWfect Furry Friends (Andrea Gomoll-Wünsche – andrea-gomoll.de) Value $66
Tropical Birds with Watercolors (Josie De Meo – josiedemeoart.com) Value $169
How to Draw a Jack Russell (Colin Bradley – school.colinbradleyart.com) Value $14
Fallen Leaves (Sherry DiPaolo – sherrydipaoloart.com) Value $47
Steampunk Gal (Jenny Manno – jennymanno.com) Value $5
Illuminated Pages in February (Renata Loree – artentive.net) Value $45
FUNdamentals of Fluid Art – Acrylic Paint Pouring (Casey Cole Corbin – caseycolecorbin.com) Value $97
Playing Card Art – Inspirational Cards (Amanda Trought – realityarts.co.uk) Value $35
WOW Backgrounds (Jacqueline Hill – zenartart.com) Value $27
How To Paint Mountains In Watercolor (Andy Griffiths – solvingwatercolour.com) Value $25
Bona Dea – Roman Goddess of Fertility (Christina Miles – wingsnscales.com) Value $25
Goddess Athena (Tamara Laporte – willowing.org) Value $24
The Earth Keepers (Katrina Koltes – katrinakoltes.com) Value $34
Watercolor Butterflies (Allison Lyon – allisonlyonart.com) Value $47
Grunge Poppies (Tara Lynn Pugh – paintedcicada.com) Value $22
Tabby Cat Face in Watercolor (Rebecca Rhodes – rebeccarhodesart.com) Value $79
Painted Papers (Amy Smith – amysmithart.com) Value $34
Holiday Bags & Tags (Lisa Thill – createdbylisathill.com) Value $25
Scribble Owls (Kim Dellow – kimdellow.com) Value $34
Book of Awe Mixed Media Altered Book Journal Course (Rozlyn Warren – sacredlifemastery.art) Value $47
Color My Life (Kellee Wynne Conrad – kelleewynnestudios.com) Value $65
Fantastic Faces in 5 Days (Carrie Brummer – ArtistStrong.com) Value $27
Historical Artists’ Pigments Painting Course (Christine Elder – christineelder.com) Value $75
The Goddess Project (Christa Forrest – creativesoulsart.com) Value $65
Angel of Confidence (Tiare Smith – tiaresmith.com) Value $22
Dancing in Red (Elida Field – elidaart.com) Value $50
Get Your Message Out Using Art! (Deb Putnoi – debputnoi.com) Value $97
Sculpting a Santa Moon Ornament (Suzette Hussey – papermachepatch.com) Value $25
Giving Thanks – Art Journaling for honoring the Earth (Heather Neilson – heatherneilsonart.com) Value $25
5-minute Mindful Art and Nature Activities (Cynthia Hauk – mindfulcreativemuse.com) Value $39
Collage Almanac 2021 (Eulalia Mejia – eulaliamejia.com) Value $17
Watercolour Roosters (Kerrie Woodhouse – kerriewoodhouse.com) Value $45
Lunar Journaling Class (Jennibellie – journalworkshops.ning.com) Value $53
Woven Dreams (Laly Mille – lalymille.com) Value $49
Photo Reference Mastery (Angela Fehr – angelafehr.com) Value $49
Themed Mixed Media (Kassi Martin – kassimartin.com) Value $244
Modern Poppies (Anna Battle – shinyhappyart.com) Value $33
The Joy of Collage Making (Simone Nijboer – simonenijboer.com) Value $112
How To Draw Realistic Eyes In Colored Pencil (John Middick – sharpenedartist.com) Value $97
Enjoy every moment (Jenny Grant – jennygrantart.com) Value $27
3 Skills to Master in Abstract Painting (Heather Neilson – heatherneilsonart.com) Value $35
Time travel with me to New Earth (Alexandra Kleinichen – alexkhealthcoach.com) Value $33
Mixed Media Art Circles Inspired Background Papers Bumper Kit (Amanda Trought – realityarts.co.uk) Value $10
Transformational Sketchbook Journaling: Body Gratitude Course (Anne Leuck – anneleuck.com) Value $42
Pink Poppy in Watercolor (Leslie Lambert – watercolor365.com) Value $21
Draw and Color Botanical Mandalas (Louise Gale – louisegale.com) Value $57
Playful Portraits (Juna Biagioni – junabiagioni.com) Value $34
Stay Curious (Mindy Lacefield – mindylacefieldart.com) Value $79
Paint Amazing Dewdrops in Watercolour (Jacqueline Hill – zenartart.com) Value $27
Spirit Totem (Katrina Koltes – katrinakoltes.com) Value $34
Sketchy Adventures Around The World (Taria Dawson – urbansketchingworld.com) Value $18
You Are The Light (Tamara Laporte – willowing.org) Value $24
Painting the Wilderness: A Beginner Watercolor Guide (Kolbie Blume – thiswritingdesk.com) Value $20
Daring Adventures in Abstract Paint (Mati McDonough – matirose.com) Value $179
GIMP: Make Digital Paintings & Illustrations Like a Pro (Kristen Palana – kpalana.com) Value $40
Steampunk Lady (Jenny Manno – jennymanno.com) Value $5
The Wildlife Painting Academy (Danielle Trudeau – danielletrudeaustudios.com) Value $54
Painting as Practice 1- Laying Solid Foundations (Susan Nethercote – susannethercotestudio.com) Value $77
Illuminated Pages in March (Renata Loree – artentive.net) Value $45
Strawberry Mousse with Ildy (Ildy Karsay – artbyildy.com) Value $40
Art Journaling for Well Being (Keren Tamir – kerentamir.com) Value $75
Easy Floral Illustrations on Your iPad in Procreate (Kimma Smith – kimma-smith-art.teachable.com) Value $25
Butterflies in Colored Pencil (Val Webb – valwebb.wordpress.com) Value $50
Steampunk Woman (Jenny Manno – jennymanno.com) Value $5
Make Your Own Oracle Deck – (Deanna Jinjoe – anewdayartstudio.com) Value $47
How to Paint a Watercolor Gladiola (Laura Watson – laurawatson.ca) Value $80
Painted Leaves (Sherry DiPaolo – sherrydipaoloart.com) Value $27

2021 · July 26, 2021

Whats Happening!

Hello… just a very quick SHOUTOUT!!!

Doodlewash is doing another awesome giveaway! You have 5 days until this ends. There are like 5 other giveaways too!

Check out the ones I submitted.. Just click on the photo and violoa!!! Best of luck!

2021 · April 19, 2021

WHAT? not again!

Ok, so it happened again! Time has passed by so fast and I just realized its been MONTHS since I posted here. So lets do some catching.

I am currently typing with one finger on my right hand and this is a bit awkward! More on this…lol
My nephew and neice welcomed their awesome little bundle of joy into this crazy messed up world earlier this year… Little Carter!
my mom got really sick from her covid shot but is doing really well now. A couple of my nephews got Covid and another niece, but all have recovered. PHEW!
hubby and I both received our vaccines and are doing well.
both our boys bought their first homes.
Brenny is expecting to be a grannie within the next month!!!

So basically that is it…lots of good stuff going on and very happy that we are all healthy . Back to me typing with one finger…well… I got trigger finger and this nasty stuff called Dupuytren’s. You can click on the link if you want to learn more about it. The surgery was no fun, but I know the end results are worth it. I had this lump on the palm of my hand and it hurt everytime it got bumped…thought it was maybe a cyst. That thought/hope rapidly disappeared when I saw what the dr removed…he showed me…and all I could say was…oh thats not a cyst!!! But I knew there was a chance it was the other… its HIGHLY genetic and goes as far back as the Vikings. I had no idea! My mom has it and my gramps had it.. only makes sense that I would get it. So far I am the only one out of 4 of us….but my younger sister is having pain in her hands so it could be the beginning signs. Anywhooo…

I took 2 weeks off to recover from this so, hubby and I decided to take a mini vacation. Its been at least 2 years since we have done anything together. He is currently unemployed but has been offered a job starting next month…so things are looking good.

I got the surgery on the 13th, we (meaning hubby) drove to the coast on the 15th and stayed at our favorite BNB for 3 nights. It was a bit rough going with my hand having to be elevated and my fingers being all puffy. We still enjoyed being outside and walking all over the place. Unfortunately we did not go to the botanical gardens. It was packed….and you had to purchase tickets in advance. We could have done it…but my hand told me not this time. And my back was not quite happy either….another story but no need for that!

As you see, hand surgery didnt stop me from a little playtime!!! Its a bit awkward using my left hand to paint, and brushing my teeth…weird…just weird!!!

finally cut my crazy covid hair…still crazy…but less wooly!!!LOL

Soooo.. today is a good day! Sunny, the birds are out singing, my cats are happy we are home, hubby is playing his games on his ipad…yes, its my fault…he got my old ipad pro and i got a new one...and the ipad is more fun to play games on than his old kindle…LOL

So thats it for now… I can go on and on, but this has taken me like 2 hrs to type and correct and type and correct…you get what Im sayin!!!!

Thank you for listening to the blah blah blah and enjoy the rest of your day!

2019 · December 24, 2020

Life!

Its been way to long since I have written. I had these great ideas and plans, but life can get in the way! So, I am here sitting in my nice quiet home gathering up my thoughts and putting some new project ideas in my mind for next year. Hubby had lost his job about a month ago, so he had a mini vacation is what we call it. Sitting on his behind playing his games..LOL But he did get some things done around the house as long as I cracked the whip…HAHAHA. Today he is working again, but its a temporary job which he is at high risk for getting the “germs”. But we are hopeful that with all the PPE protocols that are in place will keep him and the others safe.

Our youngest just purchased his first home, and boy what a challenge that has been. I think the inspectors received a kickback of some kind because there is so much wrong with that house, I am amazed at what is acceptable. Bad wiring, broken garage door, dry rot in some spots, a broken gate…and there is still a possibility that the fence posts were just dropped in the ground…still need to check further on that….yes, that all passed the inspection. Hubby has been helping our son during his vacation time/no job…and has been working of repairing these issues.. Hubby is a Navy trained electrician so that helps! But overall the house seems to be ok, its just the pile of little things that can become bigger things…and I do hope the little things stay that way~

Our oldest passed his bar exam in Portland and hopefully will find a job locally. In the meantime he is still working out of Maryland via at home. He is safe and healthy and is staying warm… His hair is long though…and its just like mine! Hehehe…so he has the lovely locks sprouting from the top of his head!

So that is my little update on our life here in NorCal. No more fires for now, just cold crisp air and people shopping as if there is no pandemic. We are supposed to be on a lock down in our county, we all got the call. But I get it…we all need to feel like life is normal. I have discovered instacart…my new best friend!!! I paint, and watch stuff on Netflix. Do a little marco polo with my sisters and talk on the phone with my parents and friends… and facetime my brother. Oh and of course talk with our boys though hangouts. I am considered an essential worker, so I do go to my job on a daily basis. Ohh…and the fun news about my job!!!! I get to learn 3D printing…Oh yeah!!! I am excited to dig in… As you may not know, I work in Special Education, with assistive technology. This is a fantastic opportunity for our department to create adaptive materials for our student population.