My Funny Valentine: I Heart Zendoodle! with Mandy Russell

This Valentine-themed Zendoodle is sure to make you ask questions. It's got that bizarre, Alice-In-Wonderland or Tim-Burton-feel to it. Is the heart plant a good presence? Or not so good? With the crazy look on her face as well as her curly-Q tentacles, she seems to lean towards the creepy side. And that little bump of a bee? Just what are his plans??? Whatever your take on this garden scene is, it's sure to wow viewers. Plus the act of just doodling is itself such a joyful meditative process. So grab a pencil, a black Micron pen, a piece of drawing weight paper, a blending stump, and a cup of tea. Create your own little weird and whimsical Valentine-inspired landscape.

Tackling Creative New Year's Resolutions: Just Do It! With Mandy Russell

I'm not usually into making major New Year's resolutions. I've never believed that all of a sudden I'll commit to some big life changes simply because I'm writing a new number in the date section on my checks. I find it imposes more stress on me than necessary and often leads to a feeling of failure down the road. If you can do this, the more power to you!

Mixed Media Junque Journals By Mandy Russell

I've been practicing watercolor now for 6 or 7 years. I just love the medium and have amassed quite a pile of past watercolor artworks. I usually sketch and paint something, take a picture of it, post it to Instagram, then toss it in a pile.

Mixed Media Art Journal with Mandy Russell

I love using little bits and baubles in my art and I truly feel quite fortunate for how abundant they are in this world.

Tiny buttons, gems, and plastic animals are a few of my faves which I've incorporated here in this sweet little stitched collage. There is no glue used here to hold things in place, just a needle and thread. Hmmmm, is it still a collage if there is no glue? Whatever it is, it's easy! And adorable!

Exploring Art and Artist :: Mandy Russell

Ellen Schimmel Pearson by Ben John Lincod Albino Welcome to the November installment of Exploring Art and Artist! “Exploring Art & Artist” is a new feature here at OOAK Artisan Showcase. Written by Ellen Schimmel Pearson, it’s a non-artist’s exploration of the creative world.