This Mommy Colors: Coloring Adventure Continued
Hi everyone. My career life has been a whirlwind ever since I gave birth to Phil, and it's not because I became a mom. Last October, I was laid off from my dream career as a college relations specialist and administrator at one of the largest and oldest home care agencies in the nation. I was preparing myself to stop working for a while; but then, I was promoted to a new role within the same organization!
Juggling this new full-time job, part-time school, writing novels, maintaining this blog, and taking care of my new family required me to become a master-life-juggler, and sacrifice sleep time. I operated like a zombie driving a monster truck in the dark, and I was tired, and truthfully, needed time to myself. I needed to breathe.
Thus, earlier this year, I resigned from that full-time position, stayed on as a part-time consultant (one day a week, I can tolerate there, but more? no thanks!), and took on a new role in a university as a part-time faculty member. My new role is ABSOLUFRIGGINGLY AMAZING!
Surprisingly, it's also actually easier for me now, juggling two part-time jobs, because I have at least one weekday a week to spend at home with Phil. When he naps, I also have time to do my homework assignments, blog, and write.
This "career pause" of mine resulted in a severe pay cut, but the benefits are exponential. I'm eating better, sleeping better. I've been able to bond with Phil, discover all his new quirks, and color while he colors.
I'm still loving my Adult Coloring Book: Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book by Johanna Basford, and have discovered my inner artist. My creativity has been unleashed once I left a toxic work world!
Aqua Butterfly by mama kat
My technique is to first draw and color with watercolor coloring pencils. I look for inspiration over the Internet. I don't draw with a pencil first, because then you'd have to erase the dark lines. After applying layers of color with the watercolor coloring pencils, I then wash over the colors with a water brush (Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush) to create the watercoloring effect. I start with the lighter colors first, then lay on layers of darker colors.
For the splashing dots effect, it's incredibly simple--I just put my watercolor coloring pencil tips in a bit of water, and it becomes a dilute watercolor paint. I dip the brush in to soak in the "paint" and splash it over the painting, flicking my wrist.
Watercoloring with watercolor coloring pencils tools:
1. Pentel Arts Aquash Water Brush Assorted Tips: Use these with watercolor coloring pencils
2. Favorite Watercolor Coloring Pencils Set: Caran D'ache Supracolor Soft
3. Second Watercolor Coloring Pencils Pick: Derwent Inktense
work in progress butterfly by mama kat
It's so relaxing to be able to color and paint. Mommies and daddies out there, how do you relax when you have a second to breathe? ;)
