Winter Magic: January Art Guide 🎨
As the new year unfolds, we're embracing the quiet beauty of winter in our first month of 2025. Get ready to explore frost patterns, winter botanicals, and starlit skies through mixed media art! Imagine early morning frost sparkling on windows, winter clouds heavy with snow, and the golden light of a winter sun. Our palette and themes captures these magical moments of this month.
Week 1: Frost Morning
Let's create some winter magic! Start by getting your paper all cozy with an ice-blue and silver gray watercolor wash - this is where the fun begins! While it's still wet, sprinkle some salt like you're seasoning a winter wonderland (trust me, it's going to look amazing). Once that's dry and you've brushed away the salt crystals, add some misty silver-gray touches around the edges, if needed - think winter morning vibes.
Now comes the really fun part: grab your stencils and dance some patterns across your winter scene. Layer them like falling snow. While that dries, let's create some paper snowflakes in different sizes - mix up regular paper with some fancy metallic ones for extra sparkle!
For the grand finale, arrange your snowflakes across the piece and sprinkle in some silver gel pen details. A few tiny snowflakes in the empty spaces, and voilà - you've just created your own piece of winter magic! ✨❄️
Week 2: Winter Sunset
Ever noticed how winter branches cast mysterious silhouettes against a twilight sky? Let's capture that magical moment where deep navy meets winter's rose and golden light! Start by sketching graceful branches reaching into your evening sky - keep them bold and flowing. Once you're happy with their dance across the paper, trace them with your fine liner to create strong silhouettes.
Now for the color magic! Begin with a deep navy wash at the top, blend it into soft winter rose tones in the middle, and let pale gold illuminate the horizon. While that dries, fill the spaces between branches with delicate patterns that echo the last shimmer of daylight. Add metallic gold accents where the light catches the branches, and finish with white gel pen details like frost catching the final glow. Remember to leave some open spaces - just like glimpses of the twilight sky peeking through winter branches! 🌅✨
Week 3: Night Sky
Ever dreamed of capturing a starlit night in your own artistic style? Let's create a geometric night sky where moonlight meets mystery! We'll start by mapping out a constellation of shapes - imagine the night sky divided into windows of wonder as you draw your grid pattern. Some spaces large, others tiny, like glimpses of different moments in the night.
Now for the magical part: fill your geometric spaces with layers of soft black watercolor, letting some areas fade into moonlight silver, like clouds dancing with starlight. While that dries, add trails of white dots and lines, creating your own constellations across the canvas. Finally, bring your night sky to life with shimmering silver accents and delicate white details - like stars winking in the darkness. Remember, some of the most beautiful parts of the night sky are the spaces between the stars! 🌙✨
Week 4: Dawn Light
Time to catch winter's softest moment - when dawn whispers awake! Begin by creating gentle flowing shapes across your paper - think of how morning light drifts through winter clouds.
Start with soft washes of winter rose at the bottom, like the first blush of sunrise. Let this gently blend into ice blue in the middle, creating that crisp morning sky feeling. Add touches of champagne where the colors meet, like sunlight breaking through. While these layers dry, create movement with flowing lines and gentle swirls - imagine the morning breeze stirring awake. Finally, add delicate highlights where your colors dance together, creating that sparkling frost-meets-sunrise magic that only winter mornings can bring! ✨🌅
Week 5: Snow Shadows
Ready to explore winter's subtle side? Let's dive into the quiet beauty of snow shadows, where simple patterns create a story of light and texture! Begin by mapping out gentle geometric shapes across your paper - these will be our canvas for shadow play.
Start with a base of pearl gray washes, like fresh snow catching the morning light. Layer arctic blue in your chosen areas, creating those mysterious shadows that winter casts. Add pure white details for where light catches the snow's surface. Now for the fun part: fill your shapes with zentangle patterns - think of ice crystals, snowflakes, and frost patterns. Keep some patterns tight and intricate, others flowing and free. Let each section tell its own story while maintaining that peaceful winter mood. Finally, enhance your shadows with deeper touches of arctic blue, letting your patterns peek through like secrets in the snow! ❄️✨
I've prepared a year-long art guide for 2025! Each month brings new colors, themes, and creative adventures - all wrapped up in easy-to-follow weekly projects. You can expect weekly tutorials and complete supply lists.
Remember: Art is about personal expression - these guides are just starting points for your creative journey. Feel free to adapt techniques, swap materials, or follow your artistic intuition!
Join the Journey:
• Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
• Watch tutorials every Wednesday.
• Tag me on social media, I'd love to see you share your creations.
Let's make 2025 our most creative year yet! 🎨
30 Days of Gratitude: Daily Collage Challenge
20 minutes to reflect and create with thankfulness. I've prepared simple prompts to exercise creative freedom and develop the habit of daily practice. Feel free to use it in a way that makes sense to you.
Daily Prompts & Reflection Ideas
Creating With Gratitude Tips:
Before Each Session:
Take 1 minute to reflect on the prompt
Write down 3 specific things you're grateful for related to the theme
Gather materials that represent these elements
Set your timer for 20 minutes
Time Breakdown:
2 minutes: Material selection
15 minutes: Creating
3 minutes: Finishing and photo
When Stuck:
Start with a background
Choose just 3 elements
Focus on composition
Trust your intuition
Success Tips
Prepare Ahead
Sort materials weekly
Set daily alarm
Choose workspace
Stay Consistent
Same time daily
Keep kit ready
Document everything
When Short on Time
Simplify approach
Use fewer elements
Focus on composition
If You Miss a Day
Continue next day
Combine prompts
No guilt - just create
I’ve prepared a list of material, in case you need it and I have some options listed in my Amazon StoreFront, but feel free to use what you already have at home.
Basic Kit (Keep in a Box):
Cutting Tools
Sharp scissors
Craft knife
Self-healing cutting mat
Ruler
Adhesives
Glue stick (2-3 backups)
Double-sided tape
Regular tape
Papers
Background papers (A5 or 6x8")
Magazine pages
Old books
Wrapping paper
Tissue paper
Newspaper
Junk mail
Paper bags
Organization
Folder for paper scraps
Container for tiny pieces
Plastic sleeve for finished work
Journal for notes
Optional Materials:
Washi tape
Paper punch
Decorative scissors
Postcards
Maps
Sheet music
Vintage ephemera
Stamps
Tickets
Memory Keeping:
Date each piece
Add a brief gratitude note on the back
Create a gratitude journal from your collages
Share with loved ones
Make copies to give as thank you cards
Remember: This challenge combines mindfulness, gratitude, and creativity. There's no "wrong" way to express thankfulness in your art. Let your heart guide your hands! Each 20-minute session is a success, regardless of the outcome!
Follow me on Instagram and Youtube to see my creative interpretations of these prompts!
I'll share the second week prompts next Friday, November 8th.
With gratitude,
Rosi.
Transform Your Creativity: The Magic of 20-Minute Collages
Have you ever wondered how just 20 minutes a day could revolutionize your artistic journey? Today, I'm excited to share the transformative power of daily collage practice AND invite you to watch my latest video showcasing this technique in action!
Why 20 Minutes of Collage Will Change Your Creative Life?
🌱 Nurture Your Artistic Growth
Build confidence through consistent practice
Develop your unique visual language
Learn to trust your creative instincts
Watch your style evolve naturally
🧠 Boost Mental Wellness
Create a mindful pause in your busy day
Release stress through artistic expression
Practice present-moment awareness
Build a sustainable creative ritual
⚡ Practical Benefits
Fits easily into your daily routine
Uses minimal supplies
Perfect for using up scraps and found materials
Creates a visual diary of your journey
Ready to Start Your Daily Practice?
Essential Supplies:
Collection of papers/images or pateterned paper
Your creativity!
Quick Tips for Success:
Set a specific time each day
Prepare your materials in advance
Focus on process, not perfection
Document your journey
Keep it simple and enjoyable
Stay Connected:
You can find me in about every social media by @rositonacostudio.
Share Your Journey:
Tag your daily collages with #20MinuteCollage #DailyCreativePractice
With creativity and joy,
Rosi.
From Code to Canvas: My Journey into the World of Art
Six years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. With a Master's and PhD in Artificial Intelligence under my belt, I was working for a major tech company, immersed in the cutting-edge world of computer science…
Six years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. With a Master's and PhD in Artificial Intelligence under my belt, I was working for a major tech company, immersed in the cutting-edge world of computer science. But the high-pressure business environment began to take its toll, and I found myself yearning for a change.
That same year, I faced a personal tragedy with the loss of my father. In my search for solace and a way to process my emotions, I turned to art. What began as a coping mechanism soon blossomed into a passion that would reshape my entire life.
During the challenging times of the pandemic, art became my escape and my anchor. In 2019, I started sharing my creations online, initially as a way to document my artistic journey. Little did I know that this simple act of sharing would transform my hobby into a full-time career.
Over the past few years, I've dedicated myself to studying and experimenting with various artistic styles. My background in AI and computer science has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to blend technical precision with creative expression.
Recently, I've found myself drawn to surrealistic collage. This medium fascinates me because it allows for the perfect fusion of reality and imagination. Through surrealistic collage, I can express the vivid imagery of my mind, creating worlds that exist beyond the boundaries of our everyday experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been sharing my passion for art with my audience. It fills me with joy to see my work inspiring other artists to create. As an introvert, I've been amazed by the meaningful connections I've made within the art community. These experiences have helped me open up to the world in ways I never expected, showing me that I needed this artistic path to grow not just as a creator, but as a person.
The sense of community and the relationships I've built have been transformative. They've helped me understand that art is not just a solitary pursuit, but a powerful means of connection and communication. Through my art, I've found a voice and a way to engage with the world that feels authentic and fulfilling.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I'm grateful for the unexpected path that led me here. My journey from the world of algorithms to the realm of art has taught me that creativity knows no bounds, and that sometimes our greatest passions are discovered in the most unexpected places.
I invite you to join me on this artistic adventure, as I explore the limitless possibilities of surrealistic collage, continue to push the boundaries of my imagination, and foster connections within this vibrant creative community.
