Beginner's - ArtTrader Magazine

Art TRADER
m a g a z i n e
But there’s more. Do you notice the use of bold color? In
all three pieces, color is used very effectively. Sal’s piece in
particular is bright and playful! Andrea’s piece is a bit more
subdued, but still uses color very effectively (and when is the
last time you saw someone with purple hair?) In my piece,
the yellows and reds are particularly bright.
A third thing you’ll notice about all three pieces is that they
use pattern in an effective way. In Andrea’s fairy piece,
she uses dots throughout the background, and also uses a
repetition of flowers and butterflies. Sal’s gingerbread house
uses polka dots throughout. Think about how different the
piece would be without those brightly colored polka dots on
the trees or striped trunks! Finally, my piece uses swirls on
the wings and in the sky to add a playful touch.
So there you have it! Whimsical art can include:
• whimsical themes or subject matter: often those that are
fanciful, fun, happy, or fantastical
• strong colors and very conscious choices on the part of
the artist as to using color
• stylization that takes the piece of art beyond the ordinary.
This can include exaggerations, emphasis of certain
features, distorting, simplifying or adding unrealistic
elements
• patterns: such as dots, swirls, lines, and so forth for
increased effect
As someone who considers herself a whimsical artist, I find
that whimsical art is empowering and uplifting. I use art as
a way to relax, to express myself, and really to enjoy and
experience life. It also allows me to “re-see” the world in
a way that is happier, friendlier, and much less serious. To
me, my art needs to reflect my inner spirit and inner joy. And
what better way to do that than to reach into my imagination
and develop fantastical worlds full of swirled trees and boldcolored
mountains?
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Want more Whimsy?
Join a Swap!
ATCsforall.com has a few swaps
going on right now that fit the whimsy
category. Check them out!
Harajuku Girls Swap
Due April 15, 2009:
http://atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8578
Whimsical Summer Girls Swap
Due April 23, 2009:
http://atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9093
Whimsical Goth Girls
Due May 1st, 2009:
http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8419
Super Kawaii Mixed Media Swap
Due May 1st, 2009:
http://www.atcsforall.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8759
Take an Online
Whimsy Workshop!
The Whimsy Art Workshop
The Whimsy Art Workshop is a twopart
workshop designed for the artist
or hobbyist who loves the whimsical,
light, free style of art. The workshop
is designed to help artists who are
seeking to improve their artistic skills
or working to develop a unique style.
Level I Start Dates:
April 1, 2009
September 16
Level II Start Dates:
May 6, 2009
October 21, 2009
Register online at:
www.arttradermag.com