A Quirky Sardine for Father’s Day!

Sometimes you just need a quick, playful painting to shake off the pressure—and that’s exactly what this little watercolor sardine was for me. 🎨🐟

This piece came together fast: loose brushwork, sketchy lines, and just a hint of whimsy. It’s perfect for a warm-up session or even a quirky Father’s Day card!

I wanted to create something fun and approachable—no stress, no need for perfection. Just a sweet little fish to bring some joy back into the painting process. If you're the type who overthinks your first strokes, this is a great one to loosen up and just go with the flow.

Want to try it? My Patreon members get access to:

• A downloadable line drawing to trace and get started faster

• A step-by-step video tutorial

• And as a bonus—a watercolor trout painting (Patreon exclusive!)

Supplies I used:

• Paints: Winsor & Newton Payne’s Gray, Cad Yellow, Cobalt Blue, Raw Umber

• Paper: Canson XL watercolor

• Brushes: Lebenzon Small Goat Synthetic Blend, Royal Langnickel Zen #2 Scrubber

• Pens: G4Tec pen + Uniball white gel pen for final touches

🛍 You can shop all of my favorite tools right here on Amazon
🎁 Plus! Get 20% off Lebenzon Brushes with code KELLIE through the end of the month: lebenzon-paintbrushes.com

Thank you so much to my sweet Patreon community—you make these fun little moments possible, and I love sharing these playful projects with you.

If you're not a Patreon yet but want to dive into more lighthearted watercolor fun (and grab that trout tutorial too), I’d love to have you join us!

💙
Kellie

Hobby Lobby, Auburn Maine - Kids Paint Party Owl on 16x20" Canvas

Hobby Lobby is now offering classes and I'm excited to say - this will be the first one here in Auburn!

Kids Paint Party
Join me to kick off April Vacation with your budding artists.
Ages 5 and up - and if the adults want to join their children they are most welcome!
We do ask that children under 8 have once supervising adult stay with them. Course must have 6 to run.

Where: Hobby Lobby, Auburn Maine - 65 Auburn Ave
Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2015
Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Cost: $35 - Ticket includes all supplies

Tickets must be pre-purchased before April 16th in order to make sure we have enough supplies ordered.

*20 Seats Available

Kids Paint Party at Top It Yogurt Bar, Auburn Maine - "Owl Painting"

New kid's scene for April vacation! We'll be painting on a 16x20 canvas with acrylic paints!

Ages 5 and up - and if any adults want to join their children painting they are most welcome!

We do ask that children 5-8 have at least one supervising adult per 3 children.

Where: Top it Frozen Yogurt Bar - 168 Main St, Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 241-0434
Date: Monday, April 20th 
Time: 1:00 - 2:30
Scene: "OWL"
Cost:  $35 Per Ticket

 

*Limited Seats Available

Alcohol Ink Paintings On Ceramic Tiles

***UPDATE BELOW

Well well well, look what else I found to paint on with inks! These are just basic 6x6" white glazed tiles that I picked up in hopes of them working with inks! They have a glossy surface, so my thinking was ...yeah it should work!

It worked SUPER, and I was really surprised to see that it was as easy to work with as using Yupo paper, which is very expensive. You do have to seal these first with a varnish and then a high gloss UV protection finish.

I opted to leave the backs plain for now...but added little felt circles on the back to prevent them from scratching any surface. Another AI Artist suggested that I try cork backings or frames. Thought that was a great idea, so I ordered some sample wooden tile frames this week - I have a feeling I'm really going to like them. I'll post a picture when they come in!

Original Hand Painted Ceramic Tiles

***8/17 Update: Check out my newest blog post, I've started using RESIN, Seals, protects from water, can use hot cups 120F,  Has built in UV protection. Testing it now and the results so far have been FAB!

More colors available