I never imagined that I would come to associate the word "therapeutic" with watercolor. Growing up, I've gotten myself into various arts and crafts but never had the chance to experiment with the medium not until lately. Now, I could add it to the list of things I'd rather be doing on a Friday night. Apart from reading and writing (or eating) of course.
If you've been around here for a while, you may recall how I made DIY inkjet friendly watercolor patterned paper using food coloring. That project was born out of my fascination towards swatch papers. (I often see them along the edges of a flatlay in the posts of the artists Istalk follow on Instagram.) I particularly love how the colors seem to wash out. Even the random splatters and brush strokes are aesthetically pleasing to my eyes.
Eventually, I wanted to try it too but this time using actual watercolor and not food coloring. More specifically, I wanted to attend one of the Googly Gooeys workshops and meet Tippy Go again. Sorry, fan girl needs. I was saving up on it but Santa decided to grant my wish early last December. Yay! I got the chance to experience it for myself with a few other lucky attendees thanks to Globe's #ShareYourStory event at Costa Coffee in BGC. Here's what happened.
If you've been around here for a while, you may recall how I made DIY inkjet friendly watercolor patterned paper using food coloring. That project was born out of my fascination towards swatch papers. (I often see them along the edges of a flatlay in the posts of the artists I
Eventually, I wanted to try it too but this time using actual watercolor and not food coloring. More specifically, I wanted to attend one of the Googly Gooeys workshops and meet Tippy Go again. Sorry, fan girl needs. I was saving up on it but Santa decided to grant my wish early last December. Yay! I got the chance to experience it for myself with a few other lucky attendees thanks to Globe's #ShareYourStory event at Costa Coffee in BGC. Here's what happened.
That's Tippy aka "bright-hues" enthusiast and mommy to a cute baby named Riley. I've been following her blog for years now. The humorous comics and happy colors were sure to draw me in especially during that time when I needed a pick-me-upper. Long story, really. She's also very relateable for an introvert like myself but I digress. Now back to the workshop's happenings!
The place was tastefully set up. Costa Coffee's industrial interiors perfectly complemented Tippy's works which were displayed up front. We were each given an adorable Googly Gooeys bag containing a Faber-Castell watercolor set, a Faber-Castell synthetic round brush, a pencil, watercolor worksheets, brush lettering worksheets and handouts.
We began by mixing colors. Tippy noted that mixing watercolor is akin to the way printers work. What may seem like a dozen is actually a plethora of gradients. The beginner that I was, I sucked at creating my own shades of grays and browns as exhibited above. *scratches head* I loved doing the washes most. Imagine the DIY projects that I can do with it! Learning how to do brush strokes was equally fun. Developing your own font isn't as easy as it sounds but as Tippy would often say, embrace your handwriting and keep practicing.
Speaking of which, I practiced on recycled brown bags (from the grocery) which I then used as gift wrappers last Christmas. I couldn't dare just throw them in the trash. Ironically, they eventually got disposed of because we tear open presents on Christmas. LOL. There's more where these came from (I made about 12 different designs) but I got so busy I forgot to take proper photos afterwards. Better luck next time I guess?
Speaking of which, I practiced on recycled brown bags (from the grocery) which I then used as gift wrappers last Christmas. I couldn't dare just throw them in the trash. Ironically, they eventually got disposed of because we tear open presents on Christmas. LOL. There's more where these came from (I made about 12 different designs) but I got so busy I forgot to take proper photos afterwards. Better luck next time I guess?
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You can watch the vlog above from the Googly Gooeys to get a summary of the day's activities. If you have more time to spare, you may view a great chunk of the workshop which Globe generously shot a livestream for. Watch them here: Part 1 and Part 2.
Since the workshop was held at Costa Coffee in BGC, we were spoiled with delectable treats. The sandwich's flaky bread was a winner for me. The humongous chocolate chip cookie was glorious and that other pastry which I don't know the name of was a feast for the senses. Darn it. Writing all these makes me hungry. *facepalm*
Remember what I said about swatch papers earlier? Of course, I didn't pass the chance to snap Tippy's. They may seem so abstract but they'd pass for lovely prints or craft paper if you ask me!
Before I got too shy, I approached Tippy for a photo. I even brought her book and had it signed which she also doodled on with a cartoon version of me! It felt so heartwarming that she remembered so much about me despite of the fact that we've only met once previously at a blogging event back in 2015. We mostly talk online, mainly on Twitter. How millenial, right? I guess the way she interacts with her fans and readers makes her more endearing. There's Riley too of course. Hehe.
Class picture! Can you see how messy our tables were? Everything looks so out of place. ( I'm hoping no one mistook their watercolor water for coffee or tea!) But hey, we've got smiles on our faces and that's what matters.
I truly enjoyed this brush lettering and watercolor workshop from the Googly Gooeys. Thanks Globe! How about you? Have you been to any art workshops lately? #ShareYourStory
I truly enjoyed this brush lettering and watercolor workshop from the Googly Gooeys. Thanks Globe! How about you? Have you been to any art workshops lately? #ShareYourStory
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