What I created this month // January 2025

It's the last day of the month! I somehow feel like this month went by really quicky and really slowly at the same time. 2024 feels like years ago! Here's an overview of everything I created this month ✨

This month's tutorial was on creating original art! I loved making it because it was more about my overall workflow and creative process, which is always an interesting topic to dive into. I think it's a great one to start the year with, since this is a time that I like to sit down and come up with painting ideas to finish through the year! Watch the full video here.

Since it's my latest tutorial, it will be available on the $5 spark tier for another month! After that, it goes to the backlog, along with 50 other tutorials. Join the spark tier if you want to grab it for $5! And if you want to access the massive backlog of over 50 tutorials, just upgrade to the $10 flame tier 🔥

This month's challenge was on backlighting and subsurface scattering! This is a lighting phenomenon in which a soft, organic surface - like skin, fruit, or wax - absorbs light, creating a glowing effect from within. Here's what I created - I couldn't choose between a light or dark background! Which one do you think works better?

For next month's challenge, we'll be making studies of statues and sculptures! It's a great exercise to understand volume and lighting. If you're not yet a flame member, be sure to upgrade your tier to access the challenge - all information will be posted on the 1st!

As always, flame members also got access to the process video and a resource video with tips and advice. This is a 20 minute long video in which I discuss my process, common mistakes, and run through the artwork that you guys posted in the discord! If you want to draw studies like this in the future, you might find it helpful. Watch it here!

I was not as productive as I would have liked to be this month, because I came down with a cold and spent a week on the couch. I feel like everyone around me was sick at some point! I did maange to get a few good drawing sessions in, though - starting with a sketchbook session! Check out the post to see all of the sketch pages I did.

I also made a flower painting, similar in style to the nasturtium painting I made last year! I want to create a series of flower paintings that can be purchased as a set of prints, so I've got one more to make after this one. Which flower should I draw next?

This month, I shared the full process of my flower painting! I feel like the process reveals a lot of great tips on how you can get colors to be more vibrant and interesting, especially if working from a realistic reference image. Watch the full process here!

It was the first session of the year and I'm proud to say that I finally got my new setup working! I really wanted to start using a better camera than my webcam, but it took a while to get the audio and other technical aspects lined up. We talked about the value of an art career during crazy times like these, the difference between plagiarism and inspiration, and many more topics. Watch the full session here!

Thanks for your support this month! May you successfully dodge the flu virus this season and create lots of art ✨

Thank you so much for supporting me in creating this month's content and art. I just sent out links to this month's google drive folder - check out your inbox!

Thank you for being a part of this Patreon! If you're interested in getting access to all of the above plus content from previous months, upgrade your tier here!

If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to share them with me through a direct message or e-mail to loishh@gmail.com. Any and all feedback is welcome!