"Don't Be Afraid to Make Ugly Art" Whimsical Animal and Nature Artist Christa Paolucci Advises

​In our 6th post in our "Oregon Artists Sharing Tips & Technique" series, we visit the whimsical animal and nature art of Christa Paolucci, a Portland, Oregon LGBT artist whose biggest tip is to play and don't be afraid to make ugly art.  Her love of nature and fantasy meld together in a beautiful new world in her art.  She also loves melding together traditional mediums and digital medium in the artwork that she loves to do.  She has an online shop where she sells her art and she also has a Patreon account where her patrons get to see her work in progress, among other great benefits such as discounts, stickers and art prints.  To celebrate her 4K followers, she just started a "Draw This In Your Style" (#DTIYS) art challenge on Instagram.  It will last until the end of August 2020, if you want to join in the fun.

Tell us briefly about your art:​ 

I focus on whimsical illustrations depicting plant-life and unique creatures. My biggest goal is to inspire people, especially kids, to explore nature and get creative imagining all the hidden worlds around us (and what creatures could be living there.)

​​What is your main medium of art?

I work with graphite, watercolour, Posca, and digital painting. I am especially passionate about working with graphite, as I like to have that balance between digital work for clients and the feel of pencil on paper. Playing with new mediums like Posca has been a lot of fun, too! 

​​​​What are your website and links?

website:  www.ChristiaPaolucci.com
​Instagram: @paolucci.art
Patreon:  patreon.com/paolucci_art

​​​​Please share your techniques & tips with us:

​Remember to play. Making personal art should be enjoyable, it should be a door you open into new worlds where you learn more about yourself and your work. I am in full support of taking classes and using references to develop your skills, but at the end of the day, don't be afraid to make a mess, play with your art, and as a mentor once told me: Make Ugly Art. It's impossible to always churn out beautiful work. By all means, fill a sketchbook with ugly doodles and enjoy the learning process. Your art doesn't always have to be for show!

Make sure you check out more of Christa's art on her website and her Instagram account.  If you'd like to see more of her process, be sure to join her Patreon account, so you can get the in-depth scoop on how she creates such lovely and fun artwork, plus lots of other great benefits.  

​​​Be Our Next Featured Artist!​

We still need a lot more submissions for our "Oregon Artists Share Tips & Techniques" series.  Please submit your work at the button below.

SUBMIT YOUR ARTIST TIPS & TECHNIQUES HERE!