Fun Facts About Artsy Bee

Let's face it, most of you don't ever read my blog posts because who wants to actually sit and read or stare at something for more than a 30 second TikTok video while aimlessly "poop scrolling"? But if you want to join me for this one, it may be the most chaotic yet. I would like to answer some questions about myself and my art and process like one of those "copy and paste" Facebook posts. Boring, right? Nope, because most of these questions are unhinged and written like I interviewed myself. Enjoy. Or don't. You do you!

What was the first thing you ever remember drawing?

Those dang "cool s" or "super s" shapes from the 90s where you do the 6 lines and connect them, so it looks 3D almost. I used to put a cape on it and make comic book stories with it. This is where I learned how to do calligraphy because I needed other letter characters, so I made up my own versions of an "a" and an "m" to spell out my name and fight crime.

Which color do you overuse even though you swear you don’t?

Unapologetically, green. Period. I like plants. I like flowers. Sorry not sorry.

What art supply do you hoard like a dragon guarding treasure?

White paint. In a world, before I learned to mix different colors together to tone, white paint was my go-to and I used a ton of it. I still am working on my hoarding stash.

What’s a piece you created entirely by accident?

My bleach dye t-shirts. I used to teach high school art, and I had a small class one year where the kids could have more input in projects that we did. We decided on bleach dying. I thought it was going to turn out like that trashy old raggedy shirt you made in junior high and thought was so, so cool and then one day you looked at it and suddenly something clicked and you became too embarrassed to wear (same, girl, same). But turns out, the techniques of it surprised me and it was much like regular painting, just in black and white and you can't see what you are doing immediately and you can't apply too much or it'll burn a hole in your shirt and you also had to chalk out your design but then it would rub off really easily and you had to make sure it did not bleed through to the back and do it in an open area and have many different solutions of water to bleach ratios to get shading and do it in the sun for best results. BUT other than that, it was JUST like painting. RIP to my favorite corduroy dress, though.

What medium did you try once and immediately regret?

Ice dying. Only magicians can tie dye with ice I swear. If you don't know what this is, look it up. Lots of people can do it. I just have not figured it out yet and it is so awesome! Also tie dying the giant tapestries. I could only do a basic design, but some can do like whole landscapes. Sorcery.

What’s your most chaotic creative habit?

I only clean off my paint palette when I have a solid layer of paint I can peel off. I never wash my palette anymore.

What’s your creative ritual that makes no sense to anyone else?

Morning art is where it is at.

Who (or what) is the most unhelpful “assistant” in your studio?

My procrastination. Sometimes I will have an idea in my head for weeks and be working on other projects letting my ideas fester in my mind.

What’s the messiest your workspace has ever been?

When I taught high school art, my desk would be filled with piles of art projects and their supplies. Ask any student, I would know where everything was, but I had allllll my projects exploded on my space. Sometimes chaos makes for quicker creative processes. Just saying. Sometimes it doesn't, also just saying.

Which tool disappears constantly and reappears only when you’re not looking?

Erasers. Sometimes I have a half of one and other times, I have 7. I always have erasers when I am painting but never have them when I am drawing. (Cue the eye roll)

What’s your go‑to studio snack that fuels your creativity?

I am a beverage goblin. Give me something warm, something fun, and some water and I am a golden trifecta of hydration.

What color best describes your personality?

Green. Plants, flowers, mosses, grass, and the warmth of sunshine that often comes with them. Those are the vibes that keep me going. (Peep these in my new "Forest Treasures" series, out soon!)-- Not "kelly green", though. That color is garbage green. The tone seems off to my eye.

Which fictional character would absolutely buy your art?

I want to say someone cool like Hermione Granger because she is intelligent and probably has good taste. But a better answer might be Phoebe Buffay with her quirky personality and style.

What would your art alter‑ego’s name be?

I like being behind Artsy Bee. I always sign my artwork "Sam", so it is probably a weird, confusing thing for people. But every name I tried to pick was too serious. I heart whimsy.

What scent feels like your creative vibe?

Sun-warmed pine needles, sunshine, and a hint of lemon and lavendar. Someone make me a candle.

What hobby do you love that has nothing to do with art?

Chickens and ducks.

What’s a useless talent you’re irrationally proud of?

I cut hair and like to think I am good at it.

If your art supplies could gossip about you, what would they complain about first?

That I trim the paintbrush hairs that go rogue instead of buying new brushes. They probably feel overworked and underpaid.

What’s the most whimsical compliment someone has given your work?

I have always loved when people say that my work is similar to Bob Ross. Hence all my references with my mountain scenes. His work had effortless majestic vibes.

What tiny joy instantly boosts your creativity?

Rainy days with the windows open. And any time I get to do zentangles. I love them!

What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve said out loud while making art?

"That's so good that I, personally, even like it!" Because an artist's inner nightmare is not liking any of their art when in reality, they have just stared at it so long that it looks weird. Kind of like when you have one of those days where words just look weird and you can't spell the word "of" to save your life and sounding it out doesn't help.

If your studio had a warning label, what would it say?

Warning: if you don't like botanicals, tell me. Because you might have some added for the *vibes*

Where do you dream of painting someday?

I would love to do more murals in the future. That type of work takes big visions literally and metaphorically. I would love to get more practice to do more of that type of thing.

What food could you eat every day without regret?

Chocolate chips. If you know, you know.

What skill do you want to learn just for fun?

How to make croissants.

Do you have any other questions for me? Post to my Facebook and I might just answer them. Call me out, give me the hard questions, bring it! I love a good challenge and interacting with people who follow my journey. Thanks for reading and come back next week. Will I have more art history? Tell you more about myself? Teach you some techniques? Tell you why I do what I do? Maybe I'll hit you with a creative writing story. Who knows.