It’s Famous Artist Fridays and this week we have Rembrandt for you. Remember that the goal of this series is learning through observation. Below I’m sharing some of the great works of the famous artist Rembrandt. This post contains affiliate … Read More
Fall is a wonderful time of the year with the amazing colors, cooler temperatures, and of course, pumpkins! Isn’t it amazing the number of colors that we can find pumpkins? I was just observing at the local hardware store pumpkins … Read More
Our laundry room was dark and gloomy when we moved into this house. I painted the paneling with primer over a year ago and then just left it for a while. I didn’t really have a plan for what to … Read More
This piece started out as a pitcher of pink roses, but I recorded a video as I changed these flowers to something that I liked even better and created a palette knife sunflower painting! The video below was recorded … Read More
(This post contains affiliate links) Palette Knife Painting I love palette knife painting. I mean….truly love it. Why do I love it so much? Palette knife painting is messy. It’s fun, and it’s full of texture. I’ve tried so … Read More
10 Lies People Believe About Art I hear it all the time….”I can’t even draw a stick figure.” Where is all of this negativity towards creativity originating? I’m not really sure. However, I’ve made a list of 10 lies … Read More
Painting A Fall Fox I can’t get over how quickly the summer has gone by. It’s time to start getting ready for all things pumpkin!! Yay! Painting things that are seasonal can be so much fun, and I’d love to … Read More
Hi there! I am so excited that you are here for this little bluebird art lesson! I know you are going to have so much fun creating this little fox. This kind of art is called mixed media. That just means … Read More
Painting Makeover Taking old paintings and giving them new life is so rewarding to me. Here’s how I gave this painting a little makeover. Sometimes paintings sit in my studio and I just never feel great about them. I usually … Read More
Hi there! I am so excited that you are here for this little bluebird art lesson! I know you are going to have so much fun creating this little pumpkin. This kind of art is called mixed media art. That … Read More
Buffalo Check Plaid (This post includes affiliate links) If you have been out of your house at all lately, you’ve seen all the home decor covered in buffalo check plaid! It’s trending for sure! I decided to take on buffalo … Read More
Throughout the year, I offer free, exclusive, painting courses to subscribers of The Little Bluebird Gallery. This Shabby Chic Pumpkin is fun to paint. And it’s a perfect complement to brighten up any home decor for the coming autumn and … Read More
Creativity is not a competition! Comparison is a thief of joy! There is room for us all! Dear Artist Friend, Do you know what? Your success as an artist is ambiguous. Just like art itself, it’s all about … Read More
New Individual Art Lessons From My Studio I’m so excited to share with you a new offering that is now available in my shop! Studio Sessions are individual tutorial videos taken from my online painting group, The Little Bluebird Gallery … Read More
This month in The Little Bluebird Creative Community, we are painting faces, feminine figures, and a whimsical mixed media girl! I love creating loose and whimsical faces and figures with a palette knife. Allowing myself to be messy and have … Read More
I’ve got two new prints now available in the shop! These new products are available with these designs now. Canvas Prints! AND….Journals!! AND…..Zipper Pouches, too!!! Find them all here in my online shop!
This new painting came to life Live on my Facebook page. I chatted with friends while I tore paper napkins, painted facial features, and placed vintage graphics in just the right spots. I added the words, “Kindness Changes Everything” after … Read More
I’m offering you two video lessons all about palette knife painting, paints, and cotton! These two lessons were the first lessons that I created for my Creative Community paid painting group. I’d love for you to give them a try … Read More
Trust and Obey: a mixed media painting I created a new mixed media painting live on my Facebook page last night. The name of this piece is “Trust and Obey”. You can watch me work on this piece from … Read More
Blue Fairy I created this new piece this week and recorded it for the final tutorial for February in The Little Bluebird Creative Community. Here’s a fun time lapsed video that shows a little glimpse into my process. I love creating … Read More
Let’s Paint a Redbird Learn to paint this cute little guy in this free tutorial video! I painted this redbird live on my Facebook page and want to share it with you, too! Here’s the video. I hope you learn … Read More
Painting With A Palette Knife “What is that thing you are painting with?” “I need to learn how to use one of those things you paint with.” These are some of the comments I get when I share videos of … Read More
Self Care in 2018 Do you have plans for the new year? I do! I wear a lot of hats. I’m a wife, mother, home school teacher, Bible class teacher, artist, entrepreneur, and homemaker. I’ve noticed a bad trend in … Read More
Adding Raffia To Your Christmas Tree This is our tree with the lights, ornaments, and ribbon. Gimli and I decided it still needed a little something else. I am in love with raffia and I use it all the … Read More
This week we added some decor to the tree, painted Christmas canvases, created an experimental soup, and had peeping cats looking in our windows. He is “helping” me add some things to the tree. ? A post shared by Amanda … Read More
For 2017, these have been the most popular prints in my shop. You all chose these more than any others. They are the top 5 prints purchased by you this year! 1. Gather 2. Lilacs 3. Rosie 4. English Roses … Read More
Art Supplies I primarily paint with palette knives and also create mixed media art using papers, mediums, doilies, and stamps. I’m sharing with you some of my favorite art supplies. These are all products that I use and love. (Post … Read More
I am pretty new to Instagram but am beginning to love it more and more! Come follow me here: Amanda on Insta Snuggle buddies ❤️ #cats_of_instagram #cats #snuggles A post shared by Amanda Hilburn (@thelittlebluebirdgallery) on Nov 29, 2017 at … Read More
Update Old Christmas Decor (This post includes affiliate links.) As I pulled out some Christmas decorations last week, I noticed that my wreath didn’t look so great on my new navy blue door this year. That same door was light … Read More
You can do anything but not everything! Saying no can be a real problem for many of us. I know it is for me, and yet this is another lesson that I have been forced to learn because of art. … Read More
A Gift of Creativity In December! I have exciting news for you! If you have been on the fence about joining The Little Bluebird Creative Community, December will be the BEST time to do it and accept my gift of … Read More
Dear Friend, Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your orders this year. Without you, I would not have an art business and would not be able to use this creative outlet of mine to help support my family. … Read More
Permission To Be You I’m a quiet person. I enjoy all things soft, cozy, and predictable. Some might call that boring. Some might say, “You can’t be successful in this world unless you roar. You need to be bold … Read More
Online Paint Party Our first Studio Session was a success. Several sweet friends joined me as we painted a whimsical cow live in an online painting party. We were able to chat and paint together. If you missed the live … Read More
Art is so much more than home decor. I’ve learned so much in the past few years because I have allowed creativity into my life. I’ve created a new way of life for … Read More
Order Your Custom Christmas Ornaments Now It’s that time of year again! I am taking orders for custom Christmas ornaments! Yay! Here are a few examples of what I have done in the past. Your home decked out for the … Read More
Transform Your Brick We have a wall in our sun room that used to be an exterior wall of our house. It was dark and a little ugly (in my opinion) so I decided to transform the brick and give … Read More
How To Make Prints I’ve been making my own prints of my artwork for several years now. It’s not very expensive and very easy to do if you have the right tools. I played around with different kinds of … Read More
3 Easy Steps To Begin Selling Your Art Online “How did you begin selling your art online?” I get asked this question a lot. While I am not a marketing expert, I can tell you what I did to get … Read More
Place Mat Pillows Place mat pillows are super easy to make, and they are a great and thrifty way to add some fun seasonal décor to your home. I found these little fox place mats at our local Walmart, but … Read More
The Little Bluebird Creative Community You may not know this, but I’m an accidental artist. I didn’t really plan to have a business at all. About six years ago, I was looking for something to hang in our living room … Read More
Fall Is My Fave…Now I can say that fall is my fave now, but when I was a little girl…..not so much. It was the time of year when school started, and I was a weepy nervous mess of a … Read More
I am a little obsessed with lemons right now. 🙂 I love the happy colors I can use while painting these yummy fruits. This is one of example of my obsession…. And here’s another…. If you love lemons as … Read More
I was recently scrolling through my Pinterest boards and got inspired to paint this buffet table that we have had for years. It was being stored in the barn and had been quite neglected. This buffet needed a makeover. Here’s … Read More
Y’all…this is what happens when you go to Walmart way too often. 🙂 I frequent the craft section, but I usually see the same things every time. However….on this day….I found this. Just watch 🙂
I love to paint and not just on canvas. I recently decided to turn some old plastic pumpkins into pretty painted pumpkins. I love the cottage style, and I also love the more neutral colors for fall that are … Read More
I’m so excited about this new collection of shabby chic pumpkin paintings that will be released and ready for you to purchase on September 1st! Here’s a little sneak peek for you. Be ready on Friday to come by and … Read More
I am excited about this new offering to you all! These new art lessons were created with kids in mind, but they can be enjoyed by all ages! The first lesson is now available, and I plan to continue to … Read More
Hydrangeas: a Heart to Heart eCourse I am so excited to offer you this new eCourse! You will learn how to paint your own beautiful floral arrangement of hydrangeas just like the one pictured here. I will walk you through … Read More
I’ve been wanting to do this project for quite a while now but just didn’t make the time until this weekend. I’m so glad I did! Y’all this is super easy to do and will fit into any … Read More
Painting rocks and hiding them all over town has become a VERY popular pastime in our area! I mean, people are serious about this painted rock finding thing, y’all! LOL I have painted a few with friends, and I’ve found … Read More
Unique Gifts: T-shirts and Pillows I’ve learned a new skill and I’m using it to make you all some really fun and useful items! I’ve had pillows for a while, but now I’m learning how to make t-shirts … Read More
Adding Words To A Mixed Media Painting This is the bonus video that comes with my full eCourse, Little White Chapel. I thought you might like to see a little sample of what my eCourses are like by sharing this … Read More
There are so For more free instruction videos take a look at this resource page: Free Pretties to Print and Lessons to Learnmany cool things that you can do with mixed media art, and I thought I would share this little … Read More
A Little Studio Tour This space is always evolving and changing to suit my needs, so by the time I publish this post I will most likely have changed something else. When we moved into this house, I started … Read More
We All Have Struggles I like to find inspiring Bible verses, quotes, and ideas to share with others. I love adding them to my artwork to enhance the meaningfulness of each piece. However, I’ve found that instead of making these … Read More
This new eCourse is ready, and I am so excited about it! In Shabby Chic Farm, you will learn to create… A Cow The first lesson teaches you to create a shabby chic mixed media cow on canvas. You … Read More
Learn To Paint With My eCourses! Sharing how I paint and teaching you to do it is as rewarding (or maybe even MORE rewarding) to my heart as painting alone. I get giddy when I open a message from one … Read More
I have both prints and originals in my shop. I’ve had a few customers who were a bit confused about the difference between the two, so I thought I’d try to explain. What is a print? Simply put, a print is … Read More
A New Time Lapse Video Here’s a fun new time lapse video for you. In this video I painted a bright bouquet of flowers and added a bit of whimsy with patterned paper as the table top. Hope you … Read More
Crazy Chicken Lady Smart Phone Wallpaper If you like chickens, I’ve got something that I think you’ll love! I took the print of my mixed media painting, Rosie the Chicken, and created a digital file that you can use as … Read More
I have several new mini paintings available in the shop today! These were so much fun to create. Each one is unique and original and they all capture a little bit of something that I love from the country. A cow, … Read More
Let’s Watch Our Words Just the other day, I was required to go into an office in town to pay a bill and was reminded how important it is that we watch our words. It was your normal, everyday office with cubicles, … Read More
Fixing It Up: My Collage Art Table I just moved an old table into my studio and fixed it up with scraps of collage papers! It is the perfect height for standing and working, and I like to stand when I … Read More
This cat, y’all! ??? #catsofinstagram #spoiled #gimlithecat A post shared by Amanda Hilburn (@thelittlebluebirdgallery) on May 24, 2017 at 3:54pm PDT Sleepy time with Preston ? #catsofinstagram #catsnuggles A post shared by Amanda Hilburn (@thelittlebluebirdgallery) on May 10, 2017 at … Read More
If you are on Facebook, I’m pretty sure you have seen the new “LIVE” option. I’m just getting started with this whole live video thing. It’s a little scary, y’all. I mean…it’s LIVE! If I mess up…you’ll see it. If … Read More
I have four new inspirational girls prints in the shop. These paintings are all pretty personal. I tend to create these girls when I am feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or scattered. The originals will stay with me, but I decided to … Read More
Painting abstract florals with a palette knife! Flowers are one of my VERY favorite things to paint. I really enjoy using a palette knife to create roses and peonies, so I thought I would share a short and simple little demo with … Read More
I’m Having A Sale! Have you seen the new matted and signed prints that are now available in my shop? I am super excited to be able to offer these to you! AND….they are on sale through May 1, 2017!! … Read More
Our Dining Room to Library/Game Room Update I have another room finished and ready to share with you all! This photo below shows the formal dining room in our house as it was when we moved in. There was … Read More
I worked more in my studio this week than I have worked in months! It was a good week 🙂 I almost always paint while listening to a podcast or music, and I start out sitting down but end up standing. I … Read More
I’m so happy to be back in my studio working. I am still trying to get the lighting and set up just right in this new room, but I did record a little snippet of me painting this piece while I … Read More
We are still making changes to the house a little at a time. I was going 90 to nothin’ for a while, but have started slowing down a little bit. I have made it to a point now that I … Read More
Now available in my shop is…..The Floral Collection! I have several new floral pieces ready and would love for you to come by and take a look! Here are a few samples…. To see everything that is available now just … Read More
Did you know that I have a new collection of paintings releasing on Saturday? I am super excited to get back to work, and I hope that this new way of sharing will help me stay creative and help you … Read More
Our Kitchen Update On A Budget We finally got everything boxed up and moved to Florida! Moving is so much work, and the house that we bought needed (still needs) work, so I have taken a long break … Read More
Have you noticed how many books and blog posts and articles have been written lately about downsizing, living intentionally, decluttering, and living a more simplified life? Then there are all the tiny house fans and minimalists and tv shows about people selling everything … Read More
I want to invite you all to come over and join my new private, VIP group on Facebook called The Little Bluebird Market! It is a place to browse the newest artwork by me, Amanda Hilburn, and get some exclusive deals that are … Read More
This chair has been with us for many, many years! I think I bought it at Pier One about 9 years ago. It’s comfy, but it’s so dark and gloomy, so I decided to give it a makeover. Here’s my … Read More
It has been almost a month since my last blog post! I had some updating to do to the inside (technical parts) of my website, and I think it is finally ready. Yay!! While this was going on, I was somewhat … Read More
This is Rosalee. She is the new chick in The Little Bluebird Gallery. I just painted her today and love her shabby chic looks! 🙂 She gave me a few problems like, that beak of hers! You will see in … Read More
I am super duper excited to share this new eCourse with you! Three Little Pumpkins is not just one project, but THREE painting projects in one course! You will learn to be loose and get a little messy with the palette … Read More
I am so excited to share this transformation with you! Here’s a video sharing the products that I used for this project! This is the little table I transformed before I began. I removed the drawers from the table. … Read More
The Little Camper I just finished creating a new Heart to Heart eCourse, and it is now ready for you! The Little Camper is a mixed media tutorial that includes over an hour of video instruction. The skill level required … Read More
We are a Goodwill shopping, thrift store browsing, craft store loving kind of family. We frequent our local thrifty stores, and this week I found these metal tv trays for $.99 each! (New project!!!!) I knew I already had supplies at … Read More
Sometimes you need to be brave and create something different and new. So today, I’m working on a flower girl. Just like me, she is still a work in progress!
Eeeekkk!!! I am soooo excited to announce this new addition to my website! I just completed my first eCourse and it is now available for purchase!!! 🙂 This is more than a time lapse video of me painting, y’all. … Read More
In a world reeling in chaos, fear, and what can appear to be hopelessness, we all could use some reminders of what is right, lovely, and good. These blessings are all around every one of us every day, but we … Read More
This month let’s create something to ride. Think…..Bikes, Cars, Skateboards, Boats, Trucks Remember, you don’t have to paint! You can crochet, finger paint, make a card, make string art, whatever! Just use transportation as your theme and have fun! … Read More
Quiet… I love the thought of it and the reality of it. I have always disliked noise. Big crowds make me feel nervous and drained. I do not like to be the center of attention. I prefer listening rather than … Read More
I am excited to announce that I have re-opened my shop on Zazzle.com and have lots of fun things loaded for you to choose from! Here are a few examples. You can see more by clicking on this link: … Read More
Okay y’all! I was off during the month of April but now it’s time to get back to creating and I hope you will join me! This month let’s try our hand at creating something about cows. Remember, you don’t … Read More
These happy sunflowers are a reminder to look on the bright side and acknowledge the blessings all around you every day! Living in the sunshine will change your outlook on everything. I don’t know about you, but I need to … Read More
I love peonies…well, I really love all flowers but peonies are one of my favorites. This new piece is inspired by a photo from the latest issue of Southern Living magazine that really jumped out at me as I browsed … Read More
I painted this for my daughter’s bedroom a while back. She asked for something feminine and floral but a little abstract. I had not tried anything quite like this before, and I have to say that I really, REALLY … Read More
It has been a while since I posted a creative challenge. I am excited to get things going again! This time we are going to do things differently, and I hope it will be easier for us all. Each … Read More
I’ve been working on a series of whimsical farm animals on linen canvases. They are all mixed media pieces, and I am still in the process of creating more of them. Right now I have several listed in my shop … Read More
It has been about a year, but this whole experience is just now sinking in…. I had not REALLY thought about it very much before today. I was too busy brainstorming, working, planning, and researching to think about the fact … Read More
Mixed Media Animal Art With Shabby Chic Flair I have been experimenting with art for several years now. Many of you have watched me as I have learned different techniques and enjoyed creating with mixed media, acrylic paint, watercolors, and … Read More
I spent an afternoon last week cleaning out and rearranging in our extra room. This room holds a lot of creative…um…stuff 🙂 and it gets pretty messy at times. It’s a room that my family shares and we spend … Read More
The new year is approaching and with it usually comes a desire for a fresh start. I usually start the year off with pen in hand, computer monitor glowing, and these words of wisdom from Winnie the Pooh…”Think, think, think…” I have … Read More
I can feel it coming! Can you? The whispers of fall are all around! I think autumn might be my favorite time of the whole year. There are so many things I love about the season. Things like: APPLE CIDER … Read More
I have had a long stretch of artist block due to…let’s see… stress, bills, family illnesses, housework, home schooling, spider infestations (don’t even ask!). It’s just all that adult stuff that builds up and makes you want to hide in … Read More
I’d like to introduce Josephine the Cow. She’s a new addition to my shop! Josephine was created with watercolors and a bit of acrylic paint. I chose the name Josephine after asking for suggestions for a name for this piece … Read More
Giving away this 4×4 original mixed media canvas art on July 8th to one winner. A random winner will be announced on July 8th here on my blog! Here’s a little video of this cutie being made by me 🙂 … Read More
This week we are highlighting the work of Georgia O’Keefe. Get ready for some beautiful, bellowing blooms and delicately drawn bones. Blooms and bones are her signature pieces. Here are some of our favorites… Here are some extras just … Read More
This week’s famous artist is: Vincent VanGogh Vincent vanGogh is one of my favorite artists. I love the colors and strong contrasts in his work. Here are some of our favorites by this artist: Here are a few fun links … Read More
This week’s Famous Artist Fridays artist is Grandma Moses. She didn’t begin painting until she was 76 years old. What an inspiration! Here are some of our favorites: Here’s a link for a short bio on Grandma Moses: LINK … Read More
I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that … Read More
As I have been preparing for ladies Bible class this week, I have found several interesting quotes and ideas about being busy. We are so very busy today with so many different things! I know my days are jam-packed with … Read More
I took a few photos as I painted this nest today in my sketchbook. I did it in about an hour and used palette knives and acrylics for this piece. Here we go……first….a blue sky A little yellow ochre and … Read More
It’s been a while since we had a Famous Artist Fridays post! We rotate subjects like this in our home school, and music has been taking up more of our time recently. However, today we took a look at the … Read More
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (Col 3:23)
My week of practicing human figures has progressed a little bit. I’m still mostly doing the same position, but this time I tried it with watercolors. I have to say this was much more of a challenge than the acrylics … Read More
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (1Peter 5:6) More work with the palette knife today. I’m thinking this may turn into a series of women kneeling in different scenes. … Read More
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (1John 2:28) I guess one good thing about being sick is all the painting … Read More
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and … Read More
Jessie Wilcox Smith This week’s famous artist was a children’s book illustrator who created the most precious pieces of art that I’ve ever seen. I love the way she captured the innocence of these sweet little children. For more about … Read More
Ansel Adams I love the black and white photos by Ansel Adams. We have studied his work before (see this post: Ansel Adams Artist Study) but wanted to revisit and choose some of our favorites. Here is a link to … Read More
Aged Effects I’ve been experimenting with watercolors and diluted acrylic paints this week. I love the aged effects I can get with watercolors. I’ve always enjoyed trying to make my pieces appear to be a bit antiquated or shabby, and … Read More
I’ve been having lots of fun with watercolors and pumpkins this week! I’m hoping to continue to have more fall items to come! Right now I’ve got these two originals available for purchase. Click on the photos to purchase … Read More
These are snippets of some of my most recent watercolor flower practice papers. I added a few of my favorite Bible verses and made these just for you! I hope you like them and enjoy sharing them on your favorite … Read More
For a long time, I’ve wanted to do some hand lettering. I decided to take some time to give it a try, and this was my first attempt. I just used an ink pen for this one, and I enjoyed … Read More
Georges Seurat Dot…Dot…Dot…Dot… that’s what makes a Seurat a Seurat! Pointillism is what he is best know for. Look at our favorites of his and check out all those little dots! Want to see more of his paintings? I’ve pinned … Read More
This week we are doing something totally different. I let the kids show me some of their favorite works of art that they had found on their own. They didn’t have to be created by a “famous” artist, but they … Read More
Henri Matisse This week we will take a look at some of the bright and bold art of Henri Matisse. Here are a few of our favorites! (Just fyi: careful when searching his work with the kiddos around. He did … Read More
This week’s famous artist is the children’s book illustrator, Eric Carle. I love his unique collage technique, his sweet children’s books, and he also reminds me of my Grandaddy Johnson 🙂 Art comes in so many different forms and I … Read More
“Nature study as a subject is one which should be approached with great reverence, for in dealing with birds, animals, flower and all other forms of natural life, we are perhaps, nearer to the Creator than in any other … Read More
This week we chose Claude Monet for our study. We’ve studied him before when the kids were younger and I think he’s their favorite artist by far. Here’s a post I pulled from the archives about our first meeting with … Read More
I have a confession to make…..I’m afraid of cows. I find it very ironic that my cow paintings are some of my most popular items since, in real life, cows scare me to death when I get up close and … Read More
