Markers and Stabilo 68 pens #2

January is almost finished and I got two paintings done with alcoholmarkers during this month. More than in December (no traditional artwork at all in this month) and less than in some months in 2025. 

But most important of all is that I actually enjoyed sitting down and spending time with making marks on the paper with my markers. This time I used real watercolor paper which allowed dissolving the stabilo pens far more easily than with the mixed media paper I had used before. It is called "Aquapad" and belong to the Clairfontaine line.

Markers and felt pens

After a month long break from painting with alcohol markers I decided to grab my markers again and continue with painting i an abstract style. I tried one new thing however: instead of shading with inktense pencils I used watersoluble felt pens to add some dimension to the shapes. I kept on using mixed media paper and noticed that I had to be very quick with my waterbrush to dissolve the marks of the felt pens (in the end I had the felt pen in one hand and the waterbrush in the other hand). 

Regarding the quality of the alcohol markers I have to admit that I am not that satisfied with the Einhorn Markers I bought at TEDI. One marker actually went dry almost on the spot. Yes, they were cheap. But I also use Decotime markers from ACTION. These are also very cheap, but up to now I had no problem whatsoever with them!
 

How to create AI versions of your Traditional Art

 Actually there are two ways of creating AI versions of your traditional art - with some AI Generators you can upload your scanned painting and then write a prompt like "create a digital painting using this image

There is however a second way to do it, by using imageprompt.org first. Go on this website and upload your painting, drawing, sketch or whatsoever. I uploaded the image on the left. It is a scan of a mixedmedia painting I did a long time ago. 

After having uploaded the image you can choose the AI Model you want to use the prompt with and then click on "Generate prompt".

The prompt I got was:

"An abstract acrylic painting of a stylized mask, centered in the frame. The mask features a symmetrical design with a cream-colored face, framed by vibrant red and pink elements.  Large, curved green horns adorned with yellow accents extend upwards from the top. Black almond-shaped eyes are set above a stylized nose. The lower face is green with a large red oval shape for the mouth.  Details include a small diamond shape on the forehead and the mouth, as well as red spots on the face.  The overall color palette is bold and contrasting, with greens, reds, yellows, and pinks dominating. The background is a mottled mix of dark brown and olive green, providing a textured backdrop. The painting style is flat and graphic, with thick brushstrokes, evoking a tribal or folk art aesthetic. The lighting is even, with no discernible shadows, highlighting the geometric forms."

Now you can copy the prompt and head over to your favorite AI Art Generator. I am using various AI platforms and in this case selected piclumen.com. You can see the result on the left. 

Of course you can always change the prompt, for example change the colors or the painting style.

Lionfish Puzzle

 The days are still short, and it is nice to sit inside and do a puzzle. Now this one here is really hard to do because of low number of colors - several shades of blue and a lot of red and white puzzle pieces! So if you are looking for a puzzle challenge or know someone who loves more complicated puzzles - this is the one for you!

Beautiful lionfish
by ullahennig