It’s here! Today I uploaded my first video to my new YouTube channel, and I’m so excited to share more painting tutorials and videos in this new space. With Spring around the corner, I wanted to create and share a fun tutorial for you of a cute little Easter bunny to get things started. This beginner-friendly watercolor painting is easy to follow, and I provide a list of the supplies I used in the video description (also shared here, below). You could paint and frame this for yourself or as a gift for Easter, or paint a few (or have the kids paint a few!) to send as cards for Easter or Spring.

Some tips & ideas for painting this project:

• Be sure to let the paint dry on the bunny’s face before adding details like eyes, nose, and whiskers. If your paint is still wet, your paint will “bleed” and blend into the other colors. You could also use a pen or marker to draw on features once paint is dry!

• Try different colors! Make this project your own by painting the bunny a different color, why not try pink, or blue, or purple? Have fun with it!

• I painted simple leaves in the background while I let the bunny dry, but you could paint more flowers, or polka dots, or stripes, or easter eggs!

• This painting includes simple shapes, so start with a circle for the bunny’s head, and then add ovals to create the ears. Keeping it simple allows you to add more details as you wish!

• Quality paper makes a big difference when painting wet-on-wet (as we do with the bunny). I linked below to the paper I used for this project, but you can also use a more affordable option, such as Canson, just know that different weights and types of paper are able to hold different amounts of water, which can change how your painting will look. Same goes for the quality of paint used. I had these paints on hand, but you could also try other brands and qualities. I also use and can recommend this travel set & this set for beginners, and this set for enthusiasts.

Supplies:

• Paper: Arches Cold Press 100% Cotton - 300g

• Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolours:

  • Burnt Umber

  • Mars Black

  • Yellow Ochre

  • Opera Rose

  • Cobalt Blue

  • Permanent Sap Green

• Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour Tube Set

• Princeton Heritage brush, size 4

• Princeton Heritage brush, size 6

• Princeton Heritage brush, size 8

• Artist’s tape

It would be such a big help as I get started with this new video project if you could “like” the video and subscribe to my new channel. Thank you!

Have fun, and happy creating!

Simple spring bunny watercolor illustration tutorial for beginners. Paint your own cards for Easter or Spring with this easy watercolor tutorial. *Painting S...

Framing resources linked in this post. Please note that affiliate links are used in this blog, thank you for your support!

Framing Suggestions, Favorites, & Resources

There’s something magical that happens when you find the perfect frame for your artwork. Not only does it “finish” the piece and elevate the artwork, but it also protects your treasured art for years to come. Framing can be overwhelming, which is why I put together this free guide on How to Frame Your Art. Make sure you download and save this valuable resource! To further help with the framing process, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite frames and framing services in this post. I always encourage you to visit your local frame shop as well, as they’ll be able to help you create or find the perfect frames for your new collection of art.

The first thing you’ll need, of course, is artwork! Find your favorite original painting or art print here, and while I’m packaging it up for you, browse some of my favorite frames and framing resources below. Let’s add some beauty and personality to your space!

Resources & Links:

• Simple black wood frames with a white mat can help draw the eye to your artwork and have a classic style that doesn’t distract from the art itself.

• If you want to showcase the full piece of art, these floating wood gallery frames allow you to do just that. Some of my original paintings are painted on cotton paper with deckled edges, which are a beautiful authentic feature you could showcase in this style of frame. Take note that whatever is behind these frames will show through, so simple walls and backgrounds work best!

• Tiny frames: Michaels offers a variety of frames perfectly sized for my petite paintings! These simple frames come with a precut mat to fit my 2”x3” paintings. As I mention in my framing guide, I also recommend finding a larger frame and having a mat custom cut to fit your tiny art. This will give your petite painting a big impact! Your local frame store can help you with create a custom-cut mat for your artwork and frame size.

• Modern clear acrylic frames can also help you showcase the full piece of art while adding a touch of modern elegance to your home.

• If you’ve read my framing guide, you’ll also know that I love online framing services like Simply Framed. You simply send in your artwork and they’ll create a beautifully custom framed piece and ship it back to you ready to display. You can use this link to get 15% off your first order!

• These wood gallery single opening frames are my favorite, as they are simple yet elegant, and come with a wide mat that can help make even the smallest of artwork stand out in your space. They also come in a few different styles, and are a great option if you’re looking to build up a gallery wall collection.

• Here’s another option for petite paintings! This distressed style frame would be lovely with a more rustic or farmhouse style decor, especially for a more muted or simplified piece of art. View more mini frames here.

• As a general recommendation, Pottery Barn offers beautiful, elegant frames that are easy to coordinate and are made of natural materials. Restoration Hardware is another favorite.

• If you’re looking for something unique, Anthropologie often carries beautifully crafted frames in a variety of styles.

• You can also try places like Target, Ikea, or Hobby Lobby for ready-to-display affordable frames. And as I mention in the guide, you can also find frames at resale shops, antique stores, and estate sales! Just be sure you’re using archival grade materials (more on this in the guide) to help protect your artwork.

Your favorite art, photos, and memories deserve to be on display! If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a stack (or a giant pile!) of items waiting to be framed, or you’ve got an overflowing camera roll full of gorgeous memories just waiting for their place of honor. Whether you’re looking to frame your new art from Chelsea Bromley Studio or other treasured pieces, this guide is for you!

It’s time to add some personality to your walls and make your home your home. I created this free Framing Your Art booklet for you to help take the guesswork out of framing. With helpful tips, a step-by-step framing demo, and resource links throughout, this guide is the perfect place to get started.

Five Favorite Studio Essentials

1. Quality Pens & Pencils
   Whether I’m sketching out ideas for painting, adding line work, signing prints, or just jotting down ideas, having quality pens & pencils easily accessible in the studio is absolutely essential. These pens and pencils are different from my everyday writing tools (these are my favorite), as they have to serve multiple purposes throughout the day. Currently I use this set of pencils, which come in a variety of grades. For pens, like many creatives, I prefer Micron pens because they are archival, fade proof, and waterproof (perfect for watercolor sketches!).

2. Watercolor Paper
   I use watercolor paper for a variety of projects. Of course it’s great for painting with watercolor, but I also use it for practicing and experimenting with acrylic paints. For beginners, or for working through ideas, Canson watercolor paper is great because it works well and is relatively inexpensive. If I’m working on a painting for a collection, I often use this watercolor paper or this paper for both watercolor and acrylic paintings.

3. Glass Palette
   Say goodbye to those disposable paper palettes—glass palettes are a game changer! The great thing is that you don’t need to purchase a glass palette specifically (although I admit I did because I wanted a white glass one). You can DIY your own palette with a strong piece of glass on a sturdy board backing, just be careful with those edges! I like this glass palette and clean it with a razor blade scraper.

4. Spray Bottle
   An ultra fine mist water spray bottle is another studio essential. I use this to keep my acrylic paints wet while painting by lightly misting the palette, and I also use this to create different effects with watercolor. It also works great to clean your glass palette—simply mist your entire palette and then use your scraper to easily clean away dried paint. Plus, the fine mist is also great for refreshing the plants in my studio!

5. Synthetic Brushes
   I use a variety of brushes when I’m painting but over the years have a few favorites that never let me down. For watercolor painting, a size 6 or 8 round brush is my go-to brush for its versatility and ability to hold water. For acrylic painting, I love having a variety of flat and filbert brushes. This set offers round & flat brushes, a perfect starting place!

   Note: This blog uses affiliate links. Thank you for your support!