Sample Projects
Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
Hey! My name is Sara Funduk and I live in Canada with my husband, 3-year-old son and our 2 grumpy old cats. I’m an art supply hoarder, I use all the colors when I paint and I’m completely obsessed with patterns. I’ve been making art since I was old enough to hold a crayon and I love nothing more than to crack open a fresh sketchbook. I like to teach art with an emphasis on experimentation and making mistakes, and you’ll see that a lot in my book. Many of the exercises are focused on letting go and seeing where the paint takes you.
Tell us a bit about the book?
The book has 100 plays, prompts and projects to help you get into watercolor. The “plays” will introduce you to a certain technique or idea. The “prompts” will help you use what you just learned to fill a page. And the “projects” are where you’ll combine your skills and add in your own creativity to make something bigger. It’s a really approachable book for beginners but I think it will also be helpful for more experienced artists/crafters who want to stretch themselves with some fun, creative exercises.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I really think art is for everyone. It can be a way to relax, to reflect and exercise your creativity. No matter what is going on in your life, making something just feels good. So I wrote this book to help people add some creativity to their lives and see that art can be incredibly rewarding.
Which is your favourite project?
I love the project where you create a repeating pattern, because patterns are my absolute favorite thing to paint. You can go in with no plan whatsoever and just start filling the page. It’s such a fun way to create! But once you know how a repeating pattern works, you WILL be hooked. I promise!
What is your craft space like?
Having my own space is really important to me so I create in a spare bedroom of my house. I have a 3 year old, so being able to shut the door and have some quiet time is key! The walls are filled with my own artwork and the work of other artists I admire. I paint at my pink desk and have a cozy chair in the corner to curl up on.
Have you always been creative?
Art has always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve gone through phases where I’ve spent less time creating but my art supplies always call me back.
When did you first start crafting?
I can’t remember a time where I wasn’t making something! But I think the project that really started me on a creative career path was when I made custom wedding invitations. I started by just selling to my friends and people I knew, but quickly opened an Etsy shop, which was a brand new website at the time! I loved my wedding invites, but it soon became more about the printing and shipping and less about the creative process. That’s when I transitioned to acrylic and watercolor.
Who are your crafty heroes?
I love Lisa Congdon because she started her art career fairly late in life. I think because of that she has a unique style and perspective. Her voice shines through so strongly in everything she makes. I just finished reading her most recent book “Find Your Artistic Voice” and it was very inspiring.
Where do you find inspiration?
My favorite things to paint are leaves and flowers, so I get a lot of my inspiration from nature. I like to walk in the forest behind my house to gather leaves and take photos. But I’m also the kind of person who can’t wait for inspiration to strike. My best work comes when I almost force it out. I have to just sit myself down and put brush to paper even when I don’t feel like it!
I also love the YouTube channel called Chloe Rose Art. She has such fun with her art and is always willing to try something new even if that means making a mess.
What's next for you?
I would love to write another book someday! But for now I’m just trying to make art a part of my daily life. I tend to work in bursts but this year I’d like to focus on consistency and practicing daily. I’m always looking for new ways to take my art on the go or fit in a quick painting session.
Publisher's Description
Painting makes people happy! Learn to use watercolour in a relaxing and joyful way, and you will feel it too. This book is packed full of 100 ideas, exercises and projects to help you experiment with watercolour paint: make mistakes, have fun, and surprise yourself with this fun and meditative medium. Even if you ve never picked up a paintbrush in your life, this book will help you get over the fear of the blank page and experience the pure joy of creating. And if you re more experienced, you ll be inspired to use your watercolour skills in new and exciting ways. Sara Funduk will guide you every step of the way, from choosing your supplies and making those first few brush strokes all the way to completing beautiful watercolour projects you can be proud of.
