Instructor Spotlight: Mary Beth Shaw

Instructor Mary Beth Shaw

Instructor Spotlight: Mary Beth Shaw

By
Sketchbook Skool
3 mins read

We are on the brink of a brand new course and are shining the spotlight on our new instructors in Mixed Media Journaling! This week, we go to St. Louis, MO and meet Mary Beth Shaw.

Mary Beth Shaw

**Q: Mary Beth, tell us about your creative journey. How did it start?**

**A:** My creative journey started in 2000 which is the year I quit my so-called day job to explore my options. I originally planned on writing however I found myself more attracted to visual expressions, specifically collage and then mixed media painting. I took a lot of classes and was nearly frenetic with my quest to learn as much as possible.

Mary Beth Shaw sketch work

**Q: What are your favorite art supplies you’re using right now?**

**A:** Lately I have been revisiting my collage roots. I especially love found and vintage ephemera in addition to my own painted papers. I’ve been using napkins in my art again and also tissue paper.

Mary Beth Shaw Art stuffs

**Q: Where do you create your art?**

**A:** I have two places where I make art, either my studio, which is outside our home, or at my journal space, a corner of our living room. It’s an abbreviated version of my full studio where I can hang out adjacent to my husband and also work on my journals.

**Q: Who is one other artist that inspires or influences you?**

**A:** I have long been inspired by the late Dan Eldon.

Mary Beth Shaw Art design

**Q: Can you tell us about one of your current projects?**

**A:** I have recently started a new series of collage pieces that include vintage components along with my own painted material and mark making.

Mary Beth Shaw sketch design

**Q: What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is just starting out with their creative habit?**

**A:** Listen to a podcast, audiobook, or music while you work. Whatever you can do to move your brain out of the way will help release your creativity!

For more of Mary Beth’s art, visit her website: https://www.mbshaw.com/.

Want a course sneak peek? Mary Beth and our co-founder, Danny, sat down for a behind-the-scenes preview of Mixed Media Journaling. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/2itmKijD1tM.

When you enroll, you’ll have the chance to win Mary Beth Shaw’s custom Stencil Girl Products: stencilgirlproducts.com.

Join Mary Beth in Mixed Media Journaling, launching November 11th! https://sketchbookskool.com/courses/mixed-media-journaling

3 mins

Stay up to date with the latest news from Sketchbook Skool!

Did you enjoy this blog post?  
It helps us a lot if you share it!
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email

Watercolor Magic!

by David Pyle Art-making stuff Finding joy vs. being ‘good’ (whatever that is) I know this sounds trite, but it really IS all about the process. In my 40 years of active painting, I’ve gradually come to understand that the real joy comes when I’m fully ‘in the moment,’ working outside of anything that feels

Read More »
creative habits

How to Start

I could start with a humorous anecdote, maybe something self-deprecating —I’ve been doing a fair amount of that sort of self-flagellation lately. Maybe about the time I fell asleep in the library in college and was so embarrassed when I was awoken by another student that….

Read More »

Everyday Matters – Profile of Catherine Youngren

Welcome to a new series from Sketchbook Skool about what making art means in our lives, as told by members of our Spark community.  “Making art gives me balance.” When life became turbulent, Catherine Youngren found stability in her sketchbooks. Art by Catherine Youngren I just retired from my work as a commercial interior designer

Read More »
"Sketchbook Skool opened my eyes to a daily habit. The community of artists that it has brought together is a wellspring of creative energy that I can’t help but want to be a part of."
"It has been a fun ride and I discovered that there is so much to explore and take part in…having the recordings and being able to start with the first one in a class and work my way through at my pace has been great. It is a very welcoming community and there is so much inspiration being passed around and encouragement!"
"I love art, I love people, I love art supplies and challenges and classes.... so I love Spark, for the learning, the opportunities to be a part of something even for an hour, and to have people who understand how exciting fountain pens are! "
"It’s been a window into a richer life for me and I’m hooked …I can also see my art improving, and so can my husband. Even though I can’t make the live events, I’ve been so impressed that the teachers still give me their time with personal feedback on work that I post."
"I've just spent time a few writing pages about why I love making art - and about what I would like to do more of. I think it's the first time I've ever articulated those thoughts and feelings on paper. Really helpful.”
“I am absolutely loving this course so far! I did get through the section quickly, and the last video was like a cliff hanger- I wanted to jump in to more. But, then I stepped back and realized I needed to put everything into action!”
“Working through this course I found the concepts to be applicable in areas of my life that extend beyond art.”
“I have too many projects I want to start, and consequently, I have not started any because I don't know how to start or which one to choose. Images of the finished projects fly around in my brain, but I can't seem to choose one and bring it to life. This course has given me a step-by-step process to choose a project and make specific plans on how to start, how to fit it into my daily life and my calendar, how to keep myself on track, and how to hold myself accountable."
"I know I've heard this before and I can't explain what happened but I was so overjoyed to make this breakthrough that I was almost tearing up!"
"I’ve been struggling with taking my art to the next level, with so many interests I’d get overwhelmed and ultimately lose my way. I’ve now homed in with a clear intention."
"The concept of "being" really came to life that day. When i let go the notion of results, I finally could just enjoy being lost just watching ink flow -- one line, one inch, one curve, thick to thin, thin to thick. It's an experience you can never forget."
"The community of SPARK in Sketchbook Skool has been so energizing! I have done more art since I joined than in the previous 10 years, for sure. And of course, my abilities have improved (my opinion)"
"Being in a community of folks with similar interests in paper, paints, and color has been amazing. I make more art than I ever did on my own, especially in Spark. So many ideas and so much fun!"
Previous
Next
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Pinterest-p Youtube
© Copyright 2013-2024 Sketchbook Skool, LLC. | All Rights Reserved. | Terms | info@sketchbookskool.com