Search Results

Women Making Waves: Art, Surf, and Sisterhood A few weekends ago, I was invited to lead a creative workshop at the Women Making Waves Retreat , founded by the remarkable Nicole Miller Art . It was three full days of art, surf, sunshine, and uplifting energy. Sharing my love for painting in a space filled with creative, kind, and talented women was truly inspiring. Each participant brought her own style and story, every surfboard artist adding a unique kind of beauty to the weekend. For my workshop, we painted surfboard fins and transformed them into small works of art. Brushes moved, colors blended, and before long the space was alive with laughter, conversation, and creativity. Somewhere between the paint and the coastal breeze, strangers became friends. It is remarkable how naturally that happens when you combine art, good company, and salt air after a great dinner. Huge shoutout to Tomorrow’s Artist , Zibra Paintbrushes , and Ho Stevie  for donating supplies, you guys helped make the weekend so colorful in every sense. Left to right Jenny Krieger,   Sophia Buddenhagen , Luz Helena , Nicole Miller ,  Jess Oatman , Maggie Sudek ,  Alex Mason  & Alex Gray The next morning, we joined Southern Spears Surf Shop  at the beach, who generously provided longboards for everyone. Some of the women were surfing for the first time and totally stoked to catch thier first wave in Texas. The beach was filled with cheers, laughter, and high fives. When we were not catching waves, we collaborated on a surfboard together having fun and doodling with paint. There was more to the weekend than painting and surfing. There were so many great moments from dinner at Sugar and Rye , to live painting at the Texas Surf Museum , to a Q&A with Maria Brophy along with tons of helpful insight on the business side of our art careers, and improve our online presence. Every bit of it reflected the heart Nicole poured into this retreat. It was something special. By the end of the Women Making Waves Retreat , we all left with more than painted fins, surfboards and sandy hair. We carried home new friendships, renewed inspiration, and a deeper connection to creativity, community, and the Gulf Coast. Be sure to check out these lovely ladies work. Alex Mason https://artbyalexmason.com/ Alex Mason is a contemporary artist whose textured, vibrant paintings burst with bright florals and bold patterns, celebrating color, joy, and creative energy. Alexx Gra y https://alexxgrayart.com/pages/custom-boards Alexx Gray is a Florida-based artist known for her vibrant surfboard art, detailed mandalas, and ocean-inspired designs. Jess Oatman https://jessoatmanart.com/ Jess Oatman is an artist whose work captures the beauty and rhythm of nature, blending inspiration from mountains, waves, and desert landscapes. Jenny Krieger Jenny Krieger transforms worn-out surfboards into vibrant, one-of-a-kind art pieces that bring coastal charm to any space. Luz Helena https://www.imageryartworks.com/ Luz Helena Thompson is a Colombian-born Marine Corps veteran, expressive arts educator and mosaic muralist based on the Southern California coast whose work fuses healing, art and service through community engagement and creative transformation. Maggie Sudek Maggie Sudek is a Wilmington-based artist and muralist who brings color and creativity to every wall and canvas she touches. Nicole Miller https://www.artbynicolemiller.com/ Nicole Miller is a coastal-inspired artist and muralist whose love for the ocean shapes her vibrant, expressive works, blending her background in art education with a passion for creativity and connection. Sophia Buddenhagen https://www.sobudd.com/ Sophia Buddenhagen creates vibrant, expressive art infused with coastal energy, skate culture edge, and desert warmth, where color, motion, and memory collide in every piece. Left to right: Alex Mason , Luz Helena , Sophia Buddenhagen , Jess Oatman , Alex Gra y, Maggie Sudek , Nicole Miller Jenny Krieger

A contour is the line which defines a form, edge or outline. Contour drawing is the place where most beginning artists start. So basically a contour line drawing is an "outline drawing," that uses no shading. You are following the visible edges of a shape. A contour drawing is done when the artist looks intently at the EDGES of an object, but rarely looks at the paper while the pencil moves. The goal of a contour drawing is to make a line that is authentic and true to what you are actually seeing, and to train your hand to copy your eye's movement. Each contour drawing will be individual and unique. There are several different types of contour line drawings and I will show my favorite examples of each! BLIND CONTOUR This is one of my favorites by February James. 'Blind contour drawing' is when contour drawing is done without looking at the paper AT ALL. This helps train you to look more often at your subject than look at your paper. Staring down at your paper while drawing can be a hard habit to break~ Each drawing is one of a kind! Here are some by February James CONTINUOUS CONTOUR LINE "Continuous line contour drawing' is a contour drawing done without picking your pencil off of the paper. It is essentially done with one long line. Continuous line contour drawings can be done 100% "blind" or not. Here are some rad examples by Belgium Artist Kris Trappeniers MODIFIED CONTOUR LINE A "modified contour line drawing" allows you to look at your paper and pick up your pen, using multiple lines instead of one. Although not completely blind, the artist should only look at the paper 10% of the time, and at the object 90% of the time. The artist only looks at the paper to place their pencil when they start a new line. Contour drawings use no shading, but lighter and darker tonal areas can be "suggested" by varying line width and pressure. Darker, thicker lines can be used in shadow areas, and lighter, thinner lines in lighter areas. Examples from pinterest CROSS-CONTOUR Cross contour lines are drawn lines which travel, as the name suggests, across the form. Cross contours follow the form of the surface area- using curved lines over curving or spherical planes, straight lines across flat surfaces, etc. Cross contour drawing of a shell by Matt Louscher WHY DO CONTOUR DRAWING? So you can develop good hand-eye coordination which is KEY when learning to draw. With regular practice, contour drawing exercises will help train your hand to follow your eye's movements and develop the right brain (creative side!) muscles. This help it become more assertive and aware of the observable balance the left brain's tendency to standardize, generalize, and simplify everything, which creates stereotypical ways of seeing and drawing. HOW TO DO IT While you draw, look at the object 90% of the time (100% of the time if doing a BLIND contour). Look only at your paper when you are ready to make a new line on your paper and you are checking where to place it. Concentrate on practicing your hand-eye coordination instead of worrying about the look of your drawing. Go as slowly as a Sloth. Close one eye while you draw. Detail, detail, detail! Capture edges only, but capture as much information as you can! Capture every nook and cranny on paper. Each and every edge, crack, line, wrinkly, etc. that is possible to SEE. SOME HELPFUL VIDEOS I LIKE TO SHOW MY STUDENTS IF THEY WERE ABSENT DURING INSTRUCTION OR JUST NEED AN EXTRA BOOST TO GET STARTED. (One day I will record myself teaching...but until then...) Contour Drawing Blind Contour Drawing Cross Contour Drawing Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

When I am introducing color to my students my go to is the Design Seeds website. It is my absolute favorite site to find good color schemes! Click here to check it out! Once my students figure out what color scheme they want to use I have them look up the colors in my Color Mixing Recipe Books! Yes I have color RECIPE books and they are AWESOME!!!! This teaches students/artists how to mix colors and get out of the practice of using colors straight from the tube! Kids love this!!!!! The books by William F. Powell are my fave so far! You can find them on Amazon or shop at your local art supply store! Research by Sophia Buddenhagen Art, Helping Art Teachers Find Resources! #arteducation Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop  | Commission Your Vision  |  About Sophia

Do you know people that copy the work of other artists and call it their own? Unfortunately the answer is most likely a big yes. It is even worse when your own work has been plagiarized! In the classroom students like to copy clip art, characters, and various images. Sometimes they just think teachers are being mean by not letting them copy published works. It's good to get them in the mind set of being original and how to do research for art projects or just drawing from life. I will be writing another blog on Art Research and how to come up with original ideas. I created this Poster for classroom use only and it is not for sale. I have to say it has caught my students attention. I see them looking at and actually reading it. I used Craig Horky's awesome drawing with the two headed cat and yes I got his permission to use it for my poster. I challenge you to come up with your own anti plagiarist poster and make sure if you use anyone's art on it be sure to always give them credit on the actual poster. If you create a poster and would like to send it in, I would love to add it to this blog with a link to your page. I would also like to have a visual library for teachers to show their students examples of plagiarism in art with side by side visual examples. Email me and to include artists names and/or links to their work and add plagiarism into the title! Thank you so much! EXAMPLES OF PLAGIARISM Top: Copy Bottom: Original My sister Monica saw this drawing (top) on a wall in a Houston restaurant. She recognized it and realized it was a copy of her friend Estibaliz's work in Spain! Small world right! You can see more of Estibaliz Hernandez de Miguel's work here. #sharingiscaring #dontplagiarise #arteducation #highschoolart Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

Hi friends, I’m Sophia Buddenhagen, a Houston-based artist with a love for bold colors, layered textures, and art that feels alive with motion. My work is inspired by a life filled with adventure, surfing, skating, climbing, traveling and by the incredible cultures and landscapes I’ve been lucky enough to experience. I grew up in a Greek-American family and have lived in places like Egypt, West Africa, Europe, and the West Indies. Each of these places has left its mark on me, shaping the way I see the world and the way I create. When I paint, I pull from those memories and feelings, the movement of the ocean, the vibrancy of street markets, the rhythm of skate wheels on concrete, and translate them into vibrant, abstract works. Art for me isn’t just about decoration. It’s about energy, emotion, and connection. I want my paintings and prints to brighten your space, inspire your creativity, and bring joy into your everyday life. Over the years, my art has taken me on unexpected journeys, from being featured in major retailers like IKEA, Ashley Furniture, At Home, Living Spaces, and I.O. Metro, to working directly with at-risk teens and using creativity as a way to empower and heal. Most recently, I was featured on Houston Life TV in partnership with Society6, which was such an exciting moment. This blog will be a place where I share more of that journey with you: Stories behind my paintings Creative inspiration from surfing, skating, and nature Insights from my travels and global influences Updates on new originals , prints, and commissions Occasional peeks into my studio life (and the messy, colorful process that goes into each piece!) I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re a fellow artist, an art lover, or someone looking for a splash of color to brighten your home, I hope you’ll find something that speaks to you. Thank you for being part of this journey, let’s see where the waves and brushstrokes take us. With gratitude and color, Sophia Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

What are Thumbnail sketches? Thumbnail sketches are basically shorthand for artists. Quick drawings made with no corrections or details. Thumbnail Sketches or rough drafts are used to help visualize the look of a work of art, gather ideas and create an interesting composition. These are usually done quickly no bigger than a couple inches in any direction. Thumbnail sketches are NOT detailed drawings! Keep these things in mind when getting started on thumbnail sketching. Use thumbnail sketches to explore ideas Think about proportion and composition Make sure you work fast and don't invest too much time in each one Keep them simple, no details just shapes, values and forms Shop Sophia's Art! Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

CONTOUR DRAWING Objective: You will be able to draw a picture without looking at the paper. You will look at the object while you are drawing it. Materials Paper, Pencil, objects  Quick Practice to get the hang on contour drawing! 1. Fold paper into fours 2. In the first box draw a shoe. Any shoe that comes to mind. 3. In the second box look at the shoe you are wearing, look at all the details, then put it away and draw from memory. 4. In the third box you can take off your shoe and put it on the table and draw what you see. 5. Watch this video on contour drawing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu9sUWLfGng 6. In the final box you will use the contour drawing method and draw your shoe. This time just look at the shoe and use your hand and eye coordination to draw what your are actually seeing not what you think you see. 7. Now look at your progress ! If you didn't improve you are probably still drawing from your mind and not what you see. Another way to help you draw what you see is to practice Blind Contour Drawing. Once you are comfortable with really looking at what you see and feel you really have the hang of contour drawing it is time to move onto the Project! Mixed Media Contour Project! Supplies Drawing paper, pencil, blue ballpoint pen, watercolor paint Objective Draw what you see from life. Create a pattern and learn to mix and blend watercolors. 1. Do some practice contour drawings of your hand, once you get the swing of it try holding an object or add in your jewelry. 2. Once you get the comfortable do a large contour drawing on a sheet of white paper. Be sure to fill up the space and draw big! 3. When you are done be sure to trace over your lines with blue ball point pen. Make some lines thicker and leave some thin. This will show emphasis and make your drawing more interesting. Next step come up with a simple pattern for your background. Draw it in lightly with a pencil. Now the fun part! Do some water color pattern research, and maybe look up some water technique videos to get you acquainted with water color if you have never used them before. For the final piece we paint the background in watercolor then add a quote anywhere on the page! Be sure to put it in an interesting spot! Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

Successful Artwork has a Full Range of Value Artworks that exhibit a full range of value are generally successful. It doesn't matter the type of art you are creating. As long as there are dark values in harmony with light values, your artwork will most likely be aesthetically pleasing. A full range of value means that they are ample amounts of light values- called tints, and dark values- called shades. To be sure that you have a full range of value in your artwork you may create a value scale... Using a value scale, you can be sure that you create a full range of value. Many artists use a value scale as they work, identifying specific values and adding them in appropriate spots. Take this still life for example If we were to take out all the color, we would still see the hula girl, rope and fabric and recognize it as these items. In other words, we are just showing the values of the image... This illustrates how an artist would see the values and begin to draw with them. Another useful tool is called a value finder. A value finder allows an artist to find specific values on a photograph or drawing easily. You will be filling this one out so you can practice shading and have your own. Now that you have your shading and value down! Set up a still life with shoes, kitchen utensils, your favorite things....I set one up in my classroom with random things I had laying around. Turn off the class room lights and turn on the spot light to create dramatic lighting! You can move it around as you take your photos!  Snap about five to ten shots of the still life. Get close ups, it can be abstract, find an angle you love!!! Make sure you have good composition. Once you have taken your shots go into the editor and remove the color. Do any light adjustments at this time.   Here are some I took as examples for my students! Now it's time to draw! You can free hand it or use the grid drawing method! Research by Sophia Buddenhagen Art, Helping Art Teachers Find Resources! #arteducation Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia

Transform Your Stress into Art: A Guided Abstract Painting Workshop Stress is a natural part of life—something we all experience at one time or another. But how we cope with it can make all the difference. Rather than avoiding or ignoring it, learning to manage stress can significantly improve your overall well-being. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in a transformative abstract painting workshop where you’ll learn how to turn your stress into art. As an experienced artist and art educator, I’ve discovered the profound healing power of art in relieving stress and anxiety. In this workshop, I’ll guide you through the process of creating your own abstract piece, helping you use color, texture, and movement to express your emotions. No prior artistic experience is needed—just an open mind and a willingness to explore your creativity. Understanding Stress and How to Cope There are two types of stress: the stress we can control the stress we can't control The stress we have control over can often be resolved with time and effort. But when it’s beyond our control, the best we can do is cope. Coping means managing through difficult times instead of letting them overwhelm us. One of the most effective ways I’ve learned to cope is through art. Turning Stress into Art Let’s dive in. Grab a pencil and any surface you’d like to work on—whether it’s paper, wood, canvas, or something else. The first step is to release everything that’s bothering you. Write it all down—big or small, light or dark, let your thoughts flow freely. Sometimes, I scribble all over the surface, and other times, I leave it more open. This process helps me release anger, sadness, frustration, and any other emotions I might be holding onto. It’s a form of letting go. Here are some prompts to help you get started on processing your stress: How do you know when you’re feeling stressed? What triggered the stress? What feelings, actions, or words best describe your emotional state? What in your life feels most overwhelming right now? Once your surface is filled with words, scribbles, or whatever else comes to mind, you’re ready for the next step. Sometimes, I go over certain words to make them stand out even more. The Next Step: Layering with Paint Now, it’s time for the fun part—painting! I usually start with white paint because I love how it smudges the pencil marks, giving the piece a raw, textured feel. The paint mutes out the words, but sometimes I let a few stand out. It’s up to you how far you want to take this part of the process—whether you choose to cover everything or leave certain parts visible. Once the paint is applied, crank up some music and let go. This is your time to be creative! Pick any colors you feel drawn to and let them flow. You don’t need a plan—just let the paint guide you. You can build your piece over time, letting each layer dry before adding the next. I’ve worked on some paintings for months, each layer representing different emotions and stages of growth. You’re done when you feel like it. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this. The beauty of abstract art is that it’s personal and intuitive. And years down the line, when you look back at your painting, you’ll be reminded of that tough time you went through and how you overcame it. Why Painting Helps For me, these paintings are always a reminder that life has its peaks and valleys. When I’m in the midst of a challenge, painting helps me navigate through the tough times. It’s a beautiful process of transformation—turning stress into something meaningful and creative. So, join me in this workshop, and let’s explore how art can be a powerful tool for managing stress and unlocking your creativity. Want to take it to the next level and do a workshop with Sophia? Email us with Transforming Stress into Abstract Art in the subject line. Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  |  About Sophia

Journaling Through Grief: Healing After Pet Loss Through Art Grief is an unavoidable part of life. We all experience it in different ways, and no amount of preparation can truly soften the pain. It can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and deeply personal. As an artist, I’ve always turned to creativity to process emotions—but nothing prepared me for the loss of my best friend, my beloved dog Chalupa. Remembering Chalupa, My Constant Companion Chalupa wasn’t just a pet—she was my partner through life’s toughest moments. She stood by me while I adjusted to being an empty nester and comforted me through the loss of my father. She joined me on every adventure, from hiking trails and barking at the unknown to stretching beside me during morning yoga. She guarded the rope while we went rock climbing, explored beaches, mountains, and desert trails in Utah, perched high in Colorado, wandered through Marfa, and even sat as my best “art critic” in the studio. Her presence was woven into my daily rhythm, both in life and in art. The Heartbreak of Pet Loss In her final years, Chalupa’s health began to decline. We went to countless vets and specialists, tried every treatment we could, but no one could ever explain the cause of her recurring illnesses. Watching her body grow weaker was incredibly hard. She could no longer climb the stairs to my art studio, and even her usual excitement for walks slowly faded. I needed to find new ways for us to stay connected and let her still experience the world she loved. I bought a kayak. Out on the river, she would sit close beside me, alert to every movement in the water, her ears catching the breeze. For a little while, she could still explore and be part of an adventure. Those quiet moments on the water became some of our last shared joys—simple, real, and alive. Then, suddenly, she was gone. Chalupa passed at home, with me right there by her side. I thought I was prepared, but I wasn’t. The house felt unbearably quiet, and the studio that had once held her steady presence suddenly felt empty. That emptiness drew me back to my art. I started painting and sketching Chalupa from our time together—on the river, hiking, or resting in the studio. Each stroke became a way to process the loss and hold onto the life we shared. My art became more than a creative outlet; it became a way to navigate grief and keep her memory present in my life. Turning Grief Into Art (Journaling Through Grief) As an artist, my canvas has always been a reflection of my inner world. To cope with this loss, I began painting and sketching Chalupa from our adventures together. Each brushstroke became a way to hold on to her memory while releasing the heaviness in my heart. This practice—what I call “Journaling Through Grief” —transformed my mourning into a creative process. Instead of focusing on her absence, I found myself celebrating the joy, loyalty, and love she brought into my life. Creative Healing and Expression Grief cannot be rushed, but it can be expressed. Through art, I discovered a way to navigate pain and begin healing. My paintings of Chalupa are more than images; they are love letters, memory keepers, and reminders that even in loss, beauty can emerge. If you are experiencing grief, I encourage you to find your own outlet. Whether through journaling, painting, music, or another creative practice, give yourself permission to process your emotions in a way that feels true to you. Healing takes time, but creativity allows us to carry our memories forward. Through expression, we begin to find light in the darkness. Sophia Buddenhagen – Houston Artist Abstract • Surf • Western • Coastal • Positive Vibes Shop | Commission Your Vision  | About Sophia