Welcome to Critter Country!
I'm excited to share techniques I've developed over the last several years that have been instrumental in my journey of creating quirky and whimsical critters. This four lesson class begins with loose drawing and finishes by putting all the lessons together to create final works of art. If you'd like to get loose, have some fun and play, while bringing unique critters to life, this is the class for you. We highly encourage using photos of your own critters for inspiration. You can explore creating many different kinds of animals. As a matter of fact, these techniques can be applied to your favorite topics and in a variety of mediums. Artists of all levels of experience are welcome. Please note: The Facebook Group is no longer available. Instructor: Jennifer Steck Open: All lessons are available so you can work at your own pace Content: Four lessons with techniques that build on each other Videos: Downloadable videos with over 2 hours of instruction-
What I love about this class is we don't know what critters will develop from abstracted backgrounds and loose play. We'll be working our way through several projects that highlight different techniques I use in many of my paintings. Your creations will be much different than mine. My hope is always that you'll find several nuggets in class that move you to another level in your creative journey. Not only will we develop critters who don't exist in real life, we can also gain inspiration from our furry family members. Join me in this fun and relaxed class where perfection is not required, or even desired. We are here to have fun and enjoy our time creating new works of art.Critterfied is a class where we play through loose and fun techniques bringing quirky critters to life. The class includes pre-recorded videos that are available at your convenience as soon as you register. Please note: The FB Group is no longer active.Lesson 1: Background Magic
- Creating abstract backgrounds
- Finding critters and characters in the paint
- Bringing them to life
Lesson 2: Stretching the Truth
- Sketch play
- Critterfying your critters
- A treasured gift
Lesson 3: Bits and Pieces
- Focusing on the details
- Body pieces and parts
- Constructing unique and fabulous critters
Lesson 4: Telling the story
- Building the set
- Adding the characters
- The final act
Supplies:
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden high flow and fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks White gesso Matte medium Stabilo Marks all Pencil in black and white or other water soluble pencils 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper Water bottle Spray fixative Pencil Eraser Black ink Nib pen with a 512 tip
Instructor: Jennifer Steck Content: Four lessons that will follow four projects from start to finish Videos: Downloadable videos with over 9 hours of instruction For artists of all levels
I can't wait to see you in class!
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Perfection is not required, or even desired. It's a fun way to play and explore.Patchwork Pets is a mini-class containing one project in three parts. It was previously offered as part of Make, Create, Express 2019 and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you. Mini-classes are perfect when you don't have a lot of time to play, but want to learn a new technique that you can translate into your own practice. What I love about this class is that students can personalize their creations to include favorite patterns or even their own fabulous furry loved ones.Lesson includes:
- Three parts
- 90+ minutes of video instruction
- Downloadable videos
- Inclusion in Jennifer Steck Arts FB Community where you can ask questions and share your latest creations
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper Pen Pencil Eraser Black ink Nib pen with a 512 tip
I can't wait to see you in class!
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Perfection is not required, or even desired. It's a fun way to play and explore.Angels in Fur is a mini-class containing one project in five parts. It was previously offered as part of Paint Your Heart and Soul 2021 and I'm thrilled to share it with all of you. Mini-classes are perfect when you don't have a lot of time to play, but want to learn a new technique that you can translate into your own practice. This class includes building your own accordion journal, along with how to develop characters from abstract painting techniques. Students not wanting to create a journal can still play, although these journals are fabulous for sharing thoughts or even to give as unique handmade gifts.Lesson includes:
- Five parts
- 130+ minutes of video instruction
- Downloadable videos
- Inclusion in Jennifer Steck Arts FB Community where you can ask questions and share your latest creations
As always, please use what you have. Some of the most amazing magic happens when we are creative in the way we make things work.
Acrylic paints in a variety of your favorite colors (I use Golden fluid acrylics) Acrylic inks (I use Daler Rowney FW inks) Stabilio marks all pencil (black) 140# Watercolor or Mixed media paper 18" x 24" Misc paper cut to 9" x 6" for signatures inside journal Various mark making tools (colored pencils, pens, etc) Bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, wax covered binding thread, tapestry needle) Ribbon to tie journal Workable Fixative spray to set water soluble media Spray bottle Ruler Tape
I can't wait to see you in class!
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Lessons one through six of Jennifer's popular Lessons From Dogs series are now wearable art! Celebrate the furry critters who love us more than we deserve and teach us amazing things we need to know. We are better people because of them. Percentage of net proceeds will be donated to a variety of charities, with A Place to Bark the rescue for May-June 2021. Please allow two weeks for production and shipping. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed Enrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic Heather is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • 32 singles • Retail fit • Crew neck • Cover-stitched collar • 2'' ribbed cuffs • Side-seamed Please contact me for international shipping rates.
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Lessons one through six of Jennifer's popular Lessons From Dogs series are now wearable art! Celebrate the furry critters who love us more than we deserve and teach us amazing things we need to know. We are better people because of them. Forty percent of net proceeds will be donated to A Place to Bark from now until the end of June, 2021. Please allow two weeks for production and shipping. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester • Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Side-seamed Please contact me for international shipping rates.
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Dog-versity, the painting that celebrates the beauty found in the differences, is now a t-shirt!
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
Dog-versity, a painting that celebrates the beauty found in differences, is now available as a t-shirt!
This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
Hello It's Me is a perfect fit as wearable art. I'm so excited to include this offering on my site. 40% of net proceeds will be donated to animal rescue organizations. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
I'm excited to add the Hello It's Me design as wearable art. I love this painting and is certain to be a fabulous conversation starter. 40% of net proceeds will be donated to animal rescue organizations. This t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for both men and women.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping -
14.5" x 6" x 9.5" Found objects, Apoxie Sculpt, beads, wire and other various items My son texted me with breaking news out of Tennessee: an escaped zebra was on the loose. What followed was a modern-day treasure hunt—complete with memes, laughter, and a little awe. Ed the zebra had bolted from his new home and went gallivanting through the countryside, popping up in neighborhoods and even trotting along highways near Franklin, Tennessee. Imagine the surprise (and delight) of folks spotting this unexpected, and delightful creature in their own backyard. After about a week on the run, Ed’s grand adventure came to a dramatic end—scooped up in netting and airlifted by helicopter. He literally ended his escapade on a high note. And I thought to myself: How could I not sculpt this fabulous adventurer? So here he is—Ed the Zebra. With his dangling legs, wild mohawk mane, and an eye on mischief, he’s already plotting his next great escape. There's even a little space for you to add a few zebra inspired treasures! -
7" x 6" x 12" Recycled objects, wire, dowels, Apoxie Sculpt Ballsy is a one-of-a-kind sculpture inspired by the ultimate ball-loving dog.This sculpture is a tribute to every ball-obsessed pup out there. Crafted from a quirky mix of recycled materials—including a metal chicken roasting stand, letter holder, plastic beads, a hand-mixer gear, and assorted odds and ends—Ballsy is bursting with personality.
While he’s definitely not a toy, he’s got some playful features built in: the plastic “balls” (beads) in his belly roll right up into his muzzle, and his tail is designed to spin. Ballsy captures the joyful chaos of a true ball dog.
Celebrate the fetch-loving canine in your family by adding this fun sculpture to your collection.
