Pattern Pulp

The Paintbrush Playbook




1ThePaintbrushPlaybook

I’ve been a huge fan of Ana Montiel’s work for a long time. Her brush strokes have a unique sensibility to them. They’re both beautiful and influential and have interestingly defined periods in fashion illustration over the past decade.

2ThePaintbrushPlaybook

Montiel’s latest project is one for artists, as opposed to her typical reel of brands and commissions. She’s created an incredible resource in her latest book debut, The Paintbrush Playbook: 44 Exercises for Swooshing, Dancing, and Making Dazzling Art with Your Brush.

Inside, you’ll find warm-up exercises and guides to experimenting with new brush techniques. The pages are uncoated, and encourage the reader to experiment on the page. Here are layouts that especially resonated: a step-by-step lesson on how to make an all over pattern and an exercise devoted to  negative space. Click here for more info and to buy.

 

July 13, 2015 | By: Shayna Kulik

Resource & Swatch Inspiration




If you’re in the New York area experiencing this dreary afternoon, you might find a little joy perusing the Design Center at Philadelphia University’s tumblr.

I stumbled upon it thanks to Ana Montiel’s gorgeous blog, and found myself digging deep, wading through swatch after swatch. The above pattern is brilliantly simple- it merges pointillism and geometric sewing textures.

The blog houses 200,000+ objects related to textiles and fashion, ranging from plaids and conversationals to animated gifs and embroideries.

The scans are pretty interesting, as you can see the pencil marks, stains and cataloging system that’s been implemented over time…at least prior to the internet.

Have a look and let us know which ones you love.

 

October 2, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Give & Get with Ana Montiel




Like many artists, bloggers and students, I’ve followed Ana Montiel‘s career for a while. Her hand is uniquely delicate and she transitions from watercolor to computer generated patterns with incredible ease. When we first met in London, it was a delight to discover the artist behind the visual wonderment was as warm and patient (I was 40 mins late!) as ever. Her self discipline and pace of production is as remarkable as her creations. Unsurprisingly, she chose experiences to give and get- have a look!

What Montiel Would Love to Give (My Soulmate): A trip together to Brazil! Rio, Ilha Grande, Brasilia, little villages… so many wonderful places to visit.

What Montiel Would Love to Get (From My Soulmate): Vacations for the both of us on an Ayureda/Yoga retreat in Kerala (India).

The best present for both of us is spending time together. We enjoy plenty of quality time here in London but can’t help dreaming about travelling to remote places nevertheless!

 

February 13, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Ana Montiel




Ana Montiel is quite the talent and a verifiable Pattern Pulp favorite. Her love of art and pattern has been a part of her world since her childhood, where she drew patterns and textures on any and every surface. After attending an art-based high school and college, Montiel settled into work as an art director.

In 2008, she created the pop-up design studio Alan The Gallant and Pattern Tales, a neo-ornamental brand of goods. Her patterns swept the web, catching eyes and impressing many. Since then, she’s been focusing on a solo career as “some sort of artist/designer hybrid,” and creating her own stunning pattern work in addition to some exciting commercial collaborations. It’s her keen eye for the colors, textures and patterns inherent in nature and life that make her style so abundantly unique, engaging and elegant. Browsing through her colorful portfolio is nothing short of inspiring and we loved getting to know her a little better in this charming video autobiography.

January 12, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Visual Mantras by Ana Montiel




I’ve long been a fan of Ana Montiel’s amazing artwork and her keen eye for color, texture and pattern. Her style is unique, engaging and elegant and it’s exciting to share a tangible takeaway with all of you.

http://vimeo.com/15398238

The Visual Mantras Project is a work in progress in which Ana focuses on cycles and repetition. In her repetitive compositions, she meditatively studies the cycles in life, in nature, in relations, in everything and everywhere. The book is a limited edition, with each containing a surprise watercolor drawing enclosed as a bonus. Snap one up for yourself or someone in your life – it’s sure to be a treasured piece.

I’ll leave you with an adorable photo I snapped of Ana while I was last in London. She’s a true talent to the core and as lovely as you can imagine.

 

December 1, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Tracking Repetitive + Awesome.
On Instagram.