#acrylic paint brush set

[ayushpaper]

Guiding Your Brush: Tips for Successful Painting on Black Canvas

When delving into the realm of black canvas painting, artists embark on a distinctive journey encompassing both challenges and rewards. The act of painting on black canvas introduces a departure from the conventional white or light-colored surfaces, inviting the exploration of contrasting colors and the creation of strikingly dramatic effects. Just as a seasoned artist meticulously curates their array of tools, the selection of canvas emerges as a pivotal determinant in the composition’s ultimate brilliance. This is precisely where Ayush Paper, acclaimed for its unwavering commitment to excellence and the fulfillment of artists’ requisites, takes center stage. Within this context, the significance of the right canvas, including their specially tailored acrylic painting canvas, becomes indisputable in elevating the zenith of your creative ventures.

Though it may initially appear formidable, the act of painting on a black canvas holds the potential to yield truly enchanting creations when approached with adept techniques and the appropriate mindset. Throughout the course of this article, we shall delve deep into the enchanting domain of black canvas painting, offering a wealth of invaluable tips curated to ensure your artistic accomplishments flourish. Here’s some insight from Ayush Paper.

Understanding the Allure of Black Canvas Painting

Before delving into the intricacies of painting on black canvas, let’s pause to bask in the captivating charm and enchantment it lends to your creative journey. A black canvas emerges as an enigmatic backdrop, amplifying the brilliance of hues set upon it. The profound juxtaposition between dynamic pigments and the profound obsidian surface has the power to evoke a dramatic depth of emotion that remains unmatched. From the portrayal of otherworldly galaxies to the depiction of vibrant urban nocturnes, a black canvas becomes the gateway to an infinite realm of creative prospects.

Selecting the Right Materials

Embarking upon the journey of black canvas painting underscores the vital significance of meticulously choosing the appropriate materials. Your selection of materials becomes an integral partner in transforming your artistic vision into tangible reality. Opting for top-tier paints and brushes becomes your guiding light in this endeavor. Acrylic paints, with their rapid drying properties and vivid chromatic rendition, stand out as an exceptional choice. Furthermore, their affinity for adhering seamlessly to the black canvas empowers you to delve into a myriad of innovative layering techniques. Ensuring a well-rounded toolkit, it’s advisable to invest in a diverse array of brushes tailored to your unique style, spanning from bold and sweeping strokes to intricate and delicate detailing.

Priming the Black Canvas

Establishing a strong foothold for your artwork, priming the black canvas emerges as a pivotal undertaking. This step paves the way for the creative journey that follows. By applying a coat of gesso or a white acrylic paint, you establish a foundational layer that accentuates the vibrant presence of colors. Beyond this, the act of priming bolsters the bond between the canvas and the paint, serving as an assurance of your masterpiece’s enduring vitality. Executing this phase calls for the application of smooth and uniform brushstrokes to ensure an impeccable surface. To optimize results, grant the primer ample time to thoroughly dry before embarking on your painting voyage.

Harnessing the Power of Contrast

The secret to creating captivating black canvas paintings lies in how you use differences to your advantage. These differences, called contrast, involve the mix of bright and dark areas in your artwork. On a black canvas, colors really pop, creating an exciting blend of shadows and bright spots. Try mixing colors that are opposites on the color wheel – like vivid yellows and oranges against the black – to make eye-catching scenes that grab people’s attention.

Playing with Light and Shadows

Shadows take on a new dimension when painting on a black canvas. They become more pronounced and dramatic, contributing to the overall depth of your artwork. When adding shadows, consider the direction of your light source and the way it interacts with the subjects in your painting. By strategically placing highlights and shadows, you can achieve a three-dimensional effect that brings your artwork to life.

Embracing the Ethereal

Painting on a black canvas lets you dive into the imaginative and magical parts of your creativity. Picture a dark sky sparkling with stars or a mysterious forest covered in shadows. The black backdrop can help your art blend perfectly with what you’re creating. This technique can add a dreamy and unreal feeling to your artwork, catching people’s interest and encouraging them to discover the wonders of your imagination.

Incorporating Texture for Depth

Adding texture gives your artwork an interesting touch that you can feel. When using a black canvas, textures become even more noticeable, catching the light in fascinating manners. Try out techniques like impasto or using palette knives, and you can even get creative with different materials to create raised areas that make shadows and highlights pop. The mix of textures against the black backdrop can make your artwork visually exciting and engaging.

The Magic of Metallics

Imagine metallic paints as precious treasures on a black canvas. These paints have a special shine that really stands out against the dark background. Colors like gold, silver, and bronze can make your artwork feel rich and fancy. Whether you’re painting a night sky full of stars or a detailed piece of jewelry, the way metallics and black work together makes a bold and exciting contrast.

Patience and Layering

Creating art on a black canvas usually needs patience and adding layers. Because black is strong, getting bright colors might need many layers. Let each layer dry before you put on the next one, and slowly make your colors stronger. It might take more time, but the depth and richness you get will totally be worth it in the end.

Adding a Splash of Color

Even though the charm of black canvas painting is in its darkness, don’t hesitate to bring in a pop of color to make things stand out. Just one bright detail against the black can really catch the eye. Think about adding a glowing moon in a night-time sky or a colorful flower in a secretive garden. This trick grabs people’s attention and adds an extra layer of interest to your art.

Black Canvas Painting: A Journey of Creativity

To wrap up, stepping into the realm of painting on black canvas is a voyage filled with both difficulties and benefits. It’s a chance to step outside the norm and delve into the depths of your artistic creativity. By getting the hang of contrast, embracing the dreamy, and experimenting with light and shadows, you can create artworks that genuinely capture attention.

As you set off on your journey into black canvas painting, keep in mind the importance of picking top-notch materials that let you bring your vision to life. Feel free to try out various methods, textures, and color choices. While the process might need some patience and layering, the end outcome will beautifully reveal the depth and passion of your artistic expression.

Therefore, whether you’re a seasoned artist aiming to broaden your creative horizons or a newcomer brimming with enthusiasm to delve into a fresh medium, take that step forward and let your brush glide across the captivating expanse of a black canvas. Set your imagination free, welcome the enigma of the dark backdrop, and craft artworks that radiate vividly against the backdrop of the night.

In the world of art, the canvas is where you hold sway, and the brush serves as your trusted companion. Allow the enchantment of the black canvas from Ayush paper to spark your creativity, propelling you to forge masterpieces that imprint a lasting legacy in the world of creativity.

[puppppppppy]

Gaspard et Lisa drip

[01alxg]

13. 'WAKE'

[two-calicos-in-a-trenchcoat]

This is the most expensive paint I own now

[artrightofficial]

Art Right's drawing brush set includes a variety of high-quality brushes designed for artists of all levels. Each brush features durable bristles and comfortable handles, making them perfect for detailed work, sketching, and painting. Elevate your creativity with our versatile set tailored for precision and control.

[zionmantis]

Hoooo boy. It's finally finished. This only took me eight months to paint. T.T

Disco Elysium is soooo good y'all; I feel like I'll never give it the credit it deserves.

I'm not even sure it's finished, but I'm just going to set this down now, though.

Clip studio paint and a ton of downloaded watercolor and acrylic brushes.

Let me know if you want me to pull out any closeups or anything

[kingsframingartstore]

It can be challenging to choose the perfect "artist acrylic or oil paintbrushes". Having too many options from numerous good brands can often make a decision incredibly challenging. The type of brush can influence the texture and quality of your artwork. 

[pleasantboatpress]

so, you wanted to start bookbinding?

so @princetofbone mentioned on my post for "factory settings" about wanting to know more about the binding style that i used for it. so i thought i might make a post about it.

i was as terrible as i always am for taking in progress shots, but i can link you to the resources i used in order to make my book. i would also like to point out that "factory settings" is my 120th bind, and i have been doing bookbinding as a hobby for just over 3 years now. unfortunately this means some of the methods that i used for that bind aren't particularly beginner friendly, just in terms of the tools and methods i have used, but i would love to point you in the right direction when it comes to resources. i dont say this to sound pretentious which i fear i might come across, just so that youre fully informed. getting into this hobby is fun and rewarding, but it can definitely be intimidating.

with that caveat, heres a list of links and resources that i have used for bookbinding in general, with additional links to methods i used specifically in regards to this bind.

ASH's how to make a book document. it gives you a great introduction into typesetting fics (where you format the text of fics to look like a traditionally published books) and then turning them into a case-bound book (the style i used for "factory settings"). it is comprehensive, and explains how to use microsoft word to do your bidding. it was invaluable to me when i was just starting out! currently i use affinity publisher to typeset/format my fics for printing, but i only bought and learned how to use that after i had been binding books for a year and a half. i made some beautiful typesets with word, and some of my close friends use it still and design stuff that i never would be able to in my wildest dreams (basically anything by @no-name-publishing)

DAS Bookbinding's Square Back Bradel Binding. a great style to do your first bind in! this method requires, when making the case, to attach the cover board and the spine board to a connecting piece of paper, which makes it so much easier to match the size of the case to the size of the text block (your printed out and sewn fic). using this method is what allowed me to get much more accurately fitting cases, and made me much more confident with the construction of the books i was making. a well-made book is something that is so wonderful to hold in your hands!

DAS Bookbinding's Rounded and Backed Cased Book. This is the specific method that i used to create my bind for "factory settings"! even before i could back my books, i found that watching DAS's videos in particular helped me see how books were traditionally made, and i was able to see different tips and tricks about how to make nicer books.

Book Edge Trimming Without... i trim the edges of my text block using my finishing press and a chisel i have sharpened using a whetstone and leather strop with buffing compound on it. i follow the method for trimming shown in this video!

Made Endpapers. i follow this method for my endpapers, as i used handmade lokta endpapers, and they can be quite thin, but they look beautiful! i used "tipped on" endpapers (where you have your endpaper and then put a thin strip of glue on the edge and attach it to your text block) i used for a very long time before this, but these feel like they are much more stable, as they are sewn with your text block.

Edge Sprinkling. this is the method that i used for decorating the edges of my text block. but the principle is basically clamping your text block tight and then sprinkling the edges. i do not believe you need to trim the edges in order to do sprinkles on the edges, and that's what makes it accessible! i personally just use really cheap acrylic paint that i water down and then flick it onto the edges with my thumb and a paint brush.

Double-Core Endbands. i sew my own endbands, which i followed this tutorial for. that being said, it's kind of confusing, and this video is a bit easier to follow, but it is a slightly different type of endband.

Case decoration. i used my silhouette cameo 4 to cut out my design for "factory settings" in htv (heat transfer vinyl). i also used my cameo 4 to cut out the oval of marbled paper on the front, as i honestly didn't want to try my hand at cutting an oval lol. i also glued some 300 gsm card with an oval cut out of the centre of it onto the cover before covering it with bookcloth, to get a kind of recess on the cover. i then glued the oval of marbled paper onto the top of the recessed area once it was covered with bookcloth, so that it was protected. the images i used were sourced from a mix of rawpixel, canva and pixabay. a more accessible way to get into cover decoration is by painting on a design for your cover as described in @a-gay-old-time's tutorial just here. or even doing paper labels, which look classy imo.

physical materials. sourcing these will depend on your country. i am located in australia, and have compiled a list with some other aussie bookbinders of places to buy from. here is a great post describing beginning materials for getting started binding.

@renegadepublishing. this tumblr is great! its what got me started bookbinding, and being in the discord has been inspiring, motivating, and honestly just one of the best online experiences i have ever had. it is full of resources, and most people in there are amateur bookbinders, with a couple of professionals thrown in. the discord is 18+, and anyone can join!

i'm sorry this post got so long, but i hope that this has a lot of information for you if you would like to get started bookbinding. its one of the best hobbies ive ever had, and i genuinely believe i will have it for the rest of my life.

[sun-kissy]

hii i love your writing!! can i please request a scarf 🧣 with james potter + "my hands are freezing, just let me warm them on you for a second," please? thank you!🩷

of course you can, thank you for your request!! here’s your scarf, angel <3

hot cocoa | j.p.

— "My hands are freezing, just let me warm them on you for a second."

james potter x reader

“Jamie! Look at how adorable this is!”

“Huh?” Your boyfriend trudges through the snow from a short distance away, wrapping an arm around your waist as soon as he gets close.

“Oh, yeah. This is really cute,” he grins, taking the miniature from you and examining it. It’s an acrylic-painted Santa Claus, riding a sleigh pulled by a couple of reindeers. “It’ll look perfect on the table in the hallway.”

You place the miniature in your basket, nudging him back towards the stall he was patronising with a peck on his cheek.

James and you were spending the evening at a Christmas market near your place, which he’d spotted during a morning run. 

Your day had started at an ungodly hour when he pounced on you and excitedly shook you awake, sweaty palmed and panting. You listened begrudgingly, half-asleep, as he rambled on and on about the numerous stalls and decorations being set up.

It was impossible to say no to his big, brown eyes and pouty pleading — so here you were a couple hours later. To his credit, you were having loads of fun. You’d managed to find gifts for all your friends. James had even bought a whole new tree, almost as tall as himself. Now, he was looking at ornaments for the tree while you scoured the stalls for decorations to brighten up the apartment.

“Hey, sweetheart. How about this set?” he calls out, waddling over to you with a huge box of shimmering golden baubles and ribbons hugged to his chest. You pull your scarf tighter around yourself, chilly wind nipping at your skin. He hands you the box, fingers brushing against yours.

You shake the box, peering at its contents. “Yeah, I think a gold theme would be nice —“

“Babe.”

“Hm?” You stick a hand in, pulling out a bauble and squinting as you examine it. “This one’s got little hearts —“

“Babe.”

“Yeah?” you look up, and James’ eyebrows are bunched together in a frown. He takes the box from you, half-mindedly closing it and setting it down.

“What’s wrong?”

He sighs and gently grabs your hands, gloved fingers brushing over your reddened knuckles and fraying skin. “You’re cold, sweetheart.”

You smile sheepishly, meeting his gaze. “I’m okay, really. I’m not that cold.”

“No, you are,” he mutters, teeth pressing into his gloves as he pulls them off. “Here, put ‘em on.”

James helps you pull the gloves on, lovingly berating you for not heeding him when he told you to dress warmer before leaving the house. You try to deny feeling the cold, but he’s right — your hands are shaking, teeth jittering when you speak.

He continues to rub your gloved hands between his, worry still contorting his features. “Better?”

You nod, grinning. “Yeah, thanks. You’re my hero.”

He rolls his eyes and tugs you closer to peck your forehead. “Yeah, yeah. Let's go get some hot cocoa to warm you up a bit. I can still feel you trembling.”

James goes to pay for the set of baubles and the trinkets you’ve collected in your basket. He comes back and wraps an arm around your shoulder, steering you towards the café nearby with a kiss to your frigid nose.

You can’t stop the widening smile on your lips as you enter the café, much-needed warm air instantly hitting you. James seats you down, asks you if you’d like a snack with the hot cocoa, tells you to sit tight and that he’d be right back after ordering.

You feel the love like a numbing ache in your chest, worse than the chill in your fingertips. You’d known James a long time. But this was your first year as a couple, first Christmas together. And in moments like this was when you knew how much he really loved you — not that there wasn’t an abundance of affection and kisses everyday, but it really was nice to know how much he cared about something as simple as your feeling cold. 

“What are you smiling at?” he asks with an arched eyebrow, returning to the table holding two mugs. He passes you one and you murmur a quiet, “Thank you,” shaking your head indulgently as you take a sip.

“Nothing. Just… I love you.”

He beams. “I love you too, sweetheart. But what’s this about? Did I win your affection by dramatically giving up my gloves?”

“No, of course not,” you laugh, reaching across the table to whack him. “You’re a jerk. My affection can’t be won.”

“Oh, really?” he chuckles, pulling his hands off the table before being met with your attack. “Fine, then. No more hugs for you.”

“Jamie!”

“What? You’re not feeling cold anyway, a hug wouldn’t do you any good. Your words, not mine.”

You sigh good-naturedly, rolling your eyes. “Actually, my hands are freezing.”

“Oh, are they?” he teases, gently easing your mug of hot cocoa out of your grasp. 

“Yes, they are! Just let me warm them on you for a second,” you laugh, making grabby hands towards him. He puts the two mugs where you can’t reach them, standing up and sliding into the booth seat next to you.

“If my best girl needs to be warmed up, what other choice do I have?” he sighs dramatically, bundling you up in his arms and stamping a kiss to your cheek as you giggle. “You’ve made a loser out of me, babe. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

san’s christmas sleepover

[introloves]

can we puh LEASE get a drabble or a one shot on that gojo undercut thing u posted im beggin on my hands AND knees 🙏🙏

you knew he wanted something from you. you could feel it in the way he folded his frame down against yours. borderline suffocating, a malformed pout stretched across his face while humming against your neck.

“what is it.” you wondered, tapping away on your laptop without so much as paying him any attention- wounding him further.

he scoffed, wondering how you could be so cruel considering the fact he was dying. his eyes painted against the sheen of gloss painted over your newly done nails.

pink.

they were pretty and pink, and oddly resembling a part of him you just loved sucking on. his ego absolutely through the roof with that fact. you hadn’t put up your usual fight when he suggested the color brushed over that acrylic.

“nothing.”

a lie.

he himself knew what he wanted, but he never gave it up easy. choosing instead to wander away from the back of the couch you were so prettily purchased on. walking to stand directly in-front of you- the laptop screen doing nothing to block the majority of his body. tight shirt tucked into sweats that were hung a little too low for your tastes to be casual.

eyebrow raising and huffing with the hint served on a silver platter before you. smiling knowingly while closing the device and setting it aside.

opening yourself up to receive the heavy weight of his body, an exclaimed huff of air leaving you when his arms braced your body. engulfing them with ease- face planting first into your chest and groaning like he’d just found nirvana.

lifting his face to really show up that pout. letting those arms wrapped around you leave the circumference of you to grab at your wrists and plant them firmly against the shortened hair laying against the lower part of his head.

giggling when you finally got the unspoken hint. taking those newly manicured nails and raking them through the translucent hair.

“nothing, huh?” you teased, finding it easy to follow along to his whims. it was him who had paid a pretty penny for your current set after all.

answered with only a groan- eyes shut tight while you traced your initials into the hair there.

a vein prominent along the curve of his jaw with the force of his clenching teeth, something inside of him purring with the fact that you were so well taken care of.

taken care of on his money, with the color of his cock head painted on your nails.

shamelessly moving his face to nestle further against you, hands grabbing at you with an intensity not in proportion to your actions. wondering why the singular act of you running the tips of your styled nails across the short hair of his undercut had him reacting like this.

“satoru?” you inquired when his breathing nearly heaved while he let the full weight of him lay against you. answered with another near incoherent hum.

“is this okay?” words giggled sounded just a little teasing- but you truly wondered if this was fine. you’d never seen his body react in this fashion- not unless he was buried deep inside of you.

and with that realization, it seemed like a veil had been pulled from your eyes. looking over the curve of his back, over the defined planes, and watching the shifting of his hips against the couch cushions.

glossy lips pulled into something that resembled a smile before bringing your nails back and running them over the surface with just a little more pressure. making sure to watch for any shift in his demeanor.

barking out a bell of a giggle when his body tensed, coils of muscle wound tight and with an intensity that would have scared anyone that wasn’t you.

“feels good?” you wondered, and he could only nod. looking up and marveling at the pretty face smiling down at him. choosing to stretch himself back up to his full height. looming over you with that same intensity highlighted seconds previous.

“yeah, that feels good baby.” satoru huffed, letting you see for yourself when those horrible, teasing, wonderful sweats detailed the throbbing outline of his cock.

“do you wanna feel good?” he wondered, not letting you answer before tugging down the front of his waistband. finding it funny how close in color the pink tip of his matched your fingernails.

[iriswritesforyou]

His Mona Lisa

Warning - small violence, prejudice against mutants, and maybe some other things? IDK

Word count - 1,889

Description: Reader is a human art teacher at the school. You and Logan had both been giving each other eyes for a while now but things heat up during a field trip.

Charles Xaiver had asked you, a human, to teach at his school for mutants, as an art teacher. You were reluctant at first, not because you were scared of mutants but because you felt as if you had nothing to offer them. Your only gift rested in your ability to paint and draw, to bring the images in your mind to life, and to help the youth do the same. 

It was rocky at first, the kids were hesitant to warm up to you and you were hesitant to discipline them but that all changed one day when you introduced them to what you liked to call ‘splat balloon painting’. You had set up a canvas for each kid with balloons filled with paint next to them outside, encouraging them to throw them at the canvases. The kids loved it so much and getting paint all over you was definitely worth watching them smile and laugh. The true solidarity came when one of the kids' powers acted up and you got freezing cold acrylic paint all over you. The kid expected you to be angry like most humans would but you werent, to their surprise you just laughed it off and assured the kid you were fine. 

After that day your class was one of the favorites among the students, even the kids who had hated art in previous years found themselves enjoying your class. 

And then there was Logan, the combat instructor teacher who plagued your thoughts and little did you know you plagued him as well. It all started when one of your kids came to class all battered up and looking worse for wear claiming it was from Logan’s combat class. You didn't know much about Logan and you didn't know much about his class but you did know that your students shouldnt be showing up to class looking like they just got beat up in an alleyway. 

So you marched down into the lower levels of the school determined to scold Logan like a parent would a child. 

He was quite surprised to see a young human woman dressed in paint covered overall hanging off one of her shoulders, paint brushes stuck in her hair, and mismatched jewelry stomping up to him.

He had heard about you of course, there was a stir when you joined the campus, people whispered about you with some saying you didn’t belong and others thinking your presence would be good for future relations between humans and mutants, he didn't particularly care. This was the first time he had seen you through and you certainly left your mark on him huffing and puffing about how the kids shouldnt be showing up to class battered and bruised. 

If Logan was being honest, despite what most people thought his reaction would be, he wasn't annoyed or angry, in fact he found it a little endearing how you cared for the kids, but he pushed that down and explained to you how it wasn't his intentions but the kids have to learn somehow. 

A couple months had passed since then and you and Logan were cordial to each other, you smiled at each other in passing but nothing more than that but the rest of the teachers and even students could see how both of your eyes always found each other in a room. 

Things started to heat up when you scheduled a field trip for the students to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Logan was going with you to help you watch the kids.

Logan knew he should have been paying more attention to the kids but he couldn't help but keep his eyes on you, the way you smiled when you explained the exhibits or how you lit up when they would ask questions. And you couldn't help but notice his watchful gaze, mostly on you and it unnerved you. Why was he staring? Was there something wrong with the way you were dressed? Something on your face? 

“Alright I want everybody to find a partner and split up, the sheet of paper I handed you all lays out the entire place and all of the attractions. Please, remember to meet up back here in an hour.” You told the kids as Logan came up beside you and you smiled at him gently “And you and I will be walking around keeping an eye on them.” he didn't say anything but nodded. 

You both had wandered over to the Museum history panel and read the date 1870, was Logan born just after that? 

“Can I ask you something personal?” He didn't even have to think about it before answering “Yes.”. 

“It says this place was founded in 1870.” your voice dropped into a whisper “weren't you born around then?” He snapped his face towards you while you stayed looking away. He wondered how you knew that you and him hadn't had a conversation in months. 

“How did you know that?” You now turned to face him completely, faces close and heart racing, he could hear it. Your eyes were locked onto each other and he couldn't help but study how the light danced in them and skin became flushed under the cool lighting, he thought he was making you scared and took a step back. He wouldn't admit it but he didn't want to take a step back. He wanted to take a step closer. 

“I’ve been - asking around, about you. I'm sorry, I should have asked you but-.” Unspoken words held in the air. 

It was your guilty pleasure to find out more about Logan, the more you knew the more you had answers and you couldn't ask him, he was, well, him. 

“You could have just asked me.” He said. You thought he would be mad, furious even but instead he looked hurt. “You're right Logan, and I’m sorry. If I’m being honest you intimidate me a little.” 

He raised one of his brows at you, he knew he had that effect on people but he didn't want it on you. “Well, you don't have to be. I don't want you to be.” His gruff voice made you stay locked onto him. 

Time could have passed for a hundred years and you both could have stayed right there forever but time didn't care what you wanted as a blood curdling scream snapped you both back to reality. 

Over in the Egyptian side of the room one of your kids and a human boy were having an all out brawl with your kid winning. Logan got there faster than you and pulled him off while the human boy quickly got up and spat at the ground by your feet, “mutant.” 

That one word was all it took for your kid to start kicking in Logan's arm, trying to claw his way back over to the human boy while he just stood there glaring. You quickly walked over to the human boy and grabbed his forearm,  “where are your parents?” and it was as if they heard you. 

A lady in an expensive looking green suit and a man twice the size of you came over, the woman with tears in her eyes, hyperventilating and the man getting red in the face with anger. 

“Let go of my son!” the man huffed getting up into your face, so close you could see the pimple about to burst on his nose. Letting go of his son you took a step back and he took one again closer to you. “Mutant bitch” It was two words now that snapped Logan into action, as he had been watching the exchange with the kid still fighting in his arms. Quickly, Logan let him go, not caring if he went back over to the human boy and started another fight. No, his only concern was you. 

Stepping in between you and the man, blocking him from your sight, they stood toe to toe. Logan was clearly taller and stronger than the man but that did nothing to deter him “And you must be her mutant bastard”. You grabbed the back of Logan's clothes hoping he wouldn't start something “Logan” you gently whispered. Logan may be an angry man but it was never for himself, he wouldn't start anything. 

It wasn't until you stepped around Logan hesitantly, still keeping your grip on him and started to try and mend the situation. “Please, ma’am, sir, we are truly, very sorry. And -”, a sickening slap echoed around the now quiet room, he had hit you and Logan wasn't going to let that slide. 

In the blink of an eye Logan pulled you back and into the arms of your mutant students who had now gathered around the both of you and punched the guy right back. 

Chaos exploded, the woman shrieked as Logan had the man jacked up against the wall as he cried, half of your kids went for the human boy who had bullied your kid and the other half stuck by you as you stood there in shock. 

It took ten security members to pry off Logan and the aftermath was quite horrific. Blood was on the walls and floors, but only the man and his boy had seriously gotten injured with your mutant students only having minor bumps and bruises. 

They would have hauled Logan off to jail if it wasn't for Charles showing up and sweet talking to them, promising not just financial compensation for the museum but for them personally as well, the human family too. 

It wasn't until you got back to the school that you really felt the pain in your upper cheek bone and eye. As you were about to open your door Logan stood there with his fist raised about to knock. 

“I’m so sorry Logan.” He didn't say anything back, his eyes not wavering from a particular spot on your face. He reached towards it and gently touched it making you hiss and jerk back “I should have hit him harder.” 

You shook your head in disbelief  “No, anything more and you would have gone to jail Logan.” 

“You need to go down to the infirmary.” He took your hand in his. “That's actually where I was about to go.” but he still held your hand and led you to the infirmary. 

“I’m sorry.” The gruff man apologized this time.

“Why?” he stopped and fully turned to you, feeling ashamed for running your first field trip. 

“It was a shitty field trip, your first one.” you shrugged but still stayed looking at him “I'm more upset about not being able to tour the museum, I've always wanted to go.” 

He felt guilty now, he knew art was your passion and he didn't even think about that part of the debacle. 

“I'll make it up to you, I'll take you next time.” He couldn't even believe the words that had come out of his mouth but he wanted to take them back, not because he didn't want to but because he assumed you wouldn't want to go with him. But to his surprise a smile grew on your face “Like a date?” 

There was a beat of silence as he gazed down at your beautiful face and gave a small smile down at you “Like a date sweetheart.” 

[ayushpaper]

Exploring The Versatility of Acrylic Painting Canvas: A Comprehensive Guide

Acrylic painting is an exciting way to express your creativity and bring vibrant colours to life on canvas. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of acrylic painting canvas and discover its versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Ayush Paper guide will help you understand the ins and outs of using acrylic paint on canvas.

Understanding Acrylic Painting Canvas: A Solid Foundation for Your Art

Acrylic painting canvas serves as the foundation for your artistic journey. It’s the surface on which you’ll create your masterpiece. Acrylic canvases come in various sizes and shapes, allowing you to choose the perfect canvas for your vision. The texture of the canvas can vary as well, from smooth to rough, giving you even more creative control over the final look and feel of your artwork.

Advantages of Acrylic Painting Canvas: Why Choose Acrylic?

Acrylic paint has gained popularity among artists for several compelling reasons. When applied to canvas, acrylic paints offer a range of advantages that enhance both the painting process and the final outcome:

Durability and Longevity: One of the key benefits of using acrylic paint on canvas is its durability. Acrylic paint adheres well to the canvas surface, creating a strong and lasting bond. This means that your artwork can withstand the test of time, and you can enjoy your creations for years to come without worrying about fading or deterioration.

Vibrant Colors: Acrylic paints are renowned for their vibrant and intense colours. When applied to canvas, these colours appear bold and striking, instantly capturing the viewer’s attention. Acrylics have the ability to retain their vividness even after drying, allowing you to achieve a captivating visual impact in your artwork.

Quick Drying Time: Unlike oil paints, which can take days or even weeks to dry, acrylic paint dries relatively quickly. This fast drying time opens up opportunities for layering colours, experimenting with different techniques, and making changes on the canvas without the need for extended waiting periods. This efficiency in drying also makes acrylics a favourite among artists who prefer to work on multiple pieces concurrently.

Texture Possibilities: Acrylic paints offer incredible versatility when it comes to texture. Depending on your desired effect, you can apply acrylics thinly for a smooth finish, or you can use impasto techniques to create thick and textured brushstrokes that add depth and dimension to your art. This textural flexibility enables artists to convey emotions and details in unique and captivating ways.

Versatility in Techniques: Acrylic paints accommodate a wide range of techniques, making them suitable for artists of varying skill levels. Whether you’re interested in the fluidity of watercolour-like washes, the layering potential of oils, or the boldness of opaque colors, acrylics provide the perfect medium for experimentation. From wet-on-wet blending to controlled brushwork, artists can explore an array of techniques to achieve their desired effects.

Preparing Your Acrylic Canvas: Tips for a Smooth Start

Properly preparing your canvas sets the stage for a successful acrylic painting experience. Here are some important steps to consider before you start creating:

Canvas Priming: Many acrylic canvases come pre-primed, which means they have a layer of acrylic gesso applied to the surface. This pre-priming provides a smooth and consistent surface that’s ready for painting. However, if you’re working with an unprimed canvas, it’s advisable to apply a layer of acrylic gesso to create a suitable base for your paint.

Surface Preparation: Before you begin painting, take a moment to ensure that your canvas is clean and free from dust, debris, or any previous residues. A clean surface guarantees better paint adherence and prevents unwanted particles from affecting the final appearance of your artwork. If you find that the canvas surface is too rough, you can lightly sand it to achieve a smoother texture.

Choosing Brushes and Tools: The choice of brushes and painting tools can significantly influence the outcome of your acrylic painting. Acrylic brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each suited to different techniques. Round brushes are ideal for detailed work, flat brushes are great for broad strokes and layering, and fan brushes can create interesting texture effects. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with palette knives, sponges, and other unconventional tools to achieve unique textures and effects in your artwork.

Acrylic Painting Techniques for Canvas: Getting Creative

Now that you’ve prepared your Acrylic Painting Canvas and selected your tools, it’s time to explore various acrylic painting techniques. These techniques allow you to create diverse visual effects and styles in your artwork:

Layering Colors: Acrylic paint’s quick drying time makes it ideal for layering colours. Start with lighter colours as your base and gradually build up to darker hues. This layering technique adds depth and dimension to your artwork, giving it a sense of realism and vibrancy.

Blending and Gradients: Acrylic paints can be blended together seamlessly to achieve smooth transitions between colours. The wet-on-wet technique involves applying wet paint onto a wet surface, allowing colours to blend naturally. This technique is perfect for creating gradients and subtle colour shifts in your artwork.

Impasto and Texture: If you enjoy adding texture to your paintings, acrylics offer the ideal platform. Impasto is a technique where thick layers of paint are applied to the canvas, creating a three-dimensional effect. Palette knives are commonly used for impasto work, allowing you to sculpt and shape the paint for added texture and visual interest.

Dry Brushing: Dry brushing involves using a relatively dry brush to apply paint onto the canvas. This technique creates a textured and scratchy appearance, which can be particularly effective for depicting surfaces like rough tree bark, stone, or weathered wood.

Sgraffito: Sgraffito is a technique where you scratch into a layer of wet paint to reveal the underlying layer. This technique can be used to create intricate designs, patterns, or even text within your artwork.

Sealing and Finishing Your Artwork: Preserving Your Creation

After you’ve completed your acrylic painting on canvas, it’s important to protect and preserve your masterpiece for years to come. Applying a clear acrylic varnish is a recommended step to ensure the longevity of your artwork:

Choosing the Right Varnish: Acrylic varnishes are available in various finishes, including gloss, satin, and matte. Select a varnish that aligns with your desired final appearance. A gloss varnish enhances colour vibrancy and provides a shiny finish, while a matte varnish offers a subdued and glare-free surface.

Application: Apply the varnish evenly using a soft brush, ensuring smooth coverage over the entire canvas. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for application, drying times, and the number of coats needed.

Protecting Against UV Light and Dust: The primary purpose of varnishing is to protect your artwork from environmental factors such as UV light and dust. UV light can cause colours to fade over time, while dust particles can settle on the canvas and affect its appearance. A quality varnish acts as a protective barrier, shielding your artwork from these potential hazards.

Final Thoughts

Acrylic painting on canvas opens up a world of possibilities for artists of all levels. Whether you’re drawn to bold colours, intricate details, or textured surfaces, Ayush Paper brings your artistic visions to life. So, gather your supplies, choose your canvas, and let your creativity flow onto the versatile surface of acrylic painting canvas.

[meanbossart]

Hey, I was wondering if you had any starter tips for digital art? I'm a traditional artist and have been for years, but I was recently given a tablet and clip studio. I am having SUCH a hard time getting anything to look right: shaky lines, flat/too soft pieces, just an absolute childish mess every single time. I see all these gorgeous digital pieces and have NO IDEA how to get there.

Heya!

So, it's been a very very long time since I transitioned from traditional to digital art, but I DID do proper traditional for a few years; we're talking ink pens, color pencils, markers, watercolor, fancy papers, the works. I did some acrylic painting too but only monochrome (and before anyone asks, these works no longer exist so I can't share them) all that to say that I do have some experience with the former and definitely felt the learning curve when I changed to a tablet.

To get the unhelpful advice out of the way first: It's a different and unfamiliar medium, and there is probably nothing significant that you're "missing" about it except time and exploration. There are pillars to digital art just like there are in traditional art, but when it comes to personal process everyone has their quirks and habits - you gotta mess around and find what works for you. I suggest looking up tutorials and speedpaints on youtube even if you know all the basics or if the style you see doesn't appeal to you; just watching how others do their thing might help you figuring out how you would like to do yours!

Now, for the more practical advice:

-I don't know what kind of tablet you got, but assuming it's a non display, that's an extra hurdle you have to get over in developing the eye-hand coordination necessary to use it. This feels very alien at first but it shouldn't take longer than a few weeks to feel completely natural.

-On that note, if there is a significant size discrepancy between the tablet and the screen you are looking at, that might mess you up. Try adjusting the size of the CSP window so it fits the size of the actual drawing surface you are using more closely.

-Every drawing tablet's pen has pressure settings that can be tweaked to your liking, I for one always make it a little softer than the default.

-BRUSH STABILIZATION! That's a setting every individual brush (and almost every tool, I believe) on CSP has. It does as advertised: stabilizes your brush strokes. A lot of people like this set between 8-20 depending on the brush, and it can make a huge difference to the way you draw.

It is usually always visible in the tool properties, but if not, you can toggle it on through the "sub tool details" menu by clicking the little wrench symbol on the bottom right.

Hopefully this has been helpful at all. Good luck!

[gorgeys]

imagine….

gently holding maddy’s hands while applying a topcoat of nail polish on her fingernails. you treat her so delicately, the brush barely grazing her nails and your fingers cautiously holding hers, afraid of pressing too hard.

your eyes are trained on the slight movements of the brush, your eyebrows knitted in concentration, and your lips pursed ever so slightly. you’re afraid of messing up.  you always are, but especially on her. luckily the soft, familiar music playing in the background and the silkiness of your sheets beneath your knees is comforting against the sensation of her in front of you.

she’s just as focused on you, her brown eyes unable to retreat from your face. she’s come to love the way you focus on your craft, the way you focus on her.  she’s learned every little quirk of your lips and twitch of your nose from the times you’ve worked on her, committing them all to memory.

she feels awkward and obsessive about the way she thinks about you but she can’t help herself.  she loves the way you care, the way warmth radiates off of you whenever you’re touching her, the way you look up at her every so often to check on her.  its a sort of calm that she hasn’t felt before.

you had only begun giving her manicures a couple months ago when one of her friends recommended you for a cheap set.  you had learned how to do nails from youtube tutorials and it had become your talent, but never in a million years did you think you’d be good enough for the most perfect girl in school.

but you were sat across her on your bed every couple weeks painting intricate patterns on her acrylics. you talked frequently during your sessions but seldom outside the confines of your room.  nevertheless, conversation flowed smoothly.  she always made you nervous but she was surprisingly easy to talk to. you were like the oasis from her usual, dramatic world.

but then there were moments of silence. there were moments where the only thing you could feel was the soft skin of her hands and the beating of your own heart. and moments when she felt her chest tighten as you made the simplest eye contact.

as much as she wanted to deny it, she knew she felt things for you, even in the short time you had spent together. she knew when she got home each time after leaving your house and was already craving to be with you again.  sometimes she tried to ruin her nails just so she had an excuse to see you again.  she knew when she laid in bed at night after a bad day and the one thing that made it a bit better was the thought of your sweet smile.

and she must have known you felt things for her. the way your eyes gleamed when she complimented you was almost embarrassing. a single word from her would make your entire day. and every single time you went the extra mile to add painstakingly complex details to her nails and give her a discounted price.  though she always paid you more than what you asked of her.

when you were done, you looked up at her with a smile, pushing the brush back into the nail polish jar.  you didn’t let go of her hand and she didn’t pull away.  the corners of her lips curled upward, her heart melting when she recognized the pride in your eyes and your smile.  she slightly squeezed your hand, a silent thanks and praise.

your gaze flickered to your hands and then back to her face, your heart beating faster when you realized just how close you were.  you waited patiently, hoping that the adoring look in your eyes would coax her into making the first move.  luckily you wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

[imreidswifey]

Paint-Stained Promises -Fluff-

Spencer Reid x Artist!Reader

Credit to @drowning-rabbit their head-cannons was the only thing that made this possible!Please go follow and like their posts!

Summary: Dr. Spencer Reid never expected to find love amidst the chaos of profiling criminals and chasing shadows. But when he meets you, a free-spirited painter with a penchant for covering yourself—and your apartment—in splashes of color, his life begins to shift in ways he never imagined. From quiet evenings spent as your muse to secret notes tucked into his lunch bag, Spencer discovers a kind of intimacy and joy that feels as brilliant and messy as your art.

Warnings:

Fluff Overload: This story is heavy on romance, intimate moments, and playful teasing.

Mild Embarrassment: Expect Spencer to be adorably awkward and flustered in social situations.

Team Banter: Includes friendly teasing, nosy colleagues, and found-family dynamics.

Themes of Vulnerability: Emotional intimacy and personal growth are central to the story.

Mentions of Profiler Work: While the story focuses on romance, it references Spencer’s work with the BAU, which involves criminal profiling (no graphic details).

Reader Discretion: Ideal for fans of soft, romantic fanfiction and anyone who loves a good balance of humor, love, and heartwarming moments.

———————————————————————————-

The late afternoon sun slants through the blinds, casting soft, golden streaks across the room. You’re perched cross-legged on the floor in front of your easel, a brush tucked behind your ear and smudges of cerulean and ochre streaking your hands and cheeks. The smell of turpentine and acrylic paint mingles with the faint scent of lavender from the candle flickering on the windowsill.

Every piece of furniture within paint-splash radius has been meticulously wrapped in cling film. Your living room looks like a scene from a crime drama—a precautionary measure after the last time you accidentally turned the couch into a canvas.

The familiar jingle of keys in the lock pulls your attention.

“Spencer!” you call out, not looking away from your painting. “Be careful where you step! It’s chaos in here!”

“I noticed,” he says, stepping inside. His voice, soft and amused, makes your chest flutter.

You glance over your shoulder to find him standing in the doorway, his bag slung over one shoulder, a crooked grin tugging at his lips. His sweater vest is slightly askew, and his hair, as always, has that artful messiness to it that makes your fingers itch to sketch him.

He sets his bag down, tilting his head as he takes in the scene. “I assume the cling film is for… protection?”

“Exactly,” you reply, gesturing with your brush. “I’m not cleaning paint off the sofa again. And before you ask—yes, I learned my lesson last time.”

His laughter, soft and genuine, fills the space between you. He crosses the room, carefully stepping over paint tubes and discarded sketches, and leans down to press a kiss to your temple.

“Missed you,” he murmurs.

You smile, the warmth of his presence already sinking into your skin. “Missed you too. But hold that thought—I need you to sit still for me.”

Spencer raises a brow. “Sit still?”

“Yep. I’m drawing you,” you announce, dragging a chair into the light. “Here. Sit. Read. Don’t move too much.”

He hesitates for only a second before complying, pulling a book from his bag and settling into the chair. He’s used to this by now—the spontaneous bursts of inspiration that seize you at the oddest times.

You watch him as he opens the book, his long fingers flipping through the pages with practiced ease. He adjusts his glasses, and the golden light catches on the frames, making him look like something out of a Renaissance portrait.

“You’re staring,” he says, not looking up.

“You’re pretty,” you reply without missing a beat, grinning when you catch the faint blush creeping up his neck.

Your brush moves almost of its own accord, capturing the curve of his jaw, the way the light dances in his hair. You’ve drawn him a hundred times before—in little doodles on post-it notes, in margins of notebooks, on scraps of paper that find their way into his pockets and desk drawers. But there’s something about this moment, the quiet intimacy of it, that feels different.

Every now and then, Spencer’s brow furrows or his lips twitch as he reacts to whatever he’s reading.

“Stop that,” you tease, smacking his arm lightly with the handle of your brush.

“Stop what?”

“Reacting. You’re ruining the pose.”

He looks up, feigning innocence. “You want me to be an unfeeling statue?”

“Yes. Just for a little while.”

He shakes his head, but the smile on his face betrays him. “You know I can’t help it. This chapter is fascinating.”

You roll your eyes but can’t help the laugh that escapes you. “Fine. But keep the dramatics to a minimum.”

You lose track of time, the rhythm of your brushstrokes and the sound of Spencer turning pages creating a kind of harmony. Occasionally, you catch him sneaking glances at you over the top of his book, his expression soft and adoring.

“Done,” you announce finally, stepping back to admire your work.

Spencer closes his book, setting it aside as he stands to join you. He leans over your shoulder, studying the painting.

“It’s beautiful,” he says, his voice tinged with awe. “You make me look better than I do in real life.”

“Liar,” you reply, nudging him with your elbow. “You’re perfect, and you know it.”

He laughs, pulling you into his arms. His sweater smells faintly of coffee and the library, and you sink into him, paint-stained hands be damned.

The next morning, you’re up early, packing his lunch like you always do. It’s a quiet ritual, one that’s become second nature. You slip a note into the bag—a quick sketch of a coffee cup with the words Stay caffeinated and brilliant scrawled beneath it.

When Spencer leaves for work, he’s none the wiser about the speck of glitter clinging to his sleeve or the faint smudge of yellow paint on his collar.

At the BAU, Derek Morgan squints at Spencer as he sits at his desk, pulling out a sleek new pen to sign some paperwork.

“Pretty boy,” Morgan says, leaning against the desk. “Where’d you get that pen? Looks fancy.”

Spencer freezes mid-signature, his ears immediately turning red. “It’s, uh… It’s just a pen,” he says quickly. “Not that fancy. Just—uh—a gift. From someone.”

“Someone, huh?” Morgan’s grin spreads slowly, his interest clearly piqued.

Spencer clears his throat, focusing intently on the paper in front of him. “It’s a practical pen. The ink quality is exceptional, and the dry time is virtually instantaneous. Which is important for someone who writes as much as I do. The weight and balance are also—”

“Spence.” Morgan cuts him off, laughing. “I’m not asking for a dissertation. Just tell me—who’s the someone?”

“Wh-what do you mean?” Spencer stammers, the papers in his hands suddenly fascinating.

Morgan raises an eyebrow, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. “Is there a ‘someone’ in your life we should know about? Fancy pens, glitter on your clothes… you’ve been walking in here like you’ve got a whole secret world going on.”

Before Spencer can respond, Emily Prentiss spins her chair around, joining the conversation with a smirk. “Wait, wait, wait. Did you say glitter?”

“It’s subtle,” Morgan says, crossing his arms. “But it’s there. And now I want answers.”

Spencer looks like he’s considering fleeing, his wide eyes darting between them. “It’s… not important. Really. Can we get back to work?”

“Not important?” JJ chimes in from her desk, her expression far too curious. “Spence, you’re blushing. It’s definitely important.”

Rossi walks by at that exact moment, sipping his coffee. “Sounds like our resident genius is in love,” he says casually, earning a chorus of laughter from the team.

Spencer groans, burying his face in his hands. “Can we please not do this right now?”

Morgan claps a hand on his shoulder, grinning. “Come on, pretty boy. Who is she? Or he? Or they? Give us something.”

For a moment, Spencer hesitates. Then, with a resigned sigh, he mumbles, “Her name is… Y/N.”

The room falls silent for a beat before bursting into a flurry of exclamations.

“Y/N?” JJ asks, her smile soft. “You’ve been holding out on us, Spence!”

“Okay, but the glitter makes so much sense now,” Emily says, leaning back in her chair.

“Do they pack your lunch too?” Morgan teases. “Because you’ve been looking suspiciously well-fed lately.”

“Enough,” Spencer mutters, though the corners of his mouth betray him with a faint smile. “Yes, I’m… dating someone. Her name is Y/N. She’s an artist. And that’s all you’re getting.”

Morgan snorts. “Oh, we’re getting way more than that. This is just the beginning.”

Spencer shakes his head, but his blush deepens. As much as he protests, there’s an undeniable glow to him that the team can’t help but notice.

And while they tease him mercilessly, it’s clear that they’re thrilled for him—because Spencer Reid, their brilliant, awkward, kind-hearted genius, deserves all the love in the world.

And every night, when Spencer comes home to find you covered in paint with that familiar smile on your face, he’s reminded of just how lucky he is.

That night, Spencer steps through the door, his usual quietness replaced with an air of nervous excitement. His bag is slung over one shoulder, and there’s an extra gleam in his hazel eyes as he finds you standing at the kitchen counter, a bowl of pancake batter in your hands.

“Hey, genius,” you greet, not looking up as you stir. “How was work?”

“Uh…” He hesitates, and the sound of his bag hitting the floor grabs your attention.

You glance up, catching the telltale flush creeping up his neck. “What happened?”

“They… um…” He rubs the back of his neck, his voice softening. “They know.”

Your heart skips a beat, the spoon slipping from your fingers. “They know?”

“About us.”

You freeze for a moment, staring at him, before breaking into laughter. “What gave it away? The glitter, the notes, or the fact that you’ve been using pens too nice for a government salary?”

He cracks a sheepish smile, stepping closer. “Morgan asked about the pen, and I… may have overexplained.”

You laugh even harder, clutching the counter for support. “Oh, Spencer. Of course you did.”

His hands find your waist, steadying you as you catch your breath. “It’s not funny,” he mutters, though his lips are twitching with the hint of a smile.

“It’s hilarious,” you counter, looping your arms around his neck. “What did they say?”

“They were… amused,” he admits, his gaze dropping. “Morgan gave me a hard time, and JJ said it was sweet. Rossi just smirked like he already knew, and Emily—well, she asked if you’re the reason I’ve been smelling like lavender lately.”

You snort, shaking your head. “So, basically, they love it.”

His arms tighten around you, his forehead resting against yours. “They think I’m lucky,” he says softly. “And they’re right.”

Your breath hitches, the sincerity in his voice sending a wave of warmth through you.

“You are lucky,” you tease, brushing a paint-stained thumb against his cheek. “But so am I.

Later that evening, after dinner and a shared bottle of wine, you find yourselves on the couch, your legs draped across his lap. A sketchpad rests on the coffee table, abandoned in favor of the moment.

Spencer is reading again, his brow furrowing every now and then as he flips through the pages. You’re half-watching him, half-daydreaming, your heart full to bursting.

“Do you think they’ll ever stop teasing you?” you ask, breaking the comfortable silence.

He doesn’t look up, but a small smile plays on his lips. “Probably not. But I don’t mind. They’re happy for me—for us.”

The words hang in the air, soft and certain, and you feel a lump rise in your throat.

“Come here,” you murmur, tugging gently on his arm.

He sets the book aside and shifts closer, letting you curl into his side. His hand comes up to cradle your head, his fingers threading through your hair.

“I love you,” you whisper, the words slipping out as naturally as a breath.

He freezes for a moment, his hand stilling against your hair. Then he pulls back just enough to look at you, his eyes searching yours.

“I love you too,” he says, his voice barely more than a whisper.

It’s the first time he’s said it, and the weight of it settles over you like a warm blanket. You can see it in his eyes, the quiet reverence with which he holds those words—holds you.

You lean up to kiss him, your lips brushing against his in a way that feels like a promise. When you pull back, he’s smiling, his cheeks flushed and his eyes alight with something that looks a lot like forever.

Over the next few weeks, life settles into a new kind of normal. The team’s teasing becomes a regular occurrence, but Spencer takes it in stride, his quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge often leaving Morgan speechless.

You keep sending him off to work with lovingly packed lunches and scribbled notes, and he keeps coming home with faint traces of glitter on his clothes and stories that make your heart ache with pride and love.

One evening, as you’re sorting through your art supplies, you find a small stack of post-it notes tucked into one of your sketchbooks. They’re all doodles of Spencer—some detailed, others hastily drawn in moments of inspiration.

You gather them up and slip them into his desk drawer, smiling to yourself as you imagine him finding them later.

And when he does—when he texts you a picture of one with the caption You’re amazing—you know you’ll never get tired of loving him.

Because with Spencer, even the quiet, everyday moments feel extraordinary. And together, you’ve created something messy, colorful, and perfect—a masterpiece all your own.

[grandisknight]

rafayel: an artist's nails

summary: It’s been a while since your last nail endeavor, and you seek out your creative lover to fill in the missing details once again.

tags: established relationship, fluff, silly rafayel, gender neutral!reader, kisses, light banter, nail polish

wc: 1.0k | (ao3)

a/n: hi hi! eek this is my first time posting like this to tumblr, i'm not too familiar with it so please forgive me for any mistakes (⸝⸝⸝- ᴗ -⸝⸝⸝ ;) i hope my short but sweet little headcanon does rafmc some justice! the idea came to me randomly while angst writing (hhhh) so here we are c:

⊹˚₊‧───────────‧₊˚⊹

“Again?” He looks down at you from the impressive height of his ladder, palette and brush paused in mid motion. The canvas stretching his wall had streaks of pale blue, contrasting the rich sapphire that lay underneath them. Another masterpiece in the making, and you’ve caught him at a somewhat opportune time to air out your proposal.

“Please? I promise it’ll be the last time!” You gave him your best pout, hands clasped together in a pseudo prayer.

“That’s what you said two weeks ago, my love.” Rafayel shakes his head.

“Ra—fa—yel!” You called out, purposefully stringing his vowels in a way that he had a hard time saying ‘no’ to.

“Okay, okay. Give me a moment, yeah?”

Leaving his instruments behind, he descends from the perch of his ladder. Dusting off his hands on the edge of his slacks, he straightens his posture towards you with a few strides. Arms crossed over his chest, the warmth of coral and cooled blue examined your presence up close. “You don’t seem injured. Mission went well?”

“It did! But that’s not what I’m here for.” You flash your hands towards him, wiggling the tips of your fingers for dramatic effect. “Look at how much they’ve grown! They’re begging for a new design, and only one curated by Linkon City’s best painter could do the job.”

The bed of coral acrylic was slowly pushing past your natural nail, unflattering to the eye and no longer holding the fresh sheen it once had. It was long overdue for a retouch, and you trusted your boyfriend’s talented eye to decorate your fingers once more.

“Flattery will get you nowhere,” he half-heartedly remarks, but takes your hands into his own regardless. His fine fingers delicately trace over the rounded edges of your acrylics, tilting them alongside his head to capture their finish in the warm lighting of his art studio. “Hm… They are longer than before, I’ll give you that.”

An internal score in your mind was being kept, and you just landed your first point. “Exactly. So, I was thinking for the next design—“

“Woah, excuse you.” His fingers intertwined with yours, passing his warmth into your palms. He tugs you closer, hands closed like the prayer you presented just moments ago. Rafayel quirks a brow as he continues.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

You paused, a blink of confusion crossing your face. “…Am I?”

The plush of his lips puff out like a fish, awaiting your realization. Ah. You had to pay the kiss toll first—how could you forget?

You met his pout halfway, lightly pressing a kiss to pay your dues forward. Rafayel quickly chases your leaning figure, peppering a second, and then a third, to the lips curling into a faint smile at his antics and he mirrored yours all the same.

“Okay—Raf—Mm!”

He swallowed your interruptions with ones of his own, a barrage of straight smooches fluttering over your mouth. Only after the nth kiss did he finally part, rubbing his thumb over your knuckles with a hum in satisfaction.

“Payment accepted.” Rafayel lowered your hands, only to gently tug them in the direction of his desk.

Pieces of sketch paper and paints, pencils and more laid across the surface as you approached. He lets go momentarily, pulling out a chair and swiping away some tabletop space, before patting on the cushion in invitation.

“Alright, why don’t we start sketching out your ideas, yeah? Let’s see if we can make this new set better than the last.”

…

No sooner than a week later did you return to Mo Art Studio, feeling particularly energized as you practically skipped into his living space.

“Ah, you’re back.”

Rafayel called out to you before you had the chance to speak, swiping another shade of cerulean over the canvas. He looks over his shoulder, eyes twinkling at your appearance and brow upturned in curiosity. “You seem like you’re in a good mood. Did you get them done today?”

You nodded, waving him down with an equally bright expression. “Take a break! I want you to admire your masterpiece.” With an outstretched hand, you await his descending figure in a similar sense of deja vu.

“Yeah? You’re already here though,” Rafayel teases, taking hold of your invitation in turn. “But alrighty. Let’s go.”

Natural habits led your bodies to walk past the floor to ceiling entrance and into the sands hugging his estate. Seagulls chirp overhead as the fragrance of salty seas sting your nose, welcoming in the warmth of sunshine and ocean views all around.

“Maybe the crab from last week is still around,” you mention. “I think it was this way—Ah!”

Rafayel snickers at your enthusiasm, but paused you short of your wandering in an effort to pull you closer to him. He raises your combined hands outwards, turning them in every direction as he observes the new design.

Speckles of pale white and faint pink hugged the tip of your nail, pearly effects blending into the azure gradient that filled the rest of the space. Light traces of a circle or two resemble bubbles, a key seashell charm on your pinky finger and an exclusive Lemurian insignia resembling the bond over his heart were all littered across the set.

He nods in approval, and you could practically see the sharp rise of his shoulders in pride as he spoke. “Ah, they turned out really good this time. I wonder whooo designed them.”

You lean into his playful stance, pressing a kiss to his cheek and watching as his skin flushes in an adoring rouge. “Thank you, my love. Next time, we should do your nails too!”

“Yeah? I don’t know if I want to have another pot with steam drawn by you again,” he retorts, laughing as you lightly pushed his shoulder.

You raised your voice in self-defense, offering him a scolding glare. “Hey! I told you it was a steamed fish. Steamed fish! You of all people should know that well!”

Your voices faded away as you left your footsteps in the sand, the low tides pushing to support the harmony of your banter as the sun slowly settled. Safe to say, you wouldn’t be letting go of these nails blessed by the ocean anytime soon.