How to create Strong Design in ALL your Abstract Painting

How to create Strong Design in ALL your Abstract Painting

The key to a successful painting firstly is strong design. How you arrange all the parts of your painting will be the difference between success and not finishing… Watch this video to learn the easy steps to making sure your painting is well composed with strong Design - every time!

Create an Abstract Landscape Diptych with Paint & Mixedmedia

Create an Abstract Landscape Diptych with Paint & Mixedmedia

An abstract landscape requires two elements - land and sky! In this video I demonstrate how you can create a beautiful surface with a limited colour palette by using a variety of tools and techniques, and then combine collage to create an alternate viewpoint.

Finding the Heroes in Your Painting

Finding the Heroes in Your Painting

Great Art has clarity. The viewer is instantly drawn to it because it doesn’t confuse or overwhelm. It’s strong in message, even if the message is only “look at this gorgeous colour” or “look at this lovely combination of shapes”. In this video I demonstrate by using one of my own paintings, showing how I improved it by getting very clear on what are the HEROES. Once I could identify these I could eliminate the distractions and make them stronger. Watch the video and then take a look at your own work with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

Combining My Favourite Shapes with my Favourite Techniques in Mixed Media Painting

Combining My Favourite Shapes with my Favourite Techniques in Mixed Media Painting

In this video, I demonstrate in my sketchbook how I combine my favorite shapes with my favorite mixed-media painting techniques. I like to contrast different shapes with lines and also contrast a range of surface effects by using mixed media with a variety of techniques. This creates a painting that offers so much more on close inspection but also demands attention with emphasis on strong design and shape.

How to Progress when Painting is STUCK

How to Progress when Painting is STUCK

What to do when you love parts of your painting, but not all of it. In this video I talk about how I solved this problem with a painting of mine. I didn’t want to lose what I loved, but I had to make some changes. This can be daunting and involves taking a big risk - but if you’re game, the rewards are worth it. Let me show you how…

Creating a GHOST shape with Acrylic Paint

Creating a GHOST shape with Acrylic Paint

I love creating ghost marks in my paintings—shapes that appear somewhat smudged but are still recognizable. These marks maintain strong contrasts but also fade into the underneath layer. In this video firstly I create an interesting surface on which to place the ‘ghost’. Watch as I demonstrate in this video how I create these ghost shapes and marks.

Using Stencils to Create Original and Unique Abstract Art

Using Stencils to Create Original and Unique Abstract Art

I like using stencils to create unique and interesting shapes in my painting as I build layers and depth in the surface. Watch this video to see how I combine stencils with a range of media for different effects and then follow along and create an abstract painting with shapes you like to use.

Improve your Painting with these Techniques - Variety is Everything

 Improve your Painting with these Techniques - Variety is Everything

Building layers, creating depth and using a range of painting techniques will greatly improve your results. Watch this demonstration to see how using a range of tools and painting techniques can create a more luscious surface - then try them out yourself!

What to focus on when finishing your Abstract Painting

What to focus on when finishing your Abstract Painting

How do you know when your abstract painting is finished? In this video, I take you through the process with one of my paintings, showing you what I didn’t like about it and how I fixed it and finished the work. I talk about what I focus on and what questions I ask the painting in order to gain clarity around what steps to take next.

1. Make a big move to disrupt the work and make a big change
2. Rotate the work so you see it differently
3. Ask: What have I got?
4. Look for repetition and ask: Do I need this? Have I already got this somewhere else?
5. Is my eye led around the composition?

When you have worked through these questions, and you’re happy with the work, stand back and walk away. Look at it again after a few days to see if you still feel the same.

Using Mixed Media to Create Complexity and then Simplifying with Shape

Using Mixed Media to Create Complexity and then Simplifying with Shape

The contrast of two opposites - Simplicity and Complexity always fascinates me. In this video I demonstrate how I create a complex surface and then create a composition by using simple shapes.

Using Collage, Paint, Acrylic Ink, and Paint pens, I build the surface in layers and then go about finding a composition made of simple shapes. Once the complex surface is created in this demonstration, the focus switches to simplifying to create an interesting and integrated composition.

What to Consider in Choosing a Frame for your Artwork

What to Consider in Choosing a Frame for your Artwork

In this video I share the most important considerations when choosing a frame. After completing your gorgeous painting you don’t want to choose the wrong frame, so it’s important to take some time and figure out what type of frame will suit the painting best. Your frame should enhance the artwork, not be a distraction to it.

Finding the Mindset of a Fearless and Free Artist

Finding the Mindset of a Fearless and Free Artist

In this video, I tell two stories to set you up to paint with Freedom and without fear or doubt. There is a challenge I set you in an exercise that will help you adopt the mindset needed to create artwork that is exciting and new. This exercise could be the beginning of a new mindset practice to release self-doubt and welcome freedom and joy. Please watch to the end and give it a try!

Building Layers with Mixedmedia: Collage, Stencils, Painting, and Drawing

Building Layers with Mixedmedia: Collage, Stencils, Painting, and Drawing

In this demo, I’m creating a painting in my sketchbook by layering collage, paint, and drawing media. I’ll talk you through what I’m thinking about as I apply each technique and what I’m trying to achieve.

The most important focus is to be playful and experimental and have a keen eye for discovering what you love in the work. In this painting, I loved the colour combinations, the shapes I found, and the drawing that weaved it’s way through the paint.

If you want to purchase my stencils, you can find them at https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-by-Judy-Woods-s/2196.htm.

Who to listen to about YOUR Art

Who to listen to about YOUR Art

Seeking advice from the wrong people can derail our art and steer us in the wrong direction. It’s so important we don’t fall into the trap of asking the wrong people just because it’s convenient. We need to find company that supports our work and helps us to make our best work. When we ask the wrong people we get bad advice and it’s often biased towards making work to please others - often our nearest and dearest. In this video I talk about seeking the opinion of others, why it’s important and where to find the best advice.

Demo in How to Paint Intuitively - Techniques to Try

Demo in How to Paint Intuitively - Techniques to Try

In this demonstration I show you how I paint intuitively. See how many different techniques I use to create interest in the Painting. And listen to how I navigate my way to finish the painting - what am I looking for and how do I find the direction in the piece?

Then get your paints and painting tools out and give it a try yourself!

Drawing in Combination with Colour and Shape

Drawing in Combination with Colour and Shape

Another exploration in my sketchbook. This time I wanted to play around with abstract drawing. I created a PDF guide which I give as a sign-up gift to those who register for my Art For Good Workshop. It's all about finding your Visual Language and making your work more authentic with personal iconography. You can still register for my upcoming interactive workshop from June 24 to 28: https://www.judywoodsart.com/starts-wkshp-reg-june-2024-soc