abstract ideas

Combining Paint, Acrylic Ink and Drawing

Combining Paint, Acrylic Ink and Drawing

In this video I show what media and tools I use to start my paintings. I want to quickly create a surface full of interest with shape, line and colour as well as creating texture and variety in paint effects. Watch me demonstrate in my sketchbook exactly how I start my large canvases by combining shape, line and texture with a range of media.

The stencil shapes used in the video can be purchased from https://www.stencilgirlproducts.com/stencils-by-Judy-Woods-s/2196.htm.

Acrylic Ink in Abstract Mixedmedia Painting

Acrylic Ink in Abstract Mixedmedia Painting

In this video I explain how to overcome a common problem artists have when they fall out of love with their paintings. This can happen when our style evolves and we grow in our artistic preferences. But what do we do with the older paintings that are still lingering and no longer reflect our new aesthetic?

I discovered a new technique by using Acrylic Ink to loosen the surface of the painting and freed me up to finish the painting again, this time in my new looser style. There were still aspects of the original paintings that I loved and I was able to integrate these with my new style and create a finished painting that I am much happier with.

In the newly finished paintings I used drawing with oil stick as well as flooding the surface of the painting with Acrylic Ink and water. I used these techniques to provide variety in both wet and dry media which enriches the surface and offers the viewer a broader range of experience when viewing the paintings. I was trying to move into a looser style of expression so I needed to soften edges and lose more control of the paint, ink and drawing tools.

I encourage you not to Gesso over older paintings and lose all your beautiful painting. There will be parts that can be integrated with your new style while still maintaining your authenticity. Decide what new media you can bring to the work and without a backward glance forge ahead to bring your work up to date with your growing artistic style.

Inviting your BEST into your Painting

Inviting your BEST into your Painting

Taking the best elements from past work for direction to move forward is the best way to develop continuity and strengthen your own personal style. Watch as I review paintings and collages I’ve done over the past year in my sketchbook and then create a new work bringing those ideas back into play.

How to draw with character and expression

How to draw with character and expression

This is my favourite drawing technique - it results in drawings full of expressive character while also developing strong observational skills. I love this style of drawing because it’s quick, but the results are powerful and surprising. Still life, portrait, landscape drawings can easily capture the essence of the subject and offer creative options for future explorations in paint.

1 Hour Art: Creating Layers Of Mixed Media

1 Hour Art: Creating Layers Of Mixed Media

I've recorded this video to show you my process for painting and making a finished piece in my sketchbook. I create my work, big or small by building in layers, and in this demonstration you will see the full process reduced down to creating an artwork in less than an hour. Don’t forget to download my Markmaking & Painting Promptsheet to bring over 50+ ideas into your studio.

How to Use Thick and Thin Paint to Create a Stunning Painting Surface

How to Use Thick and Thin Paint to Create a Stunning Painting Surface

I like to build a beautiful surface on my paintings, and in this video I focus on contrasting thick and thin paint to build a luscious painterly surface. I’ll show you how I do this on 4 paintings I’m currently working on so that you can see my painting process at work. Join me in my studio!

2 Different Methods of Using Collage in Abstract Painting

2 Different Methods of Using Collage in Abstract Painting

In this video, I demonstrate 2 methods of using Collage in the early stages of an abstract painting. And then how to develop an integrated composition full of surface interest, gorgeous shapes, and a variety of lines. This is all done in my sketchbook and gives you ideas for a quick and effective painting exercise to try yourself.

The BEST 6 TIPS on How To Get Started with Abstract Art

The BEST 6 TIPS on How To Get Started with Abstract Art

If you’re wanting to move into creating Abstract Art there is lots of advice out there. I’ve discovered that asking Google HOW TO CREATE ABSTRACT ART resulted in bad advice. In this video, I go through why Google has it wrong and what my BEST 6 TIPS are.

Knowing THE STAGES OF A PAINTING gives you a roadmap so you won’t get stuck

Knowing THE STAGES OF A PAINTING gives you a roadmap so you won’t get stuck

When people get stuck in their work it's usually because they are trying to do something when they're not ready or asking the wrong questions at the wrong time in the development of the work.

Once they know at what stage they're at with the work and what they should be focusing on then they know what questions to ask.

For example, if you're at the beginning stage of a painting you don't start analysing whether you've got the colours right, or whether the design is strong. Those are questions for later.

In this week's Vlog I demonstrate what to focus on at the various stages of developing a painting.

How to Create a Painting By Playing with Acrylic Paint and Dry Media

How to Create a Painting By Playing with Acrylic Paint and Dry Media

The best way to find ideas for paintings is through play. Playing with materials and discovering new effects and then responding to what you see developing in front of you is my painting process. Watch this video as I demonstrate this intuitive process of finding a painting through play. See how long it takes before an idea starts to emerge and I find my direction, and then watch as I fine-tune the painting to finish it.

Why You Should Have a Sketchbook Practice

Why You Should Have a Sketchbook Practice

Sketchbooks, for me, are about recording my own growth as an artist. Trying out new mediums, having fun and exploring, and just seeing what happens when I play and paint.

In this video I take you inside my sketchbook, talk about why it’s an invaluable part of my creative practice, and share what type of book I use and some tips for keeping pages unstuck, so that it can become a treasured account of your life and development as an artist.

How To Start By Playing With Paint and End With A Finished Painting You Love

How To Start By Playing With Paint and End With A Finished Painting You Love

It’s exciting to start a painting but do you have trouble finishing it? In this video I show you how to start by just playing with media and then a great tip to quickly add interest and intriguing, surprising elements into your work. Then I take you through how to clarify your composition and create a strong finished artwork.

Create Your BEST Paintings with These Simple DIY Shapes

 Create Your BEST Paintings with These Simple DIY Shapes

The best art relies on great design. So how do you ensure the design in your abstract painting is strong? In this video, I show you step-by-step a great tip for finding strong design ideas for abstract paintings using work you already have. I’ll show you how to create your own unique shapes and then demonstrate how you can use these to generate ideas for future work.

Overcome the Overwhelm When Starting A Painting with this Simple Process

Overcome the Overwhelm When Starting A Painting with this Simple Process

This video will give you 2 techniques for getting started when you have a new canvas, that is fast and effective and will help to kickstart your creative process so that you can begin your painting easily and with beautiful and exciting results.

My Top Tips For Building Incredible Texture In Your Work

My Top Tips For Building Incredible Texture In Your Work

Ready to take your paintings to the next level? By paying attention to the surface of your artwork, you can create depth and interest with beautiful textural effects to draw your viewer in close. So lets get started on taking your paintings from flat to FABULOUS!

How I Developed An Idea From A Finished Painting Into New Art

How I Developed An Idea From A Finished Painting Into New Art

How you get inspiration for new work? Inspiration, I think, is the most important part of the creative process. This clip shows how one piece of art can inspire another - where a finished painting can be mined for ideas that can be used to start a new piece.

How to Draw with Expression and Allow the Magic to Happen

How to Draw with Expression and Allow the Magic to Happen

Blind contour drawings are when you draw without looking at the paper directly, instead you only look at the paper for short moments. I love this style of drawing to gain freedom from realism and to build more character in the work. In this video I show you how to combine Blind Contour drawing with abstract use of media.

5 Methods to Build Connection with the Title of your Painting

5 Methods to Build Connection with the Title of your Painting

THe title of your painting needs to build connection and engage the viewer. But it shouldn't be too literal or narrow limiting the viewers experience. In this video I share 5 strategies to finding a great title.

How To Paint A Memory In Under An Hour

How To Paint A Memory In Under An Hour

In this video, I will take you through the process of creating a painting based on a memory. We will use the technique of building up layers of paint and line to create depth and meaning. This is a very personal project which helps us draw upon our emotions and experiences, this creates something unique and special.

How To Improve Your Painting by Using Contrast

How To Improve Your Painting by Using Contrast

When we're painting, we often struggle to make certain parts of it work. And while struggling with that part, we begin to forget other things around it. But by doing this, we're avoiding making good parts of the picture even better by putting something opposite next to them. In this video I'll explain how you can use this 'opposite' element in your painting to help the good parts of your work shine.