Layer#31 Contrast in Pink!

I have been a bit stuck with the way things have been going in the last few layers. So I decided that it was time for another transformation. What better way to go than to go fresh and bright so as a contrast to the dark blues I have chosen a beautiful bold bright pink.

Sometimes it's nice not to think too much when you're painting so this layer literally took about 2 minutes. Letting the paint and brayer action take centre stage and quickly produce a gorgeous textured paint effect. The stencils from the previous layer peak through in areas which as a rich dimensions to the canvas.

Lush Layer Love!!! ♡

So after being brave and pushing myself with my painted layering process I'm putting this new found love into practice.  By repeating the process I hope that it will make it easier each time and help to grow my creative confidence as I go, striving onward into the unknown!

Here I have started with some intuitive abstract painting.

Then adding a layer of stencilling in contrasting colours.

One of my favourite layers is then to go back in with blocks of paint that I smudge into the paper with my finger. This layer really helps to tie the previous layers together. 

Lastly I love to add in details with fine line pens, adding in doodles and decorative shapes that give a focal point. 

Black and White Doodles- Patterns Everyday

Layer#30 Embracing Fear

I find it really tough to layer sometimes. I think it's the control freak in me. Sometimes it's hard to let go. Your brain overrides your heart and wants to know where you are going? What's going to happen? What are you trying to achieve and even sometimes what is the point?

I find when I am faced with a massive hurdle like this its because I'm on the cusp of something big. I'm about to realise something or discover something that is going to propel my work forwards.

At times like these I know I need to push on. Sometimes just getting something on the page,  anything is a start. And it's also the beginning of overcoming this great hurdle and overriding my inner critic.

Today feels like one of those days!

Being brave with layers

Sometimes it's hard to take the next step with a painting. To be bold and throw yourself in headfirst with the next layer, moving the painting forward into unknown territory.  But this is the learning curve. This is where the real magic happens, the surprises, the new direction. This is what helps build the story of the painting and create something special.

Layer#29 Transforming Light to dark!

So after the last layer I was inspired to begin a whole new body of work surrounding boats and waves. I have left my Journey canvas for a few days wondering what to do next so have come to a decision that in times of confusion and indecision it's time for another complete transformation. So here we go: from so much light and white foreground let's embrace the dark!

Painting process, from start to finish!

Painted Pattern Pages

I love creating patterned pages to use as collage papers.  I tear then up and use the pieces as added colour/texture/detail in the backgrounds of my paintings. A great way to start adding layers to create something totally unique to you! Love the process, that's where the magic happens!

Layer#28 Drawn in Details

Details have now been drawn in using poshca pens. I have also added an accent colour to make the boat stand out as the central focal aspect.

Patterns Everyday- Expressions of the Sea!

Experimenting with monoprinting, layering acrylic paints with different stencilled patterns then drawing detail in at the end.

The magic of hand painted silk scarves

So today I have started working on a batch of hand painted silk scarves. I approach silk painting in exactly the same way as watercolour paints.

First I start with a wax resist, then after that has set I go in with water and splattering paint and watch the magic happen. I let the natural flow of the water do its work and always get surprising and beautiful results!

Art Journalling - Abstract Paintings

So over the last week or so I have been dedicating my daily art practice to creating patterns (patterns everyday). I am really surprised that this simple exercise has already transformed itself into creating abstract paintings everyday in the form of art journalling.

I am loving this process and can't believe how addictive it is so wanted to share with you how it's going so far.

Pure Joy Abstract Painting

I love being expressive with paint and today I pushed myself out of my conform zone to work BIG!

Using A1 size paper I spread scratched and rubbed paint into the paper. Working big means you can get your whole body involved in the movements and motions of expression.  Almost performing a dance with the paint.

What a refreshing and freeing feeling!

Layer#27 Stencil relief

I really love this technique. The strong bold sections of untouched colour combined with the the suggested outlines of the stencils and the textured white areas. The brayer has left previous layers to peak through here and there adding subtle hints of hidden depths. I think this could look even more beautiful with detail drawn over the top.