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.
To ensure my finished paintings have a luscious surface full of surprising paint effects I have found that working in multiples and laying down a foundation of experimenting with different materials and techniques delivers the effects I want in the finished painting.
In this video I demonstrate these techniques as I begin to create 10 abstract paintings at one time. By working in multiples and using glazes and solid paint effects I am able to create a series of work that are unique, all different and yet share the same language.
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.
In this video, I'll be sharing my top tips for creating beautiful, subtle texture in your paintings using white paint and glazes. By using a light touch with these tips and techniques you can achieve subtle and nuanced effects that elevate your work. I'll also be sharing my go-to technique for harmonizing colors. These techniques create a visually striking effect that pulls your painting together and makes it feel cohesive. I hope this video inspires you to experiment with these techniques in your own artwork!
The other day I took a break from my paintings and I did a little design exercise which was fun. It's a bit like practicing your scales when you play the piano - it limbers you up, tunes the eye for when you need to analyse your paintings and make design decisions. Have a look and then have a go. Watch the Vlog.
One of the ways I do this when I'm building my layers at the beginning of a painting is to embed the work with drawings, words, shapes, colour, and collage that has direct relevance to my life at that moment.
Watch the Vlog to see this process demonstrated in my work, and stick around to the end to see bossy old Ginny.
This week my Vlog is an exploration in line in my sketchbook. I've been updating one of the activities in my stARTs course and it's got me really interested in a couple of things - big shapes and delicate lines. I've always been a sucker for these two, but I feel like I'm going BIGGER with the shapes and more explorative with the line.
This week in my Vlog I'm talking about digging into your past and finding things in your memories that can be included in your Art to make it more authentic. Finding SHAPES that you enjoy and that for some reason have some resonance for you, and how including these in your work can build connections with others. That's where the Witches Britches come in... Have a look!
One of the questions I ask myself when I'm trying to nut out my paintings is "What is this painting all about - where are my heroes?"
When I get this figured out it's so much easier to know what needs to be done next. Sometimes the hero can get lost in the crowd - so once I've identified what are the heroes, I can clear away the distractions and make some space for the main players to shine.
When I don't like what I see in my work my go-to solution is - ROTATE. I rotate the painting, look at it with fresh eyes, go back a step, and add more of what I like. I also look at what I DO like in my other work. What can my more successful paintings tell me - what have they got that the Cupcake in this painting hasn't? Watch as I walk you through and discuss the process of what I did in this week's vlog.
Last week you would have watched about the breakthrough and moving ahead with my paintings. And suddenly, this painting is taking me on a very bumpy journey - and you're all coming along for the ride!
At the moment, what it means to me is that this painting will be rich in layers, have AMAZING texture, and is taking longer to reveal itself... that's all. I can't describe the process, I'll just leave you to watch me making some very dubious decisions.
