Unleash Your Creativity: Abstract Art in my Sketchbook

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Inspiration from the Robin encounter
3. Materials for mixed media
4. Creating abstract backgrounds with inks, pastels, and Water-soluble crayons
5. Adding texture with salt and stencils
6. Blending pastels and using gouache for mark-making
7. Reflecting on the progress of the YouTube Channel
8. Adding words and dates to the artwork
9. Exploring the effects of salt on different types of paper
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back to my channel! Today, I want to take a break from the outside world and dive into my SketchBook for some creative play. With the stormy weather outside, it's the perfect time to experiment with mixed media and Create an abstract collage-inspired piece. This idea was sparked by a recent encounter with a robin during one of my sketching Sessions. I was so captivated by the robin that I decided to incorporate it into my artwork. In this article, I will share my process and techniques for creating abstract mixed media art inspired by the beauty of nature.

Inspiration from the Robin Encounter

During one of my sketching Prompts, I had a Memorable encounter with a robin in December. Surprisingly, during another sketching session, a robin paid me another visit. That experience left a lasting impression on me, and I decided to sketch the robin. The result of that sketching session was a beautiful depiction of clouds with a robin. I found myself inspired by this encounter and wanted to explore more artworks that incorporated birds. In my art class for younger students, I thought it would be wonderful for them to create a journal inspired by birds that visit their gardens. The robin's colors and presence influenced the abstract side of my artwork.

Materials for Mixed Media

To bring my vision to life, I gathered a variety of materials. I opted for Rembrandt pastels in burnt sienna, which closely resembled the color of the robin's chest. Additionally, I used magic color inks, nail colors, Lyra water-soluble crayons, washi tape, art graph, gouache, and salt. These materials provided a diverse range of textures, colors, and effects that perfectly suited my abstract style.

Creating Abstract Backgrounds with Inks, Pastels, and Water-Soluble Crayons

The primary focus of my artwork was to create captivating backgrounds using inks, pastels, and water-soluble crayons. I diluted the liquid acrylic inks and experimented with a limited color palette. As the inks dried, they formed permanent layers on the page. Pastels, particularly when applied to wet surfaces, glided smoothly, adding depth and a soft, fluffy texture. Water-soluble crayons allowed me to build shapes and layers effortlessly. The combination of these mediums resulted in captivating abstract backgrounds that served as the foundation for my artwork.

Adding Texture with Salt and Stencils

To further enhance the texture in my artwork, I incorporated salt and stencils. When applied to wet areas, salt reacted with the inks, creating interesting granulated effects. It added an organic and natural feel to the artwork. Additionally, using stencils created beautiful Patterns and textures that resembled elements found in a garden. The combination of these techniques added depth and visual interest to my artwork.

Blending Pastels and Using Gouache for Mark-Making

In my creative process, I found that blending pastels was a great way to create smooth transitions and subtle gradients. The pastels seamlessly merged with the inks, water-soluble crayons, and gouache, allowing me to achieve a harmonious flow within the artwork. I also utilized gouache for mark-making purposes. By applying gouache directly to the page and using a foam brush, I created unique patterns and added a touch of contrast to the overall composition.

Reflecting on the Progress of the YouTube Channel

Before diving deeper into my creative process, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to all my subscribers. Recently, my channel crossed the milestone of 10,000 subscribers, which was an incredible achievement. I appreciate each and every one of You who has been with me since the beginning and those who have joined recently. It has been a Journey of growth and progress, both in my art and content creation. Looking back at my earlier videos, I can see how much I have evolved over the years, and it's all thanks to your continuous support and encouragement.

Adding Words and Dates to the Artwork

To add a personal touch to my artwork, I decided to incorporate words and dates. Using alphabet print blocks and archival ink, I wrote the color names, seasonal references, and even the names of inspiring plants. This addition not only added depth to the artwork but also allowed me to capture specific moments and memories within my SketchBook. I also utilized a date stamp to mark the creation date of each piece, making it a documentation of my artistic journey.

Exploring the Effects of Salt on Different Types of Paper

Throughout my creative process, I explored the effects of salt on different types of paper. Interestingly, I found that the reaction varied depending on the paper quality. On some papers, the salt granulated and created fascinating textures when combined with inks. However, on others, the salt did not have a noticeable effect. This observation reminded me of the importance of paper selection and how it can impact the final outcome of artworks.

Conclusion

In this article, I shared my experience of creating abstract mixed media artwork inspired by a robin encounter. Through the use of inks, pastels, water-soluble crayons, and various techniques such as salt and stencils, I was able to develop captivating backgrounds and add texture to my compositions. The addition of words, dates, and personal touches further enhanced the overall meaning behind the artwork. Additionally, I reflected on the progress of my YouTube channel and expressed my gratitude to all my subscribers. Artistic experimentation and continuous growth are the essence of my creative journey, and I am excited to share it with you.