Abstract Mixed Media Painting: Strawberry Fields - Work in Progress

Charlotte Wensley
Feb 27, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

I was feeling like a quick dabble in a colour other than green today. I also dug out my paint pens for some of the details. I'm not sure if I really get along with them, but these mixed media paintings on paper are a great place to try them out.

abstract landscape painting on paper in pink and white

| Experimenting with Paint Pens

Are you a fan of paint pens? They can be such versatile tools in any artist's toolkit, allowing for precise lines and vibrant colors that really bring a piece to life. I'm not sure yet if I'm a fan, maybe I just need a bit more practice with them to fully grasp their potential and improve my skills in using them effectively.

| Finding Inspiration in Gelli Prints

I went back to my pile of gelli prints, which have been accumulating over time, in search of some collage elements to add depth and texture to these current paintings on paper projects. As I sifted through the colourful layers, I stumbled upon some delicate tissue papers left over from my previous monoprinting sessions.

These papers, with their translucent quality and unique patterns, sparked a wave of inspiration. They work well as accents to my more colourful prints, allowing me to create interesting visual contrasts and enhance the overall composition of my artwork.

| Revisiting Starter Pieces

On this particular creative journey, I went back to my starter pieces, as I have plenty lying around the studio!

It’s fascinating how these initial sketches and drafts, which might seem rudimentary at first glance, can serve as a foundation for more developed works. They hold the essence of my artistic exploration and experimentation, and revisiting them often leads to new insights and ideas. I find that these pieces, although simple, are like stepping stones guiding me toward more complex and refined creations in my bigger works.

| The Beauty of Practice with Mixed Media Painting

These paintings are really all about 'practice'. They embody the essence of my artistic process, where the act of creating becomes a form of learning and growth.

Each stroke of the pen, each layer of paint, and every choice of color contributes to my development as an artist. I am deliberately looking for lines and shapes, focusing on how they interact and complement each other.

Balancing detailed areas with open space is a skill that requires patience and intuition, and I am constantly testing color combinations to see how they resonate together.

This exploration is not just about achieving a final product; it’s about enjoying the journey of discovery and honing my craft along the way!

Watch the video of this abstract mixed media painting coming together.