14 - Geologic Abstract Art | Intuitive Creative Process Using Watercolors and Mixed Media

Ah vacation! It's wonderfully rejuvenating and exhausting all at once, haha!! Maybe it's the fact that I'm introverted and vacations usually involve more social time. And as an introvert, even though I really do love people, I also find it very draining to be in social situations. So this for this week's video, I'm choosing to honour how I'm feeling physically and I'm keeping my process simple. Geologic abstracts are easy and meditative for me to create and a little simplicity and zen is exactly what I need right now.
#intuitive_watercolor_painting #mixed_media #abstract_watercolor #geologic_art
Here’s a list of the materials I used for this painting: (***Since I now have the ability to monetize my site, I can include links to the products I use and when you make a purchase using these links, I will get a small commission. You won't pay extra for doing this and you will help me earn a little bit of money along the way, so I can continue doing this work. Thank you so much in advance for your support!***)
Watercolor paper (Arches, cold pressed paper - amzn.to/3OpbAmC - I cut my paper to 8 x 6 inches)
Fiskars paper cutter - amzn.to/43YEGyX
Artist tape - amzn.to/3qlcgS0
Water
Paper towel
Pencil
Water spray bottle (I usually just reuse old ones from hair products)
Daniel Smith Watercolors in Neutral Tint, Quinacridone Deep Gold and Phtalo Blue Green Shade - amzn.to/440YQZh
Winsor and Newton watercolor in Indigo - amzn.to/3Qvl7v0
Kremer Pigmente watercolor in Star Gold - shop.kremerpig... (a good substitute for Star Gold is 24K Merck Gold by CSY Art Gallery - amzn.to/44YitT0)
Round brush in size 14 - amzn.to/3s3Wcog
Micro mini brush for fine lines - amzn.to/3DLv5kh
Fountain pen - amzn.to/3KxPxsC
Fountain pen ink cartridges - amzn.to/4403PZS
Extra Fine tip pen - black - amzn.to/44Zgvlb
The music for this video was provided by the You Tube Audio library:
Thank you Jesse Gallagher!! I love your wonderfully zen compositions!
I recorded my video using my iPhone 12 and edited my video using iMovie.
My thumbnail was created using Canva.com. Many of its features are free and so easy to use!
** I can also be found on Instagram: @gabrielle_anna_cormier_art.**
Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or post comments. I truly love connecting with you every week and it always brings me so much joy.
Thank you for watching! Have a great week and happy creating!
Gabrielle :)

[@AdeleReece-xp1fz]

The gold was a perfect addition….some luxury with simplicity ❤

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you Adele 🤗❤️

[@zajournals]

Very happy painting 👍🙂

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Yay!! Thanks so much 💕☺️

[@riahagen234]

you are a beautiful person, thank you Gabrielle. i loved your paintings, thank you. R ia.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Aww ❤️🤗 Thank you so much for your kind words Ria! I appreciate you being here with me! ☺️

[@nancyweisser3910]

Dear one, My favorite colors blues and yellows with a touch of gold. I was watching your hand as you created. Soft gentle strong and beautiful.Your Maine landscape inspired painting is grand? Oh how it makes me want to come to Maine. Hope and pray you are content🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💛💙💛💙

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Awe ❤️ Thank you sweet friend! I'm so glad you enjoyed watching this process unfold. It's always so relaxing for me to paint this way and I love knowing that it can also be relaxing and enjoyable to watch. Maine is gorgeous - I hope you do get to see it some day ☺️ Life is good my friend! I am making time for rest and also to have fun in my studio. Sending great big hugs your way 🤗💕

[@kasandravkeith220]

Soulful is my word for your creation, as well as soft, tender, dreamy. I loved watching the unfolding of your painting, I felt calm and peaceful….and your voice added to my mood. Thank you Gabrielle, I am so happy I entered your world today, and I will be back. You have inspired me🙏 Warm greetings from Nova Scotia Canada 👏👏👏👏👏❣️

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much 😀❤️ I'm so happy you enjoyed this video and I appreciate your kind words! AND I LOVE Nova Scotia 💕 I lived in Bedford and in Halifax for a couple of years in my twenties. It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada 🥰 Thank you for making the time to connect! 🤗

[@kasandravkeith220]

@@gabrielleannacormierart Serendipitous❣️ I have lived in Halifax for 30 years, and I love it here, the ‘down home’ warmth of this province, and indeed the Maritime provinces is legendary. I love living on the Atlantic coast. Born and having lived my early life in Winnipeg Manitoba, which has the space of the prairies, I have especially found that moving to the east coast and the ocean has been freeing and good for the soul. More warm greetings👏👏👏👏👏❣️

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

@@kasandravkeith220 I only got to visit Winnipeg once and only for one day in the winter (I was a flight attendant for Air Canada many years ago now). What I know for sure is that Canada is a beautiful country ❤ ad mari usque ad mare 🥰 It's so lovely to connect with you! 🤗

[@jcyr360]

Merci Gabrielle de partager tes souvenirs de vacances, c'est magnifique. Ton aquarelle est superbe et "star gold" va a merveille avec ta palette de couleurs. Bon retour à l'atelier.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Merci beaucoup ❤️🤗 C'est tellement bien d'être chez-nous de nouveau et dans mon atelier 💕🎨

[@christineingram55]

Absolutely gorgeous and soo relaxing to watch you create as always 🥰

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Christine ❤️🤗 Thank you very much for your kindness!

[@Blue-rd5lq]

Mesmerising and simply beautiful, thank you for sharing some tranquility from your holiday and your art. Your moments of calm remind me to step away from my own stresses and focus on the beauty that is around and that can be created. When life gets complicated it is easy to lose sight of true north and where we want to go. Shine on lovely Gabrielle! 💫

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Hi Bernice ❤️🤗 Thank you so much for being here with me! I always appreciate your kind and thoughtful words so much! Sending great big hugs and lots of love your way 💕🤗

[@lizrolley]

You’re a really good artist Gabrielle and I enjoy watching you paint .. the colours are beautiful and I can’t help adding gold too .. happy time 😊❤

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I appreciate the gift of your kindness 💕 Thank you so much for making the time to connect with me ☺️

[@kathycoleman9260]

I am so happy to have found U! From Missouri now but grew up in North East (Jersey, Mass, VT, etc. Recovering from cancer and mandible replacement. The Nuro graphic grabbed me as I'm a detailed pen and ink person constantly being told to 'loosen Up!'. U have really been and inspiration as to how to do this- freedom of letting w/c do it's magic with my pens and little details I still must do to truly be satisfied as artist. Nothing is a failure. New learning experience that is developing. Thank u for helping me thru this next phase of a long artistic career. Bless you and the calm u have helped me find.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

❤️💕❤️ There is so much for me to love about this comment! You are a true kindred spirit and I’m so happy you have made the time to reach out and share part of your journey with me.💕 I wish you well on your road to recovery and I feel excited for this next phase of your creative career. What a gift it is to be artistic! Lots of love and big hugs heading your way 💕🤗

[@suemahoney5431]

I’m glad you had a lovely holiday. Your painting as usual was captivating, thank you Gabrielle.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much Sue ❤️🤗 Your presence here is such a gift! 💕

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

Turned out so beautiful! That gold really pops!!

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I appreciate it Monique! ❤️ Thank you so much for watching 🤗

[@nathalieleblanc7284]

Wow, wow, wow….i love watching your fountain pen dancing on the paper with the calm music in the background. This is such a great meditation. Gold is a must … lol … it adds magic to the painting. As usual, well done Gabrielle!

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much 😀❤️ Your kindness is much appreciated Nathalie! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@annedelsart933]

Magnifique

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Merci beaucoup Anne ❤️

[@alicecasey4052]

Stunning!

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much! ❤️☺️

[@biancathomas7934]

I really love the colour combinations in this piece. Gold is a must, it was beautiful without but i love the opulence the gold has added 💛✨️

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thanks so much 😊❤️ I wish you could see the gold shimmering in this piece when I look at it up close ✨🤩

[@jadeskye1624]

Such a beautiful piece

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@polgara28]

I hope that you get a chance to rest up. Thank you for sharing this gorgeous paining with us! Sending love and peaceful vibes! 🌼

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I'm already starting to feel more rested ☺️ Thank you so much for your kind words and for the love and peaceful vibes! It is all received with so much gratitude and reciprocated right back to you ❤️☮️🤗

[@Suzy373]

Hello. Im part way through watching this video and have a quick question. After the salt dries on your painting do you brush it off leaving behind the pattern or is the salt left on?

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

@@Suzy373 Hi ☺ Yes, I usually brush it off (unless I forget 😂). It's generally pretty easy to remove by scrubbing a piece of paper towel or some other kind of tissue over it. ☺

[@Suzy373]

@@gabrielleannacormierart Thank you 😊

[@danicali76]

So beautiful !!!!

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much 💕

[@sueridder4691]

Welcome back from vacation! I enjoyed today’s journey. I love how organic your geologic abstracts look. It’s cool to see how water and salt work with the watercolors and know that salt and water have equally awesome impacts on the earth. Thanks for the beauty you add to each week with your paintings and your quiet, reflective and instructive dialogues describing your process and your thoughts as you are creating. ❤

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️🤗 Your kindness is such a gift and I appreciate that you choose to be here with me Sue!

[@Love2Create62]

Another beautiful relaxing video Gabrielle! 😍 The texture that the salt makes is always so magical and the gold, of course, adds so much beauty to each painting! 🌟 Thank you for sharing glimpses into your vacation! I'm so glad you were able to get away and enjoy yourselves! Did Garou go with you? You know you've had a fabulous vacation when you're so tired you need another vacation. I love all of the breathtaking pictures you share of the outdoors! Have a wonderful week my friend and happy creating! Hugs 😊🤗

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you sweet friend ❤️🤗 I’m glad you enjoyed it! Unfortunately, Garou couldn’t come with us to the Cape because dogs are not allowed where we were staying and we had a celebration of life to attend. We were happy to pick him up so he could join us for camping here in Maine ❤️ I really wish I could take him everywhere. It’s never the same without his little presence. 🐶❤️ It was nice to get away from the usual, but it’s also good to be home again 🥰 lots of love heading your way 💕🤗

[@julieboyle170]

Love the colours and the gentleness they suggest. Beautiful.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you so much Julie ☺️❤️

[@kymcrowart7876]

I just found your channel. I love it. I’m so excited to have found you.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Yay!!! I'm so happy you're here!! ❤️ Thank you so much ☺️

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

I loved every minute of it 🤗 so inspiring and so soothing to watch 🙏🏻 thank you for sharing 🤗💖

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it Chantal ❤️🤗 Thank you for your kind words!

[@fredacormier680]

Le sel ajojute des effets special a ta peinture❤❤

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Oui, j'aime tellement jouer avec le sel et mes aquarelles 😁 Merci beaucoup de prendre le temps de regarder ma vidéo Mame ❤️🤗

[@angela14962002]

❤❤❤❣

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

❤️❤️❤️🤗

[@darcellelfoster3981]

I found your channel recently, and I love it! I would like to see some in-depth instruction on using salt. No matter what I try, I never get the drastic effects from salt you do, and I have no idea what I need to do to fix my process.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Hi!! ☺️❤️ Thank you so much for joining me here on my channel! Ah yes! Salt can be a bit tricky! I will see if I can make a video explaining this better. If memory serves me correctly, I think I explain it a bit more in the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6WxhJibitl_rrs. Additionally, I will add that the quality of the paper can make a difference, but mostly, I do think it's about when the salt is added. If the paper is too wet, the salt will tend to melt into the water and stick to the paint and paper more. If the paper is too dry, hardly anything (if anything) will happen. So, it's a bit about finding the sweet spot in terms of how damp your paper should be. The following video may also help with the different types of salt applications: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJipmaVsjdZ-iM0. I hope this helps ☺️

[@darcellelfoster3981]

@@gabrielleannacormierart Thanks so much for the additional info! I will watch both of the videos you recommended.

[@andreak6186]

🥰 wonderful

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you ❤️

[@wilhat]

The gold rocks.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I agree ❤️🤗 Thank you for being here!

[@Diane-cv7jb]

💛💛💛

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Merci beaucoup ma tante Diane ❤️🤗 xoxo

[@Diane-cv7jb]

Bonne fin de semaine! XO😘😘@@gabrielleannacormierart

[@sheilamillard3354]

Beautiful! Thankyou!

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Thank you too! ❤️

[@yamileolufandey3434]

Simplemente fantástico 💕

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Muchisimas gracias ❤️

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

🥰❣

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

❤️🤗

[@lindakuck5981]

Beautiful as always ❤️ and thank you for sharing your vacation pics. Did you catch the whales off the cape or Maine? And we connect again geographically I am originally from Massachusetts. 😊

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Hi Linda ❤️🤗 The whale watch was off the Cape - it was a gift from our late Aunt Sue who wished to gather the whole family for her celebration of life 💕 She was surely with us on that day - more whales came around than I think I've ever seen on a whale watch before. It was a special to commemorate her life. We are usually in North Truro at least one week every year ☺️ Where in Massachussetts are you from? What a beautiful state ❤️

[@lindakuck5981]

@@gabrielleannacormierart I am from Raynham/Taunton area.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

@@lindakuck5981 I'm not familiar with this area - just more for me to discover ☺

[@monikaartm.4383]

Quelle chance d'admirer ces animaux marins : cachalots, baleines ou ?.... qui débouchent sur une belle inspiration de fonds marins.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Nous avons été bien chanceux de voir au moins 18 baleines cette journée là! ❤️☺️

[@sylviegagnon123]

Love the beautiful Magic of your art !! 💕🎨💕 Can you tell me wath kind of salt creates such magical and unpredictable effectcs!! I am from Quebec, Canada. Will continue to follow you !

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Allô Sylvie ❤️🤗 Qu’il fait beau dans ta belle province 💕 Thank you so much for your kind words! I use regular fine grain table salt. The quality of the paper can make a difference too 😉 I recommend experimenting with this technique - it’s lot of fun and experimenting is a great way to learn! I appreciate that you made the time to watch this video and connect with me 🤗

[@sylviegagnon123]

@@gabrielleannacormierart Thank you so much for your answer ! I will definitely continue to experiment because I can assure you I don’t get gorgeous results such as yours with my plain table salt 🤣🤣

[@sylviegagnon123]

May be I need vacation too ! 🤣🤣 I will continue to try ! 😉😘

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

@@sylviegagnon123 vacations help 😉😂 And yes, don't give up! Try to experiment with different qualities of paper and also try applying your salt at different stages of paper wetness or dampness. Even try corse grain salt at some point also. It doesn't react the same but it can also create interesting textures ☺

[@sylviegagnon123]

@@gabrielleannacormierart 💕🎨💕

[@IliyanaGesheva1]

When I apply salt, i never get this blooming texture. I wonder what Im doing wrong?

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

It could be your salt, your paper or when you apply the salt to your paint... A number of different factors will influence the effects you get. Some of our community members here have share that the table salt where they live is very fine and this does not seem to create these types of effects. I've also noticed that the salt react differently on my student grade paper than it does on my better quality watercolor papers. If I apply my salt when the paper is too wet, it tends to melt more and stick to the paper without creating much of an effect. If my paper is too dry and not damp enough, not much happens either. Another thing that can blunt the effects (at least in my experience) is when I try to speed up the drying process by using a hand drying tool. I recommend using scraps of paper and experimenting. Notice what happens when you use different paper qualities and when you apply the salt over very wet, damp and dryer paper. Also, some paints seem to react less to the salt (for instance, I don't find my granulating paints react very much to the salt at all). Most importantly, play and have fun! What ever shows up on your paper is probably cool too 😉 I hope this helps! Thank you for making the time to watch and connect 🤗💕

[@caromama-tr9oo]

Tres joli, merci, je debute en art et a 100%, je fais une oeuvre en suivant votre tutoriel et je le montre a ma professeur de cours. Et je m'abonne aussi

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Je suis contente que ça vous plait ☺️ Merci! Je vous souhaite d’aimer peindre autant que ça me réjouit 🎨

[@Komponents]

Gorgeous vacation photos! Thank you for sharing! What are s the salt you are using? I use ordinary sea salt and I don’t get that beautiful texture you are getting.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Hi Kay ❤️ I’m using just regular fine grain table salt. Another thing that makes a difference (other than when we add the salt to the paper) is the paper itself. Higher quality papers tend to react differently to the salt than when I’m using my student grade paper. I hope this helps! ☺️ Thank you for making the time to connect!

[@tuckerdinnes2132]

What kind of salt do you use?

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I prefer to use regular fine grain table salt. It is definitely a grain and not a powder though. On occasion I also use coarse grain salt because it produces different effects that can also be interesting. I hope this helps ☺️

[@tuckerdinnes2132]

Thanks!

[@jlm517rocks]

often ii start & stop the 1st viewing to make it last longer...& then just put you on repeat... did you try other w/c brands before a main choice? yve influenced a number of investments (like a second twsbi & pilot pens...darn dual handed brain)...w/c & gouache seem overwhelming to me compared to inks, pens, papers, pencils & pastes... overload aside, budget aside, w/c artists seem to ride a particular pigment type/feel/look & if ii had a universal color card, ii'd probably own a store's stash worth... some pay attention to pigment, or binder(s), stain, transparency, blendability, etc...what are yr thoughts? hugs, &... ii too need a vacay after a vacay...so now...every day is one...

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

Hi Judy ❤️🤗 I'm always so happy to see your name pop up here!! ☺️ Interesting questions!! I started with really cheap w/c brands initially because I came mostly from a mixed media (leaning mostly towards acrylics) background and as you know, art supplies can be expensive so I wanted to know this was something I could see myself doing long term before committing to buying better and more expensive paints. Then I started watching Cee Cee here on YT and I saw how paying a bit more for my paints might be of benefits. So, I took the plunge and I was hooked! There are so many brands out there and some I'd still really love to try (Kuretake just to name one). But, I really do love the pigments I do have. 🥰 How about you? Are there any particular brands of paint you love or colors that you would hate to lose from your palette? Hugs to you too 🤗

[@jlm517rocks]

@@gabrielleannacormierart Ty for responding...ii started with komorebi, the 'other kuretaki', & this summer went for kuretaki straight up...learning curve along w/c inks & acrylic inks (Dr pH Martin each)...ii have a Windsor Newton travel palette that ii think dates from the 70's or early 80's & despite cotman student level (so ii've learned), the only difference is the reds & browns are closer to each other than distinctly different...Kristy Rice's For Joy's Sake palette is lovely, & ii still use another very old pelikan palette & those pigments, while not professional in the least, deliver ... ii mostly do mixed media, zentangle & seem to be aiming towards a combo...ii don't have a style, such as you do, and wide range of interests sometimes, a lot of times, feels like imma dilettante...but...there is joy in All of it, so progress, while slower, is improving.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

@@jlm517rocks Thank you so much for sharing ❤🤗 I'm going to check out at least some of your mentions. You and I have so much in common!! ☺On KZbin, I think for the most part my style is pretty distinct and then when I let loose in my studio, everything else is on the go 😂 I am currently working on a little scupture I will paint with acrylics and I've got a few canvas paintings on the go. Like you said, there is joy in all of it for me too! So I just keep going with the flow. Big hugs sweet friend! 🤗