Unlocking Creativity: Abstract Art Play with Mixed Media

Join me in this immersive abstract art tutorial where we dive into the world of vibrant colors, expressive markmaking, and botanical inspiration. Using high-quality Daniel Smith watercolors and bold acrylic ink, we'll explore techniques to add contrast and depth to our abstract creations. Watch as I demonstrate how to incorporate various materials like white markers, Posca pens, oil pastels, and shimmering gold ink to unleash your creativity. I'll also introduce you to one of my favorite books, '20 Ways to Draw a Tulip and 44 Other Fabulous Flowers' by Lisa Congdon, which offers valuable insights into drawing botanical elements in your art. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-expression and create stunning abstract masterpieces that reflect your unique artistic voice.
*Supplies I'm using in class (The Amazon links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies! I appreciate your support!)
Fluid 100 Artist Watercolor Block, - amzn.to/3DdxCna
Painters Color Diary - 9x12 watercolor - amzn.to/3NHFCSm
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
sennelier oil pastels - amzn.to/3MPaYam
Sennelier Cardboard Oil Pastel Set, 72 Count - amzn.to/3WL5OPX
SENNELIER D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative - amzn.to/3X9DfMg
Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink Bottle Indigo - amzn.to/3OdGnnB
Tim Holtz Tonic Deckle Edge Trimmer - amzn.to/3PRz9XD
DANIEL SMITH 284600190 Extra Fine Watercolor 15ml Paint Tube, Serpentine Genuine - amzn.to/43jJUVG
DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolor Paint, 15ml Tube, Blue Apatite Genuine - amzn.to/44CZNHC
DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolor Paint, 15ml Tube, Kyanite Genuine - amzn.to/3DaAnWr
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 4 - amzn.to/3pkXPgg
Hardboard art panels - you see me tape things down to these and they come in several different sizes: amzn.to/3C8EK3z
20 Ways to Draw a Tulip and 44 Other Fabulous Flowers - amzn.to/44pLlmE
Winsor & Newton Watercolor Medium, Granulation Medium - amzn.to/3XQ7g44
Faber Castell Water-Based Marker Pit Artist Pen 101 White B - amzn.to/43jualu
Posca Extra Fine Marke - amzn.to/3N7WOSd
KINGART Inkline Micro-Line Pens, 10-Piece Black Micro-Pen Fineliner Ink Pens - amzn.to/3JWzwMS
Tim Holtz - Stampers Anon Stencil, Halftone -Layered - amzn.to/44FPwL1
Check out all my supply favorites here: 2lilowls.com/f...

[@judithsutton2028]

Denise, what a wonderful teacher you are . Whenever, I feel I am losing my muse you are right there! Be encouraged for you are a blessing.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That really makes my day! Thank you! 🥰

[@faithisrising]

Denise Love you are brave and bold and I love it!!! Woot! To quote you “Super Fun!”

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@janelloyd7601]

The black pen is sublime 😍

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@debbyb7454]

Love everything about your videos, the conversational style, color selections and beautiful art pieces. What I enjoy most is you - your energy, exclamations and laughter. You’re fabulous! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much! You really made my day!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@diaries.of.a.Broken_Angel]

I adore my painter’s diary. I love to browse through it and remind myself of some of the beautiful colours I have and get inspiration to create with them!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I totally agree! 😊

[@wendykidd]

I was looking at “20 Ways to Draw a Tulip”, but then I found two other books - “20 Ways to Draw a Tree” and “20 Ways to Draw Everything”. Couldn’t resist - I had Amazon points and got both for 63 cents! YES!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yay!! You will love those!! 😁

[@kyleequest]

Your videos are always the ones I watch all the way through.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@reetaholmes623]

Loving this video! You give me the courage to try new things. I take time everyday to play and explore watercolors and other mediums. My products no longer sit on the shelf looking at me, LOL! Trust me, I love the fact that my efforts are not repeatable, I learn something different every single day! That is why I love your vids. Thanks so much!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love that you are playing and experimenting!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@tracyburcham7350]

Fun! Already looking forward to your next video!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yay! Thank you! 🥰

[@GivennyB]

I love your videos and all your awesome energy throughout them! Never stop being your wonderful self and creating your amazing artwork! You inspire me ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@janedurham7744]

This is my favorite!!!! I probably wouldn’t have thought to add the pink and red but I am loving it!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ellaniwalker4796]

Very pretty! Thank you! 💖🌟🌹

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@patriciabeaumont4442]

Really enjoyed your creativity Denise…be happy when I have time for more art…❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@sheilaschmid7768]

Oooo….I now have a plan to paint this afternoon! Yippee 🎉 Thank you for bringing on the smiles to all of us😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Have fun! 🎨🎨🎨

[@Moose_Squirrel]

I love these colors together!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! ☺️

[@mrs.z605]

Love these color choices. Love how the green and Goldy pastels make the gold dots pop right out there. That salmony orange color is one of my faves. And that book of flowers is awesome! That looks like a valuable asset to have in the book bank. 😊 You rock so hard!! 🎨❤️✝️🌹✝️❤️🎨

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That book is fantastic for inspiration and ideas! Thank you! ☺️

[@messerdesigns2055]

Thanks for all your creativity, enjoying your videos!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you like them! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@LifewithBrigittesArt]

Your laugh makes me smile ☺️.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@susanorban3059]

Ok i watched this again and i LOVE LOVE LOVE this piece. It got my mind to wandering through a city in the evening and just took me THERE! ❤️🥰❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@debbieekes5718]

You are SUCH an inspiration to me right now. I love how you introduce new things but encourage us to use what we have. You are my favorite tutorial maker.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’ve really made my day!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@k8marlowe]

Mine too. ☺️

[@dawnkarasaki6172]

I really loved this mixed media piece. I always get stuck and you show me to keep going. You pick colors and marks I never think of. Thank Denise❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@TammieWardArt]

You threw the kitchen sink LOL HEEHEE, love it. I never thought to look for a sample book pre made. Its still my birthday month🎉❤😂. Really loved your creativity piece today. Lovely colors, abstract, botanicals. 😊😊😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I did throw it all in 😂😂😂 Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@bethhc]

You made my day today Denise! I’m always excited to see your videos come up in my feed and I especially love today’s creation! Have a great day❤️❤️❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You're the best!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@arlenemurphy804]

Love your videos. I’m addicted to gold too.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@TheOldladyB]

I.ve never worked with watercolors before. So bought myself some cheaper ones and I'm going to try it. Love watching you.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Have fun painting!! 🎨

[@doloresparra4604]

What a joy! Another fun time w you and your talents

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@vanessaboman8143]

My favourite colourway, and as always you just bring your lovely energy to play with us and the supplies. This is very pleasing to my creative mind. Thank you for sharing with us, I am learning so much from you.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@baukjelem]

Wauw,so beautiful 💜

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@janetdand2704]

That was a lovely piece. The addition of the botanicals really made the whole thing pop. Thanks for another creative video.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@naomihall7339]

This is Yummy Denise, really love how soft it is. Just lovely

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@nancymorris313]

I loved this, it was such fun. Also, your little chuckle at double speed is adorable! 😝

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha!! Double speed I bet! Glad you enjoyed it!! 😊

[@lindseylovesart]

9:33 at this point in the video, your painting looks like an abstract landscape with the green as the moonlight, salt texture as the stars, and corrugated cardboard texture as the trees. So pretty! I love the finished piece! Thank you sharing ❤Your videos are so inspiring!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Cool!! So glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@watercolorswatcher]

Oh, you're right! It does look like an abstract landscape. Love it!

[@susanorban3059]

Yes! I was totally thinking that too!❤

[@gooddollie]

Loved the video! I’ve been on the fence about Tim’s deckle cutter, but every time I see you use it, I WANT it! LOL!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I've really liked it! I can see if you cut enough paper then the blade would dull I think - I'll have to look at it and see if the blade can be replaced. 😊

[@lisafries1715]

Your art tips are always so fun and inspiring. Thank you Denise, I do believe you are so helpful in getting us out of our art slumps.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

i've never seen granulation medium dropped on the paper like that before, it looks really cool 😮

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That stuff is cool. 😊

[@charlenebyington7405]

Absolutely love it...thanks for sharing. Loved all the different ideas. 🌿🌺🌿

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@susanorban3059]

Hello! I was saying outloud towards the end...ADD SOME CORRAL to it and you kinda did!! That was the perfect last touch ❤️love all those colors together that you used! Another beautiful awesome piece of art! Thanks so much Denise!🥰

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha! I love that. Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@pattismith6047]

what a great idea adding the black dots for spots when you made a spot you don't want :)

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Happy accidents! 😁

[@ritademetzer807]

Almost every time you use the pastels or the chalk (can’t remember the correct name for the medium), I’m yelling at my iPad for you not to do that and almost every time I’m wrong! Thank you for your inspiration. I look forward to your videos.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

lol!! Too funny. So glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you! ☺️

[@franlynch9428]

Beautiful colors, I love it Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@danielleb.7055]

Loved the incorporation of the florals. It seems like your southern accent is super southerny* today, lol, which I looove! It's just awesome. Have a great day!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! ☺️

[@RozWilloughby]

This is great...all of those simple marks together make it so interesting ❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ellenkarlin7927]

Absolutely fantastic!!!!❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@MissBMarie56]

I love watching and listening to you!!! I want to so be like you and just paint and create with confidence and ease!!! My biggest thing is failing!!! I have all the supplies I need and I just sit and look at them!! But you have given me the courage to try.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It gets easier the more you do it!! Thank you! ☺️

[@megsgonnamake]

I adore the Painter's Diary!! It is soooo convenient!! I have 2 😂❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love it too! 😊

[@megsgonnamake]

@@2lilowlsstudio your work is so inspiring! TFS with us!!❤🙏

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@megsgonnamake Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@deenichols2055]

As usual, I love this!!! ❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@mteresastoa4896]

❤❤❤ I have enjoyed watching your channel so much! Now I have to have Daniel Smith watercolors have all kinds of watercolors but not Daniel Smith and I really love the granulation and the primatech ones. Thank you so much and I'm sure Daniel Smith will thank you so much and my local artstar will thank you so much. It's probably going to take me months to get my collection going but it sure will be fun😅

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Daniel Smith colors are so beautiful. Such fine quality. They are my favorite of the artists lines. So glad you are enjoying my channel! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@zengal5685]

Absolutely wonderful tutorial, thank you!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@aysekarayalcin3088]

Lovely Denise, thank you a thousand times. Love your creativity.❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much!🥰🥰🥰

[@lynnhurdus2512]

Wonderful as always. Thankyou.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@dreamwoodsbutterfly]

Wow, I love this project! I have always enjoyed adding foliage and florals into things so this was just perfect! And that pop or color really made it perfect. This project was filled with so many awesome techniques!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This was a fun project! I really threw in almost everything and the kitchen sink! 😂 Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@anniefaint6373]

This is gorgeous,,,xxxx ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@janazavitz212]

You are so inspiring - love all the different elements and the line drawing you did. Thank you for sharing your creativity!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Denise, I really really enjoyed watching you creating this Absolutely and utterly Stunning and beautiful piece of art work. I really really love ❤️ it, and hope you’ll frame it too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you! 🥰

[@lindaellis9349]

That was a fun little piece! X

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@sueabbott3753]

Yet another fantastic tutorial, thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

I have that book! And - you just gave me a way to maybe save a piece I recently did. Yay!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Awesome!!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@watercolorswatcher]

I love this one SO much! I am into native plant gardening, so I could do these abstracts with a line drawing of my various native plants. Thanks for the great idea! I'm so excited to get started on this! 🥰

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That's a great idea! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Denise, love this!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’re welcome!! 🥰

[@Burtieblog]

Great video like always! Thank you. You have really inspired me and helped me to pull together a bunch styles and tools to creat with. I love how you use lots of different materials and just play. So many people say to play but not many demonstrate playing like you. You are a joy Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’ve really made my day!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@lesleycashmore9337]

I absolutely love your work - I am finding that I am drawn to abstract art mixed media - I will give this ago - thank you - keep you videos coming 🥰

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@robertadrsvensson]

I love your art and your channel is just brilliant! Please keep it up.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@babesmixedmedia]

Your videos are amazing. I love abstract and your work speaks to me!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@dotmorton4540]

Dot from UK Hi Denise, I hope I find you well? I love your videos they cheer me up when I'm not feeling my best. I didn't think I would like the colors in this one, but you surprised me, I loved the contrast between the indigo and pale green. You brought it all together with the gold and oil pastels, two more things to add to my wish list. It turned out so beautiful, could I do something similar? Well, I'm going to have a go, you are truly an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing. Lots of love from the UK, Dot X.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’ve really made my day! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@marisameier9035]

Another nice piece! I get so much inspired to do this form of art! I absolutely love your tutorials!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@jodirankin5901]

As always, a lovely piece! Thank you for sharing!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@lizdouglas1952]

Love this piece, Denise! Love the color's, and techniques. Beautiful!! 😘💖

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@francynericard1373]

J’aime beaucoup ce que vous faites. C’est amusant à regarder avec vos commentaires et votre rire. J’aime aussi que vous présentiez des livres de références. 🤩

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you are enjoying these!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@marciacallis5957]

Super like this one😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@teddiwhitney5111]

Stunning

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@michelemonet7616]

Love this so much! Your videos are the best! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@AdrianaBinaku]

Love this💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Lainers2000]

I love the way your abstract turned out. Thanks to your videos, my friend and I had fun playing with some mixed media on Saturday. Of course this included another couple of trips to the art store where we are vacationing. i will share this video with her as i know she loves your work..not sure if she has subscribed yet..

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you are having fun painting!! Thank you! ☺️

[@bmk5529]

So pretty!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! ☺️

[@ginainfantino411]

Beautiful!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@yvonnequezada8683]

Love it !!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@candacekerr4139]

Very nice!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@dianad6314]

Hi Denise! Great stuff as usual!! Was wondering if you would do a demo with the pastel fixative on an actual piece? I'd like to see how it works, many thanks and again GREAT STUFF

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@Colleen1978]

Love it! I used q-tip and made dots with the ink. I just can't get the pen tips to work right. Glad to see you use a brush. I will try that. I was afraid it might ruin my brush.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Brushes work great. Water clean up! Qtip was a great idea! 😊

[@jackkaye1]

You can remove the little spots with the dampened corner of a Mr. Clean sponge.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Thank you! 🥰

[@shirleylittle3485]

Absolutely love it. Is the Fluid 100 your favourite watercolour paper? Thank you.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

No. I have a couple of pads of it. But not my favorite. I like Arches and Canson Heritage… and that Two Rivers paper at Jackson fine art was wonderful too. I like to experiment on papers. I like the 100% cotton papers.

[@manipolartebijoux7285]

Hi Denise, thank you so much for your WONDERFUL videos!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your works!!!! Can I ask where I can find the letter opener you use in this video? This effect is really beautiful. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!!!! Silvia

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰 Letter opener? I’m not sure what you are referring to.

[@manipolartebijoux7285]

Sorry, it's the automatic translator ! (I'm Italian) 😅😅😅😅😅😅Mmm...cutter? Removed the tape, you cut the painting ... I mean that tool. Thanks again!😘😘😘

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@manipolartebijoux7285 Oh! It is the Deckled Edge Cutter By Tim Holtz - amzn.to/3PRz9XD

[@manipolartebijoux7285]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!! 😘

[@arlenemurphy804]

Love this. Denise, Can you recommend a small deckle cutter? Just want to do small items. Thank you for your creativity and inspiration.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have one of these and really like it: Ranger Tim Holtz Tonic Deckle Edge Trimmer amzn.to/3Pb7WNG

[@Komponents]

Beautiful! Just curious - have you tried smearing the pastels after spraying the fixative? I don’t have oil pastels yet and I’m skeptical .

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I lightly touch to make sure they are set. I have not actively tried to smear them. 😊

[@ChristianeFortin]

I love your abstract from today mind you, I always love them hihi! I did not find the link for the cutter you used, or did I look with my eyes closed?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! ☺️ It's this one: Tim Holtz Tonic Deckle Edge Trimmer - amzn.to/3PRz9XD

[@ChristianeFortin]

@@2lilowlsstudio thank you very much, happy creation ❤️

[@pamsims3436]

What is the cutter that you used to get the deckled edge?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is the Deckled Edge Cutter By Tim Holtz - amzn.to/3PRz9XD

[@ellaniwalker4796]

Denise, I had your brush set in my box to order tomorrow, and tonight as I was going through my order it is gone. On Amazon They say the brushes are gone and do not if or when they will be back. Please tell me if there is another way to get the brush set, or when they will be available again. I hope the paints will still be there in the morning. So sad about the brushes🥴

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Definitely check around your local sources or google them! I just link for your convenience. Unfortunately, things sell out when they are mentioned!

[@ellaniwalker4796]

@@2lilowlsstudio Well, at least I got your paints! They will be here shortly. Can’t wait to try them. Do you know who did the brushes? I thought they were from you. I guess I misunderstood that! I have a dagger brush. Use it all the time. I liked it because of the brush bag that came with it. Thank you for answering. Maybe it will come back. Love and light!💖🌟🌹

[@carolhenry1170]

What kind of salt do you use for this project?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It was coarse sea salt 😊

[@carolhenry1170]

@@2lilowlsstudio Thank You!

[@andreahardaker2704]

Ok i tried doing your method … how do you keep from making mud.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Probably the colors I chose - they don’t make mud when they blend. Usually the complimentary colors mix and make mud. You could let colors dry a bit in between colors if you want less blending.