Anything But the Brush!

Creating abstract mixed media compositions with unusual and playful tools, for mark making, masking, glazing, and printing.
List of materials:
1/2 sheet 140 lb multi-media watercolour paper, taped down and divided into 4 parts
Faber Castell pitt pastel
Faber Castell brush pitt pen
heavy body acrylic paint (Cadmium Red light, Paynes Grey, Titanium White)
acrylic ink Prussian blue, Indian Yellow, Antelope brown
wax paper
a brayer
a squeegee
white tissue paper
india ink
textural printing surfaces (ie. anaglypta wallpaper) or stencils
acrylic matte medium
Pebeo drawing gum
brushes
paper towel
rubber cement lifting eraser

[@marilynharber2101]

Joan, I cannot thank you enough! I’ve always wanted to be an artist. My parents were quite discouraging and having grown up in a dysfunctional home. I just really didn’t have the wear with All to pursue that. So here I am at a very young 67 I have the time to paint and I have been painting. I love abstract, and I’m so delighted to come apart upon you. You have a wonderful teaching method. Sharing the rationale behind your actions can’t thank you enough truly you’ve changed the course of my development as an artist.

[@alisonwatt8570]

Marilyn. Thank you for taking the time to send me this message. I am delighted to know that these videos have helped you in your path as an artist.

[@maxnme21]

Hi Alison….I realize this video is 3 yrs old…But there is no age to art and learning. I love your videos….you take time…explain and your work is beautiful. This video has shown me so many techniques…….some I already knew but seeing how YOU use them makes a huge difference. The masking product used with glazing is wonderful. So helpful!! Paint transfer…I know….but as it was presented here it came across knew to me. I love it all…you video…your help has given me new feeling to my art. Thank you so much. Now I’ll watch your other videos and be inspired!!❤❤🤗🤗 Charlotte

[@boryanamitova4586]

This lecture and show case of yours was sooo great. I just needed it in this rainy afternoon to highlight and clear my brain and room. Now I am looking around to find other "tools" from my kitchen or my backyard, bushes and from all our surroundings. Now I have an other "channel" of approaching Art. And can't wait to do some practices after your teaching, Ms A.Watt! God bless you! ❤

[@dianecharest8365]

I love this. And i love the ones you showed in the end. Your an amazing artist. Again thank you for sharing.

[@bonniezieman3424]

Love your videos. Nice to find someone who not only knows how to create art, but also knows how to teach.

[@lindarubenfeld9783]

This video is so full of great ideas and information. Just watched it for a second time and know I will come back again. Can't wait to try the techniques you demonstrated. I watch hundreds of youtube demonstrations and this is one of the best I've ever viewed . Thank you for sharing this.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks Linda--so pleased that you got a lot out of this video!

[@brendaberezan2737]

thank you for the demos of these beautiful techniques.

[@alisonwatt8570]

you are welcome Brenda!

[@carolbarnes7520]

Thank you Alison, I have just finished a collage and it is 'too rich' colourwise. You have inspired me not to be afraid of going back into it and introducing some lighter calm areas. Carol UK

[@Freedaaa]

Very inspiring and also motivating... Thank you!

[@sonalimazumdar_54]

I simply love your style of work Alison it's as if you opened my mind just when I needed it the most. Keep creating such wonders and I'll be the sponge 😁. Thankyou so much for sharing your creativity 🙏❤️👍👍

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thank you Sonali! Happy painting.

[@martinederepentigny2771]

Thank you so much for all these great ideas!

[@alisonwatt8570]

you are welcome!

[@marychristophi6688]

Absolutely wonderful wonderful beautiful loved every second of your video……….. thank you 🙏 Mary from Cyprus 🙏🙏🙏🍷

[@marychristophi6688]

Please do more of your video’s 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🍷

[@teresachandler4732]

Loved this! You have a lovely way of teaching. Thank you. And, I just love the sunflowers on paper!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Teresa!

[@CherylK.333]

This is fantastic and is just what I needed! I've just discovered your channel, and I love your voice and your demonstration style. Thank you so much!

[@shaunnalyons4436]

Thanks so much for sharing your processes. Amazing. I’m so excited to go try them. I enjoyed the academic feel to this video and I can’t wait to get started. Thank you! 😊

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks Shaunna. Have fun!

[@vickibrighton9455]

Thank you so much, Alison, for sharing these wonderful techniques. I never thought to use my masking fluid with acrylics. Can’t wait to try it. Also, I love the waxed paper and mono printing techniques.

[@alisonwatt8570]

glad to bring some new ideas to your art practice!

[@gaylehurd727]

Alison, thank you for the detailed demonstration of your techniques. I am fan. Can't wait to watch more of your work and teaching.

[@christinecovert7995]

Love how matter of fact you are. Thanks for such a practical demonstration.

[@gloriabrito1006]

Excellent!!!

[@nainisingh100]

Lovely demo! Thank you. I was waiting for you to pull out the rest of the tape :)

[@cindycreateforlife]

I have really enjoyed this video, I love the product and I love your teaching even more! You are very inspiring and I am sure you will help me ‘loosen up’ and have fun!💕🇨🇦

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks Cindy! Have fun!

[@marypartridge5154]

You are such a great teacher. There is a big difference between a teacher than someone who is just showing us their art they want to sell. So thanx for sharing your expertise.

[@alisonwatt8570]

That is very kind of you Mary

[@houdini840]

So much information! Love how your paintings turned out. Sue

[@jillpratt2447]

I really enjoyed your demonstration of different mediums.....entertaining and informative!

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks Jill

[@dianamatthews824]

I found your channel a couple of days ago and have already enjoyed a few of your videos but this one really is the business, such interesting techniques and very well explained. I have not come across many people like you, who are good artists but also good communicators. It makes a huge difference to those of us who are learning and in my case want to move away from detail to work in a more loose style. Probably on hold for a bit as my son just arrived on a visit from Montreal! A big thank you for generous sharing of your time and knowledge!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Diana! Have a good time with your son. My son lived in Montreal for a time...love that city!

[@rubyjuly723]

Thank you for such wonderful inspirational videos! You are a great teacher!

[@coraannetoledo-merritt1220]

thanks again Alison. enjoyed every moment for the second time - so much to remember that I finally jotted all the technics down. tomorrow i'll be trying them out.

[@beadas1108]

This was so clear and helpful. I just needed this. Thank you!

[@bilbobwn]

This was very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing. So many techniques, some new and some refreshed 😊

[@jennyniemi4690]

I really enjoyed this video! Just discovered your channel today. Love the ideas! So inspiring!

[@annelise8014]

This video is loaded - thank you forvyour generosity, teacher!

[@elisabethesteve8075]

Thank you so much for your videos I love your work and I love all the techniques you share with us there was so much to learn in each video You inspire me so much

[@barbaragale6823]

Thank you for this inspiration. I can't wait to try it. Well done.

[@corinnef.9324]

Merci pour toutes ces techniques possibles.les effets sont très intéressants.bravo pour votre travail.

[@alisonwatt8570]

merci Corinne! Je suis très content to savoir que mes vidéos vous aident avec votre peinture.

[@marychristophi6688]

So happy I came across your wonderful artwork and your teaching …,🌹🌹🌹beautiful

[@gerricalpin4825]

Thank you, thank you Allison, your video sedment was so full of goodies. I especially love the wax paper transfer.

[@bevjack1]

thank you, thank you, thank you. Clear and wonderful techniques! Love your teaching style.

[@lucyjones3493]

Thankyou Alison, great explanations!!❤️

[@lynchdavid8104]

I love the process. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathhicks6439]

Thank you so much for all the inspiration!!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@juliehooper1360]

Oh I just loved this and worked along with you. Taking the masking fluid off I was wishing I had your tool. This is such fun and as you say so full of surprises. Thank you so much for sharing. So much appreciated.

[@alisonwatt8570]

you are welcome Julie! Glad you enjoyed it. Happy painting.

[@joancollier4488]

Thank you, this is just what I needed to get me to 'let go' and stop being too precious. Very glad to have found your site. I can't wait to try this out myself!

[@alisonwatt8570]

have fun!

[@ratnashakya1871]

Beautiful work prosess mam 🙏 I am from Nepal 🇳🇵

[@ritazita1111]

Thank you for sharing your process in a beautifully clear and easy to follow video. And thank you for the quiet (no music) presentation. I am a painter of 30 + years and like your work very much. I will subscribe to your channel and hope to see more as you are an excellent teacher.

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thank you so much Rita!

[@user-xt2xb1mr1q]

Really interesting techniques! The paintings already look good as they are but I wonder what they looked like when they were finished.

[@alisonwatt8570]

that one stayed the same.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Well, that was so much fun. Great techniques and wonderful video. Thank you!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Glad you liked it Kathy!

[@laurienye7514]

Thank you Alison, it was enjoyable and I loved it.

[@judithgillam5074]

Absolutely FANTASTIC ! Thank you !!! Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Judith!

[@Random_clips12]

Beautiful

[@SuperBenette]

Enjoyed the magic that happened infront of our eyes, never tried this but maybe in winter, thanks and be blessed.

[@leebaughman7321]

I am excited to have found you! Thanks for your generous sharing.😎

[@alisonwatt8570]

you are welcome! glad you are enjoying the videos

[@jannazuber7925]

What a fabulous demo! So glad I came across it!

[@sandrasagarmurtishotton6309]

Great demo Alison, so many interesting techniques to try.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks for popping in!

[@williamjonker6999]

I adore your art.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks!

[@avanellehansen4525]

Interesting process. I appreciate your not playing music over your narrative. Your voice is restful😮

[@nitafaught-JoyfulheART-]

I have just discovered your channel and I have already discovered so much! ♥️

[@alisonwatt8570]

that's great to hear Nita!

[@maegill5662]

So awesome! Thank You! 🥰

[@shirleyannegrindley7570]

Fascinating demo. Thank you

[@mariakapatos9545]

Loved the video, fresh new way of collage and tools to use so enjoyed the hour with you, excited to see more videos, you explain it all so well.

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Maria!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Maria

[@judeaugust]

Love your work and the techniques you demonstrated are a great way to abstract an idea. Love the sunflower print it's so beautiful. Thank you so much for the inspiration. You are a great teacher by the way.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thank you so much!

[@toodle6418]

@@alisonwatt8570 you definitely are a fantastic teacher.

[@pineconemediadesign]

It will be nice to see these finished. I love your willingness to have lack of control and experiment very inspiring.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thank Lindy. I just posted an abstract process video, which takes a piece through to finishing.

[@juliachatwin2997]

Wonderful

[@leticiacampos1044]

Oh wow! This was so inspiring!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thanks Leticia

[@johnhawkinshawkins1284]

Most excellent inspiration!

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks!

[@kathyobrien5467]

So helpful. Thank you so much.

[@julialimbrick333]

Thank you for this wonderful class I enjoyed it so much. And I learned some new things. You are easy to follow . I love taking notes as I follow along with your presentation. Thank you for showing us how to use the Indian ink.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed my video, Julia

[@robertwebber8672]

Thanks for this demo. Such a delight and i learnt so much. That goes for other vids such as a black grey and white process where you added veils of collage paper. You have inspired me to order some supplies (love shopping!) and have a look at my own work with a view to following your techniques. I have hundreds of unfinished pieces to which i could apply your process. Thanks so much. best R

[@modestamurphy4601]

Thank you very much for sharing so generously your different techniques So helpful and inspiring ! Modesta Murphy

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks for commenting Modesta

[@lenstar4]

Amazing demo thankyou!

[@alisonwatt8570]

thank you!

[@michellegraven7786]

Great video … ThanQ

[@loribeetler591]

Video’s are wonderful. Thank you so much.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thank you!

[@marymoore3625]

I am learning so much from your videos. Thank you. I also wanted to mention that there is a setting on most cameras that will stop your camera from refocusing every time you move. It would be easier on the eyes.

[@alisonwatt8570]

thanks Mary--I will look into that

[@ghadabesheer9732]

Thank you so much .. you are amazing

[@user-fs2sm5dh8q]

Thank you so much🙏🏻

[@user-ks2is9zi7d]

thank you very much!

[@leebaughman7321]

Would love to see a video on "getting out" of a painting.🌈

[@alisonwatt8570]

I have a couple of videos on "Losing" which talk about resolving the last stages of a painting

[@lindacallaway2253]

You just answered my question. I was wondering what you do if you go over the taped edge. Cut with an exacto knife.

[@nephthyswolfe7835]

Thank you!

[@susanstern6303]

It feels very Japanese…. And beautiful

[@royking7298]

This was an amazing video. I learnd a LOT of techniques. But the ending seemed to loose track of what 80% of the video was working on. I will watch more videos to learn, yet more techniques. Thanks!

[@sherrismith4754]

Love this lesson. Can you please make a list of actual items used on your videos

[@alisonwatt8570]

that's a great idea--I'll drop those in the comments

[@AhamBrahmasmi_]

This is one of the most valuable art videos I’ve seen on KZbin! Please tell me you have an online course.. 🙏🏽

[@alisonwatt8570]

Thank you. I do have an online course. I'm just about to start a 6 week acrylic/mixed media course in 10 days. You can find it on the Learn With Me page on my website, linked on my banner

[@toodle6418]

Thanks so much for teaching your skills. It's amazing and lovely to be able to pick your brain. Can I ask? Is there any specific glue you use to attach the collage to the painting?

[@alisonwatt8570]

I use a acrylic medium, either matte or gloss

[@catholictortillas777]

I love your videos. Thank you! How do you decide what colors to put together. Also what would be the best frame color for an abstract. Would a person always use a matt? Thanks!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Hi Angela--thanks for your questions. I like certain palettes and use them a lot. Otherwise, I look at other artists' work and images around me with colours that appeal. Then I try to mix them. In general thought, it always works best if I use just a few colours (plus a white and a dark) and see how many mixes I can get from those colours, before choosing new ones. I always like either black or white for a frame and white for mats.

[@beadas1108]

What board are you using to tape the paper on? It looks very light! I love it. I have wood abs it’s getting heavy.

[@alisonwatt8570]

it is Corplast--light weight but rigid plastic

[@bonnie_nelms]

I enjoyed the video…thanks for sharing. You seem to be using the term oil pastels and oil sticks interchangeably, although they’re different products. You mention Nick Wilton in the video…he does that too and it drives me batty! Would you please clarify what you are using. Thank you.

[@susan-ms1ji]

Hi Alison, thank you. Can you tell me what brand of wax paper you use?

[@viv2089]

Great demonstration Alison, thank you. So many ideas. I wanted to ask as I have only just found tissue collage and enjoy making my own. Do you use acid free tissue paper? Is this the same as wet strength tissue ? And if you were selling a painting with it in do you make sure it is archival acid free ? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@alisonwatt8570]

Hi Viv I'm not sure what wet strength tissue is. The tissue I'm using is very thin and inexpensive. You can buy acid free tissue. But as I'm essentially embedding it in acrylic medium, the paper is sealed.

[@viv2089]

@@alisonwatt8570 great ! Thats what i have, thank you for replying

[@TaosSpinner]

Great tutorial, thanks so much. I have a question: you refer to the oils as both oil pastel and oil pigment. I read recently that oil pigment from sticks will dry but oil pastels won't, so I'm wondering which one you prefer to use and why. Thanks!

[@alisonwatt8570]

great question. I prefer oil sticks. I also understand that oil pastels never really dry. Also, if you want to varnish, Kamar varnish works on these mixed pieces.

[@TaosSpinner]

@@alisonwatt8570 Thanks so much!

[@meltemashley1808]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@belindaroca4577]

Geat video! For the oil stick area, how do u seal the painting with the acrylic and oil in the same painting. Also, can u cover the oil paint with the tissue paper and mat medium if the oil paint isnt dry? Thx😊

[@alisonwatt8570]

The oil stick is not a very heavy layer. I usually seal works on paper with a medium (usually gloss). The oil stick may resist the medium, but it is also sealing the paper and is archival.

[@belindaroca4577]

Thank you

[@joancollier4488]

Thank you again for your video. Which I will certainly watch again. Can I ask when you say in your replies you use 'acrylic medium' for collage is that pva glue?

[@alisonwatt8570]

No, it's actually an acrylic medium--you can buy it in art stores (in mat, gloss, or satin

[@sarawelder1]

Thanks for making this video! I have trouble with paint leaking under tape and tape not coming off cleanly. Any suggestions about kind of tape and how to apply it.? Also, did you need to gesso the paper first? Thanks!

[@alisonwatt8570]

Hi Sara--I use painters tape; you can seal the tape with a line of medium along the edge. For lifting, use a blow dryer to heat the tape as you lift it. I do like to gesso the paper. It depends how you want to work. But it you are leaving bare paper you will want to frame under glass to protect it.

[@sarawelder1]

thank you!.

[@ineseedwards9489]

Just wonderful - can I ask how do you seal your paintings ? How do you seal the oil pastel bits or do they dry ? Th you 💜

[@alisonwatt8570]

oil stick dries better than oil pastel. I would probably frame these under glass, so that they are protected. You can seal mixed media with oil stick, with Kamar varnish

[@ineseedwards9489]

@@alisonwatt8570 Thank you so much for your reply - that is so interesting- I use oil paint but I have been reluctant to use oil sticks in any art because I have read that the oil sticks never dry and I don’t like to frame under glass - I will now try some oil stick and seal with the Kamar when dry - I am excited to give them a go - thank you . I have learned so much from your videos xx

[@ineseedwards9489]

@@alisonwatt8570 I just realized from your message that there must be a difference between oil stick and oil pastel ! I have used a bit of oil pastel - I will now experiment with oil sticks - thank you again 😊

[@rayemartineau8644]

💓👍👀 3/11/22

[@AlSantanaman]

How does acrylic stick to the oil pastel if it's layered on top?

[@alisonwatt8570]

it doesn't stick, the oil pastel resists it.

[@sherylfranklin8088]

I found this video to be very helpful and I watched clear to the end to see the most exciting part, the reveal! I couldn’t believe it didn’t come….is there a follow up to this video?

[@alisonwatt8570]

Hi Sheryl. Thanks for hanging in there! Some of the little squares were finished--ie. the one in the thumbnail for the video. But, I hear you, watching a painting taken to its final stages is incredibly helpful. I'll keep that in mind for some future videos.

[@sherylfranklin8088]

@@alisonwatt8570 thank you for your reply! I was just so curious to see where the tape divisions were and what would be revealed 🥰

[@rayemartineau8644]

💗👍👀 1/26/22

[@margaretsmith9085]

How does your tape not tear the paper as you remove it?

[@alisonwatt8570]

Hi Margaret--I use a tape I buy at the dollar store: Duramax, which seems to be easy on the paper. But if you have a tape that tends to rip the paper, heat it gently with a blow dryer first.