Art Without Paint: Exploring Derwent Graphitint XL Blocks and Oil Pastels - Abstract Art Tutorial

[@BlueLotusLife]

Art is a practice, isn’t it? Not just a finished masterpiece. It’s inspiring to see such self-compassion and humor in the process!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad that resonated with you! Thank you! 🥰

[@PatriciaLiittschwager]

It resonated w me too!❤

[@sonja-silva]

I absolutely LOVE you for posting this! It is good for people to see that not every painting sesh will be perfect. And you even give a cute solution for what to do with art you don’t really like! We need more realness like this in the world!!! So, applause 👏

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad this resonated with you! Thank you! 🥰

[@jodiebuell6982]

I love, love, love, that you posted your 'fail'. We all have days like that, and it's so awesome that you can accept it, validate it, and move on without dwelling on it. AND instead of tossing it in the trash, you give it love and turn it into an adorable little heart that sits on your desk. I have the little art prompts too, but now I think I'll take these little extra hearts (because I have quite a few fails), and put a positive quote on them and leave them in random places. Turn that little negative into a positive. See, you don't just inspire art. You make the world a better place inspiring others. Someone might find one, and need it that day. I will label them 'Love' notes....❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Such a fantastic idea! I’d totally love coming across these and taking one with me. Definitely would brighten someone’s day! Thank you! 🥰

[@susanorban3059]

Oh I love this idea of leaving little hearts around for encouragement! I think we all need encouragement these days. ❤🥰

[@Love2Create62]

That is a fantastic idea! You never know who you can bless with one!

[@UFOS4]

Your words are a tonic for "bad art days". Punching out my own hearts and circles with my "bad art" and love that I can salvage a few pieces that way. Discovered that when I just want to goof around with a painting without thinking about it, I end up with a piece I just love. You are such a good teacher for inspiration-starved artists!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad this resonates with you. You’ve really made my day. Thank you! 🥰

[@lealea12368]

I found it so relatable when you mentioned getting supplies (esp. paper) on sale and then squirrelling them away for later use. You really expressed it well when you said…….then, you don’t remember what the cost was and the “can’t use it, too expensive” worry is completely gone! I loved this warm and vibrant colour palette you chose. Thank you for taking the time to make content for us all to enjoy, even when you don’t feel like it. Your sacrifice is our gain and I want to recognize and express my appreciation Denise! Atta’ girl!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad that resonated with you! Expense definitely makes us not want to waste things so then we don’t even use it! So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you! 🥰

[@susanorban3059]

Agreed Denise! Thanks for your video!!❤

[@stephanieriley4876]

Thanks for BEING BRAVE and for showing us to just keep going and being happy all the way to the end 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I was definitely testing brave today! Thank you! 🥰

[@dawnjames151]

Hey Denise, took an art break from all the vacationing, lol, and caught this video. Anyone who's been following you for any amount of time, already knew you didn't like it and struggled to find the good...which is much different than when you struggle in the first couple layers for an abstract piece. I respect the honest, but more importantly, the "save" with the heart cut outs that offered up that happy surprise laughter that let's us know, "you found gold"! Now back to the beach!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Some days are harder than others for sure! But still ended up being a good art day and learned good stuff! Have fun at the beach!! ☀️🌊👙🏖️

[@nicolezanardi6023]

I backup all the other comments 🙏 it's been a BLESSING to find you. Thank you for all you share ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

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

[@nicolezanardi6023]

@@2lilowlsstudio ❤

[@sandyf4776]

I appreciate your honesty. Sometimes we just need to experiment to find out what we truly like and don't like.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad that resonated with you!! Thank you! 🥰

[@machelleshappyhobbies4977]

Thanks for the video. I would watch you no matter what. Love your way of looking at things. Thanks for the encouragement when I mess up.😊 You could also use the hearts to put positive affirmations for each day before you begin your art projects.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oooh! Great idea! Thank you! 🥰

[@yvonnequezada8683]

It's hard to be inspired when fatigued. However, you were still so mindful in the the midst of exhaustion to inspire us. Your honesty is appreciated. We can all be ridiculous🤪 when shopping for art supplies. Thank you for being here for us.. 💜

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@XenobiaF]

Thank you for sharing even though you didn’t care for the end pieces. Beginners like me need to know you won’t like everything you do.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad this resonated with you! Thank you! 🥰

[@starlaarts9385]

I would agree. They would make good birthday cards 😊 The hearts would make a nice card too.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Totally! Thank you! 🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

I think they would make great card fronts for kids. I know my grandson prefers when I use bright colors when making his cards! Thanks Denise, you are right they make great hearts!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you! 🥰

[@TammieWardArt]

Today's adjectives......crazy, hot mess, weirdly😅😂😊❤. Experiments can just make the funniest art pieces. So many ways to cut up art to enjoy. This was a great video. Really enjoyed the veering off the highway to a dirt road!!! 😊😊😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha!! was totally a dirt road today!! Thank you! 🥰

[@Lainers2000]

This is a great post, Denise. I don't want to see perfect art pieces every time. I just want to watch the creative process, see the tools you use and how you use them. I actually like these. Your comment about not remembering the cost of the paper is how I use wine: Sometimes I end up opening a good bottle to drink with hot dogs.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad this one resonated with you! I love that you do that with wine! I’d totally do that. Thank you! 🥰

[@CopperA]

I am laughing so hard. I listen to your videos while I am working sometimes because your voice and laughter just make life sweeter. When I opened this one, I looked at the opening picture and thought ..cool..pumpkins, fences and fall leaves...awesome! I am working away, waiting for you to see the pumpkins. When you said you were going to cut them up, I wanted to say wait, don't cut the pumpkins lol. I guess that is the beauty of abstract art. We all see something different. Thank you so much. Your channel is a joy ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you! 🎃🎃🎃

[@lisafries1715]

I'm sorry you don't like them so much. I'm really loving them. They are cheerful. Love all your inspirations.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I liked them more a few days later... they are happy pieces! Thank you! 🥰

[@dreamwoodsbutterfly]

Even though you may not have felt these turned out as planned, I like their redeeming qualities as birthday cards as you mentioned. I think they'll look great as a mixed media card for many occasions, and who doesn't love the inspirational hearts! So WIN!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I definitely think they would made great cards! So I think it was a win to day too!! Thank you! 🥰

[@SusanKerr-fz6mi]

Missed you on Wednesday. So difficult to create when you're not feeling great. Well done you! You have even more of my admiration. X

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Going to a few days a week… posting 7 days was a lot. I’m tired 😂

[@trudy3637]

You are absolutely hilarious, Denise! I love your infectious giggle and how excited you get about things. Thank you for posting this, even if it didn’t turn out the way you really wanted. It was inspiring to me!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you! 🥰

[@cherrycato1940]

Thank you, just what I needed…. It’s beer raining all week lost my mojo, but today you have inspired me. 🥰🤗🍒

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@barbierader677]

The hearts are adorable! You definitely saved the day with those.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I think so too! Thank you! 🥰

[@emilyd5458]

Your laughter makes me so happy ! Thanks for brightening my day with your really cool art 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'm so glad! Thank you! 🥰

[@susanjensen9735]

I actually like these…kinda modern artish and very different from what you normally show…Love that you share with us, thank you.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I like them more and more as I look at them. Thank you! 🥰

[@ingelagoransson3560]

I like the pieces and LOVE the right one with the yellow circles at the bottom. I see a tree with it´s leaves falling down. It says autumn to me. :) it would be a beautiful card, and the other ones too. 😄Thank you for sharing even if you didn´t like this paint day a lot.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed these! Thank you! 🥰

[@EllenFairchild-f6g]

The two you particularly like would make great fabric. I love this style and the colors you chose. Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Those would make fun fabrics! Thank you! 🥰

[@robinandersen4181]

Thank you so much for being so honest in your art processes. You are an inspiration to me. Be brave, trust my creative process, and understand not everything is a perfect art piece. This makes it fun to just experiment.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

so glad that resonates with you! Thank you! 🥰

[@lynndavis9432]

I have had so much fun cutting art into hearts...I have started painting just to cut them up! I make heart garlands and mobiles with them! As I cut them up I am always exclaiming..."Oh that's a good one.". Totally new perspective on what constitutes "success."

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love that!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@LynnLBE]

Oh I kinda liked it when cut apart. These colors are real pretty together.💜💜

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I like them more and more... they are growing on me. 😁

[@junimondin]

I love to practice and explore with you. Sometimes i change the mediums i use, because i hav'nt all the things you use. Sometimes it fits. Anyhow, i have a strange workspace and i definitly need to relax. I relax with your instructions and tutorials in a realy good way! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoy these! Thank you! 🥰

[@sherryoswalt73]

Thank you for today. Creating is work some days and by sharing this you give us permission to experiment and allow our imagination to run amok and bravely go where we haven’t before. It’s a whole different experience than staying in our comfort zone and creating another piece that feels kind of predictable. ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Somedays it is so easy.. and somedays it is a bit of work! I agree... Thank you! 🥰

[@sherryoswalt73]

I took some comfort in your struggle today 😂 it helps to witness your process as you wrestled that project. I’m early in my art journey and I find myself there often. You model the way forward. That’s SO helpful.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@sherryoswalt73I’m glad it helps to see that the struggle is normal! 😊

[@sherrilucas7952]

Thank you! My first time using graphitint and oil pastels. Fun! I got lots of hearts Lol! I'll be making valentine's day cards!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love punching hearts!! Have fun making cards! Thank you! 🥰

[@julieboyle170]

I enjoyed the colours you used today and even the one you cut into hearts, I could see the actual hearts glued onto the other pieces which would add texture. Thank you for sharing even if you weren't happy with what you produced today.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It’s is still fun experimenting! Thank you! 🥰

[@annstarnes5691]

I love the one that looks like it has a fall tree with yellow leaves and then some leaves on the ground with 3 little pumpkin shapes on the bottom. It would be a lovely Happy Fall card or even a halloween card! No fail here!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Definitely look like fall! Thank you! 🥰

[@Wei00]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ such a joy to watch tis Video

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@faithisrising]

They are very different from your other art you’ve shared with us. Love the idea of cards for birthdays but I also thought autumn. Still love them.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

I appreciate so much that you posted this video. Watching YTers we sometimes think everything they do is perfect. It's good to know we all have off days. And I especially love that you kept your enthusiasm. The hearts are awesome!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@polarbear1433]

So funny. I loved the one you said was your least favorite. 😂 Criticism has no place in what emerges out of just trying something new & different. These are fun pieces. Your inner 4 year old will bring joy to so many inner 4 year olds. Mine being one. Love you and your way of exploring not knowing how a piece will turn out. Love your channel and your way of looking at creating. All pieces have a space. Only the mind needs perfection, the Heart includes everything ❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you! 🥰

[@christinefetter1544]

I have to say that I actually loved these! So different than anything I would think to do...until now, that is! 😆

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed these! Thank you! 🥰

[@poke_n_around]

They are all lovely. Quite outside your style. ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@maryannebaker4314]

Very interesting pieces. There for awhile I was thinking measles. Lol. Love your creativity

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@amherst88]

Still totally cool fall backgrounds -- put a die cut fall colored leaf on them & they would be fabulous as a card front ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea! Thank you! 🥰

[@doloresparra4604]

Another creative and inspiring video! Thank you so muc

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@PaulaMion]

I picked up a couple of white small cutting boards from the Dollar Store and they work great! The one you don't like might be nice cut into the strips, I love those!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I thought it looked like the same material as cutting boards! Good to know they work too! Thank you! 🥰

[@HandmadeJournalsbyFran2022]

I use my YUK paintings for collages and grid art in my art journal, they turn out beautiful 😊 So no waste!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea! 😊

[@octopusconnection]

So much fun Denise 🖌️🎨

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@monicas7615]

I love the ways these turned out! The patterns are great

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@christieoertel1589]

Hi Denise not my fav colours but fun anyway . Th heart looked good and looked as though they had a vine with a reddish flower on it. Looking fwd to your next video

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@robynrandolphart]

QUESTION: Do the graphatint blocks need a fixative? Learned so much from this video today! Thank you Denise. ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

They seem pretty fixed with the watered down bits but I’d still fix it with the oil pastel fixative. That will fix the oils and seal down the xl blocks. If using just the class blocks and not the oils - I’d just judge it be seeing if any areas will smudge. Otherwise - I just store it in a clear art sleeve to protect them.

[@robynrandolphart]

You are a peach! Thanks for the quick response!🙏🍑🎃@@2lilowlsstudio

[@mrs.z605]

I really like these.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@sis9622]

Awesome

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Kate-sp1vx6vz9z]

I'm enjoying the whimsical look here. Nice variation from your usual sophistication, which I also love.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

I love seeing the way you create, it's so fun 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@j.woodhead8227]

Love your posts! Should you spray a fixative on oil pastels like you would for soft pastels?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yes, I usually spray oil pastels with the Sennelier oil pastel spray. Otherwise the oil pastels never seem to dry. 😊

[@jcb0818]

Challenge: now do one the way you would normally - with watercolor, etc . . . Compare and contrast. That would be very interesting.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'll get back to that color card for sure! 😊

[@marthajacobo3519]

It started in the grunge look but I’m really surprised at what it really became…Awesome! Yr thoughts about a product called spectra fix, ya or nay. Great video. ❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰. I’ve not tried spectra fix… I don’t think I’ve even come across it. 😊

[@vickileopold6175]

I like to throw all of my failures (just about everything I do) in a box and then look at them months later so that I can see how far I've come. My current failures aren't as bad as the older failures!! My most recent failure was using Color Cube #5. And it was a doozie. I picked it because I love those bright colors, but I just could not make them work in an abstract piece. I tried multiple times but gave up on that card. Maybe all of the bright colors were just too much for an abstract? I would love to see what you could do with #5, so please try to pick that one next time :-)

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a lot fewer failures now that I used to have. Showing up and creating more and more helped me get more and more I loved. Still… some days are still off days. All part of the art process for me! I’ll have to take a look at card 5! I’m intrigued 😁

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Hey Denise, another fun video ❤ I enjoy listening to you as you work, as much as the work you're creating because your enthusiasm is so very 'in your face'!...and that's enspirering. I'm just wondering if you might have a list of your 'art prompts' somewhere 🤔 I did look on your website but, if it's there I couldn't find it. Please let me know if there is anything like that 🙏

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have the list for you under the art prompt videos. There is a whole play list on my KZbin page for you. 😊

[@marionbainbridge4547]

I never thought to use my cutters that way , so I can actually see the colour 🤣

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is fantastic!! 😁

[@Stardancer11]

My inner four year old LOVES your inner four year old 🥰🥰🥰

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yay!! Thank you! 🥰

[@StephanieMcQuade-g6x]

Pop the hearts on top of the other ones with some thin gold thread under the heart.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea! Thank you! 🥰

[@pamsims3436]

I have to laugh!! Sometimes its just fun to go off the rail and see what happens. The only way to fail is to never start.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It is fun to go off the rails! 😁

[@glynismccartneyintricatesc5281]

❄️🇨🇦❄️❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@JanetBoyer]

Is there really such thing as a "bad paint day"? 🤭

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I still try to have fun even on blah days!! 😁

[@JanetBoyer]

YAY! 🎉

[@deannabates1575]

Can’t paint on top of oil pastels?? Use them as a resist!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! Thank you! 😊