Building Up Layers

This week I’m talking about layers-how do you build them up? It’s important to remember that you don’t need to have it all planned out, beginning to end. I keep adding and subtracting, adding more paint and collage and then taking some away, until something I like emerges.
Watch me demonstrate how I play with layers to create interesting effects, always asking myself “What do I like? What don’t I like?” When you work this way, eventually you get to the point where you realize you’ve created something you love.
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[@sofar_sogud4929]

I’m returning to art after decades of a nursing career. My previous art experience was as a commercial artist, where everything was planned and executed with precision. I’m currently in CVP and am learning so much valuable information. Even with all that wonderful knowledge, I need to master covering and uncovering and recovering….that is a new practice for me and it’s a completely different mindset.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Best of luck and good for you for picking it back up!

[@heatherstubbs6646]

I ADORE how comfortable you are with being messy and random! You would have driven my mother crazy. I know I certainly did! Haha! She carefully taught me to be precious, and it has taken many years to break free. Thanks for the validation! 😁

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Oh thank you!

[@heatherstubbs6646]

@@ThisPaintingLife By the way, Louise, the cast is finally off my hand, and I can paint again. In the intervening seven weeks, my outlook seems to have loosened even further from watching your videos and enjoying the posts in Art Tribe, and I have just spent an hour of bliss, painting freely and NOT being precious! 😁 This is such a lovely adventure! (I will continue my Art Tribe membership after the 30-day free trial.)

[@jeffreykinghorn8612]

Truly appreciate your stream-of-consciousness dialogue as you work. It is empowering for a learner like myself. It also endows the viewer with confidence as regards what he/she thinks while in the thick of it. Very helpful.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Well said!

[@michelenishikatsu4273]

So loose & intuitive!🌿

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@miekequalm4291]

Thanks for the lesson most important of all, just play and feel free and see where it brings you 😊. Love to see you play and allow me to share your creative process 👌😍🤗

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Aww you are so welcome Mieke!

[@elsatroubetzkoy7467]

It is so liberating to see how you work and speak to us! Like there's nothing to lose just do it...

[@ThisPaintingLife]

There really is nothing to lose!

[@ReineDujardin]

Merci pour ce partage très utile.

[@sharonstratis2846]

Thanks for sharing this! After a hard day of left brain working with numbers, the minute i played this I had to break out my paints and papers and work along with you. Looking forward to June!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad it inspired you! See you in June

[@Prejippie]

This is my first time checking out your KZbin channel. --I am a podcast listener. --Your work is inspiring and hearing you all discuss the business of creating and promoting visual art continues to deepen our appreciation of the nurturing a creative empire. :)

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@63artemisia63]

Finally, after missing several free classes, I signed up in time for your “Joy”! Yay! 🎈🤸‍♂️🎈🤸‍♂️🎈

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yay! See you in June!

[@63artemisia63]

Louise Fletcher Art 🥰🥳

[@teresachandler4732]

You explain and teach in such an interesting way....I am really enjoying watching your process and hopefully learning to apply in my own work. Thank you.

[@dianecharest8365]

I love that piece

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Awww thank you!

[@gr8fng]

Helpful having just started your free, online, Find Your Joy 2023 workshop ... sooo much fun learning to be had thxs Louise ❤

[@miraclebub]

This is fascinating!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you loved it!

[@tinae8433]

Love all of you videos

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@merete9441]

Just love it,,and thanks so much for all the tips you are showing,..🌹🌹im a hobbyartist,but always been in to abstract,the last painting im doing,,im painting layer,,taking a pause,because of the energy,..have to many drawing and painting,.,love those colours,..you have a beautiful weekend,,💜

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks you too!

[@Vanitasmortedigital]

It's great to hear you talking about specific aspects of the painting process like this and show us your take on them by actually doing them in real time. Layering is such an important way to move a paintinf forward,it can be really freeining,and it can also be like a form of creative excavation,when sanding back layers to reval marks below,or adding elements of colllage or colours,its almosyt like asking questions of the painting as you go and answering them by adding layers and finding soloutins or ways forward in the paintings evolution.adding or subtracting can lead to hapy acccidents,the unexpected that could show a new direction you hadn't thought of maybe,ths video in a way is a follow on from the one where you speak about journey and direction,layering can be part of this journey and bring you closer to a final place.Adding or taking away layers is like an ongoing dialogue within the painting a form of further explorationand it could lead to the one thing that completes a painting or takes a series of paintings in a whole new direction.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

exactly

[@brigitteshantieaglemeare4350]

I look forward to the June workshop. I love your work, it's phantastic

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you very much!

[@hannahcawthorne5219]

I have been layering my paintings for a while, but there's still so much to learn here! LOVE the use of tissue paper for translucent layers in particular - that could be a game changer for me! Thanks!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bonitadonovan4704]

Y

[@irenepouw2640]

I love your free way of creating layers. Very interesting to see how you are building them up. Thanks for sharing Louise and greetings from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 🌹

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ConnyLehmann]

Dear Luise, it's just fun to watch you paint. I like this uncomplicated and free way of painting. Simply immerse yourself in the painting process and do what is fun. I really like your new mixed media paintings. They are really Eye Catchers. Kind regards Conny

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks :)

[@rosemaryhoward]

Thank you again Louise. Watching how you interact with the paint, making layers, shows me the possibilities are there, just have to keep placing and taking away! That comment, about activating the dark area, with active brushstrokes and colour....I have taken that to heart, and shall remember! I’m looking forward to June 3. I bought a little hand sander, ready to go! I had taken your courses before, but now, I am ready!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful! See you in June

[@teresacassidy8701]

Beautiful Louise ....I really love this . ♥️♥️🙏♥️♥️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@rowenacorlett3146]

I really love this and am going to do some. I am doing your FYJ coyrses at the moment. Is there a video showing how to prepare the wooden panels before starting the layering and collage please?

[@JOELAMOREwon]

I am a sucker for these colors. Thanks for the layers of knowledge!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@lynnjacques3632]

Enjoy watching your process. All of the different materials.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@lubaroshchyna8920]

Such a wonderful outlook. Thank you for your generousity ❤ in sharing your knowledge, experience and positivity.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching. ♥

[@annhoffmann5509]

Louise thank you, that was so interesting. Listening and watching your thought process too was very helpful.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pattiedmon1]

Brilliant, perfect timing, more layers❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@anastasiahesketh3239]

Louise, I love all your videos and the podcast. You're so generous to share your techniques. Thanks for helping me so much.

[@laimagascoigne3774]

Yes you are free and brave I have so much hesitation to put paint on ad hoc, maybe should shut my eyes. Love what you have done.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes! Try closing your eyes. Remember, it's only paint

[@candicewoodard8575]

Look forward to your course in June. Love watching how you paint and hearing decisions made re application.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I am glad you enjoyed it :)

[@Mitch.Wasserman]

Great ideas, Louise, and very motivating. I can't wait till June 3.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yay! me too :)

[@Michou1012]

Super! Merci!

[@priscillawrites6685]

Thanks, Louise

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are welcome 🤗

[@jo-sully-anne2418]

I really enjoyed watching, answered some questions for me and encouraged me too. Thank you 😊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@marilynndavid622]

Lovely. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for listening

[@joyceford4294]

I love watching you work...especially doing this layering with collage. Your colors are cool!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@brandythompson6544]

I love the series you are working on- so much fun to play with these colors and textures - as well as the text and symbols you are adding. Loving how you are layering all the different pieces and letting some peek through. You make bold moves- add it on and see if you like it - if not, no worries, you can change it.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

yes exactly! See you in June x

[@wendytaylor1486]

Hi Louise,Just found your videos and they are great,a lot of your methods I use but the way you work is a great help with me freeing up my work and avoiding being the dreaded precious!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Happy to help!

[@johnscoppa6767]

Fantastic video

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks!

[@evetei]

Awesome, Louise, thank you! Playing, covering things up, not being precious about anything, is a skill most of us have to relearn. So looking forward to June 3rd (my mother’s b-day). You’re so generous. 🥰🥰🥰

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So true! See you in June

[@jaynegabriel1250]

I love your work. I can’t wait to do the course with you. You are such an inspiration. Thank you 🙏

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@margretpeters62]

Great! Layering is so complex... You show me some new ways I defenitily try at the weekend. Thank you so much, Louise

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome! Have fun!

[@barbmclean1722]

You really inspire me to paint in layers...thanks for sharing Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad! Have fun!

[@freshspiritworks4535]

I've been loving your videos. You have an ease about showing us what to do and it's great!! Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@junebloye1487]

Way too much fun!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So fun!

[@renig5059]

just been mesmerised watching you... signed up ... thx 👩🏻‍🎨

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much!

[@jilliantoombs6975]

This was just fascinating, Louise. Thank you for demystifying this technique. Love the energetic brush strokes. 👍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@genaepps]

I love watching your processes!!! Thanks for demonstrating being free!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@micheleaskori134]

It will be nice to see the painting finished

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you! Stay tuned!

[@shawn5632]

Super video!! I like that it is in real time. Blue shop towels are great, learned from Nick. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gailcoleman8735]

Very informative and inspiring. Thank you

[@impish22]

Thanks for the tips and tricks.. !!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No problem!

[@andreaharley4047]

Louise that was so helpful thankyou.Really love the outcome.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melaniebettridge8943]

Just great to watch you create another great piece of Art. Learn so much from you, thanks as always Louise 👏

[@ThisPaintingLife]

My pleasure 😊

[@socal-lasolas]

This is fantastic, thank you so much for sharing!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Louise, I have sanded my substrate prior to painting it. Not a great deal of sanding all over but just some textured places in various spots. Scratching is cool, too. I just really enjoy these videos. I get great ideas. Unfortunately, I barely have any strength...I'm slowly recovering from Covid-19. I'm so eager to get back to creating. Anyway, thanks for another excellent video.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I hope you feel better soon xx

[@micheleholdenart]

Four x’s are 2020! Love your process.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Haha that it is! Thanks for the keen observation

[@mandiewilson8977]

Thank you for sharing - really appreciate your lessons - so helpful and inspiring - love how you create your artworks

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@patriciadattoma4479]

This was soo helpful! Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to your June 3rd classes!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@valgerurjakobsdottir876]

Thank you, I really enjoyed this vídeo....very inspiering!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad!

[@wendyneilson8422]

Do u consciously save a bit of the under marking when u do next layer?

[@rebeccalalumiere8363]

Thanks a lot Louise, I live in Canada and found it almost impossible to find the tissue paper, but found it on Etsy from your suggestion. I really enjoy your videos, thanks ever so much.

[@suzannekinsey4979]

look for deli paper at superstore warehouse or costco..comes in 2000 sheets for about $50

[@rebeccalalumiere8363]

Thnx SuzAnne.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful! Thanks so much

[@miniarora1477]

I follow you on instagram and only just found you here. Your work resonates with me because I also paint in this manner sometimes, but I was taken in by how fast you think and create. It takes me much deliberation. I've made patterns directly on the substrate and this tip on using tissue paper is one I should try. Thanks for all the tips!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@monikalenander2902]

Like it very much!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm glad!

[@Alltheworldneedsajolt]

Daaaaaaamn, I’ve never thought to use sandpaper. Thanks!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are welcome!

[@skyqueenstudios]

I just found your channel and really liked this video! I’m in the middle of my first go playing with layers like this so I was happy to see you at work and it helped me a ton. I got really excited about your class but then realized I missed it cuz it was last year! Oh well, I’m still happy to have found you and I subscribed so I can see what you’re doing these days. Cheers and happy first day of spring from Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦 💖

[@ThisPaintingLife]

The class is coming up again this year: www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-fyj-2022

[@blancaplasenciacorrea9896]

LOVE everything you did even how you use your hands as a tool, I love it, but not the blue roll of paper. Thank you so much beautiful. Blessings 🙏

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@teresas8852]

Can I ask how you put the tissue paper on your boards, what type of glue or medium do you use? I just love your videos!!!

[@puresunrays80]

The thing I keep struggling with is covering up the background. I keep reminding myself that details I've got are part of the background not the main focus but it's not coming easily. Like how so much of what you started with is now fully hidden. I get adding layers where some still shows through in some way. Hopefully if I keep playing the penny will drop and I'll get it.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No need to rush the process as we all learn at our own pace. I just put up a new building layers video that you may enjoy! 😀

[@georginahulme9216]

That was great, thanks Louise! I’ve just finished week 8 of CVP and am feeling pretty burned out so it was very soothing to watch you layering and collaging, changing things and painting over in such a confident yet relaxed way. Has definitely reminded me to play, experiment and enjoy. 😉

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful! CVP is tiring but so worth it - it's the entire reason why I can be so relaxed xx

[@irinasrebot2793]

I Love how you work with the hands. I do the same and now I do Not feel so bad about ist .

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It just works best for me!

[@darlene206]

Are you painting on a board, do you have any classes in July or August. Love your work.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

My Find Your Joy course is already underway for the summer, but you can join my membership site, Your Art Tribe, at any time www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe

[@beluckylotto1932]

Tyfs

[@cindyberg2468]

SOunds like alot of fun.. I will be on the road on the first two days so unable to paint. will I be able to catch up? OR will you be offering this class again. I really enjoy your style.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Everything will be recorded so you can view when it's convenient for you!

[@sanghamitranayak140]

You are my inspiration..I like to learn from you..During the pandemic time when life stopped in many ways, painting gives me hope to live. As a beginner, I don’t know where to start from do you teach online? Thanks

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I have a monthly membership that is suitable for all skills levels. You can learn more about that here: www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe

[@darlene206]

Are you using acrylic paint? Will you be using cold wax?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

yes acrylics - no to cold wax as it doesn't go with acrylics

[@kimimarlowe5826]

Are you working on wood board here? I love the idea of exploring more collage, I'm juts frightened of the wrinkles and the cohesive nature of layering paper.

[@amandafowler8563]

This would be difficult on canvas, the sanding part, so what board do you use and could you use any ply board if it was gessoed? Love your stuff!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I use plywood and yes I gesso it but I also work on canvas (and sand). I prefer unstretched canvas

[@brendashelonko2149]

These look like LP album covers, especially the top one with The Lost Storie text before you layered over it (oops). Love watching you work. Are you working on clayboard?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No wood panels x

[@bonniegarson80]

Thanks

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No problem

[@barbydoc1]

Im glad to see you're not attached to images that you created before changing it

[@BrianMorrisPhoto]

do you have a list of wet materials you tend to use?

[@aleksandramirjanacrossan4442]

What are the packs of paper called that you get? The newspaper and music notes etc....

[@ThisPaintingLife]

just random packs from eBay

[@marlashaw7399]

Amazon sells wet strength tissue paper in the states.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's great to know!

[@marykinzelberg253]

Hi Louise, I just found where to put the comments! I usually email you. I loved the layers video. I think my most was 10 but I think I could do 100 before I stopped. I usually love my layer and then the next day I don’t. But we should have enjoyment with each one which I learned from you. Is the stripped tissue paper somewhere to purchase. If not I’ll make my own and you taught me that and so much more so many thanks. Have a great week. Mary

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I bought some stencils and made my own but I have also bought striped before - I just don't know where from - sorry

[@nainisingh100]

Hi Louise , Can I use parchment paper instead of tissue paper?

[@susanbrisson6373]

how do you store your collage a materials?

[@tinae8433]

Was the June course in 2021? The link doesn't work. I'd love to do a workshop or course with you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Tina, here is the link to get on this year's course: www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course

[@randirosanikolajsen6372]

Is the tissuepaper you are using as collage white? Or transparent? I can only find white, so I hope that is what it is😅

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It's wet-strength tissue paper (sometimes called art tissue)

[@candicewoodard8575]

I live in Canada. I found a Delli paper on Amazon.ca used in crafts. Ordered. Hope it works.

[@susandance5036]

I’m wondering if it’s possible to take the layering approach when you have a lose subject like landscape in mind and ant some perspective.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Of course - you would just have a different subject to mine

[@marygem]

That's a big number in my life, by coincidence! Lol

[@hellebachandersen2348]

Where Can I registrate for the free COURCE in june?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-FYJ-2021

[@joycemaureroriginal8563]

I wouldn't recognize you without paint on your fingers! LOL Thanks

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Me neither! Haha

[@ginimags]

Where is the link for 3rd June? 🤔

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Gini, sign up here: www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course

[@perinilan4364]

I’ve been watching all your videos and picking up great tips on the process of creating abstract work. I love that you share your thinking throughout the process. Just a question: When you draw onto your work with a crayon, is it a water soluble crayon, or oil stick, or what? I also hope to get my hands on some of the wet tissue paper (in Canada) to make semi transparent collage papers. Would parchment baking paper work for collage? It’s kind of semi transparent, but not sure the acrylic paint would stick to it.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

No parchment baking paper wouldn't be archival. I draw with oil sticks, oil pastels, neocolours - all sorts!

[@debbrown721]

In my USA search for deli paper available on Amazon , I am finding only paper with wax. Is that OK for making my own layering papers?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I don't know I'm sorry - but you can buy art tissue paper there I am reliably told

[@TheDabshear]

You can find deli paper (also called sandwich wrap, 12x12” pieces/500 sheets for $15 at Smart and Final). I use it for collage, ink mark making, gel press printing!

[@janicetaylor3659]

Hi Louise, I can't find the link to sign up for june week

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Janice, visit thispaintinglife.mykajabi.com/wait-list-FYJ-2021 to sign up :)

[@paperwerksonline]

You can get Wet Strength Tissue here in the U.S. but what I found was very expensive.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Ahh that's too bad!