Colorful Creativity: Playing with Shapes and Colors in Watercolor

In this video, I take you through my process of creating an abstract watercolor piece inspired by a color palette from The Color Cube. I begin by laying down various abstract watercolor shapes in a range of colors, allowing them to dry before adding additional marks and details on top. The result is a dynamic and visually engaging abstract artwork that explores the interplay of color, shape, and texture. Join me as I demonstrate my techniques and share insights into my creative process, offering viewers a glimpse into the world of abstract watercolor painting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, there's something here for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
*Supplies I'm using in this video:
(Some of the links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies and to support this channel! I appreciate your support 🥰)
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclar...
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
Princeton brushes - shrsl.com/4g9sz
Blick Daniel Smith Paints - shrsl.com/4fdtc
Blick - Posca pens - shrsl.com/4g81w
Paint palettes - arttoolkit.com/
Kuretake Zig Gold Marker - This came in my Sketchbox - they have sold out of this pen
Archer & Olive pens - www.archerando...
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3qdW19m
*My very favorite supplies that I might mention in every video:
*You can check out Skillshare here: www.skillshare...
*Check out my Amazon Store for more goodies: www.amazon.com...
*Check out my favorite Sketchbox products here: shopsketch.com...
*Get Sketchbox Subscription: www.getsketchb...
StencilGirl Stencil Club - www.stencilgir...
Joggles Stencils: shrsl.com/4e32b
*Facebook Group for Art Peeps: / deniselovecreativecomm...
Color Cube:
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclar...
Favorite Paper:
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
Arches Watercolor Pad 9x12-inch - amzn.to/3PF9Jfi
12x16 Khadi Paper - amzn.to/3uOHJOG
8x8 Khadi Paper - amzn.to/3SVVKlL
Artway Indigo Journal - amzn.to/3SZngPf
Favorite Pens/pencils:
Faber-Castell Graphite Pencil Pitt Graphite Matt 14B - amzn.to/443RhB0
Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle Water-Soluble Single Pencil, 6B - amzn.to/3tmLA4h
STABILO All-STABILO -Black - amzn.to/3URofU8
Posca - Ultra Fine to Fine Paint Marker Pens Set - amzn.to/3wLmIVR
Inks:
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
Kuretake Gold mica Paste - amzn.to/3V2EpYZ
Favorite Paints:
Masha's Watercolors - selections vary - www.etsy.com/s...
Kuretake Watercolor Gansai Tambi 48 Color set - amzn.to/3qaThZW
Kuretake Watercolors Art Nouveau set - amzn.to/3ZWACgp
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Set of 60 Colors - amzn.to/3MxPKwp
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 - amzn.to/3s48vAX
Liquitex Heavy Body White - amzn.to/3wCyiCz
Favorite Brushes:
Raphael SoftAqua Brushes - amzn.to/3L5Bpq7
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 4 - amzn.to/3pkXPgg
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 8 - amzn.to/3SznDRX
Princeton Umbria Filbert 8 - shrsl.com/4fxsb
Pastels and blocks:
Sennelier - Savoir-Faire Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set - amzn.to/3YpHG69
SENNELIER Latour Spray Fixative Soft Pastels - amzn.to/3Pgsd5Z
Mungyo Gallery Artists' Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 - amzn.to/3rf0E3v
SENNELIER D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative - amzn.to/3X9DfMg
Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels - amzn.to/468tdPw
STABILO 3-in-1 - Wallet of 18 - amzn.to/3RqdnLs
Misc:
Artist tape - amzn.to/3Hf6fLP
Art Sponges - amzn.to/3L9xf0k
Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette (50 Sheets), 9" x 12 - amzn.to/423Q7o2
Hardboard art panels - you see me tape things down to these and they come in several different sizes: amzn.to/3C8EK3z
Painters Color Diary - 9x12 watercolor - amzn.to/3NHFCSm
Ranger Heat It Craft Tool - amzn.to/3FVjNLn
Clear Sleeves Storage Bags - amzn.to/3R5GbIj
Zoie + Chloe Multipurpose Silicone Bowl Scraper - amzn.to/4b5iTKS
White Gesso - amzn.to/48rbhiW
Clear Gesso - amzn.to/4bH9GIO

[@jeanicecrnich2295]

Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

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

[@Kate-sp1vx6vz9z]

I was at my local hospital yesterday and noticed an abstract/intuitive wall hanging. It was painted on quilted fabric in (I believe) acrylic, and it was lovely. As I studied it, I noticed the artist had used many of the techniques and elements that Denise teaches/uses--textural marks in the paint, Asemic writing, squiggle line work, dots, etc. It was fun to see these and recognize that I knew a tiny bit about the creative process. 😊😊😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That is so cool... I find myself looking at others art and seeing the details like that too!! Thank you! 🥰

[@lindakuck5981]

That's awesome

[@tamekomays3382]

Beautiful…Can’t wait to try this!

[@moyas3090]

Hands up all you that dragged the toilet roll centre out of the bin. 🤪🤪 Guilty🤪

[@StarBarks4U]

I have had that happen to me so many times...and also in hospitals for some reason ... that the art is mostly abstract with beautiful mark making! So inspiring! ...And recognizing the techniques that Denise has used is so much fun and valuable to you as a fellow Creative! Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!! ...Blessings, Rus from Pennsylvania 🖌🎨❤️🤓

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Denise, I really really enjoyed watching you create this beautiful and unique abstract piece. It’s so gorgeous and I really hope you have it framed with a large mount around it, that would look even more amazing too. Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🥰

[@mariagiombarrese9877]

It's a joy watching you interact with your art. Your enthusiasm always shines through. This piece was beautiful. While shapes can be simple, your varied mark making techniques eleveated it to elegant. Thanks for always sharing your thoughts.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you very much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@ker5776]

I can not get enough of your color cube creativity. Its so relaxing and it has inspired me to follow you

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! That color cube is one of my favorite art tool now. It is so fun to experiment with colors I wouldn't normally pull out together! 🥰

[@adumelial]

I love watching your videos, Denise! And it is refreshing seeing you do some thoughtful shapes here. I hope you do more of this type of creation. ❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This was a fun one to do! Thank you! 🥰

[@alineroberts]

I really loved today's session. It was different and so beautiful with some different markings, Wonderful!! 💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

These are a lot of fun! I need to play some more with this sampler style! Thank you! 🥰

[@yovamccoy2806]

Beautiful palette. Very interesting to watch!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@cowgirljane3316]

Cool! Love the colors. What I do with my color cards, is when I pull one out and find the colors I want to use, I write the names of the colors on the card, and also, I get a black marker and make a mark along one edge to show that I have used it.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That’s great! Thank you! 🥰

[@jeanicecrnich2295]

I am speechless… running🏃‍♀️‍➡️to my art room with joy and beauty in my heart!!! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you loved this one!! Have fun 🎨🎨🎨 Thank you! 🥰

[@deborahbeatty]

I think this is my favorite one you’ve done so far! I have a piece I did a few years ago in brown sand golds that started as brayer wipe off for a gelli plate piece. It turned out to be a major fave. (I’ll show you in the group). I’ve been struggling with shapes in watercolor like this, though and you’ve given me new inspiration. ESPECIALLY since my hubby gave me an early birthday present of the color cubes. Both of them! Can’t wait to play today. Thank you for reawakening the artist urges in me. I didn’t realize how hungry to do art I have been.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This one was fun to do! So glad you enjoyed it!! Yay on the early Birthday Present!! Hope you love the cubes... Happy Birthday!! 🎉

[@sandrift]

What a neat change-up. I really enjoy how you try new approaches every so often but never totally forget about things you’ve done before. And you’re the second or third person I’ve seen use naphthamide maroon lately and I just love it - I know what my next tube of paint will be. 🖌️🎨

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That is a great color! You’ll love it! Thank you! 🥰

[@deborahbacate9596]

Hey Denise, love the color palette and beautiful mark making!!! I find myself being hesitant and a little anxious when it comes to mark making, thank you for teaching me to be brave!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad it is helpful! Thank you! 🥰

[@patriciawesley8062]

Thanks for the inspiration!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🥰

[@libbygreenberg4764]

Love the YT videos and also take your classes on Skillshare...inspiration always!!!❣

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you loved it!! Thank you! 🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

Stunning paint day Denise, Love it, love it, love it!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you loved it!! Thank you! 🥰

[@jenniferrobertson6595]

A bit different than your usual style but stunning none the less. I'm off to try one of my own. Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It’s fun to jump around and experiment! Thank you! 🥰

[@machelleshappyhobbies4977]

Denise I did the same thing this week. I was learning a new technique from an artist and it wasn't working for me. I was discouraged I just prayed for success today and it was a better day. I absolutely love this piece you did and the color cube card. I'm going to get mine out and do this one too. Have a great week and 4th.😊🎉

[@2lilowlsstudio]

These are some good colors!! Have fun 🎨🎨🎨 Thank you! 🥰

[@nancycarr2524]

Beautiful color palette! Love, love it!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@doloresparra4604]

I am going to try this idea! You are the best at demo and inspiration. Thank you, Denise.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You are so welcome! 🥰🥰🥰

[@angelakapler2997]

Really beautiful!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@StarBarks4U]

Thank you so much Denise! You never fail to inspire us with your creative ability and techniques! Even though I've been considered a Professional Artist for many years now ( started painting in the early 70s) I have never stopped learning and I am so very grateful to fellow Creatives like you Denise who always shares your Artistic talent so freely ...You are a wonderful teacher and have inspired so many to bring so much beauty into the world!!!...Many blessings, Rus from Bucks County Pennsylvania ❤️🎨🖌🤓

[@2lilowlsstudio]

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

[@avirtualcanvas7584]

Denise another great painting day for sure, I ove the colours in this one and the way you added the mark making, this invokes the art of Paul Klee as well. I could see this in a square box frame mounted centrally so it's floating. This piece also made me think of retro wall paper design as well or retro ceramic patterns, and I like the soft organic grid like look of it too. (matt)

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this one!! I still love it and it would be fantastic framed floating!! Thank you! 🥰

[@mistysharman8604]

So pretty!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@kristinaperinot7544]

GORGEOUS ❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

these colours are so pretty, very autumnal ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@RoseRivera-ed5qf]

Fun and lovely!!😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@anitaluellen4157]

Thanks for sharing, what a difference a type of paper can make. It's good to try different materials. I tend to get stuck in a rut. Great inspiration, Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Paper really does change everything up! Thank you! 🥰

[@sandyf4776]

This one made me happy. I wasn't feeling the last few as much. Thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I like to hop around and experiment! Thank you! 🥰

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Great paint day indeed! 🎉 really came to life when you did the deckled edge ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That made it perfect! Thank you! 🥰

[@suzanneartist1026]

Love it❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@andreabrown8551]

Lovely😍 and relaxing to watch. The colour palette is rich and autumnal, fitting for our British summer we are having 😆 🙏🏻😍🙏🏻

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@allysonlane8969]

Love, love, love this! Thanks Denise, super fun paint day ahead!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@lindakuck5981]

Beautiful piece! Thank you once again for another wonderful painting! 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

My pleasure 😊 Thank you! 🥰

[@ApBarr345]

Really beautiful! Has fall vibes. Color challenges are my favorite

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love them too! 😁 Thank you! 🥰

[@sheilaschmid7768]

Beyond GREAT paint day!!! ❤❤❤ Oh I just needed to watch you do this today because I’m struggling with the Khadi paper. I’m 99% sure I’m having a love/hate relationship with it 😂…love it for the rough heavy texture and hate it for the rough heavy texture😳😝. I’m so excited to just play with this concept of yours today and those gorgeous colors. Your piece -POW ❤❤❤ the moment you peeled away that first piece of tape I was going “YES 👍🏻 “ - super awesome!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I had a love/hate with it last year... but have decided I like it for mixed media and like the price point for an all-cotton paper. It isn't my favorite like the Hahnemuhle paper is. So glad you loved this!! Thank you! 🥰

[@KMercure]

Beautiful. Now I need to try that colour palette too!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It’s a good one! Thank you! 🥰

[@yvonnequezada8683]

Another art day takes day ! 🫶🏻

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Sunflower.7]

Beautiful❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@staceg2003]

Love how this came out! Quin deep gold and Raw umber violet are two of my favorite Daniel Smith Watercolors, but I don't know if I've ever put them together! You've inspired me to try, lol. On the cooler side of the spectrum, Sodalite Genuine is amazing.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you loved it!! Thank you! 🥰

[@alineroberts]

Thanks!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

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

[@BlueLotusLife]

Posca ochre pen for the win! Loved those dots in the middle! (And Kuretake gold, of course!)

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That was a good choice!! Thank you! 🥰

[@carrma57]

Another beautiful piece Denise. I love those little paint sets. I got excited when you pulled out the Kuretake gold ink. I’ll have to check out those paint sets. I’ve got my eyes on a new set by Rosá. They’re made in Ukraine and have great reviews. You should check out the Kuretake dot pens! They have a large and small dot at either end. They are very pastel, but the metallics would be more your thing. I just got the entire range. I have no idea what was said in this video, I have the volume off. I’m in bed listening to snoring. 😅 It’s been a few weeks, but glad I got to watch you work your magic 🫶🇦🇺🦘

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed it… even on mute 😁 Thank you! 🥰

[@Lainers2000]

Love everything about this, Denise. The color palette is me. There’s a whimsy about it that is very appealing. Gold circles for the win. Speaking of gold, I’m vacationing on the coast and brought minimal supplies this time so that meant a trip to my favorite art store. They had Senneiier acrylic paints in a tube so I thought I would buy one, in addition to about, oh, 50 stencils (nah, just kidding). Couldn’t decide which color to get so I got….GOLD. Thanks for your inspiration to get it out and play today. I can see when I go home for a visit, I will have to bring more supplies back.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Fun!! A trip to your favorite art store on vacation... makes the vacation much better!! Have fun! Thank you! 🥰

[@HandmadeJournalsbyFran2022]

💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@ladonnarode2979]

The gold toilet paper circles really brought it all together💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

They really did! Thank you! 🥰

[@kathyb5740]

Love this....I get a safari/animal vibe from the design ❤.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Cool!! Thank you! 🥰

[@sculptor210]

The gold circles really finished it! Beautiful!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@chrishicklin2197]

Stunning. Fantastic colours. Love abstract art ! Thank you for sharing 🤗

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@TaraBleiz]

Le retour de l’aquarelle ! Enfin !

[@2lilowlsstudio]

😁

[@charalson3023]

Beautiful & fun! Love listening to you decide on marks and coming to understand more the selection process for colors used. I follow you on Skillshare - wondering if you have a class about your artist journey to online business (that you mentioned regarding your 365 project) or maybe give you an idea for a class? Having a great time working my way thru ALL your classes on SS!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this!! I have talked quite a bit over the years on my journey to creating my business. I did a 365 day photography project in 2011, which led me into a creative photography business... just in the past 3 years have I added in art goodies as I move further and further into art and away from photography... I have done art since I was a kid and I was getting burned out on photography. I might do a new video on that! Thank you! 🥰

[@charalson3023]

@@2lilowlsstudio I love hearing artists “stories” especially those who love different types/styles and choose to pivot - it’s the thoughts surrounding the pivot and actions taken (their “roadmap” so to speak)…probably comes from my 40+ years in HR & interviewing thousands of people “tell me about yourself, what do you like/not like, how did you get HERE from THERE”….I just love hearing people’s stories (most think - I don’t have a story - but we all do and we are all interesting in our own way).

[@glynismccartneyintricatesc5281]

🇨🇦🌞❤️🌸

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰