Expressive Painting & Mark Making

I always like to begin my painting sessions with a little warm up & experimentation. Here, inspired by the river, the swaying reeds and swooping swallows, I used Art Graf Tailor Shape pigment block to create gestural marks reminiscent of the movements. The addition of the sepia acrylic ink was suggestive of the mood I was trying to create and the few drops of granulation fluid provided an added 'texture'. The aim is to 'free up', retain the intuitive gestural qualities before moving on to perhaps more intentional work - sometimes I succeed, and other times....well, let's just say I usually end up with a lot of 'collage material', but in every sweep, scratch scrape and swoosh I have learnt something!!
Find me on Instagram ( carolynjrobertsartist) where I regularly post images of my work, exploration & inspiration or check out my website www.carolynjrobertsartist.co.uk for more information about me and my paintings.

[@jenfleming9412]

I love what you do Carolyn. It’s really beautiful and I would never get tired of looking at it. Your colours are gorgeous. Keep making videos please. Your work is so original.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you Jen...that's lovely to hear!! So glad you like the work and enjoy the videos - I shall endeavour to post more!!

[@EVG-art-travel-vlog]

liked your silent video - makes one watch more concentrated and focussed, thank you for sharing!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it! Carolyn

[@margretmcdermott2005]

Thank you for this, Carolyn. I love seeing your process. These look successful to me!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Many thanks Margaret, glad you enjoyed it. Carolyn

[@charlenebyington7405]

Absolutely stunning on all of them. Love your work. 🌿💞🌿

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you Charlene, that's very kind of you, Carolyn

[@melaniebettridge8943]

Thanks Carolyn, I so enjoy watching you & learning. You are such an inspiration to me 👏

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Aww thanks Melanie, so glad you enjoy watching the videos!! Carolyn

[@swl9270]

Yours could have stopped at any minute of this and had me enthralled! Absolutely beautiful! I so wish I had that kinda gift! Gorgeous!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thx Sherry - so glad you enjoyed watching it!! Carolyn

[@rubenuceta4713]

Gracias, me ha gustado mucho.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Muchas gracias, Carolyn

[@dakotawilliams7735]

I was looking for something to inspire my me. something from the heart that would leave a lasting impression and open me up to a whole new journey. I randomly came across your video and it feels like i walked into an oasis of expression. Thank you for sharing what you do!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Dakota, and thank you! Glad you enjoy my work and videos! Carolyn

[@marilyngillis8305]

I just discovered you and am so glad I have. This video is so inspiring. This style video needs no narration and I enjoyed just watching and contemplating how I might use what I am seeing.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Marilyn, so glad you found me and that you find the video inspiring! Look forward to seeing how you create - let me know! Carolyn

[@amandavdbergh2210]

Just love watching you work!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thanks Amanda - glad you like it! Carolyn

[@gaetanelessard]

Very nice work, I love the processus of your paint

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you - glad you found it interesting, Carolyn

[@LemonCreationART]

Amazing pieces of art!

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you, Carolyn

[@leilaskye8143]

I'm inspired by the limited palette and with a couple of tools. Brillient.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thanks Leila! I love the limited palette (in all things - house full of neutrals!!) I find it so calming but at the same time makes me think 'how can I make this more interesting, so variety of marks, tones & textures...

[@marilyngillis8305]

I enjoy your videos so much and am always inspired. Are you making new ones? The only ones I can find are 2-3 years ago.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Marilyn - thank you so much, glad you enjoyed them! I am planning on doing more but it's been a difficult eighteen months with family stuff, and moving house. Once I get set up properly - then watch this space! Carolyn

[@victoriagadd6831]

Love it

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you! Carolyn

[@ranjanachand9306]

Beautiful

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you, most kind, Carolyn

[@jaynegabriel1250]

Hi Carolyn do you put anything of your paper before painting? I’m thinking gesso or Matt medium ? I’ve got my concertina book out to play for an hour

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Jayne...no I don't usually although I have got some Wallace Seymour Ground to try. I am usually too lazy or too impatient! I do try to use a decent weight of paper though, and that's why I like the Seawhite sketchbooks.

[@CQGCreative]

Great play here, Carolyn. What paper are you using…it doesn’t appear to have a lot of texture…is it hot press watercolor paper?

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Cindy - it.s 220gsm cartridge paper - not sure what you call your equivalent... It's got a smooth surface though similar to hot press, which I prefer as I like to manipulate the mediums around.. Carolyn x

[@sprucehouse9]

Always interesting to see an artist's process. Is that hot press paper?

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Linda, it's 220gsm cartridge paper so has the smooth surface that I like , Carolyn

[@sprucehouse9]

@@CarolynJRobertsArtist Thank you. I marvel that you can use so much water on it.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

@@sprucehouse9 Yes, it does take a lot of water...ideal for me!! x

[@marilyngillis8305]

Thanks for your reply. I am really looking forward to more videos from you. After watching your videos I ordered some indigo ancient drawing stones from Wallace Seymour. I have tried them with disappointing results. When they are wet the color is a dark indigo, but as soon as they dry the color is a dusty medium blue - not at all what I want. I sent an email to the company asking about this but they have not responded. Do you have any insight or suggestions for using them to get the dark indigo color that I see in your videos?

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Marilyn...I found, for me, it works best if I put water down first and then apply the stone quite firmly. And yes, I sometimes have to go back over it and apply more stone. A lot of it is trial and error to determine how much water to use to achieve the best effects...Carolyn

[@123gp1833]

Love this. What colors are you using.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Georgia, it's Carbon Black Art Graf Tailors Shape pigment, with the addition of Daler Rowney FW Sepia acrylic ink plus a little granulation fluid. You can achieve various tones with the Art Graf depending on whether you use it wet or dry - hope that helps Carolyn

[@123gp1833]

@@CarolynJRobertsArtist yes. Thanks.

[@raggapuss]

Wow What is granulation fluid, pray tell?

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi, it's a liquid solution that you drop into the pigment or ink; it causes the pigment to disperse creating the effect. I buy the Winsor & Newton Granulation Fluid here in the UK. Hope that helps..Cx

[@shawnwipf7600]

Hi, I love your work. What kind of brush are you using?

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thank you Shawn, much appreciated. The small brush is a dagger brush from Jacksons Art Supplies here in the UK. Best wishes Carolyn

[@shawnwipf7600]

@@CarolynJRobertsArtist Thank you so much.

[@dianecaust2425]

What on earth is granulating fluid? Ummmmm….water??

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Hi Diane...it's a fluid that you drop into the watercolour or ink which makes the pigments disperse (granulate) I used Winsor & Newton Granulation Fluid which I buy from Jacksons Art - hope that hels.. Cx

[@janerogers5717]

Just come across you on KZbin and love what you do. Thank you for sharing.

[@CarolynJRobertsArtist]

Thx Jane - glad you like my work and enjoy my videos!