Making an Abstract Botanical with Mixed Media

For information on my collage class, go to www.marabethquinart.com/colla...
For information on any future classes or learning opportunities:
view.flodesk.com/pages/64daa5...
To get my complete list of my favorite Art Supplies + Materials view.flodesk.com/pages/64d136...
I love working with mixed media. This particular painting has acrylic paint, collage papers, colored pencils and tempera paint sticks. I talk a lot about the process and mindset of painting and what I've learned along the way that makes going with the process a lot easier.
Video Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to commission project
0:35 Why the first layers matter
2:10 How I make my layers
4:00 Avoiding getting attached + naming too soon
6:42 2 steps forward and 1 step back is the normal process
9:41 Building up layers with collage and color
11:35 Feeling lost in the middle is normal
13:00 Adding personalized collage papers
16:35 Why I work with collage
18:20 Tactics that help with composition
19:30 Small accentuated marks + botanical features
24:16 Close up + far away vantage points
27:00 Finishing up with painting close ups
You can find my current available work at my website: www.marabethquinart.com
Or to see more of what I’m working on today in the studio: / marabethquin
You can also find me on facebook: / marabethquin
Music: Feeling fine
Musician: Uncleboris
Website: icons8.com/music
#artinstruction #artideas #artprocess #abstractpainting #mixedmediaartist #abstractbotanical #floralart #floralabstract #artcommissions #artwork #artist #marabethquinart

[@marabethquinart]

If you're interested in the collage process, here is another video you might like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGqZmR8jK6medE

[@yuleimaprice5221]

Thank you for sharing your process. I’m an artist too, learning as I go, and I learn a lot from seeing someone else’s process. Plus is very inspiring ❤

[@marabethquinart]

me too-so much of my training and education has been watching other paint or listen to them talk about their work and process. I never get tired of it!

[@philnasmith9755]

You are the first artist who explained why the initial layers matter - even if it will all be covered up. It now makes perfect sense to me because that is how I work when I write - a repeated process of refining. Gorgeous painting.

[@marabethquinart]

Yes, every step, or brush stroke or word makes way for the next. It explains why the entire journey can be appreciated instead of just the end product. I love process 🥰 Thanks so much for watching!

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

This is a stunning painting like a secret garden in a dream, with beautiful colors and hidden sentiments.

[@marabethquinart]

That’s exactly what I loved about it too, Ann-so many hidden treasures and meaningful elements. Thanks for watching!

[@niagarafaithful5377]

I love the idea of using tissue paper. I was a Kindergarten teacher for many years and loved doing tissue paper collage with my students. We would also enjoy many beloved children's books by Eric Carle who uses collage to make his illustrations. I never thought to incorporate it into an acrylic painting. Duh?! I can't wait to try it. Thanks

[@marabethquinart]

Oh good! I hope you enjoy exploring!

[@golalehkamran9529]

I am so so lucky to have stumbled on your videos. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your talent and process.

[@marabethquinart]

You are so welcome! So glad you find them helpful!

[@vee35233]

Love your beautiful work.....the collage papers you add are just stunning!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@raanarezvani478]

Dear Marabeth, thank you for this video .I learn a lot from your videos and like your style so much .I try to paint with papers .I love your sentence that says : when you don’t love your painting it means it isn’t done yet and you should continue until you love it : your works are great .Thank you for sharing your art ❤️❤️

[@marabethquinart]

You are so welcome, and I love to share these thoughts and methods. It helps me in my own practice. Thank you for your kind words ❤️

[@denise2169]

I love how you just let the painting evolve and trust where it’s going.

[@marabethquinart]

I fight with it but that’s always the aim. I am always amazed at how it will emerge on its own. Thanks for watching!

[@sandraange4026]

Marabeth, your. “Process” is amazing,thoughtful, lovely! What talent you have! This is one lucky couple that found you to patiently do this tribute to their marriage. What a gift 💝. Thank you for sharing 🌹

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Sandra! What a sweet thing to say. I truly loved every minute of it

[@angelinamichelle8474]

This process was right down my alley in the style I like to paint with many pieces of advice to yourself being relevant to my stage of learning. I gained so much from this video and it was visually and audibly pleasing to boot! I think I need to watch it again. And what a lovely story behind the commission with the personal collage pieces. Thankyou so much for sharing this!

[@marabethquinart]

Glad it was helpful, Angelina! I’m so happy to hear that, and I’m always happy to share my thoughts about process-it helps me in my own process.

[@melissasibbald4617]

I am so glad that I found you. This isn't just any art tutorial. I've benefitted and learned as a person as well as a painter; things I can integrate into my being as well as my painting. Thank you!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Melissa-you just made my day! I really appreciate this lovely comment and can’t imagine a nicer one!🥰

[@priskateijo]

So many things you say make my bells ring... I too get attached to something I like and in fact many times I cant go further but I´m still not satisfied... Thank you so much for sharing, i love your style. Greetings from Mexico

[@marabethquinart]

I didn’t think I could be the only one :) yes, it’s so easy to get attached and, like you said so well, it sort of nails your feet to the floor trying to protect areas of the painting.

[@Engelhafen]

Wow they were much more involved than I would have been comfortable with - that’s why I don’t do commissions - I like the yellow flowers and often clients can misdirect one’s artistic vision

[@marabethquinart]

Yes, doing commissions is really a personal choice. I’ve certainly been on both sides of it and I know what you’re talking about. I usually really make sure that what they want lands in the realm of where I’m willing to be flexible-it’s taken me on some creative journeys I might not have taken otherwise 😊

[@carolwheeler9979]

I am the same! If I lose my “vision”, I am done in! I cannot proceed. So the only way I take commissions is to get an idea of what they want at which point they have no more input. When it is finished, if they like it, they purchase it. If they do not like it, it is my property, no harm, no foul🤷🏽‍♀️. It would be a different thing entirely when using personal input like the tissue paper words.

[@marabethquinart]

Agreed, once they submit those personal papers they are committed emotionally I think. I’ve rarely ever had anyone unhappy and not take it, but it’s always a risk I suppose.

[@leighburton7048]

I agree with the comments here. I would accept a clients input at the beginning, but after that they're going to get my interpretation of that. That's why I'm the artist and they are the clients- they have come to me because they like my work and style choices, and that's what they're going to get. They don't know where the painting is going, they're just judging an isolated moment. I'm not going to be micromanaged by them throughout the creative process. You're very tolerant and patient. I would loose my wick and tell them " Go do your own painting- oh you can't, that's why you're paying me!" 😆

[@marabethquinart]

Haha, yes, I get it. But it hardly ever gets that bad; I usually make sure they love my work and have expectations that fall in line with that. It’s not for everyone, for sure

[@barbarafiesterman1494]

Thank you for this wonderful video! I will be checking out your other offerings. In gratitude, Amara

[@marabethquinart]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@DocRocket144]

Just beautiful! Your process, your description, the color palette, the collage, your client's inspiration for and addition to the painting and, of course, the final result. Thank you for sharing this! Truly beautiful!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much for all of these kind and encouraging words!! I’m grateful you watched and enjoyed it! 😘

[@MultiPassionateCreator]

Thank you so much for sharing this process. You have answered so many questions I’ve had about abstract art. I love the way you flipped the canvas and your instruction behind why you do it. ❤ This painting turned out absolutely beautiful.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so for the kind words-I’m so happy you found it helpful!

[@janhogan3873]

Love your work, and art process, I was concerned about the amount of client imput, which would have done me in, but totally admire how you worked with them, however doing commissions is hard, the clients vision is what they imagine, which you you as the artist actually have no idea what that is in reality.

[@marabethquinart]

Yes, agreed, it is very hard for all the reasons you mentioned! I usually really talk to them first and make sure that I feel I can make them happy with what I do naturally. I think there are some people to which commissioning a painting sounds really fun and adventurous but they don’t like the process at all. I try to weed those out. Thanks for watching 😊

[@cindycreateforlife]

Your channel popped onto y feed tonight and I am glad, I loved your video. Your painting is that perfect balance between too much detail and not enough! I love layers and layers as well but find it very hard to go deep, decide too early what it will look like, it’s hard to let it evolve! I can relate to everything you said and found your video inspiring!💕🇨🇦

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so happy to hear that I’m not alone in this, Cindy! Thanks for watching and I’m glad it resonates!

[@terriealby5209]

Beautiful! I loved watching the process!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much for watching, Terrie! I’m happy you enjoyed it!

[@ldnyc62]

Simply Beautiful!!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! Thanks for watching and commenting 😊

[@pamgalloway2627]

Absolutely beautiful!!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Pam!

[@coypu2005]

Breathtaking!! Thank you for sharing! 🥰🥰🥰

[@marabethquinart]

So sweet! And thank you for watching 😉

[@irmielam5192]

So beautiful. Love all the layers and texture. Very dreamy.

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much!😊

[@laurelastor5791]

So beautiful!!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Laurel!

[@JanineHyslop]

love how it turned out its very dreamy and interesting.

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Janine!

[@patriciajaroslawski402]

This is down right gorgeous!! Love it!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Patricia!

[@alysonhovanec6314]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Alyson. And thanks for watching!

[@herbalannie7707]

Love the story behind this piece and your creative intuition.

[@marabethquinart]

I love the story too and thanks for watching 😊

[@ingridcoke1360]

It's absolutely beautiful!❤❤❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Ingrid 😊

[@amandalizd]

Oh wow love your work ❤❤❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Amanda!

[@robertrigney9587]

Free thinking vision, beautiful

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you, and thanks for watching 😊

[@lisaess6514]

That’s just a gorgeous painting! I have to admit that your process made me a bit anxious, lol. Being free and loose is hard for me and it really helps to see how other artists free themselves. I have this gorgeous hanging basket that I want to use as a collage inspiration and it’s a bit daunting for a relatively new mixed media/collage artist. I try to repeat it’s just paint and paper and not everything will turn out as I envision it in my head. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and techniques!

[@marabethquinart]

Being loose and free can also make me anxious, Lisa! I think it’s part of the territory and I just have to do what you said-remind myself that there’s nothing at stake here, some things turn out and when they don’t, you learn something. That’s as serious as it gets!

[@lisaess6514]

@@marabethquinart well, I just signed up for your layered botanical class and have already watched some of it. Its actually prompted me to clean out my art studio so I can get all the collage and gelli plate stuff out of my kitchen and dining room! I really haven’t been at my studio much since the pandemic sucked up my creativity, so this is huge for me, thank you for the inspiration ❤️

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so glad to hear that you are back into your studio! And I relate to the events of the last 4 years weighing heavy and even making it difficult to be creative-although it eventually is what saves me every time. 😊

[@lisawommack4095]

This painting is so beautiful!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Lisa! And thanks for watching 😊

[@donnadoble-brown338]

Just stunning! 💗

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Donna!

[@martyhenshaw7122]

Your a natural @ how each painting has a story with sometimes a ending. Just love your work , can’t wait to see more.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Marty, and I really appreciate you watching!😊

[@terribarto7958]

What a fascinating look into the painting process! I loved it....thanks for sharing the process AND the story.

[@marabethquinart]

So glad you liked it! This painting was rewarding and it’s fun to share the story. It really put my work in a new direction. thanks for watching!

[@nicolabishop996]

Thank you for sharing your process. It was very helpful and I enjoyed it very much. The painting is beautiful!

[@marabethquinart]

I am so happy you enjoyed it, Nicola! Thanks so much for watching. 😘

[@alysonhovanec6314]

Layers and layers!!! I get it! It is my absolute favorite part of creating also!

[@marabethquinart]

It’s totally addictive, isn’t it? I love the exploration of it! Thanks for commenting.😉

[@christinebarone2151]

Absolutely beautiful. Thank you

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Christine. And thanks for watching 😊

[@DreamyBohemian]

This is beautiful! I love the gentle vibe ❤❤❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@diannelacourciere4129]

So nice seeing you in action and your voice is so soothing ❤

[@marabethquinart]

I’ve had to learn to soothe myself over the years because I was so hard on myself and over-reactive, so I guess it spills over now. 😊

[@karolsartoasis4815]

The painting come out beautifully. ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much! 💗

[@uinen9029]

so beautiful! Thank you for sharing. For me it looks like coming from a deep water back to Earth .Like a dream. Very beautiful.

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much-I love that description!

[@a11oge]

Thank you loved this video and the way in which the layers developed into a fab painting.

[@marabethquinart]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks so much for watching 😊

[@reblord5544]

Loved this! Very helpful and beautiful! Thanks!

[@marabethquinart]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching 😉

[@cherylnielson5203]

A lovely piece! I enjoyed watching your process and the layering really gives it dimension.

[@marabethquinart]

I agree, layering is the bomb. And thanks so much for watching!

[@patriciabrown4061]

Fabulous! Thanks for sharing.

[@marabethquinart]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@darlenebaldwin1398]

💖💖💖 Completely lovely!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Darlene!

[@MaeBelleArt]

It’s such amazing beautiful artwork love ❤️

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that 😘

[@susanobyrnes1524]

This is so pretty. A pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing your struggles and talent as an artist.

[@marabethquinart]

My pleasure, Susan, and thanks for the kind words. I appreciate you watching 😊

[@madridcsr]

Really enjoyed your process video. Thanks for sharing.

[@marabethquinart]

So glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@micheleleech8128]

Beautiful and meaningful painting.

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Michele! 😀

[@SingYourselfWell]

Oh gosh, it is a long process. Thank you so much, Narabeth. Really helpful!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much for watching!😉

[@jennrowsell7868]

Love this💕

[@marabethquinart]

So glad, Jenn. And thanks for watching 😊

[@artworld9799]

Superb work🎨🎨🎨🎨

[@jillkent6134]

Gorgeous work ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Jill. I appreciate it 😊

[@sheripalmer3192]

Simply gorgeous! Thank you for sharing the process and talent with us!

[@marabethquinart]

My pleasure, Sheri! I love talking about process-thanks for watching! 😊

[@joantreis2615]

Very enjoyable. Have you ever incorporated "Asemic writing" in your art? I have done tissue paper collage with layered paint. It combines my love of collage and painting. Truly beautiful work you do.

[@marabethquinart]

@joantreis2615 Yes! I regularly make tissue papers of asemic writing to use with my collage works. It’s so fun.

[@lindysmith378]

I loved watching your process with layers and collage and the dry brush to blend and soften the colours. And it was great seeing the close ups of those pops of colour.

[@marabethquinart]

Yes, that blending brush is like magic sometimes! Glad you liked the video.😊

[@susancurley5220]

So enjoyed your video; your work and process is beautiful and intuitive!!!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much for watching, Susan! Love having you here!

[@CristinaArriolaart]

Very simple and pretty ❤️

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much, Christina 🥰

[@MsLightspirit]

Love it. Gave me some great ideas too so thank you! Beautiuful work, well done ♥

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you for watching and I’m so glad to hear that it sparked some new ideas!

[@karensamenow5236]

Wow this is so beautiful. I can't wait to take your class!

[@marabethquinart]

So happy you’re taking it! Hope you can come to the live Q&A on Tuesday!

[@robertcass7723]

Beautiful. The colors are perfect. I am new to painting-mostly just winging it. I loved hearing you talk about what you were thinking about. Thank you for sharing some of your tricks like turning the painting. I will be trying that one.

[@marabethquinart]

I’ve been painting for over 20 years and still feel like I’m winging it! 😆 It must be part of it. I’m glad the dialogue helped-I love hearing other artists talk about process. I always learn something new. Thanks for watching, Robert, and happy painting!

[@sallyjohnson1566]

I love how the paper strip suggests a shadow from the tree behind it! Beautiful job!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks Sally! I do too! And thanks for watching!

[@rhondafreeman7495]

So beautiful! You are amazing artist! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and process with us ❤️

[@marabethquinart]

My pleasure-I love to share 🥰

[@kaarensvendsen3012]

I love your honesty about your work and share some of the struggles you have around layout I am just starting out and your work is inspiring.

[@marabethquinart]

So glad to hear it is inspiring. I enjoy sharing what I thought were personal issues and find that many people share them. I think it helps to hear we aren’t alone. And thanks for watching 😊

[@stevenfillenberg9251]

Absolutely beautiful painting

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sarahbland1526]

this helped me with enjoying the layering process! I can relate to your thoughts of feeling lost or stuck and I am excited to try some of your tips and techniques to get past those worries.

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so happy you enjoyed it Sarah and found it helpful! Thanks for watching 😊

[@theresacurrin6395]

Beautiful work 👏👏👏💗

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching.

[@kieranflynn7582]

Loved this video Thank You

[@marabethquinart]

Glad to hear it, and thanks for watching!

[@CoveMermadame]

Very beautiful creative process, honouring and work ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@leehill7598]

Beautiful 😊

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you, Lee! And thanks for watching 😊

[@ruthwarde6057]

Sooo beautiful❤❤❤

[@marabethquinart]

You are so kind, Ruth. Thank you!

[@johogan5812]

Thank you for sharing your thought process and techniques. I found it inspirational and insightful. A beautiful painting. Your client should be very pleased with the end result.

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so happy to hear it! Thanks so much for watching and leaving me such kind words. I truly appreciate it 🥰

[@lynnkaczor9013]

Wonderful video-thank you

[@marabethquinart]

So glad you liked it-thanks Lynn!

[@carmeladefazio8954]

Absolutely beautiful

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@ulrike1995]

Trank you for Sharing your considerations about the Prozess. Very beautyful picture.

[@marabethquinart]

My pleasure, and thanks so much for watching..

[@laurelpulvers565]

I just discovered your exquisite artistry and am so happy I did! What gorgeous colors and textures! Thank you for sharing your process as well

[@marabethquinart]

I’m so happy you did, and I love sharing and talking about process. It’s one of my favorite things!

[@Gabby-ey9br]

Love your work...just so beautiful ❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much 😀

[@michellestratford9753]

I've just found you, but I'm so glad I did! Thank you so much for sharing your process to achieve this stunning work! You make me desperately wish I had even a smidge of your talent. Just beautiful!❤💗

[@marabethquinart]

You are so sweet and I’m so happy to share my process-process is one of my favorite things to think and talk about. 😊. And thank you for your kind words xoxo

[@andreatorraca8755]

So beautiful

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks so much, Andrea.💗

[@karenlederman7447]

WOW! Just WOW. Ypu are aMAzing!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Karen! I really appreciate you watching 😊

[@yolandemontmorency7074]

J'adore ce que vous venez de faire avec cette toile les couleurs les collages se fondent dans un ensemble merveilleux et j'aime aussi comment vous parler pendant que vous peignez c'est tout simplement excitant parce que cela me comprendre mieux la façon que j'aimerais moi-même peindre bravo et continuez votre magnifique travail bravo c’est émouvant et surtout c’est ce que vous êtes ❤❤❤

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so much for such kind words-I truly appreciate it! And thanks for watching 😊

[@tendr247]

Beautiful!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you! 😊

[@danasosnovska3731]

thanks a lot! Greetings from Holland 😍

[@marabethquinart]

Greetings Dana! Thanks for watching!

[@robertstotesbury8005]

The painting is almost as beautiful as you. Great work!

[@marabethquinart]

Aww, thanks so much, Robert!

[@carriemuir]

I found you quite by accident tonight and I’m so glad I did! I’m not kidding when I say I’m sitting here in awe. Your painting is absolutely stunning. I SO appreciated your honest sharing about yourself as an artist, your running commentary thoroughly explaining the process, and the romantic story of the couple who commissioned the piece. I loved studying the close ups! What an enriching and inspiring evening I’ve had, thanks to you. Now I’m going to go binge a few more of your videos and get to know you better! 😊

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you, Carrie! That makes my day-I so appreciate you watching and taking the time to share such kind words with me. 🥰

[@mspelleri]

Wow!

[@marabethquinart]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@ArtistHabibPasha]

Mashaallah 👌 Such a beautiful painting and fantastic artwork ⚘ love this video ❤ big like👍

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you so very much!😉

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Brava!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you! 🥰

[@sherryleggett1612]

It is absolutely stunning though, the hidden words make it so special as a testament to their love.

[@marabethquinart]

I totally agree, Sherry!

[@formation1now517]

Absolutely a stunning piece! I just found your channel by happy “accident “ and was drawn into your beautiful gifted world! You have magnificently interpreted a love between two people and their wishes! There is a loving joy reflected in your painting! How wonderful that couple must feel in viewing this lovingly created art piece! I’m excited to explore your channel in depth. If ever I were able to commission a painting by you - sigh - I have had a dream vision that has followed me for decades and now I feel you would be the perfect person to reveal it in art form! Perhaps a way will come? Your commentary as you worked made me once again recall my vivid night dream/vision and I just knew you would be the one to make it real!

[@marabethquinart]

Well, you know where to find me if you ever want to put those wheels in motion-you can email me at [e-mail] if you ever want to explore that idea. And thank you for all the kind words 🥰🥰

[@CristinaArriolaart]

Very beautiful indeed

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you kindly 😊

[@Ginger_McElfresh_Art]

This is amazing! I love it! We have so many similar techniques in our artwork! Its really cool to see someone else look for some of the exact same elements in their paintings 😉

[@marabethquinart]

I know, you follow enough artists and you realize there are natural proclivities toward marks, aesthetic choices, subject matter. It’s fun to find the people that share yours! Thanks for watching, Ginger 😀

[@sandrahanisart]

​@@marabethquinart27:59

[@tradingpostfarms]

And that is why I rarely do a commission. The second my client says can you make something different it would be over. I'd lose every ounce of freedom and shut down. My clients know that you will likely have your painting within 2 months to a year because their subject must inspire me in the moment before I can even start. I'm so impressed and inspired by this. Thanks.

[@marabethquinart]

I completely get it!! I always have to make sure that they like what I do on a regular basis, so I know I’m not confirming to something outside of my interests and development, but I did learn along the way that once that is settled, I can experiment a lot with the preferences they set forth. But I know it’s different for every artist and I totally understand why! Thanks for watching Elli!

[@shannasisak]

I am only 2:44 in and I am now a new subscriber!

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you Shanna, I’m so happy to hear it!

[@artworld9799]

Great drawing, greetings💞💞💞

[@marabethquinart]

Greetings! And thank you so much 😊

[@shelinahetherington4661]

Beautiful

[@marabethquinart]

Thank you 😊

[@andreatorraca8755]

❤️