Mastering Opacities: A Limited Color Palette Abstract Art Tutorial

Join me in this captivating art tutorial as we dive into the world of abstract art using Kuretake graphite watercolors. In this workshop, we'll explore the magic of a limited color palette, experimenting with opacities from translucent to opaque to create intriguing textures. To add a touch of luxury, we'll finish our creations with stunning gold accents. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your artistic journey, this tutorial will inspire and empower your creativity. Let's unlock the secrets of abstract art together!
*Supplies I'm using in class:
(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 🥰)
Derwent Graphitint Pencils Tin - amzn.to/3PfVqxE
Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Graphite Colors 6 color set - amzn.to/3QTrjgr
Derwent XL Graphite Blocks, - amzn.to/44n3ZuR
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 4 - amzn.to/3pkXPgg
Daler-Rowney FW Acrylic Ink Bottle Sepia - amzn.to/3ON8EjQ
Bira Craft 2 inch Heart Lever Action Craft Punch - amzn.to/3qPI4i1
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
Sennelier - Savoir-Faire Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set - amzn.to/3YpHG69
SENNELIER Latour Spray Fixative Soft Pastels - amzn.to/3Pgsd5Z
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3Ebl2p0
Kakimori Brass Nib - shop.stlartsup...
Kakimori pen holder - shop.stlartsup...
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
*My very favorite supplies that I might mention in every video:
*You can check out all the art classes I have for you on Skillshare here: www.skillshare... (Affiliate link)
*Check out my Amazon Store for more goodies: www.amazon.com...
Kuretake Gold mica Paste - amzn.to/3V2EpYZ
Raphael SoftAqua Brushes - amzn.to/3L5Bpq7
Winsor & Newton Bamboo Brush - amzn.to/41U1Aa3
Posca Extra Fine Marke - amzn.to/3N7WOSd
sennelier oil pastels - amzn.to/3MPaYam
Sennelier Cardboard Oil Pastel Set, 72 Count - amzn.to/3WL5OPX
SENNELIER D'Artigny Oil Pastel Fixative - amzn.to/3X9DfMg
Artist tape - amzn.to/3Hf6fLP
Art Sponges - amzn.to/3L9xf0k
Kuretake Gansai Tambi 48 Color set - amzn.to/3qaThZW
Kuretake Art Nouveau set - amzn.to/3ZWACgp
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
POSCA Colouring - PC-3M Warm Neutral Tones - amzn.to/423TMCr
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Set of 60 Colors - amzn.to/3MxPKwp
Jack Richeson Grey Matters Disposable Paper Palette, 6 x 9 - amzn.to/3IBeD8Y
Jack Richeson Grey Matters Paper Palette (50 Sheets), 9" x 12 - amzn.to/423Q7o2
Kuretake on Blick - www.dickblick....
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
Painters Color Diary - 9x12 oil - amzn.to/3NowCCv
Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels - amzn.to/468tdPw
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3qdW19m
Derwent charcoal blocks - amzn.to/3OiOzle
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 - amzn.to/3s48vAX
Faber-Castell Graphite Pencil Pitt Graphite Matt 14B - amzn.to/443RhB0
Fiskars SureCut Portable Paper Trimmer, 12 Inch Cut - amzn.to/3quCKR2
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclar... (Affiliate link)
Art Prompt cards: The Color Meditation Deck - amzn.to/3IT1bxC
Where you can find me:
Website: 2lilowls.com/
Instagram -Art Account - / 2lilowlsart
Instagram - Photography Account - / 2lilowlsstudio
Facebook Page: / 2lilowls

[@brendawhaley7094]

Thank you for your encouragement about what other people think, just paint what you like Bless you

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@ramonalachapelle8691]

I adore that painting on the right with the green and blue! It just sings with the addition of the gold markings

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@susanorban3059]

Love them both but the blue and green one just reminds me of a big beautiful Arizona storm cloud with sparkly gold coming out of it! Sooo pretty- both of them!🥰❤️🏜️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oh, I love that. Storm clouds! Thank you!! 🥰

[@love2create62]

Those both turned out absolutely stunning, and just using two colors of paint!! 🤯😍 I tend to use the bright bold colors because that's what brings me joy, I paint for me! You do whatever makes you happy, we're blessed that you share your talent and your thoughts with us! Have a nice holiday weekend! 🫶

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@ladonnarode4234]

I look forward to your videos and actually miss the weekends when you aren’t posting new ones! I do have one request though. I would love to see you combine your abstracts with botanical designs. Keep up the interesting videos!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰 I’ll add that to my idea list! I’ve explored that in the past in skillshare classes… I ride the creativity to where it currently takes me. 😊

[@susanorban3059]

Yes botanicals!!💥😂🥰

[@gila1959]

You are so right about creativity and the pushing for new direction. Bravo. So right. I myself hold back so many times bcause- i am afraid. Afraid of ‘ ruine’, ruine the piece of work, afraid to spoil the page, the fabric, the canvas, colors are sooo expensive and we want to succeed in the first time..yes thank you for the encouragement..

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@thelittleskipper4794]

Rollercoaster drop moment with that white!! Beautiful creations as always🎉

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@nathalieleblanc7284]

You are so talented and such a great communicator. You fuel my creativity and inspire me to step outside my creative boundaries. I learn sooooo much from you. You are the best!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

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

[@MargueriteAtHome]

Same here! Never in my life would I have thought I could create anything abstract that looks so amazing, but following Denise's example, I did it!! I used chalk + water to get a soft watercolor look with a couple colors (pastel violet and teal), added some gold dots with a makeshift dot stencil, drew a funky line shape with a black colored pencil, stroked in a few tick marks, and oh my word!!!) 😍 Denise IS the best!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@MargueriteAtHome 🥰🥰🥰

[@dawnborchert772]

I love bold color as well i do need to practice making more transparent paintings. Im going to get out some of my supplies i dont use and try to get to know them better. You inspired me to just play if it turn out good if not thats ok too❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Happy painting!! 🎨🎨🎨 I have gotten where I really love experimenting the most! 🥰

[@ravenfeaster5821]

HI Denise! Next time you do a grunge type picture...may be with gold, silver, yellow or blueish white try a lighting strike like you see with cloud to cloud. I bet that would look pretty! LOVE YOUR ARTWORK!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great idea!! Thank you!! 🥰

[@nishasankaran]

Yes exactly!! I always stop my creativity because ransoms ‘rules’ around everything… when to create, why, these tools and colors should be used this way not that way etc… I just want to create and play with color shapes! ✨

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Absolutely!! Thank you! 🥰

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Absolutely love these! That green and blue one is mesmerizing ❤️❤️❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@marthajacobo3519]

I find that a damp towel for catching pastel powder works best, that way it doesn’t fly off.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Great tip! I keep a spray bottle of water on my table. Easy enough to spritz it!! Thank you!! 🥰

[@sherylesp2272]

Loving these ! I see galaxies exploding in them !

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oh yeah! I can see that! Thank you! 🥰

[@faithisrising]

This as fascinating to see the light and dark together. Beautiful marks as always and both pieces are very pretty. Have a great weekend Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@sheilaschmid7768]

WOW WOW WOW, these two pieces are fabulous🤎💜💙💚!!! I can’t wait for tomorrow to give this a try. Love the challenge of using only two colors and variations of opacity. Eeeek 🎉 and I bought that deckled edge ripper - it’s awesome!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Have fun! Thank you!! 🥰

[@CMac-me2tp]

Absolutely beautiful Denise! Thanks for sharing your talents ❤️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@Lainers2000]

These pieces are lovely. A lot of good information and you always seem to answer the question I would have asked if you were in person. I like bold colors and tend to put them all out there so whatever I'm doing looks like pre-school. Time to pull it back. Have a great day, Denise. Look forward to your next video.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

They are both gorgeous. When you started with the purple and brown I wasn't too sure about that combo but it's so nice!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Denise, I really really enjoyed watching you create these two amazing and gorgeous pieces. They are really really stunning too. And I really really hate that other people think 🤔 they can advice you on how to use certain colour’s, how dare they 😡😡😡😡😡😡. We watch you because we all really really love ❤️ you. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags ❤❤❤❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@janetdand2704]

Both are lovely. I like how you can see the opacity and transparency in the different areas. Thanks for sharing.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@anninpt4398]

Love love love

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@yovamccoy2806]

I painted some stripes of CSY gold watercolor and then painted some of the Kuratake graphite and the Kuratake granulating set on top of the gold. The gold was dry. I watched as the Kuratake paints proceeded to move, pull, and mix with the gold. I kept dropping in the Kuratake as the gold would take over. Sometimes Bettina Fernandez puts gold underneath as well as on top of other watercolors. I didn't have a spoon handy so I burnished some of the graphite with the end of a mop brush. I love the mix of the light and dark in your 2 pieces.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@connieebinger6343]

Love these Denise! You’re such an inspiration!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@sandrift]

Love these; you’re reminding me to pull out my graphite paints!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@lindakuck5981]

These are fantastic! Thanks Denise 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@maryannebaker4314]

Another great video with beautiful art.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

Awesome, have a wonderful weekend!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Same to you! Thank you!! 🥰

[@jeanunderhill3868]

Stunning.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@shadowzoid1126]

One of my favourite x

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@jlm517rocks]

so good... been zentangling awhile, adding color to patterns really makes them pop. the deckle edged fabriano paper of traditional tiles are precious and ii hoard the few ii have, some no longer available, but...ii do have hot press watercolor paper that will now have that little bit extra thx to yr ruler...

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I did zentangle a while back and had some of those little cards. Hot press paper with a deckled edge is a great alternative! 😊

[@katpaints]

I found that it's a combo of timing, paint and salt. Colors that lift will make more of a mark than staining colors do. And the salts can make a huge difference in what it looks like. When i played around with it, I dug out every salt I could find and back then, my favorite was called Lite Salt, for low sodium diets. I need to do this again as I didn't have kosher salt then and I i never thought to try Epsom salts that someone mentioned!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I need to play again too.. I did a salt test for myself a few years back.. but never really got the large white lifts some people seem to get. 😊

[@UFOS4]

Gorgeous paintings! Love those!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@danielleb.7055]

I love the graphite watercolors. I really have been wanting to try them for a while but still trying to hold off lol, i already have tons of supplies lol but ya know I dont have any like those. Ha. I think we all say that. You can use your supplies however you see fit or however someone wants. Like you said they're meant for play and expressing yourself, isn't that what art is? Anyway, you do what you like and I enjoy it and others do too. Thanks for sharing your fun art and ideas. Have a great day.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@elizabethtrumble]

I love these Denise! The colors are so rich. i would be interested to try some oil pastel on one or two. I am going to try that this weekend. I think the texture on top would be a great contrast. And you are so right, the shimmer and shine are great! I can't decide which is my favorite, the green/blue or the brown/purple. I will just say both! Keep up the great content!!! 💜💜💜

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Have fun painting!! 🎨🎨🎨 Thank you!! 🥰

[@elizabethtrumble]

@@2lilowlsstudio Thank you!

[@LynnLBE]

All of yours are inspirational❣️❣️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@terriyoung2389]

I’ve noticed a marked difference using Kosher pickling salt versus sea salt. Different outcomes every time. I prefer Kosher salt.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So interesting! I'll have to get some and give it a try!! Thank you!! 🥰

[@nathalieleblanc7284]

Thanks for sharing that tip. I am also going to try

[@swl9270]

Epsom salt also produce a interesting effect. Rock salt (used for maki g ice cream in home churns) results huge “blooms”.

[@love2create62]

Table salt is very different too! 😊

[@terriyoung2389]

@@love2create62 all the salts have a different effect.

[@doloresparra4604]

Lovely!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@bmk5529]

Beautiful!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@lizdouglas1952]

Denise! Love it, girl! I have these graphite paints, and they're phenomenal. Your abstract painting's turned out beautiful. The gold is an absolute! Now you've once again inspired me this Labor Day weekend! Thank you!! 🥰👍💖

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰

[@charlenebyington7405]

I only have the graffite markers...but l really like how you work with all you extra water on your graffite. Got to order some soon...they are gorgeous. And only using 2-3 colors look amazing with all the different choices of water added. Thanks for sharing. 🌿💕🌿

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@MargueriteAtHome]

Thanks to you, I've ordered a tiny-dots stencil! 😮 You're amazingly talented!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You’ll love the dot stencil!! 🎨 Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@lbuchtel5855]

Love your playful creativity! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰

[@AmandaMG6]

Gwinnett Co. Library! Hi GA ❤😊. Wish I knew you when I lived there. We are so similar. Lol

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha! Yes. 😁

[@marlbboro8091]

Great ideas for my Boku Undo e sumi dark palette. I love them but unable to use them to their full potential

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you like them! Thank you!! 🥰

[@adumelial]

Denise LOVE

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you! 🥰 I post all the supplies in the description below the video for you with a link to them! 😊

[@adumelial]

​@2lilowlsstudio Thanks so much, Denise! And I did find your stencil video I was hunting! ❤

[@TammieWardArt]

How many adjectives can I use to describe these 2 pieces??? Amazing, fantastic, fabulous, delicious, delightful, beautiful ........❤ they really turned out to be sooo lovely. DO MORE, LOL. i saw the XL Derwents in bright colors yesterday. They are in my cart. LOL TYVM 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I saw those too! They have a couple of new XL things coming out this month!! Yay!! Thank you!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@TammieWardArt]

@2lilowlsstudio YEAH IT IS 🥰

[@lyricalstorms]

These are beautiful! I would call the left one Lavender Fields and the right one Evening Skies. 😊 My favorite is the one in the right. Do you name your pieces, assign them numbers or anything like that?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oooh! I love those names. I don’t sell my work - so I don’t name them. I use them as samples and examples. If I were selling pieces - then yes - I’d give them a name. I think that really elevates the piece and shows they were important enough to you to give a name! Thank you!! 🥰

[@lyricalstorms]

@2lilowlsstudio I name mine because that's the only way I can remember and talk to people about specific pieces I've done. Plus for copyright and history since I do put them online.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@lyricalstorms I already have had to come up with 10 thousand names over the years... Between the thousand texture collections I've made for the creative photography side of my business over the past 11 years... and all the videos and workshops I make now for art... I'm named out by the time it comes to individual pieces. I talk about and identify pieces by what class or video they were in. 😁

[@hollydickerson5785]

Hey girl!!! Love that you are so brave. I'm sure you know more about art supplies than I could ever imagine but I have noticed you have been using more pastels. Have you ever tried using Golden airbrush medium with Derwent Chalk and your Sennelier soft pastels?? ...I love art everything and I ran across a lady using that combination making it like paint. I'm hoping it will make it more granulated. Anyway...thanks for giving us great ideas and courage 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have airplane medium, but it has been forever since I’ve used it. It is great for making your paint into a glaze and antiquing your pieces! I’ll have to get it out, I’ve not used it with the pastels! Thank you!! 🥰

[@hollydickerson5785]

Never heard of airplane medium 🤔 but can't wait to see your video on it.!!! Thank you very much for your help and time...much appreciated

[@2lilowlsstudio]

@@hollydickerson5785 haha! Typo… auto correct fail. Airbrush medium!! 😂

[@vickileopold6175]

Another great video! I've noticed that the Derwent Intense products are not on your list of favs. Do you ever use those? There are pencils, blocks, and pans that I know of. I have the pencils and the colors are so vivid!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you!! 🥰 I have all the inktense too! And the new XL stuff coming out this month on preorder. Can’t wait to get those. That list of favs gets added to as I use them in KZbin videos. This channel is new… so just haven’t gotten them out… and KZbin limits the number of characters to 5000 in that box and I try to use them all and I’m out of room for a true complete list 😂

[@vickileopold6175]

Ahh, got it. I just found you recently (on Instagram) so I haven't watched all of your videos. If you have one where you have used them, please let me know. Thanks!! @@2lilowlsstudio

[@janetkyle9932]

Hi Denise, as always love your work. When you thinned out the gold ink did you use plain tap water or distilled and about how much did you put in? Thanks.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I used tap water. Some say used distilled. I haven’t had any issues. I just added it til it seemed as thin as it was when I got it. You’ll just have to add some, test it, add a little more, til you like how it is working. 😊

[@Komponents]

Gwinnett library card? I used to live in Acworth.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I live further north now… but went to high school in Gwinnett! That card is super old 😂

[@tinatierson6012]

These are so gorgeous! I have a question though - you used both graphite and soft pastels, yet only the fixative for soft pastels. Is it ok to have only one fixative spray for both soft pastels and charcoal?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Yrs! It works great! Thank you! 🥰

[@patriciadaugherty3028]

I have the same issues with salt. I want but am not able to get the beautiful bursts as salt pushes pigment away. I've tried different kinds of salt, different w.c. pigments, different timings but no luck. I think it might depend on how hard or soft the water is. That's my next experiment.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It could be the water softness vs hardness! I see others get big salt blooms. I just haven't had luck with them. Thank you! 🥰

[@sarahmalm9684]

Speaking of framing…how do you have those deckled edged pieces framed. I can’t recall seeing any of those done so you can see the edge. Do you have some you can show us? That would be awesome!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I show you some of those I have framed in this video on preserving art and framing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXaTemN8n8ehjtksi=ZQxWvwGSvF847Kj1

[@lynnhuddleston3199]

Would a metallic silver have worked on the second piece, or would it not show up as well as the gold?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I don't have a silver I love... I'm still on the hunt for a really good one. 😊

[@raheelazam6385]

Hi beautiful awesome work💖💖💝💝💝💜💜💞❤❤👏👍👏💗💗💜💞💞💟💟💟💟💜💜💝💗💗💞♥♥💓😍😍

[@arlenemurphy804]

Denise, do you ever use Silver ink?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have silver… they just aren’t as vibrant or shiny as the gold. I put some in my fineliner applicator this week - so I’m going to try that out on some projects. Maybe I’ll like it better? 😊

[@arlenemurphy804]

@@2lilowlsstudio thanks Denise.