Say Yes to Imperfections: Abstract Warm-up Painting Challenge

[@chrisloudart]

👉Want a prompt to help you start your next painting? Click here etsy.me/49utFsk (50 Abstract Warm-Up Painting Prompts)

[@dawnglidden9384]

Your painting videos are right up my alley❤ Thank you for sharing your artwork it sooo exciting to watch & learn, I love your technique it melts my heart learning all of this since I only started painting ever at age 72 just 3 months ago & my God I’m in my glory, what a blessing 🙏🏻💙

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Dawn! That's so wonderful! You’re going to create amazing artwork, I can already tell. I started painting about 5 years ago and I feel the same-such a joy to paint and create.❤️

[@sarawelder1]

I would like some challenges regarding painting emotions ( fear, hate, apprehension) or wind, storms, etc

[@chrisloudart]

I've added it to my list. Thanks for the suggestion Sara!

[@anninlq]

Thank you! Your voice is easy to listen to on your videos. I like them a lot!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much!❤️

[@carolineholt3012]

Fab challenge, I love the result! Thanks for sharing all around the end product!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Caroline! 😊

[@nildacruz3521]

Chris Loud this is beautiful. I love watching your challenges.

[@chrisloudart]

@@nildacruz3521 Thank you so much, Nilda!♥️

[@paulramsey2922]

Your process is so similar to what I have been creating intuitively, and it validates my approach. I see so many similarities in what you create you are a kindred artist. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Paul! It's always great to connect with kindred artists! 😊

[@mandimarie2379]

Super Thanks!😊 Love the colors!!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Mandi!!!

[@sharifiermonti2534]

Hi Chris - I am still catching up and binge watching your videos! Love this painting! I also love the idea of making my own stencils - thank you, this is a great tip - I'm on it! Hope all is well; have a beautiful day!!

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Shari! So glad you liked this one 😊 I really enjoy making and finding things to use as stencils. It's a beautiful day here in Colorado and I'm getting ready to go for a hike. Have a wonderful day!

[@grozdavranic6972]

Hi Chris...Love what you did..Thank you for sharing...

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Grozda! Thank you so much!😊

[@bevmorton8725]

Looking past those imperfections...sometimes we lose something that is unique and right in front of us...the feel of imperfections and raw energy in paintings makes them more relatable and authentic and can sometimes make the painting more alive.... Very inspired by these words of yours Chris and appreciate the additional information about how you frame the paintings. Thank you!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Bev! It's comments like this that inspire me to keep making these videos. I'm so glad this was helpful. Best!

[@priskateijo]

I love the end result, the color combo and the composition. Thank you so much for this information, I´ve seen hundreds of art videos and almost nobody talks about framing, finishing, etc. It´s so valuable. Thank you 🙏

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Priscilla! I've put on my list to do a more in depth finishing video where I demonstrate each step.

[@ingridcoke1360]

​@@chrisloudartthank you❤❤❤

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Hi Chris, and thank you for this post - always a pleasure to hear your voice and watch your doing your art. I think ironically, this is one of the most difficult challenges you have thrown out there. It just seems to go against the grain of aesthetic pursuit to want to leave bits that are "unfinished". I was too busy drawing misty mountains to even dare to try the animal challenge.😉

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Emmanuel! I found this to be quite a challenge. It's counterintuitive for sure. In some ways it's not normal to avoid fixing something, but in others it is because you're allowing some of your natural marks to stand. I'm going to do this again a few more times to stay out of my comfort zone. Love your misty mountains!👍

[@lesleykendall6120]

Super!

[@chrisloudart]

@@lesleykendall6120 Thank you, Leslie!

[@JRJackman-qs8ph]

Great teaching video Chris, many thanks (from uk)

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, JR! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@andrewwatts2695]

Love your videos as inspiration for me to carry on with my art 🎨 ✨️ 🖼

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Andrews! That means a lot😊

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Another great challenge, and fun process. Also appreciate how you go over fixing, varnishing, matting and protecting works. Thanks Chris!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Kathy!

[@ginabruno3938]

I love this idea of challenges! As a novice, I feel like my biggest obstacle is overthinking. Your videos are really inspiring me to approach playing with my art supplies in a new way. Thank you!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Gina! I'm so happy to hear that😊. It's amazing how approaching art as play can really help us develop as artists.

[@anninlq]

Where do you buy your mats. Thank you 🩵

[@chrisloudart]

I get most of mine on Amazon - amzn.to/3Yqvged Most art from Golden State Art

[@cheryldobbinson1994]

Turned out a really upbeat happy go lucky painting 😊

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Cheryl!

[@AliceDel]

this is seriously one of my favorites of all your paintings! fantastic colors along with a great sense of energy and motion. i hope you continue to let yourself leave 'imperfections' which are so engaging to the viewer!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Alice! I plan on doing this challenge several more times. It definitely took me out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing.

[@Apollo_Blaze]

Chris, I love your work and your lessons on painting abstracts. I m in the process of trying to get much looser with my work and your videos do a great job with showing how to do that and how to think about doing it. Just want to say thanks. 🍃

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying these😊

[@martineakbayrak8033]

Bonjour Chris 😊😊 j'adore et les couleurs sont magnifiques, merci pour ce partage ❤❤❤❤

[@chrisloudart]

Bonjour, Martine! Merci beaucoup ❤️

[@katewalton6350]

I love this abstract! You are very encouraging you make me appreciate my own art work. Thankyou for the inspiration.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Kate!

[@zirkahayes3743]

I wasn’t sure where to find the info on the precut mats with the sleeves. Thanks.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Zee! They're in the description below the video, but here are the links that I put in there: Golden State Art Pack of 25 White Pre-Cut 8x10 Picture Mat for 5x7 - amzn.to/3Yqvged Acid Free 25 Pack 11x14 Pre-Cut Mat Board Show Kit for 8x10 - amzn.to/47fAs93 Mat Board Center, Acid-Free Pre-Cut 16x20 Picture Mat Set for 11x14 - amzn.to/3KSAcDt Framers Tape II Archival Grade Self-Adhesive Acid Free Tape, White, 1" x 180 ft - amzn.to/43Ys5vx

[@zirkahayes3743]

@@chrisloudart Thanks very much. Thanks for the inspirational videos. Ive been saving my used palette sheets for quite a while and haven’t done anything with them. Time to pull them out and do something fun.

[@chrisloudart]

@zirkahayes3743 Hey Zee! You're in for a good time!

[@benjaminmurat602]

Pamela Caughey said ugly is good. This is somewhat similar to your idea, I think, and it’s very good. I love it !!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Benjamin! I wasn't familiar with Pamela and just spent some time enjoying her art and watching a couple of her videos. I really enjoy her work! Thanks for letting me know about her. We definitely have some similar ideas and processes 😊

[@starlaarts9385]

Thank you for sharing your preparations with us. This "exercise " painting turned out great!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Starla!

[@dianecharest8365]

I love howw that came out. I need to try this. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Diane! These are such fun little pieces to create with no stress.

[@zoja9672]

Love this🥰💕💕💕

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Zoja!

[@jamieherron8300]

Wow! LOVE this!!!!!!!!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Jamie!

[@taketimetoseait396]

Very informative for selling professional looking gallery style ...the colors R cooperating 😊

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you!

[@taketimetoseait396]

@@chrisloudart well more than thanks...it's about the sharing ideas, not stopping, it's about moving on and on... So many parts stopping would have been fantastic YET U move on and on . Into the nx level of thinking.

[@TR-nv4qt]

Beautiful ❤

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much!

[@creativepassages]

I like the raw emotions and vibrancy that can come with embracing imperfections. This turned out great! Thanks for the helpful hints about finishing the painting. I never realized that I was not giving it enough time for the fixadent to work, and you gave me more ideas bout finishing varnished, which I have not tried. I usually use a finishing spray but I want to try your method of fixadent followed by a brush on varnish. I always live your color choices, too. It takes ne much longer to make my paintings. I hope I can get to a place of what looks like quick and effortless the way you have. Love your channel.

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Ann! I'm happy you enjoyed the painting and found the finishing techniques and tips helpful. Embracing imperfections can definitely help bring out raw energy and vivid colors in a piece.

[@alisonkate2677]

Always enjoy your insight Chris. Liquitex satin does a beautiful job enriching colour and without the glare,

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Alison! Perfect timing, I literally told someone at an art gathering last night that I wanted to pick up some satin varnish to give it a try. I appreciate your advice!

[@alisonkate2677]

It's my favourite! Don't get a small one. 🙂

[@Apollo_Blaze]

I have used a varnish called Modern Masters Dead Flat Varnish on many things I have painted with acrylics, such as paper mache work and on canvas...it does a great job of enhancing colors and it has what I would say is a satin finish and I love it. Maybe you would like using that too@@chrisloudart

[@canvasbored]

Thanks for this fun challenge, Chris. I’m gonna do it. Taking an abstract painting class at the local art center right now, and this approach works for what we’re doing in class.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Martha! I'm so happy to hear that 😊. How are you enjoying your class!

[@Grumpysusie]

Hey Chris! I really love this painting. The pallet is so calming, composition just pulls you in. I wanted to remind your audience that Liquitex liquid varnish protects your painting from sun damage (if hanging near a window or artificial light) and will actually protect your painting for 99 years, whether using paper or cotton canvas or board. Another great tutorial Chris!

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Susie! Thanks so much! Great reminder about the UV protection 👍 I have on my list a more in depth finishing video and I'll be sure to include that. 😊

[@Grumpysusie]

@@chrisloudart Awesome! We can all benefit from your wisdom with that subject!

[@taketimetoseait396]

Hope you enjoy watching Robert Burridge, Marabeth Quin, Gaynor Pattle 😊

[@chrisloudart]

I do enjoy watching Bob Burridge. I've never heard of the other two. I'll check them out, thanks!

[@lobstermash]

Add a recommendation for Gaynor from me. She paints semi-abstract flower pieces and landscapes, often with a joyful mood. Very confident drawing and brushwork.

[@mariaisabelgarciavazquez9675]

Love it❤

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Maria!

[@johnmeyerhofer6935]

👍

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, John!

[@yopestevens1505]

Hi Chris, you found me :). Love this. Been looking for info about raw energy paintings, I have so many. I've been seeing them as being unfinished & unsellable because there's still unpainted bits of paper, or very thin bits. But I like them the way they are & can't bring myself to cover up the magic that happens. Most acrylic abstract painters here on YT seem to add layers upon layers & cover the entire surface (which I also do, most of the time) but sometimes the painting just "arrives" much earlier. Are you saying I could varnish them and possibly sell them as is? Would be a game changer for me! I am also interested in how you make your stencils... and how you price your paper art vs canvas art... and

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks Yope! So glad I found you! I have many paintings in the same state - "unfinished", but I like them the way they are. I've sold some like that, and others haven't sold, however, I can say the same thing about all of my more "finished" paintings. My advice is to give it a try with a piece or two and see what happens. I also tend to add multiple layers on most of my paintings, but I've been pulling back from doing that so much. I'll be working on a DIY stencil video soon and I've put your other suggestions on my list.

[@cherylelliott7769]

Thanks for sharing the details!

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Cheryl! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@gailierunninglynx7310]

Thanks so much!! Learned so many things!! Glad I am a new subscriber! ~❤~ 😊

[@chrisloudart]

I am as well ♥️ So happy to hear these videos resonate with you!

[@dianecharest8365]

I like that piece.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Diane! I really enjoyed playing with this one.

[@susanasilva2737]

Loved this video. I've learn a few things that I'll put in use. I would like to see you make a little piece of art just with one color and some marks. Can you do it? Will you do it? Don't loose next video 😂 Thanks for this challenge 😊❤

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Susana! I have a similar challenge on my list for upcoming videos, so yes, I accept the challenge and will give it a try. Have you created a piece with just one color before?😊👍

[@LukenUSee]

Love this challenge, your choice of colors, and your process, Chris. The idea of imperfection/rawness contributing to overall energy and effect is something I need to explore a lot more. At least one other artist on yt refers to it as "reckless abandon," which frees up creativity. Thanks also for explaining the process of preparing to sell a painting. Love your channel!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Luken! It's surprising how uncomfortable this challenge can be. It definitely takes us out of our comfort zone, but is quite beneficial to artistic development.

[@terryhorowitz7076]

I always enjoy your videos, & I always learn something I can use. This was great, than you!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Terry!

[@maureenpeak7751]

Brilliant. Thanks Chris.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Maureen!

[@HighPriestess-x2e]

Love it!!!! Thanks for all the info and the challenge. I'm definitely going to try this!!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Kathy! Let me know how it goes.

[@ziondanny7081]

Why is it that when I do this it ends up looking like a dog's breakfast?

[@chrisloudart]

😂 I've been there plenty of times! Try giving the dog less food when you feed it.

[@ziondanny7081]

Okay, I think I know what you mean....! ​@@chrisloudart

[@bluebirdrelics8580]

I like this. I’m definitely going to try it. 15 mins is tough. Are we allowed to turn the timer off between layers. 😅😂

[@chrisloudart]

Haha...as long as you don't look at or think about the painting in between layers 😆😂. I cut out all of the hair dryer scenes in this one.

[@chrisloudart]

Also, adjust the time as you see fit.

[@bluebirdrelics8580]

@@chrisloudart yeah I do that too 😁

[@zahirarickard3360]

I'm also grateful for the information on framing. Can you tell me how you fix the painting to the backing board of the frame? Many thanks.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Zahira! I use archival framers tape amzn.to/43Ys5vx

[@zahirarickard3360]

@chrisloudart Many thanks. I'll see if I can get that here in NZ.

[@chrisloudart]

I bet you'll be able to find it. Good luck!

[@shirleytrites]

Hi Chris, thanks for the demo. What do your customers do with the matted paintings? Do you recommend a frame for them?

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Shirley! Yes, I believe most framed them. I typically don't suggest a frame since everyone has their own tastes with frames and there are so many choices. I also fix the painting to the mat in a way that is easy to remove if someone would like to use a different mat.

[@kellybeale1895]

Thanks!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Kelly! You're amazing!!!

[@kellybeale1895]

@@chrisloudart it us that thank you!! I feel lucky to learn so much from your art work, techniques, make us think outside the norm, and yet don’t make it seem overwhelming ❤️❤️❤️ grateful

[@secondlife5704]

This one is one of my favorite after watching many of your videos...go great! Just thinking..wondering if those mats that you use..I know they say "acid free" but do you know if they 'yellow' after a few years? Cheers!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much! Great question-I've been using these mats for almost 4 years now and I haven't had any signs of 'yellowing'.

[@kascialelonek8757]

Could u show when u remove the tape?

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Kascia! I will do my best to include that. It's one of my favorite parts about painting on paper.😊

[@janaforcher816]

I just discovered your youtube videos and love them. Have a question: where can I get the precut mats with opening and with background and plastic envelope? You mention them in this video at 11 minutes. I live in Innsbruck-Austria but can´t find them on youtube. Perhaps I just don´t know the german word for it. I can find only passepatouts. Thanks for help, perhaps here is also somebody from Germany.

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Jana! This link is supposed to redirect you to the Amazon website for the country you live in amzn.to/47fAs93 . If that doesn't work, give this website a try - goldenstateart.com/packs/show-kit-packs/pack-quantities/pack-of-25 . Let me know if either of those works. Best, Chris

[@janaforcher816]

@@chrisloudart many thanks, I found it on Amazon, but the postal fee to Austria is very high, about 26 $. Could be as I looked it up, that Amazon will make me some proposals for Europe. 😍 Jana

[@chrisloudart]

Yeah, that seems like a bit much to pay for these. Hopefully, you can find something closer so you don't have to pay a high shipping cost.

[@Merzui-kg8ds]

Prompt: a photo of a rockscape

[@chrisloudart]

Love it! I'll add it to my list. Thanks

[@cathyburnside3363]

What kind of paper do you use?

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Cathy! This was done on 300 gsm cold press watercolor paper. It has one layer of gesso.

[@dawnglidden9384]

Are these painted on thin canvas?

[@chrisloudart]

This was painted on 140lb (300gsm) cold pressed watercolor paper. It has a bit of texture to it.

[@kriswashburn274]

I really like seeing you paint. What do you mean when you say that you make a stencil with hot glue gun.

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Kris! It's funny you ask that, I was just looking at my schedule to see if I had time to do a video over the next two weeks on making a quick stencil with a hot glue gun. I basically lay down parchment paper on a flat surface and use a hot glue gun to create a stencil.

[@patrickmickey]

I assume you waited for paint to dry between layers.

[@chrisloudart]

Yes, I cut out the drying parts of the video. I usually just dry it for 30 seconds to a minute with a hair dryer.

[@CAT-Anne]

I see 3 birds.

[@chrisloudart]

You've piqued my curiosity. Where are the birds?😊🐦

[@CAT-Anne]

In the portrait you first made it, they are on the middle left. When I sat it I saw 3 artsy style birds. Roughed in of course.

[@chrisloudart]

I think I might see what you're talking about. I'll probably be staring at this all day looking😂

[@CAT-Anne]

@@chrisloudart Look at 5 minutes and 23 seconds. That's the 3 artsy birds.

[@chrisloudart]

@@CAT-Anne I see them now! Thanks! Love it❤️