Surprising results: my favourite exercise for painting exploration

If you want to expand your mark-making, find new compositions, or just want to be surprised by your art, let me show you my favourite painting exercise.
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My video on composition:
• Master composition ski...
Products mentioned:
A1 Cartridge Paper
www.jacksonsart.com/snowdon-c...
Low Tack Paper Masking Tape
www.jacksonsart.com/handover-...
Trowel
www.veneziastucco.co.uk/shop-...
Catalyst Wedge
www.jacksonsart.com/princeton...
Round brush: hardware store
Large flat brush
amzn.to/3Y9ZMcc
1 inch flat brush: hardware store
Palette knife
www.jacksonsart.com/jakar-pai...
Cloth Bound Sketchbook
www.jacksonsart.com/seawhite-...
Recycled Sketchbook
www.jacksonsart.com/seawhite-...
Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylic Ink - Burnt Sienna
www.jacksonsart.com/daler-row...
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II - Burnt Sienna
www.jacksonsart.com/caran-d-a...
Caran d’Ache Neocolor II - Flesh
www.jacksonsart.com/caran-dac...
Daler Rowney System 3 Acrylics
www.jacksonsart.com/daler-row...
Some of these are affiliate links. If you purchase via a link to the Jackson’s website and you are a new customer, you receive 10% off your first order.
Music by Indie Anthony - Alter - thmatc.co/?l=60EE6215
Music by goosetaf - Stems - thmatc.co/?l=7D1ED3E1
Music by C4C - Longtemps - thmatc.co/?l=3FBE2C59
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:54 materials
01:39 painting
06:18 reviewing

[@lizeltze981]

Iove the freedom of the exercise

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks!

[@connieebinger6343]

You make it seem possible to make beautiful things out of playing!

[@jclosestudio]

Oh it definitely is! Doesn't work every time. But if you play lots there is more chance of something good coming out of it.

[@jaysea5873]

I love the idea of keeping your used tape in your sketchbook for inspiration! I have never seen anyone do this before. They could also be fun in a collage piece.

[@yopestevens1505]

Heh heh, I keep some of my paper art in an old hard-sided briefcase with beat up faux leather on the outside. I keep all my painted tape (i use each piece as many times as i can) for a while on my door, and then when they are completely covered in layers of paint, but still sticky, I add it to the briefcase. Got almost two sides done now, and it looks really unique and original, like nothing else could. And it repaired all the cracks in the leather at the same time :)

[@jaysea5873]

@@yopestevens1505 that’s such a cool way to revitalize older items!

[@yopestevens1505]

@@jaysea5873 Thanks! Now if I can just find a final use for paint-saturated, flattened baby wipes, I could save the planet! ;)

[@jclosestudio]

@yopestevens1505 That’s a great idea to save tape and reuse it several times! Definitely want to see if I can reuse my tape multiple times

[@jclosestudio]

@jaysea5873 You could probably use them as collage pieces. With enough gel medium they should stick

[@MichelDespres]

So spontaneous and expressive. Very nice mix of colors. I'm trying it right away ! Thanks for sharing ! ❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you, Michel! Have fun trying it!

[@raerae6422]

One of my favourite exercises too! I always make mine too busy. Yours has the right amount of calm and harmony but with heaps of lovely contrasts that make it interesting to look at again and again.

[@jclosestudio]

it's so fun, isn't it! If you always make it too busy cou could try taping smaller pieces. Then each piece has less on it.

[@marilynharber2101]

Thank you Jeanine for being on KZbin. I’ve been a pastel artist often on throughout my life and want to go bigger and looser, learned so much just from this posting.

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much, Marilyn! I'm glad you've found me. I do have a soft spot for pastels, even though I just mix them in with my other materials. I'm happy you learned something from my video!

[@jewelclosenberg7890]

thank you , from being uninspired to go back to my paperwork 🧡

[@jclosestudio]

That's fantastic to hear! Makes me very happy that it has inspired you

[@samanthathompson9812]

I'd have to buy a whole bunch of supplies lol. Really fascinating.

[@jclosestudio]

I did have a lot of tools out, didn't I 😄 The best tools are what you find around the house though! I love using that plastic fork, an old credit card or a cork for example.

[@wildpeace]

Love love love!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you 😊

[@bushrarehman]

Never seen a wonderful tutorial like this. Thank you for sharing❤ i even liked a couple of pieces you discarded. Thank you for teaching so beautifully.

[@jclosestudio]

Aww thank you so much!

[@jupitersemkyi]

Now this is inspiring. Simple but so effective. I love it. Thanks for sharing

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! I hope you give it a try

[@CS-gk1kn]

Love the process! 1. With heavy marks on bottom looks like a winter landscape - trees on right, reflections on water. 3. Landscape, stairs leading up to full moon... third to last looked like a floral ... something different for every viewer! Also loved the tape in your book! Very enjoyable inspirational ❤

[@jclosestudio]

Very interesting! I'm so glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kristinebooden6235]

This is the first time I've seen your channel and immediately subscribed! You're doing what I love. Can't wait to go through all your videos!!! 🎉

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! I'm so happy to hear you've enjoyed the video. Hope you'll enjoy the others too.

[@BlackMagickMike]

This tutorial gave me the fantastic idea to use art as a divination tool! 🕯🔮🕯😱 #Brilliant

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting idea!

[@pablokalincausky8359]

Wow, you are a very smart artist !!! Congrats...

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks

[@LoriUren]

I love the way each one turned out!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@crystaltanart]

They are ALL so beautiful!!!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks! I had so much fun making them

[@MartaKarta1984]

I definetely have to try this!

[@jclosestudio]

Hope you do!

[@cindyfromsydney7693]

I often do this and it’s such a great way to loosen up. I loved all of yours, even the ones you disliked and found the palette very striking❤

[@jclosestudio]

Indeed, great for loosening up! I was a bit ruthless with mine 😄

[@lisengel2498]

I low improvisation - its a Great Way of being present and at the same time open and honoring the event of the now 🙏🎵🧡🎶

[@jclosestudio]

it's a bit like meditating for me 😄

[@msand43]

Did this first time and really loved it even tho my results weren’t as nice and interesting 🙄so much fun xx

[@jclosestudio]

Fantastic! It’s definitely an exercise you can do over and over again. And sometimes you get a few gems, and sometimes a load of rubbish 😄

[@reneecailloux2573]

Love this idea of larger paper, masking tape and letting go with what you want to explore or what you love to use :-) Freeing!

[@jclosestudio]

It's exactly that - freeing! Very well put

[@riot.9]

I love all of them!!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks!

[@artelchemist1]

I liked the first of the ones you didn’t like because it felt like a drone view of a road, the top right curved detail being a corner of a junction. It’s all about perception and maybe what you’re familiar with.

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting! Funny how it's so subjective what we like and what we don't. It's what I love about art.

[@janinafisher101]

I would totally have framed the nice ones and sold them! Ironically, the first one that you put in the "discard" pile was one of my favourites. I love this process. I have done it before, and I think it's time to try it again. And these are some of my favourite colours together. Thanks, Jeannine!

[@jclosestudio]

I have soled some like that in the past. This time I just felt like sticking them in a book 😀. Funny that so many have said they loved the ones I discarded. It's so subjective! Glad it reminded you to try it again. Go for it!

[@janinafisher101]

@jclosestudio SO subjective! But as artists we have to go with what WE like. I can't believe some of the stuff I've made that I don't like and others buy! But I'm sure glad THEY love it! 😊

[@Mariana-ym6zf]

Great idea for saving your tape! I do too! Used it at first to "decorate" my outer pages of sketch books. Looks very nice as part of collages.

[@jclosestudio]

That's a great idea!

[@dianecharest8365]

I sure will give it a try. Thank you again for the great video/lesson.

[@jclosestudio]

Have fun! And do let me know how it went

[@tatsymarie3196]

These are very beautiful. Maybe some of the ones you thought needed something extra would look really great with asemic writing. Ty for sharing your lovely work.

[@jclosestudio]

Oh that’s an interesting idea. Thank you!

[@peggystokes2194]

A lovely lesson

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

At minute 9:20, i saw a dock scene with a boat and a pure with a band around the top. It was pretty suggestive

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting!

[@tininemars7395]

AWSOME!!!!!!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@bredawhelton9589]

Just found you.. amazing encouragement for me to try this! Thank you ❤

[@jclosestudio]

I'm so happy to hear that! Hope you are going to enjoy the exercise, or at least learn something from it 😉

[@carolyndaughton3373]

I'm happy I found your channel! This is a lovely tutorial and I love the way these turned out. Very therapeutic exercise with a beautiful result. Thank you!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! I’m happy you found my channel too!

[@horsegonewild]

I love this! I’ve been a slump for awhile now and ready to throw in the towel. This should help me get back on track and enjoy painting again. Thank you for sharing!

[@jclosestudio]

That’s great news! I really hope you try it, and let me know how it went

[@mtnviewpottery]

This is phenomenal! I have subscribed to your channel and I am looking forward to seeing more of your work!❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much! Welcome to the journey 😊

[@angelakuban1242]

This was incredibly inspiring for me; thank you! I’ve been in quite a funk lately with my art and battling feeling depressed and overwhelmed- I feel like this was exactly what I was looking for to just go and scribble and play with my supplies instead of staring at a blank canvas.

[@jclosestudio]

I’m so sorry to hear that. I’m glad I’ve inspired you! The most difficult thing is to get started. Set yourself a very simple task, maybe just experiment mixing a few colours. That might help to get you going again.

[@KareneWalkden]

❤ love this for those dull days. Thank you 😊

[@jclosestudio]

You're welcome ☺️ Definitely makes for a great rainy day activity

[@michellespohrer6395]

Inspiring and fun. Thank you, Jeannine!

[@jclosestudio]

You are so welcome!

[@LisaSonora]

this is one of my favorite ways to experiment with new color palettes. lovely video!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks! Yes, it’s fantastic for exploring colour palettes, mark making and so on

[@Izzybellita]

Love this! It's inspirational, and a great way to ignite creativity!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks! And it's lost of fun too

[@teresawright5654]

This was a great exercise. Thank you for showing us!

[@jclosestudio]

You are most welcome!

[@katewalton6350]

Right up my alley. Love your color's! What a great idea with your tape , I have often liked the markings on my tape . I save all my blotted paper towels too. Thankyou.

[@jclosestudio]

That's a great idea! I bet those paper towels are very inspiring.

[@lindabarnett7653]

Oh what a neat idea!!!! love it.

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@sonofhibbs4425]

I loved them ALL! I couldn’t pull away from watching. It’s almost hard to believe you weren’t just making marks- it’s so artistically done. I’m certainly inspired and I’m going to give this exercise a try. Thank you for the tutorial and the art supplies list. It’s helpful to know the brands since not all art supplies are as good as other brands. I could see all of these framed and on a wall together. TY!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! I'm so happy I've inspired you. I find art supplies are so down to personal preference. Something one artist loves might not work for someone else. But I still love trying what others recommend!

[@eviedivadoodles]

Loved the final results... Will be giving this ago myself, thank you for the inspo!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! So happy it inspired you to try it yourself

[@staciemartinez]

First time viewer and I loved this video and learning about this idea. I’m going to give it a try this weekend! I also like that you put the compositions in a book and made notes for reference - such a great idea. Thanks Jeannine!

[@jclosestudio]

So happy to hear you're going to try it for yourself! Would love to hear how you found it. Have fun!

[@MichelleWalkerArt]

Love your choice of colour palette. Subtle, beautiful combos 🍁🍂🐚🪨🪹

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! I do tend to always go back to the same kind of colours.

[@indianaknight7610]

Thank you so much for this video, such a great way to get the juices flowing and to be a bit looser and spontaneous. I can't wait to do this activity tomorrow :)

[@jclosestudio]

I’m so happy to hear you’re going to try it! Would love to know how you found it

[@laf4891]

This is very good - I love all of them!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@Mudmadien]

The pieces are so great, I like doing things like this. Your video makes me want to try this.

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! You should definitely give it a try. I think it’s such a fun exercise.

[@karinvermeulen8199]

Such a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@jclosestudio]

You are most welcome!

[@kumariniibrahim120]

Loved this, especially your thoughts on each piece was so interesting. Thank you for this insight.

[@jclosestudio]

You are so welcome!

[@anitasmith404]

So inspiring. Thank you. 🙏

[@jclosestudio]

You are so welcome! I'm so happy it has inspired you.

[@jeannecavanaugh7789]

I love this idea. I've seen it before and I've created some intuitive mark making. Yours are wonderful, came out just lovely.

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! It is fantastic for intuitive mark making.

[@nishapai9381]

Wow! I loved the video. It just randomly popped on my KZbin and I am glad it did😊 I will definitely give it a try. Looking forward to seeing more of your work. Thank you for uploading this ❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much! What a wonderful comment. Let me know how it went for you if you do give it a try.

[@AB-jg3tb]

What a great idea for exercise. Thank you for this tip, I will definitely try this soon! Your results reminded me of some post-apocalyptic scenery with the deep orange for the sun and diffused sunlight through some dust layers and all the sharp and loose edges going through each other, just like nature overtaking the human world. I didn't expect such a strong impression from this exercise. Great work! You have a new subscriber for sure

[@jclosestudio]

That's so interesting. Hope you'll enjoy trying the exercise. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Ellaeh]

You’re really good 👍🏻

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you

[@BooStudio]

This video is very relaxing and so inspirational!❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you 😊

[@Jeannine754]

Hi Jeannine! I am also Jeannine, and I see we both spell it the correct way ;) Very inspiring watch. Especially as went further into how you store, notate, and repurpose the collection. Thank you!

[@jclosestudio]

Hello fellow Jeannine! Quite rare to find one :) I'm so glad this has been helpful to you. Hope you'll try it for yourself!

[@kimranson4775]

I just found you and love this exercise! Thank you for the tips and I look forward to look at your other videos❤

[@jclosestudio]

You are most welcome! Hope you’ll enjoy the others too 😊

[@gatina7713]

Loved it!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@c-side-]

Love this!! ❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

Beautiful!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@arlenewalsh8671]

Just found your KZbin channel whilst looking for something else. So glad I did. Very inspirational and I love the idea of the used tape in a sketchbook. I have subscribed and look forward to looking at more of your videos 😃

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much! I'm very glad I popped up 😃 Welcome to the channel!

[@JCJArtDiary]

I’m glad i bump into your channel. I want to try this, thank you for sharing. It is beautiful 😍

[@jclosestudio]

I'm glad you bumped into my channel too 😊 I do hope you give it a try!

[@renee7954]

If you want to experiment with different scribbles you can try and use your left hand to make them👍 new subscriber, love your work😊

[@jclosestudio]

Great tip! I've done that for "representational" sketches, but not actually on work like this. Need to remember to do that. Thanks for subscribing!

[@suzypastel5206]

Bravos j’aime beaucoup excellente démo merci à vous 👍👌😍✌️😻🥰

[@jclosestudio]

De rien ☺️

[@LadyMaryAArt]

Stunning works. Thank you so much your channel is amazing.........loves

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much!

[@gc6497]

Beautiful

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@azbz1z2z75]

This is the first time seeing your channel. I have been stuck and blocked for a long time. I am going to tidy up my art space and try this. It totally appeals to me. After seeing this I feel inspired once again. I have subscribed to your channel and hope to see more of your art. Thank you.

[@jclosestudio]

Im so happy to hear that! That’s the best compliment. I really hope it does help you get going again. Would also love to know how it went once you’ve tried it

[@swl9270]

New subbie is here! I didn’t see a dud in any of those pieces! Loved the marks, color and techniques! TFS

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@vickivee]

8:27 This one looks like a woman (on the left) standing and looking at the sun. Very beautiful. ♥️

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting, thank you!

[@vanessaboman8143]

Just came across your channel and I loved this video, so subscribed to you. The way you keep even the take is so cool, a woman after my own heart lol!

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! And welcome to the channel

[@mrs.z605]

Hi! New subscriber. This is the first I've seen of your channel and happy beyond measure to have found you. Can't wait to power watch more videos! I look forward to learning much more. Thank you for sharing your insights ❤❤❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much for subscribing and your lovely comment! So glad you're enjoying my videos. Happy learning 😀

[@blessedandbiwithahintofmagic]

Incredible - I've been looking for more expiriments to try, practice pieces to make, these I will adapt and try.

[@jclosestudio]

Fantastic! Enjoy the experiment

[@kellybeale1895]

Thank you so much!! I am going to do this right now - love how you keep the tape and put that in your book as well - I will start doing that - so many great tips here - appreciate you

[@jclosestudio]

You're welcome! I'm so glad it inspired you to do it yourself. Would love to hear how you found it.

[@kellybeale1895]

Loved it! Not at pretty as yours but not bad for the beginner that I am :) I will just practicing with you Ty again ❤️

[@jclosestudio]

Fantastic! It's a great exercise to explore marks, colours, tools etc. that you like, so perfect for beginners. The more different things you try the better. Keep going!

[@kuntidsouza6365]

Superb!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@recreepy]

thank you for sharing this.

[@jclosestudio]

You are welcome!

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

You have very calming videos... 😌

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@reallrain]

This is a really brilliant idea😊❤

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! 😊

[@arte22rosane]

Maravilhoso!!

[@jclosestudio]

Obrigado!

[@andersphansson8335]

Nice video & inspiration 👍🏻

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@Artgoddessmama_Anna]

Just discovered your channel and really enjoy your videos and your work. I appreciate your explanations while working and afterwards. You have a new subscriber 😊

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you so much! And welcome to the channel.

[@lyndakowalke8858]

Just saw this and love it! What a great idea!

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you 😊 @@lyndakowalke8858

[@tinacookieleesanchez6850]

Hello I’m new to your channel! I am loving the colors 🩷🩷🤗

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks Tina! And welcome to the channel. I hope you'll find lots of inspiration here. And I'm always happy to answer questions.

[@dragontorc]

Thanks for sharing it. Loove the idea, will try it out very soon. You can always count on oil paint velatures if you feel like something is missing. Keep up the good work sis, incredible inspiring. 👍🏽🎨🖌️🎉

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! Indeed, I love the Neocolor IIs for that.

[@PIXARTRA]

I like your limited pallet and think I may try this, thank you

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you. Go for it! It's so much fun 😊

[@ligiacerqueira1721]

Thank you!

[@jclosestudio]

You're welcome!

[@barbaragruenenfelder]

hi, i just discovered you and like your style! i know a similar technique as collaboration, where 2 or 3 artists paint simultaneously on the same surface. the results can be even more surprising.

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! Oh yes, I’ve heard of that but never tried it myself. Great tip!

[@watercolourheaven]

Im so happy i chanced upon this video of yours. The abstract outputs are beautiful, i would frame those. Very inspiring. 😍 instant follow from me 😍

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much! And welcome to the channel 😊

[@helengibson8196]

I love this idea and can't wait to try it. First video of yours I've seen and I can't wait to see more. New subscriber here 🌷

[@jclosestudio]

Thanks so much for subscribing and welcome to the channel! Hope you find lots of inspiration here.

[@jeanschipke1135]

Reminds me of the Grand Canyon and Sedona rocks.

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting!

[@mylittleworld4043]

Love from india 🖤🙌🏻

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you! Sending lots of love back ☺️

[@kellyhoernig]

This was beautiful and the first one you put to the side as not your favorite was my favorite LOL

[@cindyfromsydney7693]

Same😂❤

[@jclosestudio]

Haha, it's always so subjective!

[@kellyhoernig]

@@cindyfromsydney7693 I'm so glad I'm not alone, it was beautiful!

[@kellyhoernig]

@@jclosestudio it really is. Thanks for sharing your beautiful art with us.

[@jclosestudio]

You are most welcome!

[@charlinerodrigues2661]

Merci 🙏😊

[@jclosestudio]

You are welcome 😊

[@c-side-]

The ones you’re not liking the composition of remind me of cityscapes - looking down a hill, with powerlines branching out; a bridge reaching across. What a shame you can’t see their beauty!

[@c-side-]

Another one you’re not sure if you like looks like a flower, bursting with life

[@jclosestudio]

Interesting! I was quite selective with them. I thought keeping all of them was too much 😄

[@Marian.Mateo8]

Thank!

[@jclosestudio]

Welcome!

[@Marian.Mateo8]

😀@@jclosestudio

[@lindalavid]

Great! Beautifully done and very Informative. Me likee. ;)

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you, you are most welcome!

[@arunkumarmaity4489]

Very nice

[@jclosestudio]

Thank you!

[@jojojo8835]

Hi! Thanks for listing your paper and tools in the description- please could you also mention which paints and colours etc?

[@jclosestudio]

Hi! I have just added the colours with links to the video description. I've used Daler Rowney System 3 ink in burnt sienna and Neocolor II crayons in burnt sienna and flesh. The acrylic paint I had mixed ages ago so unfortunately I don't remember what colours I mixed them from. The beige is quite similar to a buff titanium. The acrylic paints are mainly Daler Rowney System 3 acrylics. Hope this helps!

[@dianeoconnor8310]

I keep my tape on sheets of paper, to use in paintings. 😊

[@jclosestudio]

That's a great idea!