Demo - Playing with Ink and Collage

I’ve just finished a major project using acrylic and mixed media. When I don’t have a specific project I’m working on but I still want to keep creating, I do something I love. Lately I’ve been enjoying ink and collage, so I’m putting the two together here.
In this demo I show you how I play and experiment with shapes, marks and textures. I explore what it is I’m doing and why. Sometimes bits of these collages find their way into my other artwork.
I am on a mission to help artists find their own unique voice and make exciting, original artwork that is truly unique. If this sounds exciting, join my weekly artist's newsletter at www.louiseflet...
Each week, I share tips, tricks, advice, and inspiration to help you take your art to the next level.
You can also find me:
My artist community: www.louiseflet...
On Facebook at / louisefletcherart
On Instagram at / louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: www.louiseflet...

[@amyh.b.khalil8519]

Hi. I’m an artist that’s been in the closet for so long because of the horrible things I’ve been through in my life. And I’ve just started to open up and be inspired. And then all of a sudden I’m taking care of my granddaughter that’s two years old. So I’ve turn to KZbin and I found you. Today, the work you were doing inspired me so much! I asked my daughter recently if I could do some new art for her brand new apartment in downtown Houston. She wants black and white. Lol. Which to me as gray lol so, I am so grateful to you for your inspiration that you gave yourself for us and invited us to see because if I had not seen it I would not have been inspired to do this beautiful thing that came to me while I was watching your video. Peace and love to your family and to you especially.Thank you😊❤️

[@paulacunniffe4123]

I hear you. My youngest was six months out of the nest and I found myself with full time custody of my three year old grandson. All that time of waiting to express what I'd been holding back artistically. He's nearly 12, and I'm just starting to see the light lol. KZbin has been my saviour through the times of not being able to afford to experiment or having the time to do anything physically. I love Louise's channel! All the best for your journey both as a full-time grandparent and an artist. x

[@Kimhaas007]

Louise, you’ve helped me relax before I start each painting I do thx

[@pamelagilmour8060]

What a breath of fresh air you are! Not being so serious, just diving into the creative process and playing with your instincts. Love it!! Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you xx

[@cindystave627]

Just wanted to say thank you for reminding that not everything has to be precious and if i like one part... well i can just use that part. Thank you ❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

❤

[@rashone2879]

I just came upon this channel...I absolutely LOVE the ink/collage abstracts. They are inspired!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@Engelhafen]

You are my kindred spirit - this really is all about studies in aesthetics

[@pineconemediadesign]

You always inspire me to free up. Work faster. Limit supplies. This will be a great exercise for me. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You can do it! Have fun :)

[@whitneybell975]

What a beautiful spirit and energy you have!! I love your artistic perspective! Learning about yourself through your art is such a fun way to go about making art. I really enjoyed watching this video and hearing what you liked and didn’t like about certain pieces. What a wonderful gift you are! Thanks for sharing!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@sheriewing-clancy104]

Thank you so much I have dabbled in Art for 30 years, started out with tole painting and now I am going backwards, so fun to watch... thank you so much Louise for making this how to video... so helpful in my brain and I look forward to what is to come!!!

[@elizabethherlihy2439]

I so enjoy your shows

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Aww thank you Elizabeth!

[@donnasmith4227]

I loved when you said, "it's going to go somewhere" and you would understand it at the end, or not! I'm so reassured by those words. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@DannyDavies23]

This is so liberating! I love the notion of just doing the work, and the work revealing what it’s about at the end. Thank you!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@SingYourselfWell]

It is such a joy to watch you and listen to you. My whole body opens and soaks it in. You really have a gift, Louise, creating and teaching, both. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wow, thank you!

[@jeannetavnon4882]

The same feeling!

[@kyethompson5334]

This is exactly the kind of work I need to do - messy play non serious AND FUN

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes!

[@PandolfoCarla]

Totally.. when I forget this I start procrastinating and losing joy by perfectionism and high expectations etc

[@John-rb3yv]

I just remembered i have this old, yellowed sheet music that was in the piano bench when i bought this used piano years ago. I love the combo of black, grey, white and some yellowed page! Thanks for sparking that! Play day!!!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That sounds like it will be really cool!

[@robkoch6548]

“I will understand it in the end”. Love it !

[@fionacolourful]

Really enjoy Ur relaxed fun way of working, really inspiring creativity in art without getting too stressed about what comes next😁 Thank you x

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it Fiona! 🥰

[@garybarker6994]

Glad to hear you mention Lewis Noble. You and he are bringing me through to something new that I can't quite see yet. I find that so many of your pieces shown here are awesome. I don't know another word for it. I get tears in my eyes. So much power and beauty. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Excellent! Lewis is fabulous - he will be a guest on my podcast this week - check it out on Apple or Spotify - it's called Art Juice and it comes out every Tuesday xx

[@lorraineerickson4311]

Louise I love your work. I appreciate the ideas you give me to work things out in order to find my own style. I believe this video was from three years ago, and you mentioned a free workshop you were offering June 3rd. It would be helpful if you stated the year it was for. I’m 67 and just getting into art again. Your work inspires me and makes my heart beat faster. Thank you for putting your work and techniques out there to help us.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Well the good news is that I will be hosting another one soon! So check back.

[@lizzandrews9968]

Louise, you and your art inspire me so much. You keep it fresh and fun. Thank you so much.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@jeannelutzkow2507]

Hi . This is all new to me . Thank you . I'm learning to see things differently.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@martha2mendo]

Loved this demo it’s one of my favorite ways to utilize all the paper I cover with marks, paint, ink and messes. I started after watching Lewis Noble , I’ve been a follower of his for quite awhile. The other thing I do to Paintings that I don’t really care about is take a 4x4 Matt and go over looking and framing out things I do like and saving them.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes Lewis is fabulous at this!

[@briceduncanartworks3790]

I love how her “play” works still look like masterpieces lol.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

aw thanks x

[@junethiel632]

How wonderful to see your process with this, Louise! Interesting.....Thank you!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@Milliemollym]

Wow just on Lesson 4 of Find Your Joy 2024....and inspired by all the Black and White works up on your walls in the background on the videos...I've nipped on You Tube looking for B W tutorials...found an Octopus.- 8 pull outs - concertina sketch book that I want to just Let Go in. As you've taught us we need to make a lot of Bad paintings to learn how to use acrylic paint and limiting the supplies we use frees us up to be creative and have Fun. Thank you Louise. Just what I wanted...

[@juliebabb3365]

The adventure of discovering new stencil ideas is half the fun. I have two new (to me) ideas to share. The rubber bottoms of most shoes have really unique patterns. Children’s & athletic shoes are the most interesting. The base of vegetables with stalks ( celery, bok choy, broccoli) make really cool rosette type stencils. They keep several days if refrigerated. Have fun & thanks, Louise, for every idea you share.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

What creative ideas! xx

[@girliedog]

I really like your process. Thank you for an excellent demo.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome! Happy Painting! ♥

[@nancyorr9077]

This was inspiring. I love the idea of copying areas for collage in other pieces and tearing up paintings that didn't work. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@SingYourselfWell]

I LOVE this self-referral way of playing!!! Thank you Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@SingYourselfWell]

@@ThisPaintingLife signed up. Clearly. :)

[@alrenefischer4481]

Ink is glorious

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes it is!

[@janicejones440]

I recently found you and so appreciate your thoughtful ideas. I liked what you just said about using scraps. I looked forward to listening and learning from you Louise. Blessings this day.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@dorotalagida-ostling8993]

Very inspiring. I almost gave up on abstract art after painting for a few years. I have to step back (or maybe over) to less color or just black and white. I loved your demo, very helpful, I may come back to abstract painting after playing with collages like you are showing here. Thanks again.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It's all about exploration rather than seeking a result. Have fun!

[@ArteoMixedMediaArt]

How many amazing shapes! I'd spend hours looking at them! 😍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Right?! All just arrived through free play

[@deniselini1366]

What is it that I can watch you paint all day Louise!!! 😄🤷‍♀️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

haha - I could set up a livecam

[@deniselini1366]

@@ThisPaintingLife YES please!!!😄

[@deniselini1366]

@@ThisPaintingLife it’s the gorgeous work plus the accent just tops it!🤣

[@michelewickett4244]

I love it, it looks so unique

[@susangiannantonio]

Perfect timing for me and for my students as well! Thank you for your generosity of information and spirit! Can’t wait for your book. Oh and your podcasts are inspiring!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@elizabethkuhn7609]

Just seeing this! Just the ooomph I need to get going in a new direction. Thankyou

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it Elizabeth!

[@aletagudelski6414]

I could watch this video over and over. I love the way you talk through your process. Thank you so much. I am so glad I found you on U tube and that I have joined The Tribe. So excited about embarking on a new journey.

[@carolehind1926]

Joined up for your course as I am loving your work. Did the 1st assignment today. I will play with black and white after watching this video. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@lenageoras1164]

Great video ! So inspiring, direct authentic. I love listening and watching your process Louise. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome! I am glad you enjoyed it

[@jennywhisconier7777]

Love!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

So glad you enjoyed it Jenny!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much, Louise I really enjoyed watching you making those brilliant collage pieces and I really love ❤❤❤❤ them too. I would love ❤❤❤❤ more like this Too. Please stay safe and well too xxxx Mags ❤❤❤

[@journeyingdi]

I'm beginning to understand what you are talking about - I think -and now I shall continue playing

[@kayehamer2005]

Thankyou Louise, I really need this just now. Thankyou so much for giving your time and knowledge for free, thats amazing. and rare.x

[@lkrosenberg59]

I was so inspired, I ordered two concertina books and did one in abstract black, white and grey plus a little blue and gold. First time doing something like this and had a blast. Thank you for the inspiration and education!

[@Christinesstory]

Where did you get your concertina book?

[@lkrosenberg59]

@@Christinesstory I ordered it from Jackson's art supply online. They are in the UK. A little pricey with shipping, but I can't find the concertina anywhere else.

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

I re use books free leaflets, buy some , make some.

[@Manifesting_Secret_Sketchbook]

@@lkrosenberg59 Jackson's Art supply- think 1 store in London UK.

[@j.watson9060]

I get mine from Hobbycraft @@lkrosenberg59

[@roslewis9923]

Absolutely fabulous video! Just left a Diploma Course I’d only just started. I only completed one term........learnt more from your short video than I learnt in a whole term of video studies of the course, the rest of the course was good .........the contextual and print, visual studies is my main interest.....you have taught me I can learnt through KZbin .......THANK YOU

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@Franovan]

This really deserves more views. Down to earth and focused on method. Thanks a lot.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Much appreciated!

[@jharr781]

Another fantastic video from Louise. Also I am SO excited for Find Your Joy in June!! Thanks for your amazing generosity, Louise. ❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@pjlewisful]

I like how you voice your creative thoughts as you go or "play". I also like how you connect the shapes with linework.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! xx

[@wendywendy3718]

Can't wait until June. In memory, your taster course last year felt like more than a week's worth of learning. You put do much into it and give so much. A treasure!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great to hear!

[@evelyne7071]

BEAUTIFUL

[@JoysMaclaurin]

I so love your style, Louise. What a gift to find you and our creative spirit. Words fail. Thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@irenebradford5167]

I really enjoyed watching you rip up and create such a lovely finished picture ,,, so different from any other artist I have seen,, Thank you

[@wendypashman8942]

Wonderful~ loved seeing and learning about your process!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@zoesimms5299]

What a lovely process you demonstrate, Louise. It's very helpful to hear how you analyse and respond to what you have in front of you. Must remember to hang on to my 'failures' and try collaging!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vmc7773]

👩‍🎨👏👏thank u for showing us ur ideas n giving me ideas 💡 thank u

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Most welcome 😊

[@Momster35]

I am new to your videos and I am so, so grateful for your generosity. You are doing a wonderful thing by inspiring people to make art. It truly makes the world a better place. And here you are making it better for everyone, one person at a time. Your videos spark creativity. Your honesty is nurturing. Your work is inspirational. You are a gem of a person and if there were more like you just imagine how wonderful the world would be.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much! You are so kind

[@joannemorrissey684]

Thanks for a wonderful journey of following what you love. I will start looking more closely at what I love and exploring with that.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Please do! You will find a whole new world of inspiration. ♥

[@roxanndonahue3785]

I am so very grateful for your teaching. You give me the courage to try. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@juliamckechnie256]

Great to watch. I now feel inspired.Thank you🌺

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@cinnamongypsea]

Omg b&w inspiration ~ yippee🎉

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it. ❤

[@sherryklotz6357]

That looks so much fun just playing around watching you tear things apart and add paint I've never really played with abstract. Thank you very much I certainly enjoyed watching you. And God bless you and yours and stay safe.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much for your kind comments Sherry! It means a lot to me.

[@LindaRUDYK]

As always, I really enjoyed this video. I will watch again and again. Right now, I feel inspired and am going down to my special place downstairs and use black ink to create. I will let you know how i do. I save everything and have lots of ideas. Thanks Louise. You are my bright light. Linda.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@kimcesarettiart]

Thanks for the inspiration, Louise! That looks like so much fun! I have some homemade collage papers I created with leftover paint paint from painting sessions on tracing paper that I have been itching to use for collage. Watching you is the kick I need to get going with that!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great idea!!

[@efluidartstudiopriscillab]

Ecstatic to have found you and love the freedom of expression and playful experimentation!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm glad you found me too!

[@c.retana-holguin8318]

I enjoy how you manipulate the paint and media. Thanks! And I look forward to your course.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Awesome, thank you!

[@developdolly4141]

I am hooked for Paynes Grey colour, almost black,endless possibilities, like your work.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@Alplily]

It is useful to see how quickly and intuitively you make decisions while working on these, and how not precious you are about it. Thank you. The torn paper edge is called a deckled edge.

[@galewhiteman2047]

Another great learning video. Thank you.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

My pleasure!

[@susanalcock5522]

I like your video style, Louise. It is really informative hearing your creative decisions and it is a relief to hear of others who create 'on the fly' as part of experimentation and learning. Really lovely collages too. Thank you for your film.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@lanamorton5342]

This is an aha moment for me as I watch you doing your ink and collage. I myself like to make marks first and lost and found shape later in my art. Thanks a million from the bottom of my heart. I will sign up for your free 1 week art in June. Can't wait. Thanks again Louise

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@rachellewis3272]

Wow! I love your work.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you xx

[@sallyvince9476]

Your podcasts and presentations have become an important source of inspiration. Just signed up for the course and very much looking forward to it. As someone who was born in Surrey England but moved to America twenty odd years ago living now in Cape Cod Massachusetts I can really relate to you. Your work is superb truly. Thank you Louise

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks Sally! Cape Cod is lovely x

[@anouchkajennings2433]

thank you for enlarging my horizons. loved the way you work

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@gaylekarlsen6798]

Love watching you create !!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thanks!

[@carolkothmann6074]

Thank you so much for generously sharing your artistic knowledge. Sending love and light.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@BeyondAnxiety]

It's fascinating to me how watching you put these pieces of collage together and working on them as they evolve, is so inspirational! Makes me want to do some right now. Thank you. I enjoy your spirit - so down to earth and open minded. I'm not sure if your free week is in 2021but I'll investigate further. Thank you

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes June 3rd 2021

[@alrenefischer4481]

Hi Pam it was wonderful to be back on all you magnificent work which you know ; I had a accident but back again and getting stronger every day just love you work , sooooo happy to be back 🙏😊

[@paintingzoneart4026]

Thanks Louise, that’s helped me

[@aplacecalledroom483]

What fun!

[@robkoch6548]

Thank you. It’s been wonderful and exciting to watch you explore.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brickhouse7401]

Really good. Zero kitch👍💥👍💥👍

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@myfairytreasures]

I have played with ink in my mix media but I like how you are really pushing it further. This is something I want to experiment with. So awesome, thank you for all that you do.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Have fun!

[@nitajohnston8266]

Just came across your channel, looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks for the support!

[@kinfanlo]

I enjoy watching your video very much and I really learn a lot, thank you so much...

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@davidsonhinckley1864]

inspiring. encouraging.

[@susanernst1329]

I loved this! Thanks for the free offering too.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@sarawelder1]

thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!! I grew up in Greenfield which was in Yorkshire back then and then Leeds... so I love hearing your accent! I lost so much of my artistic side coming to the USA... I am trying to get it back. You are helping!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm glad this was helpful!

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

Really inspiring - from the first to the last minute. Every page has a deft touch and great eye.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

thank you so much x

[@ingridben8036]

Great! Thank you so much.

[@nancykahn4125]

Very interesting process...would love to see you.actually work with the ink tones with different tools...great channel

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great suggestion!

[@ZenJan3]

Fantastic watching your process, your ways of responding to each moment freshly as the piece evolves. Many thanks!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Engelhafen]

I ,I’ve it - you’ve gone down the rabbit hole 😁

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Haha enjoy!

[@PandolfoCarla]

I loved all of them. And I got inspired after a couple of weeks of not wanting to do anything creative... so big Thanks!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@marlenemarconi6832]

Enjoyed your expertise finding what pleases ones self! Look forward to more videos. Thank you

[@drpeterdowd1837]

Wonderful, this resonated . Yes , loved the idea of discovering and learning what we like as makers and creators and making it to please ourselves and others who like it will find it. Thanks for the collage process, you have such a wonderful way of working. Xx

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad you found it helpful xx

[@lisengel2498]

I immediately loved this. Great advice. Follow what you love. Explore what you love. Great way of working - i enjoy painting but also drawing

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Well said!

[@betsybangley5081]

Thank you for sharing your process so thoughtfully. This was my first visit to your channel, and I have subscribed.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great - glad to get to know you!

[@Biju2223]

So hv I. Entering slowly onto the monochrome and abstract art. Have lots of collage material and will join you on June 3rd. Appreciate your sharing technique, thoughts, decision making!

[@gemmayoung6135]

Foooi

[@gemmayoung6135]

@@Biju2223 ofifiu igigihiifiog

[@carolclancy9325]

I am currently working with black and white studies and found this film very helpful with regard to process and adjustment of composition. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hekate314]

Absolutly love your ink stuff. I love love love ink. Ink drawing, ink paintings I love both. I feel inspired.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!