Translating emotions through paint | abstract art vlog

[@TANJASIMONICKOROSAK]

Dear Orla, I really enjoy your painterly explorations. I myself am no bookbinder, but do bind most of my sketchbooks, so far probably 150 plus. I use different sizes, different paper qualities, sometimes I even mixed different papers in one book. Having said that I developed the most efficient (for me) way of binding the books with least tools necessary. For instance I find making a folded card stock paper with holes in desired location as a guide for making holes invaluable. No need to measure more than needed. Another very helpfull ‘invention’ not to poke holes in the air is to use cutting mat or cardboard as base and then cover it with cca 5 to 10 mm foam like material. I hold the folded signature vertically on top of that (with the crease touching the foam). Inside of the signature I place the card guide with holes and then vertically punch a hole with the awl. TDue to foam beneath i get even holes throughout the signature stack. I repeat the process with as many signatures as needed. No additional measuring needed. And is more predictable and safer than doing it in mid air too. These days I don’t have much time to sew cloths, so when I need to sew something, I sew sketchbooks :)

[@OrlaStevens]

Hello! 👋 woah that’s an amazing number! 📕I can really see how fun and how quickly I could get hooked on making sketchbooks, it’s such a meditative process. Thank you so much for these tips, the measuring shortcut and foam is such a great shout. I’ll definitely try this out next time! ♥️

[@teresaedwards4175]

I LOVE your work….so BIG YES to your book! Yay! 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[@OrlaStevens]

Aww thank you!! ♥️

[@alisonogle834]

I love your work and am seriously impressed by the quality of your videos. Technically the filming and editing is skilful and high quality, but the thing that makes you stand out from the crowd of artist videos is how thoughtfully and clearly you describe your processes. It makes for very interesting viewing for artists at all stages of their development. I wish I had had your videos when I was teaching to show my students how to use sketchbooks and play! You show it making sense. Please keep doing what you are doing and telling us about it - I can't wait to follow you on your long and successful career path! I too would be interested in one of your books

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you so much for your kind & considered comment Alison, that means a lot! Really glad the descriptions are clear; the video making process has actually really helped me to find the clarity in thoughts ☺️

[@staceybobbitt7927]

Ditto!!!

[@djshiva]

14:55 that red-orange color is absolutely stunning, especially against the blue!

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much 💫

[@chelseadanielle1464]

Hi Orla! I would love a copy of your book if you'll be shipping to the US! Beautiful work in this video, makes me want to experiment with watercolor & ink!

[@OrlaStevens]

Hey! Aw thanks so much; and yesss, it’s been such a fun combo to play with ✨

[@eileenschurer7861]

such an invitation to play, thank you

[@OrlaStevens]

Yessss that’s great to hear! 😊

[@ChantelleArts]

such a good vlog, love the little helpers you have wandering around ☺☺

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Chantelle! Haha aw they’re great for reminding me to take breaks 😊

[@snakewomangirl]

I’d love a copy and look forward to coming to the exhibition x

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! 💙

[@clairevi5983]

Love this video. I wish I could let myself explore this way, so freely and loosely. I love how the book of markings turned out ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Claire! Sometimes I just shut my eyes when my head gets too involved with mark making, always helps me loosen up 😊🩵

[@msand43]

I absolutely adore your work and your style and your are an inspiration!

[@robynlaforest8269]

Yes! I would love to preorder your book! ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! ☺️

[@T-on-the-Tube]

Would love you to make a book - there's so much on KZbin I can't take it all in and would love more time to look at your work with more time to linger over it!

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh that is a dream project for sure! I have lots of ideas in my head - it'll definitely happen at some point! 😄

[@francinetoni268]

Thank you for sharing your process! Such beautiful colors. A book such as you describe would be lovely.

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you 🌊 oh brilliant, thanks for letting me know 😊

[@Zoomfreaky]

Yes! I would love a copy. Realy enjoy watching you paint and experiment.

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you so much, really glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos 💫

[@amylynntorres7244]

Yay! A book. I love the idea of connecting to coastal experiences. Looking forward to it.

[@OrlaStevens]

Woohooo, thank you!

[@Lucie_Kat]

Definitely YES to your book! ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you!! :)

[@mattbray_studio]

great music on this one, and loved the masking fluid removal scene overlaid onto landscape b-roll :)

[@AngelaWalesArtist]

Big YES! To your book! ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you!! ✨

[@Elizabeth-de1uv]

yes, interested in your book Orla

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! Excited to share how it’s developing soon ☺️

[@barbaracimini1447]

This is so beautiful and inspiring!

[@Zeitounah]

Love watching you work and share your processes. Thank you!

[@OrlaStevens]

Really appreciate it 😄

[@lauraevans9945]

Oh Orla, what a thoughtful inspiring video as usual. I would absolutely pre-order your book and I hope your exhibition goes well.

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you laura 💙 really looking forward to it!

[@Beatriz-jx4om]

your art is so inspiring!

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! :)

[@mandysmith6264]

Thank you Orla, just finished a body of work, and these exercises are the perfect way to gather thoughts for my next project. Would love a copy of your book if it can be shipped to Australia😊

[@OrlaStevens]

Congrats on completing your collection, that’s so exciting! And lovely, thank you! ♥️

[@alexiarahm]

I’d love to have a copy of your book! Thank you for such an inspiring vlog. 😍☀️

[@OrlaStevens]

Thanks so much! And brilliant 😊

[@thaliasmusings]

Wonderful. 🌿

[@hollynoscar3534]

yes... def interested in a pre-order of your book.... your thinking process and work is so exciting and inspiring. beautiful work.

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you for the encouragement 🩵

[@mylittlemainecottagestudio]

You Go Orla! Thanks for the video!🥰

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! ♥️

[@christinemiller5503]

I would lov a copy of your book Orla, really enjoy your intuitive approach and warm wonderful accent! X

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Christine! I'm chipping away at it slowly in the background, hoping to release it this summer :)

[@cindyfromsydney7693]

Very interested in a copy of the book!

[@OrlaStevens]

Aw thank you! 💫

[@spamalammy]

I absolutely love your colour work! Id definitely be interested in a book if you make one

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you so much!

[@laurenmeyers3301]

Yes! Definitely would buy your activity book!

[@OrlaStevens]

Thanks Lauren! Will share some updates on how it's progressing soon😊

[@joysmith6729]

Yes!! Love to get the book.

[@OrlaStevens]

Aw thank you! ☀️

[@noreennorton5811]

I love your heart, your focus, your exploration and ultimately your art. Thank you so much for sharing! How do we get a copy of your book? I would love to pre-order.

[@OrlaStevens]

Hello, and thank you so much 🌿 I'm still working on the details but will release for pre-order soon and update in a future video! x

[@lonesubryan]

Hi Orla, I'm interested in pre-ordering your book. 😊

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! ☀️😊

[@JinnyCJ]

I would pre-order your book.

[@OrlaStevens]

Aw thanks so much! ☀️ excited to see how it comes together 😊

[@ShipluArt]

ART - this is where the HE-ART is at. Thank you for your lovely video Orla. Will you ship your book worldwide?

[@OrlaStevens]

Hey Shiplu, thanks so much! I am still exploring shipping options, but I hope to. Will keep you updated in the next video!

[@Luwuluf]

Incredibly beautiful stuff, especially the sketches of the underwater worlds. I was wondering what it is that you spray on your paintings sometimes? I thought it was simply water, but this time it seemed to have some bubbles so maybe it is something else actually? Very curious, if you can share :)

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! Sometimes it's cleaning spray; the kind you would use on your kitchen sides. It works great with watercolours to make speckled effects! 💫

[@alisonlyons4691]

Thank you Orla, as always food for thought. Living on the Argyll coast is ringing bells watching this video. I bought a book binding kit for my daughter in law, at xmas, and then thought, well praps l could make one using up redundant art pages I've got. So thank you for bringing this forward in my mind. Love the idea of your book, think l need to order.....Alioban ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Hey! It’s such a special part of the country 🩵 oh that’s a great idea! That would make such a great sketchbook 😊 thank you - looking forward to sharing how it develops in the next video 💫

[@alisonlyons4691]

❤👍

[@jomassey4207]

Hi Orla, nice to see you starting new projects. I was inspired by you to use my goache paints with other mediums, BUT they're all dried up. I was going to ask you what is the best watercolour kit to start with? How many colours would benefit me, who loves variety and layering. WOULD WINDSOR AND NEWTON watercolours be your choice? Also, what inks do you use? Loving your process of just going for it....with emotion and experiences of being under water.😊 Jo from New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud...as Maori say, 😊Aotearoa.

[@OrlaStevens]

Hello Jo! Thank you ☺️ personally I started out with the little travel watercolour palette I have here on screen by Windsor and newton. It depends how much you’d like to invest I suppose, but that’s what I used to see if I like the feeling of the material. Natasha Newton runs an amazing watercolour based KZbin channel, I think you’d find a lot of guidance on watercolour materials there 😊 I use acrylic inks by system 3 for the most part!

[@LantraAntero]

I keep my lose sheets in ring binder with punched pockets!

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh good plan! Thank you 💫

[@Laura61420]

Thank you so much for sharing your work and your inner thoughts. I would like to pre order your book if you ship it worldwide...

[@OrlaStevens]

Thanks so much, and brilliant! I need to look into international shipping, but can’t see why not 😊 ✨

[@Laura61420]

@@OrlaStevens thank you!

[@leannehurren9907]

Love your work - I want to try fluid watercolours and mark making now. What was that lovely green ink brush pen?

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! It’s made by senelier, but you can get the brush pens empty and refill with your favourite inks!

[@Katharine-000]

There is so much gorgeous going on in this video! I hope it’s ok to ask, because i need to know so bad i might burst….what did you use to make the double page of bluey greeny colours that you can see at 11:01? It looks like those fancy super granulating watercolours, but then in the shots where you were working on it i thought maybe some combination of inks and acrylics? Either way the textures and colours are the stuff of dreams…

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh thank you! these ones were using watercolours on cold pressed paper, and spraying a surface cleaner into it (the one's you get with a spray nozzle), and some of them were using granulating watercolours just by themselves onto the cold pressed paper :)

[@Katharine-000]

@@OrlaStevens wow, surface cleaner! I'd never have thought of that. OK then, fragrant paintings it is 😁

[@AshleyMurphyArt]

Love these 18:18

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Ashley! I’m enjoying exploring composition this way 😊

[@SuzanneLukosius]

Please sign me up for the book (if you’re shipping to Australia)

[@OrlaStevens]

Brilliant, thank you! 😊