Unconventional Artistry: Abstracts with Watercolor Markers & Pastels

Hey there! In this art video, we're diving into the colorful world of abstract creation. I grabbed my Faber Castel Watercolor Markers, Soft pastels, and oil pastels, creating a vibrant masterpiece inspired by the Color Cube palette. We're not just sticking to the basics - I'll show you how to add interesting marks and lines that bring the whole piece together. It's a relaxed and playful exploration of abstract art, with a mix of mediums to keep things interesting. So, join me on this artistic adventure as we let our creativity flow and turn a blank canvas into something uniquely expressive. Let's make art that's as fun to create as it is to admire!
*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 🥰)
The Color Cube - sarahrenaeclark.com/colorcube...
Faber-Castell Watercolor Markers - amzn.to/49rFu3r
Hahnemuhle Collection 100% Cotton Watercolor Pad - amzn.to/43mlJGA
Mungyo Gallery Artists' Soft Oil Pastels Set of 72 - amzn.to/3rf0E3v
Jack Richeson pastels on blick: www.dickblick.com/products/ri...
Archer and Olive pens - www.archerandolive.com/collec...
Kuretake Silver MICA Ink - amzn.to/3SD1XnR
FINELINE APPLICATORS 2/PKG - amzn.to/44Ims5j
Ranger Heat It Craft Tool - amzn.to/3FVjNLn
*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.com/en/r/user/...
*Check out my Amazon Store for more goodies: www.amazon.com/shop/2lilowlss...
*Check out my favorite Sketchbox products here: shopsketch.com/pages/ambassad...
*Facebook Group for Art Peeps: / deniselovecreativecomm...
Favorite Pens/pencils:
Kakimori Brass Nib - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Kakimori pen holder - shop.stlartsupply.com/product...
Posca Extra Fine Marker, White - amzn.to/462XRtk
Faber-Castell Graphite Pencil Pitt Graphite Matt 14B - amzn.to/443RhB0
Faber-Castell Graphite Aquarelle Water-Soluble Single Pencil, 6B - amzn.to/3tmLA4h
Inks:
Kuretake GOLD MICA Ink - amzn.to/3oG04dt
Kuretake Gold mica Paste - amzn.to/3V2EpYZ
Favorite Paints:
Kuretake Watercolor Gansai Tambi 48 Color set - amzn.to/3qaThZW
Kuretake Watercolors Art Nouveau set - amzn.to/3ZWACgp
ARTEZA Acrylic Paint, Set of 60 Colors - amzn.to/3MxPKwp
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set, 48 - amzn.to/3s48vAX
Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, 2 Ounce, Iridescent Gold Fine - amzn.to/3RyhQvE
Favorite Brushes:
Raphael SoftAqua Brushes - amzn.to/3L5Bpq7
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 4 - amzn.to/3pkXPgg
Princeton Artist Brush Neptune, Size 8 - amzn.to/3SznDRX
Princeton Art & Brush Princeton Select Round Blender, 6 - amzn.to/3Rj9ub0
Winsor & Newton Bamboo Brush - amzn.to/41U1Aa3
Pastels and blocks:
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
Sennelier - Savoir-Faire Sennelier Soft Pastels Half Stick Set - amzn.to/3YpHG69
SENNELIER Latour Spray Fixative Soft Pastels - amzn.to/3Pgsd5Z
Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels - amzn.to/468tdPw
Caran D'ache Neopastel Oil Pastels Set/48 - amzn.to/483LU8d
Derwent charcoal blocks - amzn.to/3OiOzle
Derwent XL Charcoal Set of 6 - amzn.to/3PTlHkn
STABILO woody 3-in-1 - Wallet of 18 - amzn.to/3RqdnLs
Art Graf Artist Water Soluble Tailors Chalk Set of 6: amzn.to/3Mw9cdB
Misc:
3ml Disposable Plastic Transfer Pipettes - amzn.to/3OTpTQH
Artist tape - amzn.to/3Hf6fLP
Art Sponges - amzn.to/3L9xf0k
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
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
Dual Edge Ripper Original Watercolor Paper Deckle Edge Tool 1-24 inch - amzn.to/3qdW19m
Fiskars SureCut Portable Paper Trimmer, 12 Inch Cut - amzn.to/3quCKR2
Bira Craft 2 inch Heart Lever Action Craft Punch - amzn.to/462YBP6
Where you can find me:
Website: 2lilowls.com/
Instagram -Art Account - / 2lilowlsart
Facebook Page: / 2lilowls

[@alineroberts]

I see a brown bunny rabbit and think this would look great in a nursery room! 💕

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Fun! Thank you! 🥰

[@laurawaldie456]

Yay, you pulled my favourite card from that set. The building in the picture is the Gooderham Flatiron here in Toronto Canada! It was built in 1892 by George Gooderham of Gooderham and Worts, Canada's largest distillery of whiskeys and bourbons. The Gooderham Flatiron is a protected heritage building and now contains offices and some high end flats. Thank you for this video, Denise. You did wonders with the colours! Merry Christmas you and all the best for a happy, healthy and creative 2024! 🤗💖🎄☃️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Oh wow! Cool history with the building! Thanks for sharing!! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@rebeccajones7385]

I never used watercolors before , I am not really into painting that is until I found your channel, but now I am obsessed. Thank you for your infectious energy and inspiration. There is no stopping me now. Happy Holidays.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'm so glad! Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@pearlosmond9996]

Wonderful❤. So pleased I found you this year. Your art makes my heart sing.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@VeeArtise]

Hi Denise! This is my first video of yours I watched and I really appreciated hearing how you process your creative decisions! I also enjoy how you incorporate a practical dialogue and less of a critical one which allows you to play with experimenting!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad you liked that!! Thank you! 🥰

[@TrueLoveX1027]

These markers do work more like traditional watercolors if you scribble color down onto your Caran d’Ache palette and then pick the color up with your brush. Still, I think I’ve used mine twice. Merry Christmas Denise. I hope the new year brings you all the joy you spread here on your YT channel!!! ❤🎄🎉

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Good to know! I'll definitely be playing in them some more. I like how they turned out on this piece! Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@natalieduy7707]

Merry Merry Christmas to my favorite teacher. I am always so inspired when I watch and listen to you. It is my guilty pleasure. Christmas Blessings Denise.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@BB-nz5sk]

What a Christmas Eve treat!! Thank you Denise!! You blow it out of the park every time!!! Great way to start my day today!! Merry Christmas to you and your family!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Merry Christmas!! 🎄🎄🎄

[@SusanKerr-fz6mi]

Happy Christmas Denise. Thank you so much for your inspirational videos. Your lovely personality and wonderful art projects are something I look forward to so much. Please continue your wonderful work & know people appreciate all you do. X

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

Merry Christmas

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Same to you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

To quote a very famous artist: "pretty pretty pretty!". Have an awesome holiday and all the best in the new year!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@josephinecassou9148]

Wow those markers are very pigmented. Beautiful. 💜🎨🖌️

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I love how they ended up working on this! I'll definitely be playing in them some more! Thank you! 🥰

[@josephinecassou9148]

@@2lilowlsstudio MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU & YOURS from my home Thibodaux, Louisiana (Cajun Country) to yours. 💜🎨🖌️🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

[@ApBarr345]

Merry Christmas Denise!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@NellieandRuthDesigns]

Fabulous. I so love watching you, Denise and learn so much. Thank you. Your enthusiasm really makes my day! ❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'm so glad! Thank you! 🥰

[@CarolCav99]

So glad I found you this year! Have you tried Tooli Art markers? Come in millions of colors and tips including brush…..Merry Christmas!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I don’t think I have the Tooli markers. I’ll check them out! Thank you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@Colleen1978]

Hmmm.... maybe try some bokah spots with that circle stencil you pulled out of your closet!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Good idea! Thank you! 🥰

[@patsiehopkins7881]

This is lovely! After months of going back & forth about buying - I finally treated myself to the Color Cubes! I can't wait to use them. Merry Christmas!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Hope you enjoy them!! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@dhowell9000]

Did You KNOW……..that Fabre Castell products matches the colors across all their products? I love that about them!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

No, I didn’t know that! Good info! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@jessbutterfly9801]

I love watercolour markers. I have found they work very differently. I’m very different paper. Normally always use. Watercolour paper called presses fun, but they do seem to lean themselves toward hot press when it comes to getting rid of the lines underneath. But different watercolour paper will give you different results with the lines, showing or completely dissolvingand each individual brand of Watercolor Marcus is subject to change

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'll definitely be playing on some different papers to see what I like best... I liked how these ended up on this piece by the time I was finished. Thank you! 🥰

[@karenbrown5174]

Wishing you joy and good health for the new year. Thank you for all you do.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@Lainers2000]

Thank you. Denise. I’ll bet those markers would work great for totems. Your close up at the end really showcases the piece and the colors look more intense and beautiful.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

They will be fantastic for totems! More fun with these for sure! Thank you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@sharonling-LetsArtToday]

Beautiful! What a nice surprise on Christmas Day down here!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@sheilaschmid7768]

Ohhhh I love these colors. I’m truly intrigued by the watercolor markers you used. Talk about needing to completely let go of control - you mastered those drying lines though. I was freaking out for you, then you just calmly created beauty! That was awesome to watch. Again, you amaze🩵

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This piece ended up better than I thought it would. The markers are super fun!! Thank you! 🥰

[@deborahruth5072]

Merry Christmas to you and yours!!! It was such a lovely surprise to see a video from you this morning. Just what I needed.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

So glad! Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@Colleen1978]

Oh! You gave me ideas and inspiration again! 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I'm so glad! Thank you! 🥰

[@catherineminor5323]

This is so cool!! Thanks for sharing your awesome work!!! Love the color combo! The silver really looks good too.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@poke_n_around]

Merry Christmas from Denise, from Australia 🇦🇺🌲🧑🏻‍🎄🥰

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@susancook1617]

Happy Christmas Denise, thank you for all your lovely videos throughout the year 😊 🎄

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

[@angelakapler2997]

It’s interesting in a good way. I love the lightness/brightness of it. Happy Season wishes to you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

It was fun experimenting with the markers! Thank you! 🥰

[@DarcysMixedMedia]

❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@bonnerdebbie]

Thanks Denise Happy Holidays!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Happy holidays! 🎄🎄🎄

[@siennaonthenet2127]

Thank you! I sure enjoy hanging out with you. :) Not just for the artwork but I also appreciate your professionalism in every detail of the presentation, from the quality of sound and video to excellent editing. I also like your manicures and I am going to go do one of those yummy corals ones today. :) Thanks again, you make me happy.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

You're the best. This really made my day! Thank you! 🥰

[@debterry1007]

Enjoyed that very much. Thank you!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🥰

[@blackpoppymagazine]

Wow Denise, this is truly magnificent, you have excelled beyond your normal absolute excellence. Truely surpurb. Such an inspiration. Have a super happy Christmas 🎉😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

This one was fun! Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@IBeLieveInChrist07]

I think in the digital version of these the colors are listed in Fabre castelle

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@TammieWardArt]

Merry Christmas Eve!!!! I have held off on buying watercolor pens. Those FC ones are beautiful. Love this pallette of colors. So beautiful. 😊 I told myself that I need to use my supplies and not buy anything more but darn it, those pens LOL. Wishing you a beautiful wonderful fabulous Christmas tomorrow. 🎄 Many blessings.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Haha! I get it! Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@andreabrown8551]

Lovely to watch a new video over my Christmas breakfast 🙏🏻. Great to see a different medium being used however not for my expanding art supply wish list 😆. Thank you for sharing all your beautiful creativity and sparkling energy. Life has been extremely challenging this last year or so and watching your art unfold has been a wonderful and much needed tonic. 🙏🏻 Merry Christmas Denise, wishing you, your loved ones and all here on your channel, peace, magic, kindness, creativity and oodles of love 🤗💗🤗💗🤗

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎄🎄

[@Zumpi61]

Wow, that's cool. Merry christmas for you and your family.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰. Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@kriskriskris32]

So interesting! Merry Christmas😊❤🎄⛄🦌

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@CHARUL814]

Wonderful. Enjoyed the process. Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰. Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@lindakuck5981]

Gorgeous! Merry Christmas Denise 😊❤

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@kimbranson3374]

Happily surprised to see a new video from you today 😁 I always enjoy watching your creativity and hearing you verbalize your ideas. The shapes and textures of your colorful “blobs” remind me of cacti 🌵 and I would love to try my hand at this technique 😊 Currently finishing up some mixed media Christmas gifts, but looking forward to playing with my supplies in the new year 😃 Christmas Blessings to you, Mia and Suki and those you love 🐶🐶🎄

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰 Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@dawnborchert772]

This was very interesting

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Thank you! 🥰

[@RobinGayl]

Very interesting technique…..Wondering how the Faber Castell watercolor markers compare to the Ecoline Watercolor markers? Might try this type of technique with the Ecolines since I already have them.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

That would be a good experiment. I don’t have the ecoline ones. This was fun to make! 😊

[@Komponents]

Denise, do you store the ink in your fineline bottles or do you wash and refill them each time? Also . . . I'm 72 and still have, and use, my architectural templates from school. They have moved with me from Chicago to Atlanta, Tampa, Central Illinois and now Wisconsin and they're all still perfect. And Merry Christmas!!!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Right! That plastic is still like new after all these years! It's crazy. I just keep that ink in the bottle and shake it up every-time. It has lasted fine in there. Merry Christmas!! 🎄

[@angiebartist]

Really enjoyed this. I hadn’t heard of the colour cube cards before but it seems you can’t get them in the UK. Would love to know if you are aware of anyone who stock them over here. Thank you. 😊

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I have a link in the description for you. Those are available on the lady's website that makes them. My understanding is that there are a few fulfillment centers around the world they use. They are in Australia, I'm in the US and it only took a few days to get mine. They ship just about everywhere.

[@angiebartist]

@@2lilowlsstudio thank you. I’ll check out her delivery info. 😊

[@psmithrob]

Beautiful! I am iso interested in those markers. I have read that they work best on cellulose paper, rather than 100% cotton as far as the marker lines disappearing with with the application of water. Don't have any personal experience, though. Merry Christmas and the best to you and yours!

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Good tip! Definitely worth experimenting on different papers! Thank you! 🥰

[@Lisa_G3]

Very cool. Do you recommend a brand of oil pastels that are creamy like Sennelier but less expensive?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

The Sennelier are the creamiest I have... the caran d'Ache ones are kinda in between those and the Mungyo ones. If you have a Dick Blick near you - mine stocks them oil pastels in the store individually and you could take a look at the options and see how creamy they are.

[@janetgoodwin9113]

Have you tried the pens on wet paper. Just wondering what would happen. Very interesting. Merry Christmas.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

Not yet! More fun to be had with these for sure! Thank you! 🎄🎄🎄

[@ScrappyMim]

I love doing these but what do you do with all of them?

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I keep most of the things I paint since I make videos... I store them in plastic art sleeves. Sometimes I need them to photograph and I use them as samples. Some I have framed in my house. I have given a few as gifts. My goal isn't to sell art - so I have not put them up for sale since I might need them again for something. 😊

[@ann-marielofberg1159]

I have theese and ’cause of the lines I don’t like them.

[@2lilowlsstudio]

I liked them ok after adding all the layers. I think the paper choice matters too 😊