I am so excited to share my process for creating art and joy. Have you ever looked at your favorite artist’s work and said to yourself, “I knew that was (insert name of favorite artist)” or “How does (insert favorite artist name again) make her art look so cohesive or unified?” Years ago, those two questions started me down a path of exploration and discovery. And now I am the one getting asked, how I create so many pieces of abstract art and how do I create such cohesive collections. The best question (yes I take it as a compliment), is “Your art has such a unique style or aesthetic, how do you that?”

The answer lies in my commitment to honor the JOY of creating. I have created a process that focuses on removing the head or “thinking” elements out of the equation so that when I create, I can focus on the beautiful dance between my hands and my heart.

I am like most artists, I love all the supplies and all the techniques, but as I listened to my voice within, I discovered that what I really love is to get lost in the process of creating and the joy of seeing my soul expressed on whatever substrate I choose. It took years to embrace my style and voice and to define my M.O.T.I.F.

In this class, I am going to share my M.O.T.I.F. framework that I use to create a cohesive series of abstract art utilizing gelatin printing plates, a curated collection of supplies and inspired mark making. I will share several secrets and practices to implement to discover your own signature M.O.T.I.F and guidance on curating your collections of supplies.

I have to warn you, I am very unconventional. I never make one or two pieces of art. I always set out to make multiple pieces at one time. In this class you will join me as I create over 24 finished pieces of abstract art, utilizing the M.O.T.I.F framework and 3 very distinct “batches” (my substitute word for project) of abstract art.

WARM UP LESSON - Creating a M.O.T.I.F Board

At the start of each collection that I create, I create a M.O.T.I.F Board to test out my color palette, identify the marks, objects, textures, images and focal points to inspire my creative session. In this lesson, I will show you how to create your own M.O.T.I.F board and use it through the projects and future creative sessions.

lesson 3 - Building Backgrounds and Base Layers

In this lesson we will create three distinct types of backgrounds on the gelatin printing plates. The base layers that we create are the foundation upon which the entire collection of cohesive abstract art rests. I will share the art of listening to the layers and letting go and embracing the mystery of the gelatin printing plate.

Lesson 4 - O.T. - Building Depth with Objects and Textures

In this lesson, we will build depth into our “batches” by using various objects (stencils, foam stamps and wood blocks) and textures (bubble wrap, texture plates, and stamps). Layer upon layer we will build up depth on our 3 “batches or project piles.” We will explore how to develop patience to listen to the layers and faith that the soul knows what the layer needs. This is the stage where most stop as they face the “ugly” or “directionless” phase, so we will explore ways to push through and keep building layers and depth.

Lesson 5 - I.F. - Developing Images of Interest and Focal Points

In this lesson, we will explore three distinct ways to add images of interest and focal points to our “batches or project piles.” This is the point in the process where the individual pieces of art come alive and take on a life of their own. We will explore how during this phase of the process, we must let our hands lead and embrace our “gestural” expression as we create images of interest and focal points.

Lesson 6 - M. - Make Your Marks

I am often asked, “When do you know when a piece is done or complete.” For me, art is a spiritual practice and an opportunity for me to commune with God, and mark making is a very intentional, meditative yet intuitive process, that unless I have quieted my soul and spent time making “my marks” on a painting, then I know it is not complete. My marks are my way of blessing a piece of art.

WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?

This class is for any artist looking to create a cohesive body of art but often gets stuck in all the choices, the limitless directions and all the ideas and trends around them. If you want to experience more freedom in creating and find the quickest path to joy in your art, please join me in this class as we explore developing your artistic M.O.T.I.F and creating in “batches” to combat perfectionism and high expectations.

Supply List

Substrates

• Canson Watercolor Paper, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb

• Canson Canva-Paper, 9 x 12 in

• Fabriano Mixed Media Paper, 9 x 12 in, 108 lb

Paint Brushes

• Lebenzon Brushes: Use code RACHELJUANITA to get 20% off.

• Medium Diameter Brown Synthetic Brush With 3/4 Inch Long Bristle And Wangi Handle

• Small Diameter Brown Synthetic Brush With 1/2 Inch Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle

• Itty Bitty Orange Synthetic Brush With 1/2 Inch Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle

• Small Diameter Stiff White Synthetic Brush with 1″ Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle

• Medium Diameter Goat Hair Brush with 3/4 Inch Long Bristle And Wangi Bamboo Handle

• Elizabeth Showachert: use code RACHELJUANITA to save 20%

  • Sumi-e Brushes with Bamboo Handles and Goat or Horsehair Bristles

• Other Brushes

  • Dina Wakley Media, 1 ½ in

  • Princeton Neptune, 1 in

  • Princeton Neptune, Dagger

  • Royal & Langnickel, Zen 12

  • Art Basics 1 in 

Monoprinting Supplies

• Gel Press or Gelli Arts, 12 x 14, 8 x 10 and 5 x 7

• Brayers, various sizes

• Baren

Mark & Pattern Making Tools

• Stencils (Stencil Girl Products, Istencils, TCW stencils etc)

• Stamps

• Foam Stamps

• Texture Plates

• Wood Blocks

Acrylic Paint- Colors I use are listed

• Golden: Quin Burnt Orange, Quin Nickel Azo Gold, Teal, Paynes Gray, Titan Buff

• Matisse: Deep Rose Madder, Transparent Yellow Oxide

• Dina Wakley Media: Ruby, Sedona, chedder, Peacock, Turquoise

• Blick Artists: Quin Red, Buff White

• Paper Artsy: Paprika, Pumpkin Soup, Buttercup, Jade, Inky Pool, Midnight, Linchen,

• Distress: Salvaged Patina,

• Atelier: Blue Black 

Acrylic and Sumi Ink

• Bombay White India Ink

• Sumi Black Ink

• Golden High Flow in Black and White