abstract minis

What started as a mission to find and perfect a “process” for myself turned into a full collection of beautiful, tiny, abstracts. I think my mission was accomplished as I established a series of materials and motions that combine all of my biggest loves. Fluid paints, line work, and texture are some aspects of art that I continuously return to. I was challenged by another artist (Deeann Rieves) to find a way to combine them, with my own voice.

I’ve created a low-pressure (really, NO pressure) process for myself, beginning with choosing a color palette. I take my inspiration from nature or design and create swatches to visualize my colors and materials in one place.

After determining my palette, I create foundational washes of fluid paint. When I work on my minis, I’m typically working on Canson watercolor paper, this collection specifically, on 4x6 cuttings. My favorite watercolors to work with are tubes of Windsor & Newton, or Ecoline liquid pigments. I lay the base work of each mini with washes and brushstrokes to ground my painting.

It’s looking like my swatches will be available as bookmarks with the collection release!

After creating a base layer with watercolor I add line work. This is one of my favorite parts. Intuitively, I love to make marks and create movement and peaceful flow on each piece. I’ll typically work with Rembrandt chalk pastels, but I also love ink pens, alcohol ink markers, and even vine charcoal for mark making.

To wrap up my process, I use some sort of texture medium to bring the piece to life. With a palette knife, I’ll apply modeling paste or heavy body acrylic (or a mixture of the two!) with gentle flick of my wrist. Twisting and carving allow the texture to stand up of the mini giving it a three-dimensional element.

This process has proved to be a way to relieve stress and get my creative flow going. It’s a reliable way to get myself to show up and paint when life seems paralyzing. As someone battling depression on the daily, my art serves as healing and freedom. Minis are the absolute best medicine for my soul.

I cannot wait to share this collection with the world MAY 26, and I know there will be more to come.