Abstract paintings “Streets of Morocco”

My series of three “Streets of Morocco” abstract paintings evolved from an initial layer of paper collage and mark making.

Paper collage and mark making as first layers of abstract paintings

Here you can see a close up of some of the paper collage and mark making on one of the paintings.

Close up of paper collage and mark making initial layer

I paint intuitively and from these initial backgrounds “Streets of Morocco” began to emerge.

Close up of completed "Streets of Morocco" mixed media abstract painting

And here are the final three abstract paintings showing how the painting wraps around the sides.
10″ square mixed media and acrylic on deep edged canvas.
You will find these for sale on my Buy Art page

Abstract Painting "Streets of Morocco" mixed media and acrylic on canvas

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of the development of this painting.

Current Painting in Progress – Knowing when to stop

This is the current painting in progress on my Art r istic Easel.

Abstract floral acrylic art. Current painting in progress

An artist’s work goes through many stages. Often loving the early stages and wanting to stop right there. Or trying to decide when is enough and knowing when to stop. (Sometimes wishing I had stopped earlier 😱 ). From enjoying it to hating it. Lots of tweaking and masses of self doubt.

But I guess this is the same when a poet writes his poems, an author writes his book or a composer composes his music. We are constantly seeking perfection. Probably never quite attaining it. BUT that is what drives us to create more. It is part of the creative process. It is important to remember that and go along with the agonies of the process, expect it to happen and work through it.

So, I need to let this painting sit for a while and decide if I am happy with it as it is or whether to work on it some more. I’m sure it will speak to me when it is ready.

What do you think?

And if you want to see why I like my Artristic Easel so much read what I have to say about it here. Then you will understand why it is my favourite easel.

Using same art paintbrushes later? – A great tip!

I came up with this great idea for when I am working with my acrylic art paintbrushes.

Sometimes I have to stop in the middle of an acrylic painting, but maybe only for a while, possibly because something has called me away, or I may need to wait for some layers to dry or often just because I need to take a break and have a think about where I am going next with the painting. I hate the thought of having to wash out my brushes ( a job that I loathe ) just to start all over again a few hours later with the same colours.

Then I came up with a brainwave. Would my brushes still remain usable and not dry out if I wrapped them in aluminium foil? So I tried it and it’s amazing. It works a treat. The brushes remain as wet ready for me to continue where I left off.

All I do to preserve them this way is separate the brushes slightly and carefully lay them in a piece of aluminium foil.

Then clench the foil around them so that they stay fairly airtight. So quick and easy.

Such a simple idea. Why did I not think of it before?

Saatchi Art – featured artist

I have recently added some of my larger paintings for sale to the Saatchi Art website. So, I was delighted to hear that one of my pieces of art has been chosen to be featured in their curated “New This Week Collection”

If you would like to see my art for sale on the Saatchi Art website go to Saatchi Art

Art Process – development of an abstract meadow painting

I thought you might like to see some of the art process from my latest painting “This Side of Heaven”

Unfortunately I only took a few photos shots but it might give you a little glimpse into how the painting developed.

After the initial black and white layer here are some early layers of blues, lilacs and lemons. As you can see there has been a fair bit of paint dripping going on.

Then I have begun to add some reds.

Followed by some oranges.

After this I had a fairly large gap of time way from my art studio. About two weeks away. I was very much looking forward to coming back and working on it. It’s hard to leave a painting when you are in the zone. But because of our enforced time apart we were very glad to see each other again and I was filled with enthusiasm on my return.

The final part of the process was to work into the negative space and bring it all together. This is where my mind begins to see the suggestion of a meadow full of flowers. Maybe there is a hint of January frost in there too.

I loved the final outcome.

Titled “This Side of Heaven”. 24″ x 28″acrylic on canvas.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of my art process.

“Mini Me” small art

When I don’t have time to paint ‘big’ because of life commitments or travelling I still have to get my daily creative fix. This is when I work on my ‘Mini Me’ small art paintings.

Generally these are watercolour, although not always. I find it very relaxing to paint in watercolour and it makes a nice change from my acrylics.

Then I like to doodle on top. Doodling is fun. Also very relaxing. I am always looking for different ways to doodle.

Once these are mounted they make great small pieces of colourful art.

These mounted pieces fit perfectly into an Ikea Ribba picture frame.

I love my “Mini Me” paintings.

If you would like to see more they are available to purchase in my new Etsy shop. Yes, I finally got round to opening a shop there. So pop along to ArtHappyMe on Etsy and take a look.

New Abstract Meadow Painting

I have been working on a new abstract meadow painting. This one is bringing me much joy. I LOVE the colours and it has been a dream to work with. One of those paintings where everything just seemed to fall in place nicely. I don’t think I am quite finished with it yet. I will let it sit for a while and gaze at it from time to time to see if our conversation is over.

Here is how it began.

First layer of abstract meadow acrylic painting

And here are a few little close ups showing some of the details.

Close up detail from abstract meadow painting

Close up detail from abstract meadow acrylic painting

Painting Process Videos on Instagram

I have been very poor at updating my website of late and focussing on Instagram which is so easy to add quick updates. I am endeavouring to make more time to update the blog pages here more often and show my painting process. But in the meantime do take a look at my Instagram page for lots more updates. I try to add posts daily
#lesley.boost.arthappyme

One of the great things about Instagram is that I can add videos easily. If you are interested in my painting process you will find videos there on my posts and IGTV.

Video showing some of my painting process

You will also find lots of tips and ideas on my IG pages and close ups of some of my work.

Close up from one of my abstract meadow Paintings

There is more of me too, which may or may not be a good thing. Ha Ha! I will let you be the judge of that. I will be adding more posts here soon and updating my gallery pages to showcase more of my art. I have already added a couple more photos of my latest abstract meadow paintings on the Buy Art page. My abstract meadows are now the focus of my work. I hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

And if you should come and visit me on Instagram please do leave me a comment to say hello. And I hope you enjoy my IG page enough to follow me.

I will be adding more content to the website here too, so stay tuned!

Off the Top of My Head

I am having such fun with my watercolours creating some new style Quirky Portraits.

I am working on my own style. But you could say Danielle Donaldson meets Toni Burt. These artists are both a great inspiration to me.

I am trying to come up with a quirky title for this Quirky Lady. Everyone who sees her says that the houses look like a crown on her head, which was actually my intention. So I would love to hear your ideas for a quirky title. Please leave me a comment.

I am currently working on more paintings for this ‘Off the Top of My Head’ series. I have some great ideas which I can’t wait to put to paper. Watch this space!

Art For Sale – Abstract Meadows

At last I have my art for sale on my website Buy Art Yay!

I have just realised that I have not blogged about my art here for 3 months now. Where does the time go? Probably because I spend all my free time painting, which isn’t a bad thing, is it? But if you want to hear from me more frequently and see what I am up to with my art I do try to post every day on Instagram #arthappyme and also on my Facebook page ArtHappyMe

I have been focussing recently on my Abstract Meadows paintings which I cannot tear myself away from at present.

They feed my need for colour and intuitive painting and I am currently enjoying working with negative space. Like most artists I have been searching for my own style since I began painting and I think I have finally found it. I love that my abstract meadows have no initial ideas, neither in composition or colour, but just slowly emerge. I literally start of with a blank canvas and just go for it. It is great fun and takes off any pressure for a painting to live up to a pre-conceived idea. And each finished piece is a total surprise to me! It’s like opening up a wrapped present very time. 😊

I now have my art for sale up here on my website here Abstract Meadows . I will ship internationally. Here are some close up snippets of some of the juicy bits.