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Abstract Mixed Media Quads Part 1

#arttherapy #barbara burns #barbaralynnburns abstract abstract art abstract painting art project caran d'ache neocolor 2 colored pencils create and relax featured art supply featured supply guided meditation guided visualization ink ink pens mini abstracts namaste blessing & divination cards neocolor 2 watersoluable crayons neocolor 2 watersolubles oracle cards oracle reading pen & ink pen and ink pencil crayon pencil crayons prismacolor scholar pencil crayons relaxation staedtler ergosoft pencil crayons Nov 11, 2024
YouTube thumbnail for video of Abstract Mixed Media Quads Part 1 by Barbara Lynn Burns


Create with Ease: Abstract Mixed Media Quads & Healing Sun Meditation


Introduction

Welcome to a brand-new art and wellness session! Today, we're combining mindful creativity with soft and vibrant materials in a project called "Abstract Mixed Media Quads – Part 1." In this post, I'll guide you through this art project while also sharing a meditative visualization to infuse healing energy into our creative process.

This two-part series is designed to bring you both relaxation and a sense of accomplishment as you explore color, layering, and mark-making. So, grab your supplies, settle in, and let’s dive into this fun and calming practice!


Featured Supply: Staedtler Ergosoft Pencil Crayons

First up, let’s talk supplies! Our star today is the Staedtler Ergosoft Pencil Crayons. These aren't the pencil crayons you remember from school – they're creamy, blend beautifully, and add a softness to your art that’s both vibrant and gentle. Ergosoft pencils are perfect for creating fine details and adding highlights or finishing touches on mixed media pieces.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, buttery pencil crayon that works well for both primary and final details, these may be just what you need. You can find them in most art stores or online retailers.


Guided Meditation: Healing Light of the Sun ☀️

Before we begin the art project, we’ll take a few minutes to center ourselves with a meditation focused on the healing light of the sun. Imagine the sun as a warm, glowing presence, filling you with its energizing and restorative light. As you visualize this, let the warmth settle into your mind, body, and soul, inviting calmness and creativity.

Guided meditations like this one are powerful tools for grounding yourself before any creative process, helping you connect with the moment and enjoy the process without distraction.


The Art Project: Abstract Mixed Media Quads – Part 1 🎨

In this project, we’re creating a series of four abstract mini-pieces, each with its own personality. Today’s video is all about laying down the first layers and focusing on the first quad.

Step 1: Create Your Background Layers

We’ll start by applying a base of color on each of the four sections using Neocolor 2 (or any paint you have at hand). This base layer sets the tone and creates a vibrant background that will serve as the foundation for further marks and details.

Step 2: Work on the First Image

Once our base layers are dry, we’ll shift to the first piece in our quad series. Here’s where our Staedtler Ergosoft Pencil Crayons really shine! Use them to add final marks, outlines, and any detail that helps your abstract come to life. With just a few intentional strokes, you’ll see how these pencils bring out the richness and depth in your work.

Step 3: Experiment with Ink and Final Mark-Making

Ink adds a bold element to these pieces. Experiment with free, expressive lines over your painted layers. You’ll notice how the ink interacts with the softer colors, creating depth and contrast that make each piece truly unique.


Oracle Card: The Blessing of Patience

To close our session, I pulled an oracle card from the *Namaste: Blessing & Divination Cards* by Toni Carmine Salerno. Today’s card, *The Blessing of Patience*, is a reminder of perseverance. Sometimes, our art doesn’t look quite like we want it to in the middle stages – but sticking with it reveals beautiful surprises. Trust in the process and allow yourself to keep going, even when it’s challenging.


Why This Project is Perfect for Beginners and Advanced Creatives Alike

Abstract mixed media is ideal for all skill levels. It encourages experimentation without any pressure to achieve "perfection." This project helps you discover how layering, color, and texture can add complexity and emotion to a piece – plus, it’s relaxing and fun!

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, abstract art is a powerful way to express and release your feelings, letting you create without rules.


Video Timestamps for Easy Navigation

To make it easy to find specific sections of the video, I've added timestamps to the description. If you're pressed for time, or just want to explore certain parts, you can jump directly to the segments that interest you most. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Intro & Featured Supply: Learn more about the Staedtler Ergosoft Pencil Crayons
  • Guided Meditation: Healing Light of the Sun
  • Art Project: Abstract Mixed Media Quads Part 1
  • Oracle Card Reading: The Blessing of Patience

Final Thoughts

I hope this project brings you peace, joy, and a renewed sense of creativity! Art and wellness go hand-in-hand, allowing us to step out of our busy lives and into a world of imagination, color, and relaxation. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll complete our quad series and further explore the world of abstract art!

Happy creating! Here is the link to see this video!

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