Tag Archives: painting techniques

Watercolors vs. Gouache: Which Paint is Right for You?

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Lately, I’ve been working on a small handmade journal, experimenting with both watercolors and gouache. Each medium has its own strengths, so I thought I’d share some of the perks and drawbacks of both. If you love painting, you’ve probably come across these two, and while they share similarities, their unique qualities can make a big difference in your creative process. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you decide which one suits your style best!

Watercolor

Pros:

  • Transparent & Layerable – Watercolors create beautiful, light washes and ethereal effects.
  • Fluid & Spontaneous – The paint flows naturally, making it great for loose, expressive work.
  • Lightweight & Portable – Perfect for travel and on-the-go painting.
  • Mixing Potential – Can achieve a wide range of colors with just a few pigments.

Cons:

  • Less Control – The unpredictability of water can be challenging to manage.
  • Lighter Colors Only – Once a dark color is down, it’s hard to lighten it.
  • Paper Dependent – Requires high-quality, absorbent paper for best results.

Gouache

Pros:

  • Opaque & Vibrant – Offers rich, bold colors with great coverage.
  • More Control – Doesn’t flow as much as watercolor, making details easier to refine.
  • Reworkable – Can be reactivated with water after drying, unlike acrylic.
  • Matte Finish – Gives a velvety, professional look, perfect for illustrations.

Cons:

  • Less Flow – Doesn’t have the same natural blending effects as watercolor.
  • Can Crack When Thick – If applied too heavily, it may crack when dry.
  • Not as Portable – Tends to be heavier and requires a palette for mixing.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you love soft, translucent layers and effortless blending, watercolor might be your best bet. If you prefer bold colors and a more forgiving medium, gouache is a great choice. Why not experiment with both and see what suits your style?

Which one do you prefer—watercolor or gouache? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you found this helpful—thanks for stopping by!

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The Magic of Layering: Creating Sunset Lake Scenes

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I love experimenting in my abstract paintings, allowing each piece to evolve organically with textures, layers, and unexpected materials. Recently, I incorporated a unique twist into one of my works—a piece of cloth seamlessly blended into the paint. I didn’t have a set vision when I started, but as I layered colors and textures, something magical emerged.

Somehow, it transformed into a scene that reminds me of a sunset by the lake—a warm glow reflecting off the water, the sky shifting through soft gradients of color, and a sense of peaceful movement. That’s one of the things I adore about abstract art: the way it unfolds in unexpected ways, sometimes revealing emotions, memories, or entire landscapes you didn’t consciously set out to create.

This piece also reminded me why I love experimenting with different materials—whether it’s textiles, textured pastes, or metallic finishes, they add unexpected depth and intrigue. Pushing the boundaries of my work keeps the creative process exciting and full of discovery. I encourage anyone creating art to embrace playfulness, let go of expectations, and see where the materials take you.

But art is deeply personal, and the beauty of abstraction is that each viewer brings their own perspective. What do you see in this piece? A distant horizon? Gentle waves? A completely different story? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

✨ Wishing you a weekend filled with creativity, inspiration, and a touch of magic! ✨💫

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Creating Depth in Abstract Art with Alcohol Inks

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I finished a new abstract in my Arteza Journal, and I’m so happy with how it turned out!

I continued experimenting with alcohol inks, and I love the way they flowed and blended in this piece. I built up multiple layers, with the alcohol inks as the final touch, and they interacted beautifully with the acrylics underneath—much better than my last attempt! One of my favorite things about this technique is how the layers peek through in different areas, adding depth and intrigue.

For a little extra magic, I added a small butterfly in the top left corner, created from a piece of painted paper I had saved in my stash. And of course, I couldn’t resist a touch of glitter and gold—they catch the light so beautifully!

I’m still in the middle of organizing my studio, and let’s just say… I have more supplies than I realized! 😂 What are your weekend plans?

Thanks for stopping by!

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Unique Techniques for Stunning Abstract Watercolors

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Lately, I’ve been exploring new abstract designs, color combinations, and techniques to bring more depth and intrigue to my art. Some mediums have quickly become favorites, while others… not so much. But that’s the beauty of the creative journey—learning, experimenting, and discovering along the way!

One of the most magical parts of this process is working with watercolors. When creating these abstracts, you never quite know how the final piece will turn out. The paints mix and mingle in unexpected ways, forming unique colors and organic shapes that make each piece one of a kind.

This 4×6 inch watercolor abstract was an experiment with a new color combination that I instantly fell in love with. After the first layer dried, I built up the vibrancy with additional layers, enhancing the depth and shading. To finish, I added touches of gold pen and a bit of glitter for that extra magical glow. To me, it feels like a peaceful lake at sunset, with cattails swaying along the shore.

What do you see in it?

Wishing you a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and a little touch of magic! ✨

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Transforming Mistakes into Art with Glitter

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This week, I finished a new abstract in my Arteza Journal, and let’s just say—it didn’t turn out quite as expected. 🎨

I experimented with alcohol inks, loving their fluid movement—until they ran into the orange paint and turned… brown. 🤨 Not the contrast I was hoping for! For a moment, I wasn’t sure what to do, but I’ve learned that sometimes, all a painting needs is one more layer.

Enter glitter paint. ✨ And just like that, the shimmer softened the brown, catching the light in a way that made everything feel more intentional. A little sparkle really does work wonders!

Now, with that piece finished, I’m shifting gears for Mission Organization—because my studio has officially reached creative chaos mode. Time for a reset!

What’s on your weekend agenda? Creating, organizing, or just relaxing? Drop me a line in the comments! 😊

Thanks for stopping by!

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Maximize Your Art Supplies: Creative Uses for Leftover Paint

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Art supplies can be pricey, so I never like to waste any of them—especially paint. Instead of letting those last bits dry up on my palette, I use them to start a new journal page. It’s a simple but effective way to get the most out of your materials while keeping your creativity flowing. Even if you need to add a little more of certain colors, you’ll already have a great starting point without feeling like anything has gone to waste.

That’s exactly how I created this vibrant, abstract background. I applied the paint with a brush and also used my fingers to blend and add texture. There’s something so freeing about working with your hands—it creates a natural, organic feel that’s hard to replicate with a brush alone. Sometimes, I’ll wear a latex glove, depending on the medium, which helps keep my hands clean and prevents certain paints from staining.

Using up leftover paint like this isn’t just practical; it also sparks new ideas. A random splash of color can turn into an inspiring background for future layers—whether that’s collage, mark-making, or even a full painting. If you’ve ever hesitated before cleaning your brush or palette, try dabbing that extra paint onto a blank page instead. You might be surprised at the creative possibilities that unfold!

Do you have a favorite way to use up leftover paint? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make the most of your supplies!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you a fantastic weekend filled with joy and creativity! 😊🎨✨

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P.S. I’m launching a new YouTube Channel where I’ll be sharing how-to and inspirational videos to ignite your creativity! If there’s something specific you’d love to see, let me know, and I’ll do my best to bring it to life. This is my very first upload—a short video as I get the hang of things—but stay tuned, because exciting content is on the way!