How to Create Small Works of Art

Hi! My name is Christina, and I am the owner of Mangoseed art.  I am going to share with you how creating small pieces of art can be a great way to make a collection for larger ensembles or they can stand alone as an interesting side note. I often use bits and pieces from my past work in larger works of art. I am currently working on a bird collage which involves parts of a print I made off of the original painting I made several years ago. I am using elements from that painting to create a fresh new piece. I find it inspirational and invigorating to be able to take something that after all of this time has blended into the background on my wall and give a breath of life in a fun new way.
I want to share how to make a simple yet elegant design that can stand alone or be merged with other pieces of work to make a dynamic larger piece of artwork.

Here is a demonstration of a piece of painted coral. I used watercolor in this example and simple brush techniques to form a stag horn coral.


1. Simply begin painting after you have selected the color you want to use.

2. When you use the brush, use lifting and applying techniques. Depending on the brush you use, you can manipulate your technique based on the structure and size of the brush you choose to paint with. I do not paint in a back and forth motion unless I am painting a larger surface.

3. Start applying lines of color to build your structure. Often I pay attention to the white negative space when I draw or paint to get a sense of scale. I do not put all my focus on the thing I am creating.

4. Always have clean water to refresh your brush and apply the color smoothly. Do not paint over one spot so much that the paper starts to wear out.

5. Adding hints of other shades of red and orange will give depth to your painting. I like to build layers when I paint, this also helps to create a dimensional feel.

6. Start to fan out the shape and make the form.

7. You do not need to be specific when painting an organic shape like this stag horn coral. Just remember how forgiving nature is.

8. Keep adding branches until you like the way it looks.

9. Finish adding the layers and let it dry. The drying time on watercolor is pretty quick if you use a watercolor paper which is generally nice and thick.

10. Almost done!

This is the finished product! I added some white illustrated accents.

Simply display your work for all to see and share these techniques with others.

 

Cheers!!