The Joy of M.O.T.I.F.

Discover how to create cohesive abstract art collections using my M.O.T.I.F. framework, focusing on joy and expression.

Have you ever looked at your favorite artist’s work and said to yourself, “I knew that was (insert name of favorite artist)” or “How does (insert favorite artist name again) make her art look so cohesive or unified?” Years ago, those two questions started me down a path of exploration and discovery. And now I am the one getting asked, how I create so many pieces of abstract art and how do I create such cohesive collections.  The best question (yes I take it as a compliment), is “Your art has such a unique style or aesthetic, how do you that?”

The answer lies in my commitment to honor the JOY of creating. I have created a process that focuses on removing the head or “thinking” elements out of the equation so that when I create, I can focus on the beautiful dance between my hands and my heart.  

I am like most artists, I love all the supplies and all the techniques, but as I listened to my voice within, I discovered that what I really love is to get lost in the process of creating and the joy of seeing my soul expressed on whatever substrate I choose.  It took years to embrace my style and voice and to define my M.O.T.I.F.

In this class, I am going to share my M.O.T.I.F. framework that I use to create a cohesive series of abstract art utilizing gelatin printing plates, a curated collection of supplies and inspired mark making. I will share several secrets and practices to implement to discover your own signature M.O.T.I.F and guidance on curating your collections of supplies.

Substrates

  • Canson Watercolor Paper, 9 x 12 in, 140 lb
  • Canson Canva-Paper, 9 x 12 in
  • Fabriano Mixed Media Paper, 9 x 12 in, 108 lb

Paint Brushes

  • Lebenzon Brushes: Use code RACHELJUANITA to get 20% off.
  • Medium Diameter Brown Synthetic Brush With 3/4 Inch Long Bristle And Wangi Handle
  • Small Diameter Brown Synthetic Brush With 1/2 Inch Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle
  • Itty Bitty Orange Synthetic Brush With 1/2 Inch Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle
  • Small Diameter Stiff White Synthetic Brush with 1″ Long Bristle And Bamboo Cane Handle
  • Medium Diameter Goat Hair Brush with 3/4 Inch Long Bristle And Wangi Bamboo Handle
  • Elizabeth Showachert: use code RACHELJUANITA to save 20%
  • Sumi-e Brushes with Bamboo Handles and Goat or Horsehair Bristles

Other Brushes

  • Dina Wakley Media, 1 ½ in
  • Princeton Neptune, 1 in
  • Princeton Neptune, Dagger
  • Royal & Langnickel, Zen 12
  • Art Basics 1 in

Monoprinting Supplies

  • Gel Press or Gelli Arts, 12 x 14, 8 x 10 and 5 x 7
  • Brayers, various sizes
  • Baren

Mark & Pattern Making Tools

  • Stencils (Stencil Girl Products, Istencils, TCW stencils etc)
  • Stamps
  • Foam Stamps
  • Texture Plates
  • Wood Blocks

Acrylic Paint- Colors I use are listed

  • Golden: Quin Burnt Orange, Quin Nickel Azo Gold, Teal, Paynes Gray, Titan Buff
  • Matisse: Deep Rose Madder, Transparent Yellow Oxide
  • Dina Wakley Media: Ruby, Sedona, chedder, Peacock, Turquoise
  • Blick Artists: Quin Red, Buff White
  • Paper Artsy: Paprika, Pumpkin Soup, Buttercup, Jade, Inky Pool, Midnight, Linchen,
  • Distress: Salvaged Patina,
  • Atelier: Blue Black

Acrylic and Sumi Ink

  • Bombay White India Ink
  • Sumi Black Ink
  • Golden High Flow in Black and White
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