Studio Newsletter 11/6/2025
This time of year, is full of change and opportunity. One fabulous opportunity I had was graciously offered to me by Karen Abend of Sketchbook Revival.
What a gift! A huge Thank you Karen!
Mini’s Abstract Watercolor-Mixed Media
A bit of back story
Deborah on travel in Amsterdam
I embarked upon painting abstract watercolors over the last two years quite spontaneously while on travel. I bring a few art supplies with me when I travel, just in case I get an opportunity to capture something special. Sometimes, unfortunately that doesn’t always happen; instead, I go with plan B and play around. Last summer that is what happened, and I was delighted with the outcome.
Just playing around was the key!
Upon returning home, back in my studio away from the magical traveling setting, I struggled to recreate similar effects. My attempts were futile and disappointing. With persistence my efforts paid off and resulted with the Abstract/Mixed Media method. The plan to paint loosely applied watercolors (pure pigment , not premixed) allowed the colors to mingle naturally with a limited color palette, developing the most wonderful color combinations!
The scale of 4×4” was selected because it just worked!
Sometimes factors and decisions in art making are boiled down to what works.
Live Streamed Session Event on Sketchbook Revival
September 26, 2025
I was honored to receive Karen’s invitation to conduct a live stream presentation. Composing the requested information puts many things in perspective for me and my art journey. What an opportunity for this clarification, especially now in my retirement years. My journey is about making art. I did not pursue teaching art per se; I do however like to share. It is very gratifying to connect with creative people and realize how my knowledge and skills transfer.
Karen conducts a superb program. Her attention to details is impeccable! I began participating in Sketchbook Revival in 2019. I still remember some of the content. This was valuable content.
The main challenge I faced in the live session was to restrain myself! I had so much content that I could have included. My goal was to condense it to fit the 2-hour window. It was important to me to give a complete presentation.
A review of some of the elements from the session
Abstract art requires the same elements as traditional art. Even though some abstract art looks quite unstructured the elements are still there, such as:
Contrast
Light and dark (values)
Cool and Warm
Soft and Hard (edges)
Thin and Thick (lines)
Small and Large (Variety of scale)
Utilize these with multiple layers
When I work in this manner, I like to watch, observe the development, and ‘listen’ to the mediums. I like to see surprises and then pay attention to them. Every piece is different!
This summer I decided to create a website. This took quite a lot of time and effort and currently it is now in the final stages. You may sign up to receive my studio newsletter there. I will be sharing news about various topics and my art experiences. You will see some of my art in the gallery which is mostly acrylic and mixed media paintings. You may contact me with questions by using the form on the studio news page.
I invite you to stay connected with me. I would like to hear how you are progressing, and even better how you are now developing your art further. How you were inspired!
Every art experience should contribute to your growth and awareness.
Thank you sincerely for the kind positive feedback! I love to hear from fellow artists. Let’s stay in touch!
deborah@deborahbabin.com