Today’s inspiration for this piece comes from a fantastic book by artist Petra Thölken. She does the most amazing mixed media backgrounds and abstract paintings. My other inspiration was from my favorite, Morgan Harper Nichols.

Morgan talks about lessons from climbing roses in her book “You are only just beginning”.

I was moved by how she compared how climbing roses bloom at different times throughout the season. That they climb and grow and then bloom…. Just like we do. Some seasons are for growing, letting our roots sink deep, resting and waiting for the next blooming. It really spoke to me and I’ll share more about that in the video.

So I combined my two inspirations into this piece and I’m over the moon in love with it!

The texture and yet the softness… two of my favorite combinations… and so much an example of each of us. Strong and soft. And how beautifully they go together.

I also created two new stencils for this piece– that’s how into the process I was!

I’ll share my fun way of getting texture for this piece and the rest of the story in the video. I hope you enjoy the process. And always know that YOU are loved!

The original “Breathe” is available HERE and prints are available HERE.

Supplies used:

1. 12 x 16 wood panel
2. Liquitex fluid matte medium and matte gel
3. Liquitex white and black gesso
4. Utrecht gesso
5. Nova color paynes gray
6. Acrylic matte paint – unbleached titanium, raw umber, green gold, burnt sienna, olive green
7. Paul Rubens soft pastel stick
8. Koh-i-noor soft pastel pencils
9. Generals charcoal pencil – ex soft

Stencils used: THESE WILL BE ON SALE THIS WEEK

1. Background Words 5×8
2. Numbers 1 
3. Paint Circles 5×8 NEW
4. Modern Flower 5×8 NEW