Look over my shoulder in “real time” as I paint an abstract following the instructions for this month’s painting project. Inspired by thin tree trunks, I think of this as an “arboreal abstract” or colourful barcode, though a friend has suggested it might be book spines on a shelf.
I start with ink, then use acrylics, mostly transparent colours, with masking tape to block off areas. Last layers have titanium white and iridescent pearl. (Apologies for the bit of camera strap in the shot top right!)
If you don’t see the video, you’ll find on my Vimeo channel here.
Colours used:
Payne’s Grey (Daler Rowney FW acrylic ink, buy online)
Transluscent/Transparent Orange (PO71, Schmincke, buy online)
Phthalo Turquoise (PB16, Schmincke, buy online)
Primary Yellow (PY / PY73 /PW6, Golden, buy online)
Iridescent Pearl Fine (Golden, buy online)
Titanium White (Golden, buy online)
Atrament Black (PBk31, Schmincke, buy online)
Iridescent Gold (Liquitex acrylic ink, buy online)
Cradled, unprimed wood panel (buy online)
Masking tape from a DIY store
Brushes: Rosemary & Co


WOW! Marion.. thank you for sharing… I realize that I do not follow directions very well. re-reading the directions and following along with your video was enlightening. I have a background waiting for me, will continue with your video in mind and see what comes out. I am enjoying the chaotic nature of the paintings and the masking tape is fun way to make changes. thank you…
The instructions could really just be “transparent colours initially, lots of vertical stripes, be patient enough for paint to dry between colours”! And keep going, don’t stop too early. Have fun!