In Part 8 of my How to Create a Bonsai Artwork in Mixed Media series, we move from destruction to reconstruction. After intentionally breaking down the image in Part 7—a moment I call “Loss”—this chapter begins the delicate act of Gaining it back.
The tree, a Goyomatsu (White Pine), begins to reemerge through the tactile medium of pastel. But first, I sketch a structural guide with Conte Crayon, which helps lay the foundation for proportion and gesture. From there, I use dark pastel tones to define shadows and shape the negative space, slowly breathing life back into the bonsai form.
This is not just about technique—it’s about creative intuition. I intentionally step back and review how far the image has evolved from its origins: a reference photo and an earlier pastel study. That gap, that transformation, is where true creativity lives.
From roots (nebari) to canopy, and even the moss at the base, I explore how warm and cool tones play off each other, subtly anchoring the tree into its imagined world.
This part also came with technical hiccups: sound issues, focus problems, and my head blocking the shot more than once. I offer a sincere apology—but also an honest acknowledgment that I’m still learning to be a better videographer and editor.
Despite these imperfections, the spirit of the work remains strong. I continue to mark the background stencil and draw out the branching, preparing the piece for the next phase. Part 9 will involve fixing the pastel and dialing in the motif with acrylic paint.
🔍 Highlights & Takeaways:
- Rediscovering the bonsai form through pastel drawing
- Importance of contour and negative space in composition
- Warm vs. cool color interactions in foliage and moss
- Creative distance from source as a tool for intuition
- Honest reflection on the challenges of video-making
🎥 Watch Part 8 here: https://youtu.be/enLV-T8Amr8
📷 Follow along behind the scenes on Instagram: @ronreekers
📖 Haven’t seen Part 7 yet? Read the full blog https://www.reekersart.com/dynamic-loss-and-gain-how-to-use-monoprint-techniques-in-mixed-media-art/
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As always, thank you for being part of this journey. Each part of this series is more than a tutorial—it’s a window into a living, evolving creative process. I hope it inspires your own.