Tag: mixed media

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Rediscovering Exciting Forms in Pastel and Mark Making

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/
📩 Subscribe for updates and new release

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.

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Creating an exciting painting with a beautiful background using Geometric and Organic stencils and Complimentary Colors.

In Part 6 of my video series on creating a bonsai mixed media artwork, the focus shifts to the background. This step builds on the complementary color palette I developed in Part 5. So I begin to energize the painting using layered acrylics and stencils. The result is a vibrant, supportive backdrop that enhances the bonsai image and Kanji symbol without overpowering them.

Starting with Color

I begin by reviewing the color cards selected from the marble paper and use warm tones like Cadmium Yellow Light, Raw Sienna, and Cadmium Orange, and cool tones including Cobalt Blue, Permanent Violet, and Alizarin Crimson. To control value and intensity, I use Ivory Black and Titanium White. This will allow me to lighten or darken any mixture as needed.

Choosing and Placing the Stencils

To create structure and movement in the background, I introduce two types of stencils: geometric patterns for the center and organic patterns for the top and bottom of the painting. I do this so that the geometric stencils can provide a visual counterpoint to the natural forms of the bonsai tree, while the organic stencils hint at elements like wind, clouds, grass, and waves.

Applying the Paint and Building Layers

Using a relaxed, intuitive approach, I begin applying the geometric stencils with acrylic paint in the central area of the composition. Rather than trying to be overly precise, I allow the act of painting to be a bit messy and expressive. This makes the process more enjoyable and keeps the work dynamic.

Next, I move to the top and bottom sections and begin using the organic stencils. I carefully shift the values of the paint from dark to light to keep the viewer’s eye centered on the main subject. Throughout the video, I also show how I mix on the palette to control color temperature, intensity, and value.

The Background as a Supporting Character

This part of the process is not just about adding decoration—it’s about shaping a background that acts as a strong supporting character in the composition. Through thoughtful use of color and layered patterns, the background now feels alive and integrated with the bonsai image.

Watch the Full Process

This video offers practical insights into painting technique and creative decision-making. Whether you’re working in mixed media or another medium, I hope it gives you ideas to apply in your own process.

📌 Watch the full video here: YouTube @rreekers
📌 Support the journey on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/ronreekers
📌 Explore more of my artwork: www.reekersart.com
📌 Follow on Instagram: @ronreekers

Feel free to leave a comment or question—I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer anything you’re curious about. The next video, Part 7, will dive into the theme of Loss and Gain, a reflective phase of this journey.