Mark making is such a simple yet profound component in creating art. Often I take for granted those simple lines, scribbles and swipes of the brush because I am lost and swept up in a creative moment. So in an attempt to be more aware of my own mark making process, I have put together my favorite (and simple) ways to make marks of all kinds.
Using your fingers is not only a wonderful way to create unique and expressive areas of color but its also messy fun!
You can make a mark with just about any object. From cardboard rolls (above) to bubble wrap to chopsticks or silverware- use your creativity to find unique objects to make marks.
I love using scribbles to create a background, to fill white space or even to add a messy element. The best part about scribbling is that you can use just about any materials to scribble- even spray paint!
ball point pen still life drawing by my husband Andy
Crosshatching can be used in all kinds of ways- to shade, add texture, create pattern and add dimension.
Brushstrokes are my favorite way to make marks on my canvas. I love messy swipes of colorful brushstrokes over the top of collage elements.
I love using dots in both my drawings and paintings. They are great for adding texture, pattern and added interest to a block of color within a composition. Try using contrasting colors for your dots for added POP!
HOW ABOUT YOU? DO HAVE A FAVORITE PROCESS FOR MAKING MARKS?
HOW ABOUT YOU? DO HAVE A FAVORITE PROCESS FOR MAKING MARKS?
23 comments:
Love the tips.
Liefs, Melanie
Useful , thanks Alisa . You are so generously
great ideas. Thanks for posting.
I often have kids spatter paint for that spontaneous look!!
Great post, Alisa!
I love texture, so it is nice to have a reminder of all the different ways to add this into a piece of art :)
I love using a toothbrush to splatter paint. I'm also a big fan of using the same patterns and doodles throughout my work--like basket weaves or circles.
I teach my students to collect found objects for mark making...Like a old gift card, bottle caps, medicine bottles, pencil erasers, bubble wrap, mesh, and so much more. They are always so amazed at all the FREEBIES out there. Thanks for this enjoyable post...from another EMM Artist/Instructor.
Check out my ART BLOG at:
www.suemarrazzo.blogspot.com
Thanks, Alisa.
thank you Alisa just the injection of creativity I think I need at the moment and with a giant canvas needing altering I'll be back to refer to this page when time comes!
I just discovered your work on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and your work is SO FREE and beautiful. Alisa, I know your art is on Pinterest, but I wanted to be respectful and ASK YOU FIRST if you would give me permission to use one of your photos for a blog post in the future. Just let me know yes or no and I will kindly oblige.
LOVE YOUR STYLE! Anita
I love dots, lines and cross hatching too...and fingers, brush marks, marks from physical items, thermofax screens...I guess what I love most of all is the ability to have access to all these mark making tools!
I love using non-paintbrushes as paintbrushes; sponges, cardboard, old credit cards, bubble wrap, whatever is in reach is fair game!
love it all!! but lines are my current obsession. :) xo
My favorite way to make marks is with an old credit card or gift card. I love the different ways that one tool can lay paint onto a surface.
Thanks for the tips on all the other ways to make marks!
You are so free! I love that about your art. So liberated in every way.
I try everytime to just copy you. So that someday, somehow slowly I'll find my freedom of expression.
Thank you for your lovely posts. :)
Savia, India
I just wanted to take a minute and comment (since I never do) to tell you how much I love your blog! :)
Dear Alisa, I'm a long time follower of your art work and your newest blog follower. Thanks so much for your beautiful work and for your generosity in sharing it. Love your work.
I am a huge fan of dots and drizzle!
nice blog
nice bloge
Dear alisa,
Im new to your blog (found you through pinterst) and am already a huge fan! I think our art is similar in some ways (you can see some of mine at www.shopthree20.storenvy.com)
but there is something so free and uninhibited about all the beautiful pieces you create! I often feel like something is holding me back as I paint, like my perfectionism or the thoughts in my head telling me I'm not good enough. Reading through your posts (TONS of them! jaja) really made me feel inspired and excited about experimenting and breaking out of my comfort zone. Even the post about being scared that motherhood would would make you lose your ability to be creative- I could totally relate! It was nice to read that I'm not the only one that has thought that way before.
You are definitely one of my favorite artists now. For reasons beyond just your paintings. Keep up the amazing work!
I remember starting with the different patterns as a young child with bubble letters. They were filled in with various patterns; dots, checkers, zebra stripes, etc. This reminds me of that. I love your technique and also love the layering effect in your work. Andy is also very talented. His style reminds me of my son, very detailed.
Alisa, thank you for sharing so many great ideas...I especially love the intuitive doodles. This semester I shared a meditative craft with college students--I had them trace their hand and then fill in the space, intuitively with doodles. A great form of relaxation :) Linda
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