Uncovering Hidden Creativity: Exploring Art Through Backgrounds

Uncovering Hidden Creativity: Exploring Art Through Backgrounds

One of my favorite creative exercises is exploring mixed media art backgrounds.  If you have watched any of the projects on Patreon you will see how I create and searching for hidden shapes and figures within them. It’s a process of discovery—letting the background guide the direction of the artwork rather than forcing a specific idea.

This approach brings a sense of playfulness to my work, allowing unexpected elements to emerge. I’ve found it especially rewarding with my digital art floral background pages, as they offer endless possibilities for layering, highlighting, and transforming abstract patterns into something entirely new.

If you’re looking for a way to spark fresh ideas and deepen your creative practice, here are some ways you can experiment with background exploration:

Creative Activities Using Digital Art Floral Backgrounds

Shape Discovery – Print out your background and study it for a few moments. Do you see faces, animals, or abstract figures? Lightly sketch around the shapes you find, then enhance them with paint, ink, or stitching.

Cut & Rearrange – Print your background and cut it into different shapes. Rearrange the pieces into a collage or use them to build layers in an art journal. Try mixing different floral backgrounds for a dynamic effect.

Layer with Mixed Media – Use your floral background as a base for stamping, stenciling, or mark-making. Acrylics, watercolors, and even embroidery can add beautiful depth to the design.

Interactive Journaling – Glue a background page into your art journal and write or doodle over it. The soft floral elements create a unique backdrop for personal reflections or poetry.

Highlighting Hidden Elements – Use a fine liner or white gel pen to outline patterns that stand out to you. Maybe a petal looks like a bird’s wing, or a swirl resembles a dancer in motion—enhance what you see and let the artwork evolve.

Embracing the Creative Process

Letting go of strict expectations and simply exploring what appears on the page can be incredibly freeing. Sometimes, the most intriguing discoveries happen when we step back and allow the art to reveal itself.

If you try any of these techniques, I’d love to see what you create! Share your work or let me know what hidden gems you find in your backgrounds.

What unexpected shapes or patterns have you uncovered in your art? Leave a comment below!

This practice can lead to unexpected and intriguing discoveries, adding another layer of fun to the creative process.  Most of my work now takes on this form especially with the digital art papers I create.

You can access the papers for Free on my Patreon - Check them out HERE

How Will You Use the Time You Have?

 

How Will You Use the Time You Have?

Life has a way of filling up with endless to-do lists, and before we know it, the day slips away without making space for the things that truly matter: Creative pursuits, time with loved ones, and personal rest all require intentional effort to carve out space in the midst of life’s demands.

Over the past week, I’ve been immersed in new paintings and experimenting with creative techniques. Time seemed to be slipping away, and I started to feel as if I was standing still creatively. 

To counter this, I decided to keep a record of my creative activities. Listing what I actually accomplished not just what I planned or that was on the 'todo' list, and this helped me see that I was making more progress than I thought. It’s a great way to recognize your efforts and give yourself credit where it’s due. 

When you are feeling slightly off track, look back at your achievements and remind yourself that creative progress doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes, it’s about trusting the process and staying patient.

Strategies for Managing Daily Busyness & Staying Creative

Here are some of the strategies that I use to stay somewhat on track of all the creative pursuits, dreams and goals.  It is not a 'fix all' but try a couple and see how you get on.

1. Set Clear Priorities – Identify what truly matters each day. Not everything needs to be done immediately, and some things can wait.

2. Time Blocking – Schedule dedicated creative time just as you would any other important task. Treat it as non-negotiable.

3. Track Your Progress – Keep a simple journal or list of what you’ve created and explored. It helps you see how much you’re actually accomplishing.

4. Limit Distractions – Turn off notifications, set boundaries, and create a space where you can focus without interruptions.

5. Embrace Small Wins – Even 10-15 minutes of creativity counts. Don’t wait for large chunks of free time—use what you have.

6. Batch Tasks – Group similar activities together (emails, errands, social media) to free up larger blocks of time for creativity.

7. Give Yourself Grace – Some days will be more productive than others. Celebrate progress rather than perfection.

How do you keep yourself on track when life gets busy?  Leave a comment!

For additional creative tips to try join us on Patreon

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Also - Check out my Website and other platforms

Making a Kawandi - Material Musings

 

I managed to get my first Kawandi completed.  I decided to use all the fabric that I had been hand dyeing or creating batik and wax resist pieces with.

It was lovely to reconnect with all the fabric that I had been working on over time.  It was slightly challenging with the more heavier cotton fabrics as they were so thick, and the needle kept finding ways to maneuver into my finger. 😂

You can check out the video above for Material Musings to get a closer look at the Kawandi so far.

What is a Kawandi?

A Kawandi is a type of hand-stitched quilt traditionally made by the Siddi women, who are descendants of African enslaved women taken to India. Kawandi are distinctive because of their vibrant, designs and the way they are constructed. They are made from layers of Saris, fabric scraps, often brightly colored, and sewn together with running stitches. 

Key Features of Kawandi's

• Kawandi are typically sewn from the outer edges toward the center, unlike many traditional quilts made from blocks or panels.  The stitching is done in a spiral pattern, with all layers securely held together.

• They are made using recycled fabrics, including old saris or other discarded textiles.
• The use of fabric scraps gives the quilts a rich texture and unique, look.

• The quilts are often colorful and feature bold patterns, with an emphasis on spontaneity and personal expression.

• Small decorative touches, like folded fabric triangles called phulas (flowers), are added to the corners.

Kawandi's are made for practical purposes, such as providing warmth, but they also reflect the Siddi community's history and artistry.  

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Leaf Arts - Day 7 Reflection and Encouragement

 

Day 7: Reflection and Encouragement

I have really enjoyed this creative journey looking at the different ways that you can create on dried leaves. I invite you to take what you’ve learned and bring your own artistic voice into the process. 

Working with leaves as a medium is both grounding and inspiring, connecting us to nature while pushing creative boundaries. If you’re excited to explore this art form, don’t forget that my Leaf Art Course is available 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Thank you for following along this week—I’d love to hear which technique inspired you the most! Leave a comment below and share your creative journey!

Exploring Sea Grape Leaf Art

Want to Learn How to Create with Leaves?

If you’re curious about working with dried leaves as an artistic surface, I teach techniques that allow you to incorporate them into your own projects. My Leaf Art Course covers everything from preparation to design, giving you the tools to explore this unique medium with confidence.

Sign up before February 16th 11.59pm to take advantage of the discounted price! 

Learn More and Enroll Today!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next featured design in this exciting week of leaf art exploration!

CHECK OUT THE LEAF ARTS COURSE HERE