Relaxing Abstract Painting: Chaos to Calm | No Talking, Only Birds Singing

I use this technique to create abstracts: to relax, test out new supplies, experiment with techniques, and just play with paint when the world feels too heavy. I named it the Controlled Chaos method.
🎨✨If you missed it, here's the link to the How-To video.    • Transform Chaos into Serene Art: A Mindful...   "Transform Chaos into Serene Art: A Mindful Abstract Technique for All Levels"

This "Controlled Chaos" process works for me.
When I was working through my CPTSD, grief, and depression, these small projects allowed me to work without the usual demands of an art career. I had to find a way to keep my hand and mind in the game even when ART and creativity felt completely missing from my soul.
If you've ever read Maslow's hierarchy or have seen Maslow's pyramid, you'll understand. I was knocked from the peak creative zone, where I could intensely focus, down to a rock-bottom survival level, where focus and creative thoughts were nonexistent, and it wasn't for lack of trying; my brain just could not go there. My interest in art and all things creative was MIA, and for the next 3 years, presumed dead. The experience made me realize that while I genuinely believe everyone is born with the ability to create, all it takes is some form of trauma to squash it completely. Sadly for some, that begins on day one - or maybe before, and never gets restored. But it can be revived, and grow, with a bit of help, inspiration, and determination.

Hi,
Independent Artist here, sharing my art and process.
I’m Savanna Redman, an artist obsessed with the sea, wildlife, ancient cultures, travel, and the joy of creating. Here, I share my artwork, painting process, techniques for mindful art-making, and the tales behind my work — from old-world-style maps of the Caribbean, Virgin Islands, and Belize to surreal, dream-like oil paintings of wildlife.

Fine art Giclée prints on archival rag paper or canvas are available on my website. https://www.savannaredman.com/

🔔 Originals, limited editions, and a newsletter will be coming soon. You can drop me a note to be personally notified when they are available, or sign up for my newsletter. https://www.savannaredman.com/contact

Products used in video:
*I have affiliate links with Amazon (at no cost to you). However, I have listed the product names so you can easily look them up on Blick's site, Cheap Joe's art supplies, or your favorite art supply shop. The Amazon link is for convenience.

Cards: Canson Artist Series Montval Watercolor Cards with Envelopes, 5x7 inches, 30 Cards (140lb/300g) https://amzn.to/4mEcjPG

Brushes: These handmade brushes, when cared for, will last a lifetime. Some of mine are 45 years old and are still my favorites, used near daily.

For watercolor/ink detail: Isabey Siberian Blue Squirrel Quill Watercolor Brush, Size 1, https://amzn.to/4gR3lO7
and Raphael Kazan 803 Quill Mop Brush, Natural, Size 0, https://amzn.to/3Ktv3Ef

For wash: Isabey Squirrel Watercolor Brush, Siberian Blue Squirrel Quill Mop, Size 6 or 8 https://amzn.to/46vhZqH

I usually buy watercolor and ink in sets when possible and replace individual colors as they run out. Dr. Ph. Martin's inks and liquid acrylics are concentrated and last a long time, as you can see in the video, I often only need a drop or two.

The Iridescent inks come in 2 sets of 12, providing an excellent range. I mixed and matched colors from different sets of Hydrus and Spectralite in this video because I lost a chunk of my supplies to a Cat-5 hurricane (what a mess), and others are missing labels. Use what you have - and create. :)

Sets:

Dr. Ph. Martin's Iridescent Calligraphy Ink
#1-Set of 12 colors https://amzn.to/4gQRDmu
#2-Set of 12 colors https://amzn.to/48BQ9dB

Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Fine Art Watercolor
#1-Set of 12 colors, https://amzn.to/3VIVxEf
#2-Set of 12 colors, https://amzn.to/48H0Hbt
#3-Set of 12 colors, https://amzn.to/4nr6NRJ

Dr. Ph. Martin's Spectralite Private Collection Liquid Acrylics
#1-Set of 12 colors https://amzn.to/46KAGp2
#2-Set of 12 colors https://amzn.to/4mJD5Xh

*Individual colors used in video:

Dr. Ph. Martin's Iridescent Calligraphy Color
(11R) Copper Plate Gold https://amzn.to/42gKkys
(1R) Iridescent Silver https://amzn.to/48B5ew4
(16R) Copper https://amzn.to/4gMnMf1
(15R) Bronze https://amzn.to/46Prjof
(11R) Copper Plate Gold https://amzn.to/3Wi8THC

Dr. Ph. Martin's Hydrus Fine Art
(7H) Phthalo Blue https://amzn.to/3KKu7vi
(8H) Ultramarine https://amzn.to/3KtgaSo
(14H) Yellow Ochre https://amzn.to/3KMNCmU
(5H) Quinacridone Magenta https://amzn.to/4nvrmg6
(6H) Phthalo Green https://amzn.to/3IPhHSq


Dr. Ph. Martin's Spectralite Private Collection Liquid Acrylics (6PC) Violet https://amzn.to/4mK92i6 (the bottle in the video is an older version)

To create the abstract design on the card I used:
Art Paper Roll for Crafts and Drawing
https://amzn.to/4mWoXcZ

Saral Wax Free Transfer Paper, Blue
https://amzn.to/4pXZByf