I’ve been painting regularly since I picked up a brush over a year ago. Although I’m still looking to see if there’s a particular style I’m most comfortable with, I’ve been enjoying all the experimentation.
Negative space painting has been incredibly fun. I’ve experimented with this a bit more to see where I can take it. While flowers in a vase has been my go-to practice piece, I’ve also tried to see what else I can conjure up. After I painted the wildflowers seen here, I saw a butterfly on the next messy canvas. I’m going to try a few landscapes soon to see how those might turn out. 
I’ve also done some purely abstract work. With the one you see here, I used a pallet knife to apply the paint, looking to capture motion and emotion. I think the colors really pop and I’ve had great feedback from people who have seen it. It’s turned out to be one of my favorite canvases. So far.
Then there is tape. I’ve enjoy working with tape on a canvas. There’s something alluring to me about the straight lines, the geometric patterns, and the ability to play with how the paint appears either above or below the tape. I had gone through a pack of practice canvases and, instead of throwing away the cardboard piece at the back, I decided to use it. This piece took me almost a week to complete because I had to lay the tape, paint, pull the tape, then let the paint dry before moving forward. 
Incremental, but satisfying.
One of the things about painting is that there are so many different types of acrylic paints, so many color options, so many brushes and sponges and techniques to try. It feels overwhelming. Just typing in ‘Acrylic Painting’ into the YouTube search bar brings back an endless list of how-to videos. I often fall down the rabbit hole watching video after video, saving dozens of them to my ‘watch later’ playlist for future reference.
In fact, my watch list is now beginning to look like my Steam games library. At some point I need to get caught up. And yes, I need to stop adding to it.
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my recent attempts at painting.
RB
I enjoy your paintings and your descriptions of your artistic techniques and adventures. I’m eager to try my hand at painting myself.
Thank you for the kind words, MM. I hope you give it a try. I find painting to be an interesting adventure and a fun way to express myself.
Cheers!
RB
It’s amazing to witness your artistic journey …
I did start my painting journey during Pandemic year, 2020. And from then onwards, I’ve been in this and I must say that my best years have been spent in painting and drawing a coloring. It’s a different kind of happiness, joy and blissfully satisfying ….
I can see that you’re enjoying the journey of experimentation in painting. I loved the paintings that you’ve shared here, specially the butterfly one. The abstract one expresses motion and emotion, liked the application of pallet knife on it …. No doubt about its beauty and appeal to the viewers. Also your work with tape on canvas sounds fascinating! It must be incredibly satisfying in creating geometric patterns.
Your passion for exploring all these possibilities is truly inspiring and true that falling down the rabbit hole of tutorials and techniques is a wonderful way to learn and grow as an artist …
I wish you continue enjoying the process of discovering what resonates most with you ….
Keep exploring and expressing yourself through your art
Love that 🔆❤️✨
Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement, Roksana. I hope I get an opportunity to see more of your artistic endeavors, as well.
I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
RB
My pleasure to be here and see your beautiful acrylic artworks ….
You always encourage me and read my words and send me wishes- you’re so kind!
There’s a section called Jian Bird Creates on my blog – there you can see some of my paintings –
Thank you.
I hope too you’re having a colorful weekend …