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There’s a unique kind of joy in teaching art, and I'm particularly passionate about teaching my process of creating abstract floral art with transparent layers. It’s more than just teaching techniques; it's about watching people let go of perfectionism and truly embrace the process.
For many, the first step into abstraction is a step outside their comfort zone. We’re so often conditioned to draw or paint things exactly as we see them. But in this style, the goal isn't photographic realism—it’s feeling, movement, and light.
Layer by Layer - Pushing Past the Fear
The technique of using multiple transparent layers with ink & acrylic is what makes this style so forgiving—and so rewarding.
Here’s why I love teaching it:
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It Demands Trust: You start with simple, broad shapes and colours. Students often look hesitant, wondering if this initial mess could ever become a beautiful piece of art. They have to trust the process: each layer is simply a foundation for the next.
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It Fosters Flow: Because the layers are transparent, you get to react to what's already there. This forces a spontaneous and intuitive way of working, encouraging students to "go with the flow."
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It Breaks the Rules: The most liberating part is when they realize their florals don't have to be perfect petals. They become expressions—energetic marks & colour that suggests a flower shape, rather than a literal depiction of one.
The Triumph of the "Happy Accident"
The real magic happens when students confront their biggest fear - making a mistake.
In traditional art, a splash of unintended colour or a wobbly line can feel like failure. But in this abstract, layered context, these moments are redefined as "happy accidents."
Imagine a blob of ink leaking out of the pipette unexpectedly. Initially, a student might panic. But I encourage them to use that "mistake" by scraping the ink with a palette knife or painting another transparent layer over it.
The result is almost always a fascinating, unpredictable depth —a texture or mark that could never have been planned. This is the moment I see the lightbulb switch on:
"I thought I ruined it, but now it’s my favourite part!"
That quote, or something like it, is the sound of an artist breaking through their initial fear. They realize how freeing art can be - there are no mistakes, only opportunities for beautiful evolution.
Embracing the Imperfect Journey
If you're an aspiring artist paralyzed by the fear of a blank page, or if you're stuck in a rut of trying to make everything perfect, I urge you to try my Abstract Botanical Online Course.
It’s a powerful lesson in creativity and life: the most beautiful results often emerge not despite the unpredictable twists and turns, but because of them.
Embrace the mess. Embrace the layers. And most importantly, embrace the happy accidents that make your art—and your journey—uniquely yours.
Would you like to learn more about the specific materials needed for this transparent layering technique?
Click here to find out more about the course.
Let me know in the comments if you've previously experienced one of those 'lightbulb moments' in your art-making...
