#112 MASTER CLASS — THE MARKS WE MAKE
Think about the tools you reach for again and again, the ones that just feel right. Each one shapes texture, rhythm, and expression in your work. In this Master Class, Coach Nadine shows how her favorite mark-making tools create movement, depth, and energy in a painting. You will explore how layering and varied marks build interest and guide the viewer’s eye, expanding your visual vocabulary and discovering marks that feel uniquely your own. The Marks We Make: simple tools, infinite possibilities.
WATCH THE MASTER CLASS RECORDING
Jump to a section:
Click the chapter icon (the bulleted list inside the video player) to see and select any part of the video.
Chapters and timestamps are also listed below for quick reference.
- Childhood & Art Tools: 00:00
- Tool Storage & Crayons: 01:16
- Water Soluble & Sealing: 05:55
- Material Intro & Texture: 41:39
- Layering & Patterns: 43:08
- Lines & Color Balance: 47:29
- Final Thoughts: 53:50
*Please note that guest presenters are not necessarily Academy members available for commenting.
so many ideas and applications! Thank you!
Thanks, Linda!
Wonderful video, Nadine, so many tools, techniques and ideas. Grateful.
Thanks, Dorit!
Thank you Nadine, fantastic information. I was wondering if you had a list of the tools you used?
Thank you! The list of tools will be uploaded here today!
Great video and explanation of featured markers.
?? On the paintings I’m presuming in between applications you are applying a coat of the gel to preserve numerous times??
So happy you enjoyed it, Sandi. I don’t always apply a layer of Gloss medium in between layers. Only when I want to fix the water-soluble Woody’s or crayons.
Thank you Nadine for sharing all your experiencies. I love watching you how you create all these different marks and listening to your thoughts while painting. It‘s so interesting, how you react to everything and how you integrate the marks in the work.
By the way I made a big wishlist – fortunatly Chrimas is coming soon!
Hi Dagmar, I hope Santa was good to you and brought you a bunch of new tools! I’m looking forward to seeing what you do with them.
that was brilliant, thank you nadine. i am off shopping now!! i really loved watching how you integrated the marks into your paintings
So happy you enjoyed it, Nicole!
Fabulous Nadine. I love the freedom with which you paint and make marks. I love to doodle and are yet to find how I can incorporate that into my works without judging it as childish.
I am so happy you enjoyed this Masterclass. You can incorporate your drawings the same way I do my marks. They are just another type of mark.
Great video, Nadine. Nicely edited, too. I will try some of these techniques soon.
Thanks, Linda! Have fun!
Great Master Class Nadine. I love using tools, they allow you a different application than your brushes…and lots of wonderful surprises. It’s mesmerizing to watch you paint; you’ve mastered so many things, yet your mind still allows the colors and the marks the freedom to inform you of a direction not yet taken. Your openness to the process keeps you in the moment creating work that is never stiff or boring. I have a fixative to share that I love, it’s Degas Fixative Spray. It has no odor, it’s safe to use indoors and dries quickly so you can continue to add layers. It only takes a quick thin spray and you can even roll a paper towel over it, it takes so little to fix the surface. You can continue painting right away. Hope that helps anyone looking for an easy fixative that leaves so texture on the painting. Thanks for sharing today!
Thank you so much for the tip, Nancy, and for the lovely words!
Wonderful demo, Nadine! What a variety of tools. Thank you.
So thrilled you loved it, Jill!