Testing TikTok Trends, 2.0

Testing TikTok Trends - Taped Off

Maybe it's time for a new blog name. Romy Draws and Paints? I'll work on it... 

This art trend is one I've seen a lot over the past few months on TikTok and Instagram. It's simple; you use masking tape to corner off the outer edges of a canvas or piece of paper, paint whatever you fancy on the inside, and peel the tape off to create a border. True, you could just draw a square and paint the interior, but where's the fun in that? Plus, peeling off the tape is very satisfying.

 If you want to see more work like this, you should have a look at user zoyerss on TikTok, and emma.wtj and denaisx on Instagram - they inspired me to try out this technique! 

What I like about this style is that it's quite abstract, which is different for me. Usually, I focus on trying to make my work look as realistic as possible, so it's nice to take a break from that!

It's best to use a thick paper or a canvas for this so that the paint doesn't make your piece warp; I used some watercolour paper from a brand called Bockingford, which is a little bit on the pricey side at £12-14. You can find cheaper alternatives on Amazon, WHSmith or other stationary shops.

When I'm struggling for inspiration on things to draw or paint, I often turn to Pinterest, whether that's to look at other peoples art or find images to try and replicate. Pinterest is a website where you can search for images and save them to a board, so you have all your inspiration in one place. I'd recommend doing this too if you're not confident at freestyling, like me. 

Then again, the whole point of abstract art is to use your imagination. I just like to have a little bit of a guideline.

A technique to pick up on in this style of art is layering, which I used especially in these two pieces with the flowers. I used different shades of green to dot in the leaves, waited for it to dry, and then went in with different shades of pink for the flowers. The different tones and shades will help create depth, and make the flowers more recognisable.

Another thing to note is that you can do this with most paints. I used gouache here, but acrylic, and obviously watercolour, would work too. Just be careful using watercolour, as it's not as easy to layer.

This style of art is really relaxing and relatively quick to create. I think these would make great homemade cards, postcards, decorative items or little gifts for friends and family. Stick it in a glass clip frame and Bob's your uncle!

Again, this trend pushed me outside of my artistic comfort zone. TikTok and Instagram taught me a new technique, and I encourage anyone reading to try for this themselves!