Exploring Dreamscapes: Mushrooms, Crystals, and Bubbles in My Latest Abstract Artwork

I started working on my second watercolour and acrylic ink abstract dreamscape, or secret garden. I was unsure which direction to take with the first image I created. I felt it was clumsy, cluttered, and messy. I wanted this one to be more refined, though now that I’m sitting here looking at the final piece of the first image, I realise it all works together, it’s actually quite beautiful.

I wanted to try something a little different. I was inspired by one of the people I work with and decided to explore mushrooms. Once I began defining the watercolour with Posca pens, fine liners, pencils, and additional watercolour layers, the piece started to take on a life of its own. It feels like a technical-coloured underwater cave. As I started placing mushrooms, I found myself a little lost. Once I had a few in place, I began filling in the waterways with my little circular blue bubbles. I quite liked them, they’re therapeutic and definitely a signature element in my work. 

I didn’t want it to look too cartoony, but that just seems to be the way my brain works—my visions naturally come to life in that style. Wanting to explore a different motif, I experimented with crystals. The two crystal clusters I’ve included so far interact well with the background and overall composition, but I’m not completely happy with them. I don’t hate them, but I think I need to explore different techniques for painting or colouring them. 

I’ve recently become fascinated with drawing bubbles, so I decided to add them into the image. I think the piece is coming together quite nicely, it has a fairy-like aesthetic. I’m also wondering if I should include some text within the imagery. I’ve been thinking about framing and wanted to find something to upcycle, but I haven’t had any luck yet. I’d love to incorporate the frame into the artwork itself. I also considered adding glitter, but I’m hesitant—it might make the piece look too childlike.