Behind the Scenes at Wild Thorn Collective: The Making of Abstract Wag
At Wild Thorn Collective, every piece of artwork tells a story—not just through the final product, but also through the process that brings it to life. Today, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of one of my recent pieces, Abstract Wag.
The Spark of an Idea
Abstract Wag began as a simple concept inspired by my two dogs, Finn and Peanut. I love quirky, whimsical dog art and Abstract Wag is an attempt to capture that whimsy.
Peanut
Finn
Layer by Layer: Building the Foundation
The journey of Abstract Wag started with a blank digital “canvas” and a bold palette of colors. I began by applying broad strokes to map out the energy and movement I wanted to capture. Using cheerful hues—bright teals, oranges, purples, and pops of turquoise—I created a foundation that hinted at the lively essence of the piece.
At this stage, it’s all about exploring possibilities. I play with shape, texture, and contrast, letting the colors interact organically. Some layers are bold and intentional, while others are more subdued, adding depth and complexity. I probably try 1,000 different things before I land on elements I like. The beauty of digital art is that I get to undo things to my heart’s content.
Combining Tools to Bring the Vision to Life
For Abstract Wag, I combined multiple tools to bring the artwork to life. My creative process often involves using Procreate and Canva, each serving a unique purpose. Procreate allows me to experiment with intricate details, textures, and brushstrokes, giving me the freedom to fine-tune my designs. Canva helps me polish the composition, adjust layouts, insert fun elements, and finalize the design to ensure the painting is cohesive and visually striking.
In the case of Abstract Wag, I also incorporated Midjourney AI to assist with the initial outline of the dog. This AI tool provided me with a dog shape/outline I loved, which became the foundation for my playful and abstract representation. From there, I layered my own artistic style and details to transform the outline into something uniquely mine. Using a mix of traditional techniques and digital tools, I was able to craft a piece that reflects both precision and creativity.
Layering Element on Element
Each layer adds dimension, whether through overlapping shapes, delicate linework, or dynamic brushstrokes. With Abstract Wag, I focused on balancing structured elements with free-flowing forms. This back-and-forth between control and spontaneity gives the piece its playful yet harmonious feel.
The progress photo I’ve included below shows an exploded view of all the layers that went into Abstract Wag.
Abstract Wag, in progress
The Finishing Touches
The final steps of any painting are where it all comes together. For Abstract Wag, this meant adding the intricate details that bring the piece to life. I layered vibrant accents and subtle highlights to guide the viewer’s eye across the canvas. Each brushstroke and design choice was made to capture the spirit of the piece.
For me, the joy comes from watching the artwork evolve into something greater than the sum of its parts. For fun, I also let ChatGPT critique my work. It’s usually spot on in identifying areas I still need to refine.
A Celebration of Movement and Joy
Abstract Wag is a celebration of dogs, movement, joy, and the little moments of happiness that inspire my work. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of the playful energy of my dogs and the creative journey that brought it to life.
If you’re as captivated by Abstract Wag as I am, it’s available as a print on my website. I hope this behind-the-scenes glimpse gives you a deeper appreciation for the thought, care, and love that goes into every piece at Wild Thorn Collective. Whether it’s a quirky design, a colorful abstraction, or a personalized item, each creation is a labor of love.
Wishing you a great day!
Katie Thornsvard
Artist at Wild Thorn Collective
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