I Almost Skipped This Challenge… Then This Happened

I’ll be honest… this month’s challenge pushed me a little outside my comfort zone. We were invited to create botanical leaf impressions using paint, water, leaves, and plastic wrap. At first, I was not feeling very inspired, and to make things more interesting, I could not even find the kind of leaves I wanted to use. So I improvised. Instead of tree leaves, I ended up using Rainbow Chard leaves… yes, really LOL. And that unexpected choice became the starting point for this butterfly-inspired piece. This project was such a good reminder that creativity does not always start with confidence or the perfect plan. Sometimes it starts with using what you have, trying something different, and being willing to experiment even when it feels unfamiliar. If you have ever looked at a technique and thought, “That’s not really my thing,” this is your reminder to try it anyway. You never know where it might lead. Join me for the Premiere and also check out the amazing work from all the wonderful artists in this collaboration. It is always inspiring to see how one prompt can turn into so many different creations. If you want to learn more fluid art while relaxing, having fun, and trying new things without pressure, make sure to subscribe. And if you’d like an easy way to get started, grab my free guide here: https://www.ali-art.net/flow Tell me in the comments: Would you have guessed this butterfly started with Rainbow Chard leaves? 🌿 THIS VIDEO IS PART OF A MONTHLY NATE’S ART LAB COLLAB CHALLENGE This month's challenge: Botanical Leaf Impressions using the plastic wrap fluid acrylic technique. I'm one of 5 artists premiering a video on this theme. Watch all 5 videos here: 👉 • Nate's Art Lab Collab - June 2026    / playlist   June 2026 Art Lab Collab Premiere Participants @NateBrightArt    • Capture Nature on Canvas Using Real Leaves...   @reclaiming_her_time    • Verdigris Botanical Leaf Impression with F...   @Ali-Art_ENG    • I Almost Skipped This Challenge… Then This...   @ARTBYSPARKLE    • OH NO!!! DID MY LEAVES DISAPPEAR ???? Nate...   @ArtByJulieE    • Butterflies & Botanicals - Nate Bright Art...   Challenge organized by Nate Bright Art: / @natebrightart Want to join the community and try this yourself? / natesartlab #fluidart #butterflyart #leafprinting #acrylicpouring #abstractart #mixedmediaart #creativeprocess #fluidartist #artchallenge