Even if I don't consider myself a true artist, I at least have found something that I can blend my love of so many processes, and come out at the end with something that I'm pretty happy with!
My latest fetish is mixed media, and as you saw in my previous post, it's taking over my life!!!
If you want a simple tutorial in 6 simple steps, read below!! (i know i've used some previous pictures but this is a step by step process using the same canvas throughout, so you get an idea of how much it changes from unwanted artwork, to work of art!
6 steps to mixed media canvas
Step 1 - cover canvas with paper
You start with a blank canvas (or one you use to like but needs a do-over,) and you add some paper to it - can be a few pieces, can be a whole sheet, just glue that sucker down so it doesn't move (and it's ok if it crinkles, that's all part of the magic!!
Step 2 - paint your heart away
Next step is to play with paint - opaque effects & edges, watered down & blended colours on the corners, features in the middle........there's no rules in mixed media!! I used some blue & white paint for this one and smeared it on randomly with an old credit card, so much fun!!
Step 3 - Painting embellishments & layers of texture
Once that's dry, start with the pretty embellishments - from a think dob of paint through a doily stencil, or make a gesso (?) paste and use it in a stencil with some acrylic paint for affect. rub on some bubble wrap, use an old sponge in paint, or pull out a spray can. Either way keep playing until you have filled the background to your liking.
Step 4 - Feature to focus on
Now you've got to think of a feature - would you like an item to stare at? Maybe some song words or some insprational quotes to look at daily. Either way print & create them and then stick it where you think it looks nice on the page.
Step 5 - highlight the feature
Time for another paint & play - get the edges dark to make the feature piece shine, maybe even highlight a few parts with some zentangling.........there's no rules, only your imagination will limit you!
Step 6 - doodling, zentangling, stamps & rub ons
Finally, it's time for a bit of stamping & rub ons - get out the ink & paddle pop stick and add some small but highlighting details - it's so cool to have a few new layers on the page/canvas.
Once you're done with the rub ons & stamps, you're done!! A quick top coat of your choice and you're ready to rock & roll!!
I've been enjoying upgrading some discarded boards & canvases with some song words & quotes. I'm working up to pictures & eventually I'll do faces.........but that's a whole other story again!
Remember the only rule is to be happy with one stage before you move on to the next - it's hard to go back a step if you've already got layers on there - my best tip would be make sure you're happy with the background once you place down the feature pieces (before you stick them for sure,) and make the changes accordingly.
Either way I made a piece the other day (without doing a work in progress shot,) and was absolutely chuffed with it!! I'm hoping to finish the back & have it in the gallery next week, along with a few other pieces I'm working on today & tomorrow.
i love that this mixed all my loves - painting, paper, colouring in, song words or quotes, stamping, embellishments, and that you don't have to have any formal training to make it happen.......so much fun!!
