Finding your creativity through Mixed Media Art

If you feel an inner need to create and are not sure where to begin, then mixed media art is a great place to start. Chances are, if you have already found this blog, you know something about this type of art. If you have been told that you aren't artistic or can't draw, you needn't give up your dreams of being creative. 

How do we know that we have an inner need to create? Well, we collect nice papers and object with colours that appeal, and want to bring paints and canvases and ephemera together to turn it into something else. Some people express their creativity through dance or music or writing, but wanting to make art or craft is an equally valid type to artistic expression.

Firstly, if you want to learn to draw, then all you need to do is to decide, get yourself some pencils and drawing paper, and explore the internet for classes or go to the library and find a book. Then finding time to practice is up to you. If your pulse races at a specific craft - scrapbooking, jewellery making, knitting - then you will need to follow those trails.

If you would prefer to get messy with paint, then you'll need a few more supplies and tools, but not many more, plus a space to paint. Then you can read through the articles recommended below and get started:

• Finding your creativity through Mixed Media Art
• How to make Mixed Media Art

Happy creating!

{Photo courtesy of (c) Canstock Photos}

What Drives you Creating Wonderful Artworks?

We usually find fantastic works of art almost everywhere. Some of them are with extraordinary styles with vivid colors and some are with dark tone or shade. Many of the artworks we see display beautiful places, spectacular concepts, and a beautifully created crafts. But what really drives these artists in making their masterpieces?

If you are going to look deeply in their creations, most of the artists designs portray or describes their daily experiences. Just like in painting, you will find a lot of painting showcasing scenery they have personally seen, a painting of lovely women they saw that they can’ t forget.

Another element artists use in creating fantastic creations is their inspirations. Some of them are inspired by their family; others are inspired by their friends. They create wonderful crafts because of their inspiration. If they are inspired they are more likely to create magnificent designs that turns on the attention of every individual who spots their work.

So with all the facts mentioned above, what drives an individual in creating wonderful arts and crafts are their experiences and their inspirations.

How about you, what drives you in creating your works of art?

Using Mod Podge for your Artworks

One of the many important materials you will need when creating your artwork is glue. Glues were patented during 1750, and the very first glue patent was issued in Great Britain. It was created from fish and during those times, patents were quickly issued for adhesives making use of animal bones, fish, milk protein or casein, starch and rubber.

Glues are really helpful when sticking things most especially for artworks since glue can stick different materials you have in completing your projects.

As time goes by, crafters have discovered a type of glue, not just a regular glue but an all-in-one glue. It can be used as a sealer or for finishing touches. It is called “Mod Podge”. Nowadays, most crafters use mod podge for their artworks since mod podge can be easily used and is less messy as compared to the regular glue that we use.

This type of glue is non-toxic and are water base making the mess easy to clean. This glue are famous when creating collage since it’s a good sealant and a varnish as well providing your artwork with a “shiny texture” that’s why they call it an all-in-one glue.

So if you want a clean finish for your crafts and an all-in-one glue, try using mod podge now!

Happy Crafting!

Mixed Media Art Using Rub-ons

Mixed media art is one of many art techniques which require the use of paint, surface, oil colours, board and stickers. A piece of mixed media art is always beautiful to look at as it describes a range of human activities.

A creation through imaginative and technical skills, mixed media art has a large number of followers all over the world. When the final creation is stylish, craft and trendy, the buyer will pay any price for it.

It may take the artist years to perfect his technique before he can start to make a name for himself. The profession demands dedication, devotion, love and concentration and the beginners may find it somewhat difficult.

There are several things a new artist can do to learn tricks of the trade. Visiting useful links online can equip an artist with the desired skills set. Watching mixed media arts tutorials is also another way of familiarising with the latest trends and techniques. For an artist, it is extremely important to ensure his idea is fresh as that is what the viewers will be attracted to.

Using rub-ons is also an excellent method to give a new look to a mixed media art product. Most of us have our drawers full of Rub-on as we are unsure of how and where to use them. These rub-ons can be bought online with ease and they are great for layering images.

What separates mixed media art from other techniques are the unexpected results you get from it. The best way to learn and perfect this art is by playing around with the tools and materials. To be able to succeed in this work, the artist must think as a child or a mad scientist. If he can surprise himself in a good way, his finale creation is bound to be a good one.

Mixed Media Art Techniques

Mixed media is a form of art where more than one medium is required to come up with the final product. A typical mixed media piece is a combination of paint, ink and a surface (board) and a variety of oil colours.

Producing a sellable product is not as easy as it may sound. Mixed media art requires great deal of concentration, focus and above all dedication. Mixed media artists can either sell their creation online or keep them on an art journal. However, it is always tough to come up with new ideas in this challenging profession.

Keeping yourself updated with all kinds of tools can be the key to success. Watching online tutorials can also provide your mental toolbox with enough supply to make an impression. Visiting useful online links is a way to open the doors to new ideas on mixed media arts.

The most encouraging or discouraging fact about MMA is that you are never sure what kind of results you will end up with. An artist will never try to duplicate his work with the same technique, tools and apparatus as no two mixed media art pieces can ever be the same. Even if we follow the exact same instructions and materials, the two products will have something unique about them.

This is what makes mixed media art an extra ordinary and top rated business. The best way to learn this exciting skill is to simply keep playing with the paint, oil, soap and the brush. The artist should try to bring out his inner child to be as creative as possible.

Very similar to a snowflake crystal or a soap bubble, a crafted piece of mixed media art can be joy to look at. It takes some time to perfect this art and the learners are advised to practice planning and patience to achieve best results.

Things to Know about Mixed Media Layering

Mixed Media is a work of visual art. It refers to the work in which more than one medium has employed. When creating a painting using mixed media, it is important that you choose the layers carefully. Make sure that you allow enough drying time between the layers so that the final work will be nice and vibrant. With the help of Mixed Media layers, we can make many effects.

If you are a beginner and interested in mixed media layering you just need to think of what you are going to make. Then using different colors and textures, start creating layers and there is no limit to layers so you can make few layers or a lot of layers. Meanwhile you can also use different items like tissue paper, foil, rice, paints and anything which may create an attractive texture.

If you are confused how to start then you may start with gesso and paints. These two are good materials to use. Gesso layer can also be used to add some texture, creating marks, words, scratching.

If you want to have a good start then choose any two or three colors which goes well together like using black and white. From these humble beginnings great arty things can happen. Next you may use old papers. By cutting them into different shapes and using these for layering seems quite creative. For sticking the cut-out papers you may use glue.

Once your painting and layering stage is completed then you must give a finishing touch. You may search for old items that are not in use like bottle caps, beads which could be used for finishing touch. Once you have finished your wok, leave it for drying.

Enjoy creating artworks!

Details about Acrylic Paint and Acrylic Painting

Acrylic Paint is one of the fast drying paint which contains pigment suspension. It can also be mixed with water but when it is dry it becomes water-resistant. Acrylic paint durability depends on how much it is diluted in water or with other pastes or gels.

Acrylic painting offers a versatile method of painting. Acrylic painting in its any form, thick or thin (like ink) gives a 3D effect. If you add various available substances then it will create a different type of texture. With this, you can create different textured effects. Some artists create acrylic paints using different items such as rice and sand giving it a different style and texture.

While painting, it is important to know that you choose the best kind of painting surface so that you may not feel any difficulty in painting. You must choose a light weight object. If you choose paper, choose a heavier paper because paper is the lightest item that can be used.  Traditional painting is done on wood, masonite and canvas.

Gather your tools, materials and colors. The idea, inspiration, pictures which came in your mind. Set that photograph and start fleshing it out on the painting surface.

Decide what style of painting you want to explore. Try to search something new. Use attractive colors and if you are a beginner then keep your painting simple.

When you completed you acrylic painting, leave it in a cool, dry place for ventilation. It will dry soon then it’s good to go. Use it for yourself or sell it in the market.

I hope that your painting would be attractive and an interesting one! Enjoy creating!

Seamless Transitions in Mixed Media Art

There are many elements that go into creating wonderful artwork, whether it's the mixed media art or "normal" painting. These skills can be learnt and one of the techniques is understanding how elements are put together and transition from one to another.

This article over at Mixed Media Art narrows this technique downing other main components to include layering, blending the backgrounds and the arrangement of the final elements and embellishments.

If you would like to read more about creating seamless transitions in your mixed media art, collage or painting come and read at Mixed Media Art. While you are there, you can join our mailing list to get the last news and be the first to hear about our new (free!) ephemera printables - fantastic for adding layering into your mixed media collages.

Happy creating!

Representing Liturgical Season through Mixed Media Art

“Art is cool” This phrase is really true especially if are really creative and can make outstanding and wonderful artworks. You can make beautiful artworks which can inspire others like making representation of seasons like the liturgical year in your own way. You can choose to represent Christmas season, The Epiphany, The Lenten Season, Easter Season, Pentecost or the Season after Pentecost. You just need to base your design on the season you are representing.

Mixed media art really gives us the freedom to express ourselves and discover things. Creating mixed media art will help us understand and boost our capabilities in creating different kind of artworks.

Gesso in Mixed Media Art

If you are just starting out in mixed media art, one of the products that you MUST buy is gesso. We do our very best here, at MixedMediaArt.net, to buy as little as possible and try to create our art with what we already have around us but gesso is the ONE thing I definitely recommend worth investing in.

Gesso is a chalk based paint with many uses. It is used by artists to create a good foundation for painting on. But over the years, mixed media artists have found many other uses and we love to showcase the many uses our talented artists have discovered.

To read more about using gesso in mixed media art, come and read about Creating Layers with Gesso

Warning: Frugal Artist at Large

Debbie Ward, from Lucky Girls Paper Arts, has identified herself as a frugal artist. She recently realised that continually buying new scrapbooking papers and ephemera doesn't always make her more creative. By going through the supplies she already has accumulated and purchased over the many years Debbie have been crafting, it provides an opportunity to "make do" and create lovely cards.

Whether its paper you have stashed away, rubber art stamps you haven't used in a while or a pile of cardboard, turing your hand to craft recycling can help to focus your attention. It also goes a long way to creating real value by using what you already have. It also makes is much easier to use materials you already have, rather than trying to find a new home for it!

Come and read more to determine is you are becoming a Frugal Artist

Transform your Doodles into Art

The very clever Francesca Albini spends many hours doodling; while watching television, talking on the phone or writing notes. If there is a pen or marker lying around, doodles are being created.

But she hates throwing them out.

She has figured out ways to transformed those hours of doodling into mixed media collages and art journal layouts. There are the usual methods to be used in mixed media with cutting and gluing. Then Francesca has explored ways to scan her doodles into her computer and use them digitally as well.

Come and read more about What to do withDoodles

Altered Books and Found Poetry

Laura Thykeson from The Altered BookNook takes us into her wonderful world of alteredbooks and found poetry with her "Reading between the Lines" article.

The found poetry, or altered text, is made by finding words on a page of an altered book that can be connected to tell a story. Laura connects her words with dark highlighting, then paints out all of the other words, allowing her altered text story to show through. Then many other mixed media art techniques can be used to decorate the pages and embellish your story.

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We LOVE mix media art and want to share our tips and techniques with you