Playing with Creative Techniques

Elaine Brady Smith loves creating acrylic mixed media and encaustic collages. One of her favorite go-to methods is adding transparent collage layers to her work. It adds depth and history thus creating more interesting piece of art. And what does supplies does she need for her project?

• Cardboard, Mat board, or Foam Core Board
• Fun Foam
• Pencil or Fine Point Marker
• Scissors 
• Gel Medium
• White Tissue Paper
• Sponge Roller
• Large Paper Plate
• Acrylic Paint 
• Wax Paper
• Large White Trash Bag 
• Masking Tape
• 1” Flat Paint Brush
• Plastic or Paper Cup

The following are the processes she uses to achieve her art:

• Cutting both the board and the fun foam to the same size
• Gluing the pieces to the board by brushing a layer of gel medium over the board surface with a paint brush, and then place the pieces where you want them.
• Placing your stamp foam side up and roll the paint filled roller over it
• Remove the wax paper and gently pull the tissue off the stamp to reveal your image
• After your prints are dry, lay them on a white trash bag that has been taped flat to a hard surface
• Put a small amount of Liquetex Gloss Medium and Varnish in a plastic or paper cup and when the medium is dry, carefully lift the printed tissue from the plastic bag.
• You can now add the transparent collage pieces to your art and there the collage is complete. 

Try it now!