Anatomy of A Mixed Media Painting
Three Graces
WHAT IS MIXED MEDIA?
The term is used to describe works composed of different types of art materials.
The use of mixed media began around 1912 with the Cubist collages and constructions
of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. The technique has become widespread as
artists developed increasingly open attitudes to the media of art. Essentially art
can be made of anything or any combination of things.
Below are step by step progress photos of a typical mixed media painting.
I often use these small paintings as models for larger work.
The term is used to describe works composed of different types of art materials.
The use of mixed media began around 1912 with the Cubist collages and constructions
of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. The technique has become widespread as
artists developed increasingly open attitudes to the media of art. Essentially art
can be made of anything or any combination of things.
Below are step by step progress photos of a typical mixed media painting.
I often use these small paintings as models for larger work.
  #3 Third Stage Now the textured canvas has been rubbed with dry pigments, which leave a soft, muted background. I hand rub the pigments into the textures. The photo at the right shows another view of stage 3. After the main materials have adhered and are well cured, it is important to seal the work to protect the delicate collage papers.   #6 Sixth & Final Stage Finishing touches. I concentrate on bringing the composition to life. This painting was finished with oils, oil glazes, oil pastels and translucent metallic powders. The oils are used to mute and blend the original acrylics, which tend to be hard edged and highly saturated. I may use many different products to embellish and integrate the final look of my mixed media paintings, including oils, oil pastels, leafing, waxes, metallic burnishing powders and varnish coats. Since I used an extra deep, gallery wrapped canvas for this painting, the finishing touches included bringing color & texture around all four sides for a dramatic, dimensional effect.  |
Anatomy of a Painting
#1 First Stage It is the beginning... I am staring at the blank canvas. What does it want to be? Sometimes I have an idea, but other times I allow the painting to evolve intuitively ... almost randomly. #2 Second Stage In this photo, the texture mediums have been applied. These may include layers of handmade papers, delicate tissues, texture mediums and random color. I try to remain intellectually removed from the work at this early stage of its development.   #4 Fourth Stage
At this stage, I may sketch in a design concept. This will undoubtedly change as paint is applied and I allow random patterns to emerge, but the basic structure of the design is established. #5 Fifth Stage The integration of paint and collage materials begins. I build shapes and dark areas of the composition by working lightly over the surface with acrylic glazes and acrylic paints. The color scheme begins to assert itself.  "Three Graces" - Mixed Media - 8x8x2 |
