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Mixed media and collage small paintings : A few techniques you can use

mixed media and collage paintings
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Mixed media and collage small paintings : A few techniques you can use

If you like to experiment and build a painting layer by layer, changing your mind, adjusting, looking for satisfying composition and colors, mixed media and collage is for you.

You have limitless media you can use, this is what I had around:

  • papers (some are painted on, some are printed with a geli plate, I also have pieces of magazines, cards, etc…
  • felt tips pens, markers, watercolor pencils…
  • I used marker paper but you can use what you have, Bristol, Yupo, watercolor paper….
  • Gel medium to glue paper
  • Acrylic paints and Inks
  • Stamps and an inkpad or ink and a sponge
  • Brushes

Here are a few ideas you can use to build a mixed media small painting.

I find it easier if I start with a collage

To avoid the blank page indecision, collaging a few pieces of paper is a good way to get started.

start by collaging a few pieces of paper
start by collaging a few pieces of paper

Use gel medium as a glue. It is a good idea to alternate straight edges cut with scissors and textured soft edges that you get when you rip the paper.

You can also paint some areas directly on the paper

alternate collages and painted areas
alternate collages and painted areas

Here I am painting with acrylic directly on the paper. I also painted over one of the collaged paper.

Keep collaging elements to figure out a composition

keep adding collage elements
keep adding collage elements

You can move shapes around to try different compositions, you can try different papers with different colors and textures.

Have fun adding patterns and designs

You can add patterns to some of the collaged elements
You can add patterns to some of the collaged elements
or draw directly on your original paper
or draw directly on your original paper, here on top of an acrylic wash.
You can also stamp patterns like the dots on the left here
You can also stamp patterns like the dots on the left here

You can layer washes and add texture to your washes

Layer washes to modify colors or to tie different areas together with color
Layer washes to modify colors or to tie different areas together with color
Here I am lifting up some of the freshly painted wash to add texture and make it more transparent.
Here I am lifting up some of the freshly painted wash to add texture and make it more transparent.
Painting the same wash over a few areas with create color harmony in the painting
Painting the same wash over a few areas with create color harmony in the painting
You can also paint white over an area if you need to tone down the painting, add more contrast and definition or lighten it.
You can also paint white over an area if you need to tone down the painting, add more contrast and definition or lighten it. The layers underneath will still show through and add complexity to the painting.

Experiment with different media

I like to use felt tips pens to color over areas.

Here I am using a marker to go over the stamped design that lost its visibility underneath the layers of paint.
Here I am using a marker to go over the stamped design that lost its visibility underneath the layers of paint.

Keep adjusting and experimenting until you are satisfied with the result.

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A Mixed Media Treasury of Techniques and Ideas

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