Mixed Media ATCs with Collage Layers & Stencils

Hello lovelies,

My youtube channel turns two years old this month and I'm quite pleased with the way it's going, although this year I've only been able to manage one video tutorial a month. Apart from the daily errands, I've been busy with preparing for an art exhibition in June (more on that in a future post), as well as re-branding my channel to align with my blog. 

I did manage to squeeze in this fun and easy tutorial. Creating Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) is very satisfying. The surface is small enough to complete several cards quickly, and just like standard trading cards you can exchange them with fellow artists. Who doesn't love to receive happy mail?! 

To fill the background easily I used stencils with a variety of patterns. Create eyecatching effects by using three harmonizing paint colors together. 

In this video tutorial I use tiny paper scraps from my leftovers basket. I tend to keep those scraps that are the negative image that have been punched out with a punching tool or a shape that I cut out by hand. By layering other bits underneath you can create interesting collage art. 

Watch the short art tutorial from start to finish here:

Chunky acrylic paint pens are a playful way to add mark making. I have several colors, some with a round tip and some with a chisel tip. Tiny bits of washi tapes add texture.

This is a beginner-friendly project and very forgiving should you ever glue down a paper scrap in the wrong place (as I did 😉) due to the many layers! 

Thanks for visiting my blog and reading along. Have a great day!

Mastering Mixed Media ~ Learning new techniques

Hello everyone!

If you've been reading along for a while you've probably guessed that I'm passionate about all things "mixed media." The other day I came across this free online event called Mastering Mixed Media. It runs from May 1st until May 14th with daily art sessions presented by artists from around the world. Apart from being loads of fun, each session is in  a different style using a variety of mediums.

Even though I know I won't be able to do them all (40 lessons!), I endeavor to at least watch them. There's always useful information and valuable advice to glean from these types of videos. Here's what I have created so far.

This art session was presented by artist Laura Horn. It combined transparent watercolors with mark making in pen and pencil. While I find working with watercolors challenging and I rarely work with them, I did find this loose, abstract way of painting enjoyable! 

This lesson by artist Toni Burt was closer to my style. It incorporated quirky face sketching with graphite pencils - which I love - and bits of collage, which I often use in my art practice.

This lesson was taught by French artist Laly Mille. I was immediately drawn to this playful, colorful style with collage layers and whimsical elements. I added some butterflies that I had punched out from my gelli prints and I also drew a little wonky house. This took some time due to the many collage layers and drying time of the paint. 

This Mixed Media event is free while it's running. Once it closes there is the option to purchase the classes with life-time access. While we're on Day 4, it's not too late to join! You can still access the sessions from the previous days. Click here for more information and to register.

 

Have a great week!

Mixed Media Art Journal Flip Through

Hello blog friends!

I finally completed the art journal that I started last year. I chose a vintage-style theme, although I did sneak in a few semi-abstract artworks as you can see above.

I did a flip-through reel on instagram if you want to take a look at all the pages. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful day!