Hi everyone!
I've had this idea to create my own art prompt cards for the longest time - not least out of necessity, as I've been struck with the dreaded "art block" a few times these last couple of years and it is not a good feeling. As it so happens, I've had this set of blank postcards in my stash for a while, which came in handy for this project. Obviously, I was in quite a creative mood when I made these, as I completed the whole card deck (30 pcs) in a weekend!
I'm sharing my process for how I made these cards, however, feel free to tweak and substitute anything to your liking! This is why I love mixed media so much, is that the possibilities are endless.
When I'm working in a series, I often like to tape the cards together with a bit of low-tack masking tape and view the surface as a whole piece. As in the example above, I simply used a brayer to roll on some bright, contrasting colors as a first layer. Another way to start is by adding a light wash in pale colors and stamp something bright on top - see below.
The cards I'm working on are 200 gsm. They did curl a little when I put down the wash, but this is easily fixed by lightly spraying the back with water and then putting several heavy books on top with a paper towel in between to soak up the moisture.
Let's continue with the bright colored cards...
I like to add texture with my text stamp and a black stamp pad. I stamp the image to random areas.
Step Two
I make some marks and add some handwritten text with a fat acrylic paint pen.
Step Three
I adhere tissue paper collage that has graphic elements on it.
Step Four
I add a layer of stencilling.
Step Five
I make more marks with an old plastic lid and indigo ink.
Step Six
Finally, I add focal points to my cards. This can be anything from stamped images, ephemera, cutouts, stickers etc.
Above is a selection of cards from my deck. As you can see, it's the layering process that gives them interest and depth. Besides, it's fun!
All thirty cards have individual art prompts on the reverse side. I came up with general art prompts, that can be used for all types of art, not just mixed media. You can watch me create an art card in the video below. The list of prompts is in the description box directly below the video on You Tube. So, when next I'm stuck in my art, I grab my art card deck, give the cards a good shuffle, spread them out on my work table and randomly pick three cards. I sometimes do this with my eyes closed to avoid picking the same ones I tend to gravitate to. The prompts on the back are my starting points. I grant myself the freedom to use any substrates and any tools that I wish - from brushes, to brayers to sponges! I also gently remind myself, that these prompts are simply suggestions.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today and if you happen to watch the video below on YouTube a thumbs up would be very much appreciated ♥ Have a lovely day, wherever you may be.
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