Self Expression Collage Mixed Media Group Online Art Project- Step #2

Now that you have bought and gathered all of your materials and answered the questions in Prompt #1, you are ready to begin painting.

Gather these supplies:

Gesso
Matte Medium or Matte Modge Podge
Paintbrushes
Water Containers
Canvas or Art Journal
Collected Papers and Objects
Hair Dryer
Acrylic Paints, and Inks
Paper Towels
Painting Apron/Smock



1)  Apply a thick coat of Gesso to the canvas.  Making sure that it dries throughly.  Do not worry about any paintbrush marks they add texture to the piece.

One of the hardest things as an artist is waiting for your paint to dry before going onto the next step.  I found that using a fan or hair dryer will speed up the drying time of the Gesso.

2) Next gather up your paper and found objects, Matte Medium, and paintbrush.

Tear paper and arrange it and other objects onto the canvas using the Matte Medium as a glue.  Brush on the Matte Medium to the underneath side of the paper or objects then apply to canvas.  Use the brush to smooth down the objects, but do not be concerned if they are wrinkled.  Be sure to turn the canvas around as you apply the objects giving variety to the patterning.  

As an example of what I used was some gross grain ribbon, upholstery trim, postage stamps, textured papers, phone book pages, receipts, scrapbook paper, business card, magazine pictures and lace.

After the Matte Medium is throughly dried then gather up the Acrylic Ink (I used Transparent color Raw Sienna and Opaque Yellow Ochre, Acrylic Paint thinned down with water (colors- Olive Green and Raw Ochre)

Apply to the canvas, but try not to completely cover up the layers. Let some of the texture, words, images show through.  Before the paint dries get a paper towel and remove some of the paint.

Let completely dry.


HELPFUL HINTS:  Be patient and let the layers dry completely otherwise you will transfer gesso or paint to surfaces you do not want these mediums on.  Also the next step will include using Stamping Materials.  Be sure to read the 10 Easy Steps to Making Your Own Inexpensive Stamp for help.

UR-TURN:  What did you find the most enjoyable or frustrating today?  Also, feel free to post pictures of your work.


Until Next Time.

Many Blessings,