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,

Self Exploration Collage/Assemblage Online Group Art Project Materials List

As I promised here is Art Materials List:

*  Collected Papers and Found Objects 
*  6" x 6" Wrapped Art Canvas (any small size will work) or Mixed Media Art Journal

* Glue Stick (UHU is good one)
* Scissors

*  1/2" flat Paint brush 
* Water Container
* Containers for paint or Paint Palette
* Foam Paint Brush
* Acrylic Gesso
* Acrylic Paints (your choice of colors)
* Acrylic Ink (1-2 colors with at least one being Transparent)
* Transparent Inks or Inktense Pencils (optional)
* Watercolor (optional)
* Colored Pencils
* Pastels (optional)
* Stamping Materials including Ink
* Waterproof Pen(s)
* Hair Dryer (optional) lessens drying times of layers

Try to gather all of your materials and have Prompt #1 completed so you will be ready to work on the next step.  Even though I will be trying to finish this project within a two week period, there is no timeline.  This is a self guided project.

HELPFUL HINTS:  If you cannot find or purchase everything at once, use what you have on hand.  Improvise.  This is not to be a stressful but enjoyable project.

UR-TURN:  Is there something you have had to substitute or added on the materials list?  Share with others what those items are, it will help others.

Until Next Time.

Many Blessings,

Self Exploration Collage/Assemblage Online Group Art Project-Journal Prompt #1

Gather up your Art Journal or Notebook for this part of the Project.

Prompt#1: 
Purpose of this assignment is to

Discover Who You Are by:

* confronting pain/embracing joy

* reflecting on your past experiences

* exploring who you are/ what you tell other people about yourself

* stories I tell myself

* exploring significant people and events

* what is important to me

* examining my strengths and weaknesses

* discovering areas of personal growth

* core values

Now ask yourself these questions and write them down, unedited, in your own journal.  Use descriptive Adjectives and limit yourself to 5-15 minutes of writing time.

RESPOND TO THESE QUESTIONS:

Where did I come from?

Who is my family?

What is most important to me?

What roles do I play?

The stories and myths about myself

My favorite foods, movies, music

Personality traits

Memories

Dreams/Goals

After you have completed this exercise collect objects that can visually represent what you have discovered.  We will use those objects later on in our collage/assemblage art.

A Materials Lists will be in the next Blog Posts.

HELPFUL HINTS:  Give string writing a try.  To use this method continuously write without stopping to edit your thoughts or grammar. If you draw a blank, write something like, I do not know what to write so I am writing this etc... until the next idea comes to you.  

UR-TURN:  Feel free to share one thing you learned from completing this exercise.

Until Next Time.

Many Blessings,

Self Exploration Mixed Media Collage/Assemblage Online Group Project

My daughter came to me last week with a special request.  She expressed her desire to re acquaint herself with an art project, but was stuck and limited on time.  She is in Summer School.

She came up with this idea for me create an online art project that both of us could do together.  I loved the idea. Then I thought why not share this project with my Blog Followers too.

My plan is to begin posting a materials list, instructions, prompts, and pictures.  Then allow you to join in on the fun by sharing your pictures (show off your artwork), questions, comments, frustrations, and successes about this project. 

If this online project is anything like my college art classes, our posts should be fun, inspiring and surprising.  I am always amazed how each artist works to find their own solutions.

Look for the next post, it will provide the materials list.  Be sure to read the That Makes Cent$- Collecting Found Objects for Mixed Media Art

HELPFUL HINTS:  If beginning a new art project seems a little daunting, ask a friend or two to join you.  Make plans for a weekly  get together at each other's home.  Always much more fun to work  with others.  Usually good for some laughter.

UR-TURN:  Please feel free to comment or ask questions about this project.  

Until Next Time.

Many Blessings,