Do you ever find yourself flipping through your sketchbook and feeling uninspired by your flat, two-dimensional drawings? After years of experimenting with different mediums, I have discovered it's natural to crave texture in your artwork, and that's where mixed media comes in. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, mixed media techniques are an exciting way to add depth and interest to your art. In this article, we'll explore some unique techniques for creating texture using mixed media. From using found objects to experimenting with unconventional materials, we'll give you a roadmap for adding texture that will make your sketches practically leap off the page. So grab some supplies, get ready to get your hands dirty, and let's dive in!
1. Paint on top of hand-made paper
I am painting a bird on paper that I made with herbs and recycled paper scraps. Handmade or textured paper provide instant texture and there's nothing like telling people that you've incorporated herbs into your painting!
If handmade paper is a bit out of your comfort zone you can join my class on the Skillshare platform to get lots of exciting mixed media paper recipes! See the papermaking class here.
2. Layer contrasting materials
This can include anything from paper and fabric to paint and ink. By building up layers, you can create a sense of depth that draws the viewer in and invites them to explore your artwork. Play around with different combinations of materials and see what works best for you.
In this landscape painting I have combined charcoal, decoupaged patterned paper, acrylics, gesso, paper scraps and watercolours:
Experiment with using different materials to create your layers. For example, try stacking paper and fabric together, or building up layers of paint and ink. Don't be afraid to mix and match materials until you find a combination that looks and feels right to you. By playing around with different materials, you'll begin to develop your own personal style and create textured art that is truly one-of-a-kind.
As you continue to experiment with layering, you'll find that the possibilities are endless. But don't stop there! In the next section, we'll explore using natural 'earthy' materials to create even more texture and dimension in your mixed media artwork.
See this blog post packed with tips all about layering with mixed media.
3. Experiment with Natural Materials
When it comes to mixed media art, experimentation is key. Don't limit yourself to traditional art supplies - explore using unconventional materials to add even more texture and interest to your pieces. Think outside the box and try incorporating items like sand, coffee grounds, or even leaves and flowers from your backyard.
Using natural materials can add a unique element to your work and make it stand out from the crowd. For example, mixing herbs into paint can create a rough, gritty texture that contrasts nicely with smoother materials like fabric. Coffee grounds can add a warm, earthy tone to your work while also creating a textured surface. As a bonus, instant coffee is also much cheaper than paint!
The key is to experiment and find what works for you. By thinking outside the box and incorporating natural materials into your mixed media art, you'll create pieces that truly push the boundaries of texture and interest.
4. Use ready-made texture pastes
If you're looking for an easy and convenient way to add texture to your mixed media artwork, consider using ready-made texture pastes. These products come in a variety of textures, from gritty and rough to smooth and creamy, and can be applied directly to your surface with a palette knife or other tool. You can buy them from art stores or online. I like the ones shown: 'Blended Fibers' paste has perfect consistency for nature-inspired art and 'White Opaque Flakes' paste is good for showing contrast due to the more chunky texture.
One of the advantages of using texture pastes is that they can be used to build up depth and dimension in your artwork without adding extra weight or bulk. Additionally, texture pastes can be painted over once they're dry, allowing you to experiment with different colour combinations and effects.
You may also want to experiment with different tools to create different effects - for example, a palette knife can create a rough and jagged texture, while a sponge or brush can create a smoother, more blended texture.
5. Use found objects to create texture in mixed media painting
One way to create texture in mixed media art is by using found objects. These can be anything from old keys and coins to bits of fabric and paper. By incorporating these items into your artwork, you can add depth and interest that can't be achieved with paint or other traditional art supplies.
To use found objects, start by collecting items that speak to you. Look for things with interesting shapes, textures, or patterns. Once you have a collection, experiment with different ways of incorporating them into your artwork. You might glue them onto your canvas or paper, or you could use them to create an imprint by pressing them into wet paint or clay.
6. Use fabric as the base
In conclusion, mixed media is an ideal medium for texture-lovers who want to add dimension to their sketches. By using found objects, layers, natural materials and using ready-made texture pastes, you'll be able to create sketches that are full of life and energy. It's time to dive in and get your hands dirty, experimenting with different materials and techniques to create unique and captivating artwork!
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