Painters Online Logo

Login/register

Studio

Mixed media scares me!

Welcome to the forum.

Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.

Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.

Hang on Studio Wall
Showing page 1 of 2
Author
Message

Frank Bingley

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 138
Posted
I did my first mixed media painting recently and was fairly pleased about the way it turned out (posted on POL). I thought that I would have a go at another one, but the thought does scare me a little, as I have no idea what I’m doing or how it is going to turn out. I think I have already made a mistake with my choice of paper, as it is smooth Bristol board and I’ve started with acrylic with the intention of using coloured pencils on top. The previous work done in similar fashion, but on Pastelmat paper, where the pencils take readily. On this smooth paper though, this doesn’t appear to to work so well. This leaves me in something of a predicament on what to do next. Here’s the sketch and progress at the fist stage of applying colour. The subject is York Minster, viewing from the wall.
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 8041
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 2435
Posted
Well. It’s looking good Frank - full of light. Not knowing what you intend, your final goal, I don’t know what to suggest - a bit of collage? Using bits of pastelmat then pencil in parts?

Denise Cat

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 6932
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 2620
Posted
It's looking great Frank. Mixed media are really interesting. When I've done one, I've used a mixed media board or pad. They pretty much take about everything. 
My Profile pic16

Lewis Cooper

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 6309
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 2573
Posted
Looking good Frank.  Mixed media is loosely described, I'm remember reading somewhere that pen and wash is mixed media.  Not that it matters a jot.  I've tried watercolour, pen, gouache and ink...so far not acrylic or collage.  I had the same result on Bristol Board...love it for pencil or pen...won't use it for mixed media again. Be interesting to see where you go with this.

Ellen Mooney

  • Forum Expert
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 304
Posted
I paint quite a bit in mixed media, Frank. I use collage, bits and pieces of ‘stuff’ like orange bag netting, pieces of cut up paper etc. I also use mediums like pumice gel and fibre gel. I also use crayon, charcoal and markers, oil pastel plus drawing pen.  I paint in acrylics, but if I’m using mediums I add those first, then paint over them for added texture. I use the markers, crayons and drawing pen afterwards.  Hope this gives you some ideas.

Frank Bingley

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 138
Posted
Thanks for all your suggestions, I will take them on board. I will look into mixed media board next time Denise. That's interesting that you came up with the same problem using Bristol board Lewis, by the way, I love your profile pic! You've given me lots to think about Ellen, thanks.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 24791
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 8641
Posted
Bristol board is very smooth, of course - fine for watercolour botanical studies, not so great for other subjects. Maybe try Ampersand boards - very smooth, but more absorbent: although, I find them better for oils than for, e.g., acrylics.  Frank - I don't really do much in mixed-media, but - I think if I did I'd use rough watercolour paper or pastel paper; or a strongly textured canvas (if you can find it: I've had real difficulties in locating a toothy canvas, in board or stretched on a frame).   Anyway - to the point!  I think you'd have been a lot happier with either a well-sized watercolour paper, or a stout pastel paper, in beginning your work: you need that much tooth to start with, or you're always fighting the lack of it.  Mixed media can mean so much, though - it can include collage, which I don't do; it can include acrylic, chalk, pastel, ink - to great effect.  It's got to have a robust surface to tolerate all that, though - cartridge can take more than you might think, but a good watercolour paper can take so much more - and a rough one is likely better than a smooth surface.   Looking forward to seeing where you go from here, but the only hint I'd give is - do have a robust surface to start with: for so many reasons. 

Frank Bingley

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 138
Posted
That sounds like good advice Robert. Unfortunately I have learnt the error of a smooth paper for mixed media. What I have to decide now, is whether to “fight it” as you put it or try to pull it all together and the only way I can see of doing that, is to change direction.

Frank Bingley

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 138
Posted
I’ve worked some coloured pencil and fine Posca pens into the painting now. Unfortunately, due to the error with smooth paper, only dark colours have any effect over the Acrylic. The Posca pens work well and are excellent for fine detail. Think I will have to go back in again with acrylic before doing anything else. I won’t give up on this just yet, though I have other work that needs attention.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 24791
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 8641
Posted
You've done your best with an unforgiving surface, and produced a good result.  So - all you've got to do now is find a more suitable surface and have another go!  Ah the joys of being an artist....

Frank Bingley

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 138
Posted
Well I've had to go back into this one with acrylic, elaborating on the trees and shrubs. Not going to start over Robert! Hopefully add some more coloured pencil and pen work next time.
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 8041
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 2435
Posted
You’ve sharpened it, especially the light. Looks good Frank, even if it ended up different to your original idea.
Showing page 1 of 2