Creating layers in Mixed Media Art; Gesso

Part of creating Mixed Media Art, whether its bringing together a mixed media painting, a collage or creating a background, is all about creating layers. Sometimes these layers flow; other times we need to stop and think to find alternatives that stretch our artistic ventures. Here we will explore a range of methods and techniques that can help in creating layers within your mixed media art.

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Start with Gesso

If in doubt, start with a layer of gesso – that’s my motto and it seems to work well when starting with a range of backgrounds, whether it’s canvas, cereal box cardboard or an altered book / art journal.

Gesso is a chalk based paint that has lots of uses. It’s primary use for artists is to create a good foundation for painting on. It comes in white, clear and black. White is used most frequently. Gesso also makes blending paints easier and covers the underlying text and pictures.

I use a brush dedicated to the gesso and layer into my surface with considers strokes. The brushmarks in the gesso will show through the layers of paint and add to the layer and textures of your piece. While the gesso is wet you can write into it or scratch it with a stick or end of the paintbrush. Adding shapes or patterns or borders will all add interest to your finished piece. Some texture can also be added by using spiky brush strokes or texture plates.

Gesso needs to be fully dry before starting to paint over it. Have a ready supply of pre-gesso’d layouts can speed up the creative process. The drying can be sped up with a heat gun but leaving it to dry by itself is preferable to maintain it’s textures. If it’s cold this may be overnight.

Now this first layer is down we are ready to add the colour and lots more layers.

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Happy Creating!

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Technorati Tags: art journal, gesso, layers, paint brush, texture

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