Mixed Media Collage is one of the most fascinating and versatile mediums as it offers such an array of possibilities with all of the mixed media layering techniques it has to offer.

In this post, I will be sharing my main mixed media layering technique that allows more room to create the most interesting and unexpected effects, so far!

I will also share some discoveries, and experiences so you can save some time, energy, and even frustration. It took me a while to figure this out, and believe me when I say, I am still figuring it out!

If you are just starting to explore mixed media collage, you may have had similar issues.a mixed media layering technique that allows me to create the most interesting and unexpected effects,

I know I did!

• Do you find yourself getting stuck and wondering what to do next?
• Do you have difficulty covering up a “precious” area?
• Do you find yourself overthinking or worrying about the outcome?

Well…I think I have a solution.

My solution to this problem is to create “one – layer – at – a – time.”

This mixed media layering technique is full of wonderful surprises as it is doesn’t follow a “planned” approach but an “intuitive” one, which means an art process of creating art using an inner awareness that is more heart – centred. This approach allows you to tune into your own unique creative process.

In another blog, I talk about an “intuitive” approach to art-making. You can read about this art process, here.

I plan to write more about this subject in other future blogs. I find it so fascinating!

How can “One Layer At A Time” help with my art process?

By separating your art process into added “layers,” it can help with the “seeing the forest for the trees” overwhelm that you can get by having so much choice.

When you are dealing with each layer, one at a time, it allows you to respond to what is there, focusing more on that particular layer while pushing the rest behind, thus becoming part of the background, not something final or precious

This repetition of building many layers can create rich and subtle areas in your work that evolve on their own, naturally. 

When we create using layers, we are inviting an evolving process to our art-making. An “intuitive” approach that is far different from a series of planned, perfective artworks. It is an art process that only gets better with practice and experience while releasing the attachment to meaning, control, or a final product.

This is why I say,

“Art is the journey of the heart to the soul.”

In another blog, I talk about an “intuitive” approach to mixed media layering techniques. You can read some about using layers, here.

I am not discounting any planned pieces that have come from an idea or concept which is a different type of process altogether. I have created some interesting artwork this way, as well!

I am speaking more about creating conceptual or abstract art, art for yourself, as in an art journal, or exploring self-expression with color, materials, or techniques while searching for your authentic voice.

Below are a few examples of the mixed media materials that I use to create my layers. Variety is key if you want a choice of texture, colour, or pattern in your artwork.

I create a VARIETY of collage papers by stream writing with different pens, B & W photos, and found pages from textbooks and magazines.

Here I am adding layers of stencilling and found text from magazines. In the lower right, I’ve added a part of a dried paper palette in purple tones that I like.

How can creating in layers, using an intuitive art process be enjoyable?

Building in layers can produce some of the most interesting and unexpected results, especially once the layers start building on the previous layer. Wonderful surprises can occur!

I have made the most interesting discoveries in my art-making with this “one layer at a time” approach and have taken more artistic chances as my artwork is more expressive, authentic, and fulfilling!

It has helped me with the  “letting go” of my “precious” art and has helped silence my inner art critique because I treat what I am doing as a layer, not a final product. (Some days I have to remind myself, as well.) I have learned that any previous layer can eventually get covered up if I want, or I can choose to cover it up at any time during the process. I have also learned to love the messy and imperfect work in progress because most of the time it ends up becoming something really interesting that I could not have planned even if I had tried.

This is why I believe this type of process is more interesting than a planned one. It is full of surprises. If you don’t like them or want them, you can simply cover them up!

Experiment and Explore!

Discovering new materials or techniques can be fun and joyful, but by omitting the added pressures of a final perfect product, it can be so much more!

If you plan to use art journaling as an emotional outlet, then there is beauty in imperfection. Art journaling allows us to work through messy emotions, memories, and beliefs. I have used stream writing a lot in my mixed media layering techniques for processing my thoughts or emotions to activate (begin) a page, then covered it all up so only I know what is there. The emotion remains on the page awaiting the next layer.

Creating the Layers!

Things I have discovered:

• The most important thing that I learned about mixed media layering techniques is, that they are not done in one sitting. It takes time and practice!
• Getting to know ourselves is just another one of the amazing benefits during art-making as “Art is the mirror of the soul.”
• Experiment, experiment, experiment!
• Keep going and don’t give up, even when it gets ugly, and it will. Remember that it is all part of the process, just like in life.
• Explore to see what the materials can and cannot do, especially if it’s something you haven’t used before. Keep going until you get results that satisfy you.
• Remember to keep it playful and joyful. if it isn’t, take a break and maybe do some reflective writing in your notebook. I found this to be very helpful.
• Keep notes or visual records of your results, especially the great ones! You will want to remember how you achieved this effect.
• Once you are comfortable with your materials, start exploring the layering process. Remember that each layer has its effect and that by changing the order of the layers, it will also change the results.
• Have fun exploring with different combinations as well as the techniques themselves for different effects.
• Once you are happy with a certain combination, stick with it for a while using different colours or values.

It is also important to keep in mind that your artwork will go through many transformations before it decides it is finished so give it time to evolve. 

 Mixed Media Layering Techniques Ideas:

• Stream writing all over the page in different fonts, sizes, or writing tools
• simple marks
• stencils
• stamping from found tools
• patterns of line
• open /closed shapes
• thin layers of paint
• darker layers
• messy layers of paint
• collage paper
• veiling over the previous layer or part of the layer

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Show up consistently for yourself and your art even if it is for only 20 minutes.
• Trust the process over time.
• Don’t preplan, let it happen.
• Don’t overthink.
• Play and explore.
• Start many pages using many different starting layers.
• Try different combinations of layers.
• Allow pages time to transform.
• Be gentle on yourself.

Here is a video where I create a series using the  “One Layer At A Time” approach.

In this video, I explain this process in more detail.

Don’t forget to come on back after viewing the video for some FREE art stuff!

I hope that “One Layer At A Time” becomes part of your art-making process as it has become mine and… YOU love it as much as I do!

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Sincerely,

Michele

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