Mixed Media Journal Pages

Here are two pages from my visual journal today.    These started with background painting using Dylusion Inks.   These inks are wonderful for color richness, but they are not waterproof.  Since I wanted to do some painting and collage on these backgrounds, I sealed them with acrylic medium applied with a roller.   That allowed me to work freely on the backgrounds with collage, paint, and colored pencil after they were dry.    

The writing is done with Molotow markers, which are permanent and waterproof acrylic when dry, so the entire work can be sealed with matte medium when finished, or painted on, without fear of the text running or smearing.   

In mixed media art, it's so important to learn about the characteristics of the mediums you use, to avoid unhappy accidents.   It's all about learning and experimenting.  

Heads or Tails?

 One of the choices for this month's ATC exchange was Mermaids.  I used 7 individual images to create this illustration in Photoshop and then decided to experiment with a reversal  of the "parts."

The second card design is sort of a "reverse mermaid."   I find it both amusing and a little disturbing to see the fish head in this context, and this one is actually my favorite of the two.

Another Set of Three

The fun experimentation with sets of three continues.  This time, inspired by the colors in my garden and a summer sunset.   

Working on three collage paintings simultaneously is a great way to keep the energy flowing, challenge yourself to work intuitively and not linger too long in the decision making process.  

Choosing the basic elements you intend to work with prior to beginning, allows you to work without having to stop and look for things.   Of course, as the process goes on, allow plenty of room for spontaneous inspiration.  

The possibilities are endless.   The important thing is, let this be your own expression.  Don't copy something that someone else has already done.   Work from your own intuition and be genuine.  It's just so much more fun that way anyhow.   

Sets of Three

I have been working with sets of three collages simultaneously.   Here's how it works….. I begin by making 3 background pieces using a mono printing process on my Gelli printing plate, and the same colors on all 3.   Then a layer of painting is added to start building the composition.  Next collage elements are applied using paper and matte medium.   Finally, mark making, paint or detail work.   The rules I am applying to this process are simple…. whatever I use on one, whether it is a specific paper, color of paint or type of mark making, I must use on all 3.  So there is a continuity in the materials and colors as they relate to each other, but all 3 are still unique expressions.  

I am also working very intuitively on these, trying not to "over think" the whole process.  These may or may not be finished.

There are several options for the finished pages…. they could be bound into journal form, or mounted as individual pieces, or as a triptych.  

Freedom

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."

                                              ~Nelson Mandela

This piece was composed of four individual images arranged and altered unsing Photoshop CC.