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Creating a mixed media painting
In this tutorial I show you how I made this mixed media painting on wood panel.

Posted by Iris F. from London, United Kingdom • Published See Iris F.'s 7 projects »
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  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 1
    Step 1

    Cover your canvas or panel with collage paper. I recommend sticking them down with matte gel medium and sealing them with another layer.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 2
    Step 2

    Start adding to the background with paint.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 3
    Step 3

    Continue adding to the background.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 4
    Step 4

    Continue developing the background. Start thinking about the composition, keep it light where you will want to put your design elements (face, boat or anything else you might add in your painting)

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 5
    Step 5

    Sketch in the face. I also put in a 'river' to break up the background and avoid it being too samey.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 6
    Step 6

    Develop the face sketch further.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 7
    Step 7

    Start painting the face with a base colour and some initial shading.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 8
    Step 8

    Develop the shading. This process can take quite a few layers. Build up layers of translucent paint by adding matte medium to your paint. Dry in between layers.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 9
    Step 9

    Don't be afraid to go quite dark with the shadows and light with the highlights on the face. It adds depth and interest.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 10
    Step 10

    Fold a paper boat and adhere it to the painting with plenty of gel medium. Paint a sail.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 11
    Step 11

    Add music notes to the hair with a white paint pen.

  • How to make a mixed media. Introduction & Verse   Mixed Media Painting - Step 12
    Step 12

    Have a good look at your painting and see whether everything fits together. Pay attention to how the background works together with the foreground, whether the contrast in the whole painting makes sense. Make adjustments with paint and glazes until the painting feels right.

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