The Process

Here is a little bit about how I make my mixed media pieces.

The Final

How I Did It:

The Original Sketch

I chose to do the finished piece on this sketch of the Camellia bush in our backyard.

Drawing

One of my practice drawings based on the sketch. Getting to know the shape of the petals.

Palette

Quick investigation into a some colour combinations.

Preparing the pieces

I painted some paper with watercolours.

The collage elements

A bunch of prepared papers ready to collage.

The Ground

The paper is 140lb cold-pressed watercolour paper. I bought the separate sheets at my local art store.

Background

I used watercolour and gouache for the background colour. The watercolour provided the base colour and I added the gouache with a dry brush to give it texture.

The Flowers

I began cutting out broad shapes from the paper I had painted earlier. These shapes were based on my previous research and sketches, so it didn’t take too long for me to get something I was happy with.

Design

This is a very time consuming process: figuring out where all the pieces go. I go based on my intuition, using basic design principles as loose guide.

Collage

Here I’m working on the placement of the interior petals. Again, takes a long time. I use a regular glue stick to glue the pieces down.

Getting closer

More work on the petals. I often go back and cut up more paper if I find that I’m unhappy with how it’s looking.

Details

I added movement to the background with pencil crayon and gouache. It’s hard to decide when it’s done, but again, I just kind of feel it out.

In the frame

Checking them out in their frames. Next- ready to hang!

1. Sketching

   I chose to do the finished piece on this sketch of the Camellia bush in our backyard.

2. Drawing
   I take the sketch and create a series of drawings based on the sketch. I get to know the shapes and work out the composition.

3. Palette
   Next up is an investigation into a some colour combinations.

4. Preparing the pieces
   This part is fun. I get to go crazy laying down paint on paper. Here, I used watercolours, making sure to include a variety of different tones and textures. I just let paint do its thing.

5. Prep

   Here, I decide which of the prepared papers I’ll use.

6. The Ground
   I bought the separate sheets at my local art store; the paper is 140lb cold-pressed watercolour paper.

7. Background
   I used watercolour and gouache for the background colour. The watercolour provided the base colour and I added the gouache with a dry brush to give it texture.

8. The Flowers
   I begin by cutting out broad shapes from the paper I had painted earlier. These shapes are based on my previous research and sketches, so it doesn’t take too long to get something I was happy with.

9. Design
   This is a very time consuming process: figuring out where all the pieces go. I go based on my intuition, using basic design principles as loose guide.

10. Details

    I added pattern with pencil crayon and gouache. The pattern adds movement and visual interest to the piece. It’s hard to decide when it’s done, but again, I just kind of feel it out.

11. Framing
    Before wrapping, up I check them out in their frames. I try to make sure there are no weird flaws in the composition. Next- ready to hang!