Mixed Media Art inspiration

In a previous post, I wrote about how I was interested in Art Journals.  That led to me learning about Mixed Media art.  Mixed Media art is so interesting to me because it combines different art techniques and mediums to create one beautiful piece of artwork.  In my head, I have so many ideas of different projects that I would love to do.  It is such a branching out from what I am used to though, so I wasn't sure how to go about actually creating a mixed media project. Sure, I can do collages, but to create a piece of work such as the picture below seemed like such a big leap for me.

Visit Such a Pretty Mess to find this original work and other great projects.

 Thankfully I haven't been left on my own.  There are many visual step-by-step photographic tutorials available. You can check on Pinterest or do a Google search for some great ones.  Here are two that I really liked.

 One Lucky Day posted a thorough tutorial that gives a description of every step to take and exactly what product she is using. Sometimes when you watch the videos they just assume that you are knowledgeable about the products that they are using and don't bother to mention what is being used.  Paula shows a picture of each item she is using so if you are interested in buying the product you will know what to look for.

Layering Tutorial by One Lucky Day

  Jenny Hall Art posted a really cute one that doesn't require quite as many "specialty" products.  Buying the special products made for Mixed Media can be quite costly.  I liked that Jenny's project only required Mod Podge, acrylic paint and a piece of music for the background.  It was beautiful, but not complicated.

Bluebird Painting by Jenny Hall Art

 What has helped me the most though is watching videos.  I have loved watching You Tube videos by Christy Tomlinson. She has a few on her YouTube Channel but most are listed on her business website Scarlet Lime. I literally spent 2 hours watching her videos to gain inspiration and actually figure out how to do layers and what supplies to use. Below is a picture of a finished project she posted on her site.

Christy Tomlinson specializes in a series called "She Art" and offers workshops and retreats.

 As you can see from these examples, you start with a background, then build your project layer upon layer. I think the hardest part for me will be with making the backgrounds. So many people use book pages as a base for their backgrounds.  I'm such a book lover it goes against what is ingrained in me to even think about ripping apart a book.  I'll have to find one that doesn't have sentimental value to me and push on.  I really do love the look of  mixed media art and know that I will love the creative process it takes to make a piece of art.

 I can't wait to get started on a few projects! I have the canvases I got as a Thrift Store Find a few weeks ago that I have already started to prep.  Now I just have to narrow it down to what I want to create!  Here is a link to my Mixed Media Pinterest board.