Portraiture has been popular through the centuries as a way of recording the appearance and personality of an individual. Mixed media portrait artists have taken this form of art and pushed it to a new level by using all kinds of tools, substrates and materials. Some may use only a combination of two different materials such as pastels and charcoals while others take full advantage of many different elements to bring their ideas to life.
An artist producing this kind of work may have come through traditional fine art training whilst others may be self taught. Art as a means of expression always involves some experimentation and although each individual may have come a certain route, it is often the finished work that speaks for itself. A harmony has to be evident in the way all the elements are combined. Examining a portfolio will soon reveal the talent of a particular artist.
Discovering how different media works together often requires a process of experimentation. Techniques may involve adding or subtraction. Layers are added using processes like collage and textural painting. Processes like sanding, scratching, peeling or rubbing are used to expose what is underneath. Sponging, stenciling, blotting and weaving are just a few of the other techniques commonly used.
The substrates used vary widely too. Canvas, paper, wooden panels and even other materials not usually associated with art are used. One artist creates her own fabric paper by blending together paper, fabric, paint and glue. Another uses old wooden doors on which to paint his portraits.
Using laser printers and copy machines is another option today. The original can be drastically altered in this way. It can be enlarged or reduced. Pieces of the original may be overlapped, ripped or creased. Composition is very important in such cases and the overall impression needs to be well thought out. A more graphic, dynamic result can be obtained by using these techniques. Powders, gels, waxes, inks, charcoal and many other materials can be used and combined where necessary to achieve specific results. The imagination of the artist is the only limitation.
Such portraits often express far more than just the appearance of the individual. Moods and feelings are expressed, arousing the emotions of the viewer. Larger ideas like self-identity, finding clarity and more may also be expressed. The way elements are combined are used to challenge the viewer and even change perceptions.
A three-dimensional effect is often created in these portraits by the layering of objects. Fabric, lace, newsprint and more may be used to give extra texture and dimension. Solid objects like keys, chains and buttons also help to create dimension. Many different types of fibers are used too and even hand-embroidery may be incorporated.
Unique portraits are created in this way that make valuable investments for any buyer. The artist working in this way is often able to break boundaries and stretch the imagination by using interesting combinations of techniques, tools and materials. In this way, new territory is won and artworks are produced that inspire and memorize us, giving a peak into what may be possible in the future.
An artist producing this kind of work may have come through traditional fine art training whilst others may be self taught. Art as a means of expression always involves some experimentation and although each individual may have come a certain route, it is often the finished work that speaks for itself. A harmony has to be evident in the way all the elements are combined. Examining a portfolio will soon reveal the talent of a particular artist.
Discovering how different media works together often requires a process of experimentation. Techniques may involve adding or subtraction. Layers are added using processes like collage and textural painting. Processes like sanding, scratching, peeling or rubbing are used to expose what is underneath. Sponging, stenciling, blotting and weaving are just a few of the other techniques commonly used.
The substrates used vary widely too. Canvas, paper, wooden panels and even other materials not usually associated with art are used. One artist creates her own fabric paper by blending together paper, fabric, paint and glue. Another uses old wooden doors on which to paint his portraits.
Using laser printers and copy machines is another option today. The original can be drastically altered in this way. It can be enlarged or reduced. Pieces of the original may be overlapped, ripped or creased. Composition is very important in such cases and the overall impression needs to be well thought out. A more graphic, dynamic result can be obtained by using these techniques. Powders, gels, waxes, inks, charcoal and many other materials can be used and combined where necessary to achieve specific results. The imagination of the artist is the only limitation.
Such portraits often express far more than just the appearance of the individual. Moods and feelings are expressed, arousing the emotions of the viewer. Larger ideas like self-identity, finding clarity and more may also be expressed. The way elements are combined are used to challenge the viewer and even change perceptions.
A three-dimensional effect is often created in these portraits by the layering of objects. Fabric, lace, newsprint and more may be used to give extra texture and dimension. Solid objects like keys, chains and buttons also help to create dimension. Many different types of fibers are used too and even hand-embroidery may be incorporated.
Unique portraits are created in this way that make valuable investments for any buyer. The artist working in this way is often able to break boundaries and stretch the imagination by using interesting combinations of techniques, tools and materials. In this way, new territory is won and artworks are produced that inspire and memorize us, giving a peak into what may be possible in the future.
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