Mixed Media Painting Workshop

On Sunday, I did a one day 1-on-1 (or rather 1-on-2) mixed media painting workshop with Laura Callaghan Grooms. I went with my mum, who, I would say, is definitely a beginner in mixed media art. The workshop was designed to introduce us to a range of mixed media techniques, which it did, but in a way that accommodated both of our skill levels. It was a lot of fun to get to try out some new techniques, but also to see another artist’s practice and how they work. (Also it’s nice to dedicate an entire day to making art without feeling like you should be doing something else!)

The first couple of steps were designed to familiarise us with the techniques we’d be using, such as collaging with papers, using gesso to create texture and working with acrylics over the top. There was also the exercise where we wrote down some words about how we were thinking/feeling at the time, which was designed to get them out of our heads and onto the paper, which we then (luckily!) covered up with gesso and paint. It was a great way to start using various tools to create texture and to see how different effects could be created with the paint.

We had the option to create a self-portrait or animal silhouette and I decided I wanted to go with the silhouette option and chose a butterfly. (Giving us the options was more to give us a starting point, or suggestion of what direction to go in, which was great because my mum ended up going rather ‘off-piste’ with it!) Then, using the techniques we’d learnt in the morning, we spent the afternoon working on our piece.

Collage and gesso layers

With paint added

Black butterfly silhouettes I made

Finished piece

Although this probably isn’t my normal style, I really like this piece of work. It definitely has its own mood and character! It was great being able to leave, on the day, with a finished, resolved piece of work, that I didn’t need to have to finish off when I got home.

This workshop couldn’t have come at a better time. I have been trying to work on canvases lately, but I’m really struggling with them because of how their texture affects the texture of the paint. Using collage to prime the canvas is something I hadn’t really considered before, but is definitely something I am going to try out!

I’m doing the 30 Days Art Marks Challenge again. (And I’m behind, again!) This time I wanted to make is a ‘proper’ art journal, as in do some actual journaling in it, but I’m still having difficulty with being confident enough to write down how I’m feeling/what I’m thinking, and making that part of the page. I think being able to cover it up, or allow some parts to show through, is a great idea that I’ve already started using!

Although I’ve used gesso and acrylic paint quite a bit in my work, there’s something about seeing how someone else uses the same tools as you do, but in a different way to create a different effect, which is really fascinating and gives you a lot of ideas!