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.
People come to this art from through many different routes. Some of them have formal training in fine art whilst others are come through the craft route and may be self taught. What matters at the end of the day is the appeal of the art they create. The key to a great piece of art lies in the composition and bringing the disparate elements together harmoniously is difficult. One of the best ways to find out more about an artist is to examine his or her portfolio.
The techniques used are extremely varied. Sometimes pieces are carefully layered onto the substrate. At times layers may be created and then sanded, scratched or peeled to reveal those underneath. Weaving, stenciling, stamping and sponging are other techniques are also utilized. In fact, some individuals even invent their own techniques.
The types of substrates used are also extremely varied. Paper, canvas and wood are commonly used but other surfaces not usually associated with art are used too. One artist paints portraits on antique, wooden doors and another creates her own fabric paper by combing paper, fabric, glue and paint.
So many tools are available today that can result in mesmerizing results. Playing with a laser printer or copy machine, for example, allows the artist to alter the original content by ripping, creasing, enlarging, reducing or overlapping. They do this to create a more graphic, dynamic type of composition. Pens, inks, charcoal, wax, gels, powders and more offer a diversity of tools for creative expression.
Working with many different elements gives an artist the opportunity to bring across ideas and feelings. Universal concepts such as alienation, searching for identity in a world of uncertainty and many others may be addressed. Layers and combinations of materials can help in expressing these ideas and the viewer is challenged to think about what they are seeing.
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.
This genre of painting combines all kinds of different painting and drawing materials and methods to create one-of-a-kind portraits. Experimentation often pushes an artist towards discovery of a completely new means of expression. In unique combinations of methods, materials and tools, boundaries are broken and new territory is conquered. Portraits such as this may be more costly but as they represent the cutting edge of art, they are often a valuable investment.
People come to this art from through many different routes. Some of them have formal training in fine art whilst others are come through the craft route and may be self taught. What matters at the end of the day is the appeal of the art they create. The key to a great piece of art lies in the composition and bringing the disparate elements together harmoniously is difficult. One of the best ways to find out more about an artist is to examine his or her portfolio.
The techniques used are extremely varied. Sometimes pieces are carefully layered onto the substrate. At times layers may be created and then sanded, scratched or peeled to reveal those underneath. Weaving, stenciling, stamping and sponging are other techniques are also utilized. In fact, some individuals even invent their own techniques.
The types of substrates used are also extremely varied. Paper, canvas and wood are commonly used but other surfaces not usually associated with art are used too. One artist paints portraits on antique, wooden doors and another creates her own fabric paper by combing paper, fabric, glue and paint.
So many tools are available today that can result in mesmerizing results. Playing with a laser printer or copy machine, for example, allows the artist to alter the original content by ripping, creasing, enlarging, reducing or overlapping. They do this to create a more graphic, dynamic type of composition. Pens, inks, charcoal, wax, gels, powders and more offer a diversity of tools for creative expression.
Working with many different elements gives an artist the opportunity to bring across ideas and feelings. Universal concepts such as alienation, searching for identity in a world of uncertainty and many others may be addressed. Layers and combinations of materials can help in expressing these ideas and the viewer is challenged to think about what they are seeing.
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.
This genre of painting combines all kinds of different painting and drawing materials and methods to create one-of-a-kind portraits. Experimentation often pushes an artist towards discovery of a completely new means of expression. In unique combinations of methods, materials and tools, boundaries are broken and new territory is conquered. Portraits such as this may be more costly but as they represent the cutting edge of art, they are often a valuable investment.
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