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.
Many different techniques are used and a successful combination is often only discovered by a process of experimentation. There are those who add elements in layers to create the textures and dimensions they are looking for. There are others who create layers and then peel some away, sand, scratch or rub to reveal the different layers. Stenciling, weaving, sponging and stamping are some other 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.
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.
Many different techniques are used and a successful combination is often only discovered by a process of experimentation. There are those who add elements in layers to create the textures and dimensions they are looking for. There are others who create layers and then peel some away, sand, scratch or rub to reveal the different layers. Stenciling, weaving, sponging and stamping are some other 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.
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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