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.
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.
Some artists take advantage of all the developments in technology to help them express their ideas. For example, copy machines or laser printers allow them to change an original image and enlarge, reduce, overlap and crease it or even rip it apart and enlarge certain pieces. They then experiment with composition until they are satisfied with its dynamic, graphic appeal. So many tools can be used today such as powders, waxes, gels, pens, inks and charcoal, all of which create different effects and work together in interesting ways.
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.
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.
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.
Some artists take advantage of all the developments in technology to help them express their ideas. For example, copy machines or laser printers allow them to change an original image and enlarge, reduce, overlap and crease it or even rip it apart and enlarge certain pieces. They then experiment with composition until they are satisfied with its dynamic, graphic appeal. So many tools can be used today such as powders, waxes, gels, pens, inks and charcoal, all of which create different effects and work together in interesting ways.
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.
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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