Hot Trend: Layering Tips from Somerset Apprentice Artists
Just like you can layer a tank top underneath a flowing blouse to give your outfit a pop of color, you can layer different materials on top of one another to achieve a blend of hues and textures. From Kraft tissue paper to ink sprays, stencils to gel sticks, there is a variety of tools and media you can use to build an amazing focal point in your mixed-media projects.
Somerset Apprentice is your go-to source for learning about the building blocks of creating art. This publication is ideal for artists of all skill levels; beginners will appreciate easy-to-follow instructions and seasoned artists will enjoy expanding their artistic repertoire with new, innovative techniques. Each issue boasts detailed snapshots, step-by-step instructions, and tips from professional artists to help guide you in creating one-of-a-kind pieces. Here are a few fun tips from some of our talented artists featured in our current Spring ’12 issue.
Good Credit
Layer paint onto the pages and roughly blend with a paintbrush. Use an old credit card to scrape over areas and to move the paint around.
– Linda Fazzary
Back, Back, Back it Up
To create the background, cut vintage book pages and scanned letters into squares and adhere to the board with matte gel.
– Michelle DeFillipo
You Tell the Story
Select a phrase or sentence from your vintage book pages that suggests the story, theme, or message behind your composition, and apply with matte medium.
– Ivette Newport
Just My Type
Using a typewriter, type a title onto a scrap of muslin. Adhere the title over the lower front of the photograph with a light coat of soft gel medium.
– Rebecca Sower
Observe and Combine
The beauty of abstract art is that you can do whatever appeals to you. I challenge you to look around your workspace and observe what you have laying around and see what kind of things you can combine to make your own piece of art.
– Ruth Rae
Find Your Medium
I love that [the acrylic paint] dried quickly and is made from plastic and is so durable that you can layer it, sand it, and start over repeatedly! Sometimes I go back into paintings from years ago to freshen them up a bit or completely rework them.
– Mati Rose McDonough
Find these artists’ projects and more inside of the Spring ’12 issue of Somerset Apprentice, and get to work on learning a new skill or two! Send us a photo showing off your new trade at blog@stampington.com.
Top photo: Priscilla Jones, Autumn ’12 (available September 1st)
Bottom photo: Hanne Matthiesen, Spring ’11
Posted: Thursday, August 16th, 2012 @ 9:14 am
Categories: Mixed-Media Art.
Tags: Somerset Apprentice, Tips from the Pros.
Subscribe to the comments feed if you like.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Backgrounds make a BIG difference!
~Linda
Layering adds so much dimension and texture to any project. I sent you a photo of my latest creation that shows how I used layering. Thanks for the inspiration and the great ideas!
Great tips! I’m just discovering collage art and these ideas will be put to good use.
I love these ideas! Thanks for gathering inspiration and sharing this bouquet of talent :D
Very nice to have suggestions and tips from the artists. Thank you!