Dark Romanticism: Mixed-Media Tutorial by Guest Artist Olga Siedlecka
She found herself among some rusty ferns.
The moist moss lay underneath, the burning stars high above.
The chilling air was cooling down her emotions.
We are pleased to welcome guest artist, Olga Siedlecka, to Somerset Place! Olga is a gifted mixed-media artist who has been featured in several Stampington publications including Bella Grace, Art Journaling, and Somerset Studio. Today she’ll be sharing how she created this beautiful mixed-media piece.
As the two main elements of my work, I chose a canvas panel and a small broken china plate. To start the background, I glued down grey paper with botanical patterns using a heavy gel medium. Then, I painted the background with black gesso along with emerald, indigo and navy inkblots of acrylic paints.
I applied this mixture with my finger to obtain a messy effect and when the medium was drying, I wiped the canvas with a moist cloth. This step resulted in a ragged and time-worn effect.
Then I started working on the focal element. I glued down the young lady’s portrait onto the china plate and also fixed the photo of moon phases under a few glass pebbles. I used thick gel medium which dries transparent and once it had dried, I trimmed the excess of the photo underneath.
Then, I arranged the composition of pebbles and the china plate. I added a star and dried ferns which were attached to the background with transparent gel.
When dry, I enhanced the composition with a dried root, a pinch of tiny beads, a pinch of shimmering powders, a bit of rusty pastes and red acrylic paints.
To finish the piece, I covered the plate with a coat of glaze medium and imprinted the moon stamp with heated sealing wax.The last step was adding a bit of color on the ferns and a few tea stain drops.
Materials Used: canvas panel, small china plate, gel medium, black gesso, acrylic paints, vintage photo, dried ferns or pressed flowers, microbeads, rust paste, art pebbles.
To keep up with Olga, visit her blog at: belladonnacrafts.blogspot.com!
Posted: Thursday, May 23rd, 2019 @ 10:43 am
Categories: Mixed-Media Art, Uncategorized.
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I absolutely love this finished piece and the process that you used to create it. Brilliant use of the china dish and love the sealing wax. Stunning creation.