Mixed Media Canvas

Learn how to combine several mediums and create a mixed media canvas.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   There are always loose grainy pieces on the raw wood panel. Make sure to sand the cradle well to make sure it is nice and smooth.

   

2. Step 2

   Brush white gesso smoothly all over the board and sides. Let dry completely.
   
   Hint:
   Gesso is used to “prime” the board and give it a coating to accept paints beautifully.

   

3. Sand after it is dry.

   

4. Step 3

   Apply Golden soft gel medium on the board and the to the back of your scrap patterned paper.

   

5. 

6. Step 4

   Place paper on the board firmly and then, using a credit card or scraper, start from the middle of the paper and scrape towards the sides of the board to take out air bubbles and make sure collage stays flat. Apply gel medium on top as well to coat.

   

7. 

8. Step 5

   Repeat these steps until all papers are applied to the board and covered with gel medium. Allow to dry. You can use a heat tool or allow to dry naturally.

   

9. Step 6

   Once dry, apply a dollop of titanium white paint directly on the board. Take brayer and roll the white paint around the board covering some areas, leaving other areas more visible.

   

10. 

11. Step 7

    If you have covered spots you like on your board, simply take a baby wipe and “clean” away the paint from those spots… always have a wipe around as it comes in very handy!

    

12. 

13. Step 8

    Add texture and color by using spray ink and masks. Here an old doily and Dylusion Inks were used.

    

14. 

15. Step 9

    Dab ink dry with paper towels.
    
    Hint:
    
    Dylusions are water based so they may smear with layers above but that makes things more interesting!

    

16. Step 10

    Ink up your stamps with black StazOn ink and stamp around the board.

    

17. 

18. Step 11

    Cover lightly with some titanium white paint.

    

19. Step 12

    Take 3 primary colors and start to mix the colors you want (here green, blue and yellow and white).. and paint away… make marks.. scrub.. doodle

    

20. 

21. Step 12

    Using your paints, start to mix the colors you want (here green, blue and yellow and white).. and paint away… make marks.. scrub.. doodle

    

22. 

23. Step 13

    Always remember that every layer should be dry before you begin the next layer.. if not, you risk making MUD.. so use a heat tool or let dry naturally

    

24. Step 14

    Use graphite pencil and/or wax crayons and just start to scribble and doodle.. ALL OVER THE BOARD.. doodled houses, flowers, stripes.

    

25. 

26. Step 15

    Paint some Titanium white and wipe away some parts to “calm things down”.

    

27. Step 16

    Keep adding doodles and build your story. Here wax crayons (which are permanent) were used to add more marks around the board.

    

28. 

29. Step 17

    To seal your piece, use a UV spray or varnish.
    
    

    

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Mixed Media Canvas. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.