Portraiture has existed for centuries but there are portraits being produced today that look nothing like those of the past. Mixed media portrait artists are creating artworks that go far beyond merely representing the appearance of an individual. They are doing this by combining materials, tools and methods in unique ways.
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.
Discovering how different media works together often requires a process of experimentation. Techniques may involve adding or subtraction. Layers are added using processes like collage and textural painting. Processes like sanding, scratching, peeling or rubbing are used to expose what is underneath. Sponging, stenciling, blotting and weaving are just a few of the other techniques commonly used.
The substrates used vary widely too. Canvas, paper, wooden panels and even other materials not usually associated with art are used. One artist creates her own fabric paper by blending together paper, fabric, paint and glue. Another uses old wooden doors on which to paint his portraits.
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.
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.
This type of art is often three dimensional in appearance due to the textures and depth created by layering and the use of many different materials. Fibers, newspapers, fabrics and more are used to create such an impression. Objects like chains, keys and buttons are even used and the necklace around the neck of a woman, for example, may be carefully constructed out of real beads.
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.
Discovering how different media works together often requires a process of experimentation. Techniques may involve adding or subtraction. Layers are added using processes like collage and textural painting. Processes like sanding, scratching, peeling or rubbing are used to expose what is underneath. Sponging, stenciling, blotting and weaving are just a few of the other techniques commonly used.
The substrates used vary widely too. Canvas, paper, wooden panels and even other materials not usually associated with art are used. One artist creates her own fabric paper by blending together paper, fabric, paint and glue. Another uses old wooden doors on which to paint his portraits.
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.
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.
This type of art is often three dimensional in appearance due to the textures and depth created by layering and the use of many different materials. Fibers, newspapers, fabrics and more are used to create such an impression. Objects like chains, keys and buttons are even used and the necklace around the neck of a woman, for example, may be carefully constructed out of real beads.
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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