Mixed Media.

Mixed Media pieces an be constructed out of any material you find, the are easy to do and the result can be completely different to the image you had started with. 

(I do apologize for you not being able to see the piece properly, it was on display at the time and i couldn`t get a better image as there were other 3D pieces that i didn`t want to knock over).

I absolutely love the outcome of a mix media piece. The only down side to them is the amount of time it takes to finish them; since you can use so many different materials, you can sometimes run out of time due to materials drying and fixing into place. Unfortunately, for my project I have only done one mixed media piece that i wasn`t too happy with. I have to admit, we were short for time due to workshops, but if i  had more time to finish the piece then i would of developed it further and added more materials to the surface of the piece. 

However; the base layer of the image needs to be something simplistic, like tissue paper or different colored paper. The you can add some shading by using inks, or, change the color completely with colored inks... Using these can also change the shade to a rather dark and somber tone. Then the layer afterwards needs to be something with a bit more bulk, something that adds a texture to the piece; for this second layer i used Hot wax, i used a few layers at the areas i wanted to be darker. In most pieces, people iron off the wax one it has fully dried; i left mine on to keep the bulk. 

For the third layer i used black ink and white emulsion. If you don`t have ink or emulsion then just use regular black and white paint. The best way to apply the ink and/or paint, is to use a long stick that you can easily dip into the ink or paint and then spread on the piece. Using a paintbrush makes the neat, straight lines; i prefer the stick as it makes the piece a lot more messy and bolder to look at. If you don`t think one layer will be enough, then just simply build it up and up until you think it`s just right; the more layers the more 3D looking and the more texture added to the surface of the piece.

I personally think that Mix Media pieces can be quite fun to experiment with. You can expand your materials by using wood, leaves, twigs, pencils, just anything that can add an un-usual texture or shape the piece. But when adding 3D materials to the piece make sure to use a hot glue gun and only work on top of it when you know it`s securely in place and the glue has dried. 

~Thanks For Reading!