Going Rogue With Mixed Media

I find great pleasure in control. I love a good, sharp point that can make a mark exactly where I want it. I cringe when my color goes out of the lines or when my brush pens start to dry up, giving me dreaded streaks. I've always been happiest using my hands to create precisely what my mind alone can see. Vice-like grip of fingers around my pen, face hovering just above the paper, razor-focus...I'm in the zone.

With mixed media, however, I've had to learn to set aside my pencils in lieu of paint. Combining mediums is a blast, but what has been missing in this process for me, is the aspect of drawing. I still crave that fine line that only pen or pencil can give. I have recently learned of a way to incorporate original drawings into mixed media pieces by using deli paper. The beauty of this paper is that it contains dry wax, rendering it sturdier than tissue paper. It won't roll up on itself when wet, and it becomes transparent when gel medium is applied.

Now I can take my sketches drawn on deli paper, and attach them directly to the developed canvas, resulting in a transfer effect without the unpredictability of common transfer methods.

Voilà! The piece is now ready for collage and other add-ons. This is why I personally love mixed media. With every piece the artist gets the chance to be an explorer.