For this summer's program of continuing education (last summer I studied Architecture in Italy), I have embarked on a course in 'Mixed Media Painting Techniques' at Emily Carr University of Art. The course teaches the process of image-making on built surfaces and works with a range of materials such as gesso, plaster, paint, ink, charcoal, and various papers. I am learning to explore 'expression and emotion' through layering, drawing, brushwork, Frottage and Grattage following in the footsteps of the greats in mixed media painting like: Max Ernst, Mark Rothko, and Paul Klee. I particularly like my teacher, Diana Kubicek's style of teaching. She teaches us to explore the various techniques fearlessly and says repeatedly there are "no mistakes"in painting. As a matter of fact "mistakes can be the building block of a great masterpiece". I like that! I have always been interested in drawing and sketching since my days in Design School, but find that I never have the time to take a brush to paper and do larger abstract paintings and works of art. So this course is a perfect opportunity to allow myself the freedom to explore different mixed media painting techniques. The last class we spent exploring the technique of Frottage (from French frotter, "to rub") a surrealist and "automatic" method of creative production. Frottage was developed by Max Ernst.
Frottage 2 - 18" x 24" Mixed Media Painting: Ink, Acrylic & Pastel on Paper
Frottage Painting 3 - 18" x 24" Pastel on tracing paper
Frottage Painting 4 - 12" x 18" Mixed Media Painting: Acrylic & Gesso on paper
In the first class we explored the technique of mixed media painting starting with a base of Gesso
Study 1 - 11" x 14" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Gesso, Acrylic and Watercolor on Card Stock
Gesso is an art supply used as surface preparation or primer for painting and sculpting. Gesso is believed to have been developed in Italy, since the word gesso is Italian for 'chalk'. Preparation varies according to intended use, but usually consists of mixing glue with plaster, chalk, or gypsum. (Gesso is the perfect base for starting a mixed media painting.)
Gesso resembles paint, but is thinner and dries hard. Gesso is applied with a brush and must dry before the surface can be painted. This technique of applying Gesso was first created for use in painting, in order to give the surface the right properties to receive paint. In Gothic and Renaissance panel painting, the technique of applying gesso over a panel of wood was used in order to give the paint something to adhere to. It created a slightly rough surface and prevented the paint from seeping into the wood. We were taught to apply the Gesso to our surface of our mixed media painting with a palette knife using broad strokes to building up the surface. Then various tools are used to create the textures. In Study 1 I used a metal clay sculpting tool with a comb like ridge to scrape across the wet Gesso. I then used the edge of my pallet knife to scrape in the diagonal ridges, then finished off with blotting areas with a sponge. I let the piece dry and then applied watercolor and acrylic in layers to the painting, while at the same time using a roller to take off the excess wet color on the surface so that the paint pigment settled into the crevices of the Gesso. I used the side of my palette knife to scrape off the raised portions of the diagonal lines to reveal the white Gesso below - a technique called Grattage*. Also the Gesso doesn't extend to the edge of the paper and gives it an interesting border. *Grattage is a surrealist technique in mixed media painting in which (usually dry) paint is scraped off the canvas. It was employed by Max Ernst and Joan Miró
Detail of Mixed Media Painting Technique: Study 1 above.
Study 2 - 10" x 10" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Masking Tape, Gesso and Watercolor on Glass
Study 3 - 7" x 10" Mixed Media Painting Technique: Gesso and Watercolor on Paper
Have you had any experience with Mixed Media Painting, Frottage or Grattage or other Mixed Media techniques?
Please let me know by leaving a Comment.
Another post you might be interested in: Abstract Art - Go Big or Go Home
Patricia Gray writes about 'WHAT'S HOT 'in the world of Interior Design, new and emerging trends, modern design,
architecture, and travel, as well as how your surroundings can influence the world around you.
© Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog, 2009
I love to get out a little sketch pad that I keep in my purse. If I have a few minutes I work on furniture ideas. I would love to take a painting or mixed media class.
ReplyDeletewait - is that TOP canvas yours? omg Patricia - that is so fabulous!!!! that one is my favorite and the second one is wonderful too. Wow. I am SOOOOO impressed! you NEVER cease to amaze me with your brilliant talents.
ReplyDeleteI found work with mixed media always liberating, it frees you of the need to have a subject, abstract work needs no explanation, it lets you create from the belly so to speak, makes you relaxed and concentrate on playing with colors and material. It is fun and one does not have to take it totally serious.
ReplyDeleteTo hear that your are always looking to learn something new is inspiring. I have recently be doing abstract art with different venetian plaster mediums on large 3' * 3' wood canvases. So far I have only had time to create one and already want to take it to the next level and make it more detailed. This is a pic of the one I did recently http://www.twitpic.com/5o1gh. Will we soon see you enter into the world fine arts ??
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
Twitter.com/DarrellMorrison
Patricita,
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of you and look a those yuminess you are creating. Amazing! I will start organize the international fan club for Patricia Gray :)
Are these all yours? So amazing! I love the last few with the brighter colours. So so great--can't wait to see you tomorrow!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post. Loving art and now knowing the how is making my eye much sharper and my perceptions deeper. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteThey look so great! Doesn't surprise me that your talent follows you to the canvas :)
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful thing to be doing.......i love to paint and have gotten away from it lately because my last piece frustrated me horribly.
ReplyDeleteyou are great, a natural.
xx
what a worthed dirty hands !! cool classes ! love it ,
ReplyDeleteAny time you get in to doing something involving your hands and your brain, whether it is art or building for "habitat", you are enriching your life....Go for it! Your interior design work can be as tedious as portrait painting, but I am sure it is an obsession, and not something that can be let go of easily....it's good to get into an environment where you can swing free....Have fun!
ReplyDeleteIn central Texas, when I was a young woman, I had the privilege of seeing the country home of a woman who kept it with a vengeance! She was of Czech heritage and obsessed with cleanliness...so much so that I think her poor husband spent much of his time sitting against the chicken house under the shade of an Oak tree. This home was of the double front door persuasion, entered from a front porch and also a side porch. It was two rooms...large ones, a parlor/ bedroom and a kitchen/dining room. It was unpainted and had weathered to a gray. There was a full bath in a separate shed. The walls were white-washed, but the floors were scrubbed so that one could see the graining in them, looked and felt as soft as a baby's butt and the color was a beautiful bluish grey....a color that my mother said came only from continuous scrubbing with lye soap. It was a bright, clean home of a most calming color...no artifice, nothing superfluous.
It's one of the few 'real' homes that have never left my mind's eye. I'm glad I saw it early on. I felt like it was living art.
Sincerely, Lanell
I was an artist before I had my family, and now that my children are older I have gotten out my art supplies and I am letting them explore with mixed media painting techniques.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your explanation of Frottage. I alway wondered what it was.
ReplyDeleteGrattage, Frattage...it all sounds so exotic. You have inspired me to seek out a mixed medial painting class. I live just outside of London.
ReplyDeletePatricia, you are amazing and your talent will be soon on walls around town and beyond! You should really join me at the Contemporary Art Society of Vancouver (www.casv.ca)a wonderful not for profit organization that expanded my horizon on art and gave me the opportunity to meet so many talented people, artists, gallery owners, collectors... Congratulations...now I am off to check Michelle's blog on the same subject. See you tonight!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful of you to share your art class and your creations with us. I really admire the "life long learning" idea. It keeps us young and creative, yes? Your artwork is as interesting and energetic as your interior design work.
ReplyDeletePatricia these are amazing
ReplyDeleteLove the first 2 pictures.
So, now we discover another layer of your artistry :)
This looks like such fun! Your paintings are terrific and I hope to see more. I always regretted not talking art courses in college (was very "business" focused), but it's great that there are so many places to take various classes now. Deborah.
ReplyDeletePatricia,
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed beyond measure. Great art and how much fun new techniques. I told Michelle that I would love to be in your class! Have fun!
Blessings...
I took a full-year art course at McGill and loved every minute of it. So much fun! Maybe you can start selling your masterpieces?! ; )
ReplyDeleteThis summer, apart from gardening, I am teaching myself Photoshop and trying to lose 20 lbs. Now that doesn't sound nearly as much fun as an art class!
Ooh, I love the last # 2 and 3? The are amazing. I have only taken a on night course in mixed media and have used it some, would love to try new techniques
ReplyDelete#
Patricia,
ReplyDeleteYou are now entering the field of reniassance woman (one of many talents). Giving yourself a chance to express, you will find that you are validating the creative process. You have a new skill to bust through creative blocks.
Plans for summer include busting through soil for a backyard redesign. No experience with mixed medium painting. It is color therapy and liberating all the same. Great post!
Bette
Just found your blog...WONDERFUL! Janell
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me!I used to take the easel and experiment with watercolor and now, just visit art galleries (I have been known to take my kids and drive 800miles each way, while in Spain, just to visit the Cuenca museum of Modern Art!)One of your gesso work reminds me of my ultimate favorite spanish artist Tapies. Keep up the great work, you have talent
ReplyDeleteInteresting technique. Very similar I think to a technique I've been using to paint on wood. I coat the surface with my gesso-type paste, consisting of glue and zinc pwdr beaten to smooth creamy texture, using a spatula. I usually need to lay on 3-4 layers depending on work to be done. Each layer has to dry before the next unless you want cracks to appear, which can smtms be attractive anyway! I use a pyrograph to apply my design and then use acrylics to cover and varnish to finish. You can see some of my work here: http://interiordesigners.gr/?page_id=403
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Patricia :)
Hi Patricia, long time no write:)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe its already been a year since you went to Italy!!!
A little over a year ago I also took a painting class for the first time. Even though it was about abstract painting, it wasn't easy! I left w/ a lot more respect for painters.
That's a wonderful summer class! I have always been involved in different art classes growing up and in design school- it's a favorite. I am also pulling out the paints and pastels this summer- I had an itch to create some art to offer at Zuniga Interiors and just for fun too! My kids have me inspired- they are starting art class too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us! Hope you recv'd my e mail! Take Care!
Michelle
“There’s a beauty to wisdom and experience that cannot be faked. It is impossible to be mature without having lived.”
ReplyDeletePatricia, this is what i think of when i see your work here. You should be so proud of yourself for having tried something new! They are wonderful. Are they for sale, or will you display them at home?
Fondly, Lisa
I love your pictures of Mixed Media Painting, Grattage and Frottage Painting. Well Done for just starting your mixed media painting classes. I will look forward to seeing how your painting progresses.
ReplyDeleteI have not had any experience with mixed media painting, but after reading this post you have inspired me to try it.
ReplyDeletewow, you're very talented!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Grattage Painting and Frottage Painting before. I like the concept of Mixed Media Painting......!!!!!!///
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that I started up a blogspot a couple weeks ago....in case you want to check out what I have been up to and some of my processes. Also I was really happy to see your recent post with your Mixed Media paintings...which I really liked a lot. My 2 favorites are frottage 1 & frottage 2.
So you are very multi-talented!!!
I hope you are doing great and enjoying your summer!!!
Best wishes,
Marta
oh ya....my blog is www.martabaricsa.blogspot.com
Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI have taken an oil painting class (thought I would follow in my grandmother's artist footsteps), but was horrible. It really takes a good hand and patience. The masters make it look effortless.
My oldest daughter says she is an artist and wants to live in Paris when she grows up. She is only 6, so we'll see :-)
xo,
cristin at simplified bee
Wow, you have a natural ability with this style of art. This summer I'm reworking my garden, and I'm also taking sewing classes. I always wanted to learn how to sew!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Patricia, you should really frame the work, and feature it. Maybe a white, modern room?
ReplyDeleteNicolette
http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com/
Hi Patricia!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading and enjoying your blog for quite some time now. You have been a daily read for me and I always find myself waiting for your newest post waiting to read your latest take and thoughts on design.
Best,
Carol
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to visit a great blog. Smart posts and beautiful photos. I like to contact people, all over the world, by his blogs.Would you follow me,because I'm afraid to lost your blog?I'm waiting your visit. Thank's
My favorite is Frottage #2, but the texture in Study #2 is fantastic. My favorite thing about art is the process and I really love to hear an artist tell how they create a piece, so thank you. Can you do frottage on canvas or is it too thick. I killed my creative spirit two years ago with a really difficult, and not fun, job! Your post is inspiring, so thanks, again.
ReplyDeleteHi Glamourshoes
ReplyDeleteNo canvas would be too thick to do a Frottage as it is basically a rubbing that comes through to the surface.
Thank-you for the introduction of mixed media painting techniques.
ReplyDeletei like the mixed media painting, looks quite cool!
ReplyDeletelove the blog btw
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeleteso great to watch your happy face while creating. That goes for a true inspiration!
Enjoy your class....
Ingela
Hi Patricia,
ReplyDeletegreat to watch your happy face while creating.
Such a true inspiration!
Enjoy class....
Ingela
You might be interested in the work of North Carolina artist Page Laughlin who takes works from home magazines, paint them and does God knows what to achieve an amazing multimedia melt down of original beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi HBD
ReplyDeleteI just looked at Page Lauglin's work online and it is pretty amazing. Thanks.
Thank-you all for your wonderful comments, support and encouragement!!
ReplyDeleteawesome stuff, patricia. i hope you had number one framed and it's hanging in your home. if you haven't, please send it to me, and i'll hang it in mine! ;-)
ReplyDeleteHI Patricia,
ReplyDeleteI Love your paintings. That is the kind of art I want to play around with more and Love all the diff. things you can do in mixed media. I am focused on baby & child decor/art right now since I have been in the baby mode for some time (5 daughters):) so That has been my focus. However, I would just Love to Create without thinking. Like large paintings like yours ~ & using my Gesso!!
I have GESSO on my table at all times. It is one thing that I use almost daily. I use it in so many diff. ways too. I LOVE it!
Thank You again for all your inspiration, ideas, tips, everything! ~ Joelle XOXO
I have just started a mixed media painting class. Thanks for your inspiration.
ReplyDeletere: study 2 , (on glass). i tried painting directly on glass mirror with acrylic paints and could not get the paint to adhere. i wold love to know how to resolve this problem. sasdebosque@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletethose look really amazing! i would love try that style of painting someday... =)
ReplyDeleteThese painting styles are really very unique! Thanks for publication. interior painting
ReplyDeleteI love the history of the layers and textures. I paricularly love the old textures behind the new ones. Beautiful and amazing work.
ReplyDelete