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Thứ Ba, 31 tháng 3, 2015

Inspiring Art Created By Mixed Media Portrait Artists

By Iva Cannon


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.

A particular artist often needs to experiment in order to achieve a desired result. This is part of the process of creating and the final result may even come about by a happy accident. In most cases, however, these works take hours and hours of meticulous planning before even starting a piece. Ideas, tools and materials are gathered and combined to produce a harmonious composition. Some artists with formal fine art training are embracing the freedom of this genre. Others are largely self-taught and years of experience have brought them success.

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.

A three-dimensional effect is often created in these portraits by the layering of objects. Fabric, lace, newsprint and more may be used to give extra texture and dimension. Solid objects like keys, chains and buttons also help to create dimension. Many different types of fibers are used too and even hand-embroidery may be incorporated.

This genre has allowed boundaries to be crossed and new territory to be conquered. The works being created are cutting edge and the best of these appear in galleries all over the world. They are sought after by art collectors. However, there are pieces that are not too expensive to be purchased and displayed in a home.




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