Portraiture has been used through the ages to capture the appearance of individuals and has many times even captured something of the character of the individual as well. Today portraiture is being interpreted by a new breed of mixed media portrait artists. For them no tools, techniques or substrates are off limits. They combine elements in ways to achieve one-of-a-kind effects. Some of them combine only a few different elements whilst others use a great variety to express themselves.
An artist producing this kind of work may have come through traditional fine art training whilst others may be self taught. Art as a means of expression always involves some experimentation and although each individual may have come a certain route, it is often the finished work that speaks for itself. A harmony has to be evident in the way all the elements are combined. Examining a portfolio will soon reveal the talent of a particular artist.
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 types of substrates used are also extremely varied. Paper, canvas and wood are commonly used but other surfaces not usually associated with art are used too. One artist paints portraits on antique, wooden doors and another creates her own fabric paper by combing paper, fabric, glue and paint.
Using laser printers and copy machines is another option today. The original can be drastically altered in this way. It can be enlarged or reduced. Pieces of the original may be overlapped, ripped or creased. Composition is very important in such cases and the overall impression needs to be well thought out. A more graphic, dynamic result can be obtained by using these techniques. Powders, gels, waxes, inks, charcoal and many other materials can be used and combined where necessary to achieve specific results. The imagination of the artist is the only limitation.
Portraits created in this way often address larger issues than just preserving the appearance of one individual. Ideas such as the search for self identity, finding clarity in a world full of uncertainty and much more are often captured. It is all about combining, layering and experimenting to push boundaries and capture the attention of the viewer.
All kinds of different materials are used, from fibers and fabrics to beads, newsprint and feathers. Three-dimensional objects such as buttons, chains and keys are also used. Using such materials helps to create texture and give depth to a piece. Hand-embroidery and other crafted elements may even be introduced, all adding to the final result.
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.
An artist producing this kind of work may have come through traditional fine art training whilst others may be self taught. Art as a means of expression always involves some experimentation and although each individual may have come a certain route, it is often the finished work that speaks for itself. A harmony has to be evident in the way all the elements are combined. Examining a portfolio will soon reveal the talent of a particular artist.
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 types of substrates used are also extremely varied. Paper, canvas and wood are commonly used but other surfaces not usually associated with art are used too. One artist paints portraits on antique, wooden doors and another creates her own fabric paper by combing paper, fabric, glue and paint.
Using laser printers and copy machines is another option today. The original can be drastically altered in this way. It can be enlarged or reduced. Pieces of the original may be overlapped, ripped or creased. Composition is very important in such cases and the overall impression needs to be well thought out. A more graphic, dynamic result can be obtained by using these techniques. Powders, gels, waxes, inks, charcoal and many other materials can be used and combined where necessary to achieve specific results. The imagination of the artist is the only limitation.
Portraits created in this way often address larger issues than just preserving the appearance of one individual. Ideas such as the search for self identity, finding clarity in a world full of uncertainty and much more are often captured. It is all about combining, layering and experimenting to push boundaries and capture the attention of the viewer.
All kinds of different materials are used, from fibers and fabrics to beads, newsprint and feathers. Three-dimensional objects such as buttons, chains and keys are also used. Using such materials helps to create texture and give depth to a piece. Hand-embroidery and other crafted elements may even be introduced, all adding to the final result.
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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