Hello there!
Nathalie with you today to share a new project and idea with you all. A couple weeks ago, I had a few questions on why do we cover the mixed media in our backgrounds with stuff. Well, I could answer this in many ways as the reasons change based on the layout. However, I thought of a way to show you a way to add mixed media to an specific spot so that it shines! In order to demonstrate this concept, I thought the best way would be to work the beautiful Storyteller collection into a banner style layout...
Lots of color, texture in one page, but all placed so that it pops from the background. This took a few layers of simple media that add up to one explosion of color.
The base of this page is an application of yellowish art crayon on foundation paper. I made sure that the yellow( a mix of neutral and warm art crayons) was placed right at the center of the page, and it was bigger than the picture. Once the yellow crayon dried, I added two areas of color atop the yellow one. The warm tones/fuchsia application is on the top right corner of the yellow area. While the cool/teal application is on the bottom left corner. By placing the colors and all the splatters in these areas, I am making sure that these will show behind the picture and will not be hidden.
To add an extra pop of color to the background, I chose to add a stenciled detail to each of the color areas. Using a stencil brush helps to be specific to the placement of the color.
Now to add texture to the page. For this, I reached for a contrasting stencil shape, and gesso to create the impression on the background. Using a stencil brush, I added the gesso only to the area between the color applications. This ensures that only that area has the texture and ties the color applications to a unified reverse L at the bottom of the mixed media application.
Once I cut the different patterned papers to create my banner. These were placed so that they just reached the mixed media application. After the picture is put on place, you will not see the yellow part of the color application, instead you only have a semi explosion of color that frames the picture.
I kept the embellishing minimal, as there is a lot of interest in the large banners and background. However, did small clusters of stickers and ephemera so that they form a soft diagonal design on the page. I have created a process video that shows how the page is built:
Whether you chose to create a large mixed media background or just a little color area for your next layout. Remember to have fun with your mediums.
"Til next time!
XO
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