Gnomes are subterranian guardians of the Earth's treasures. They are also really fun to create! Each time I design one, another idea pops into my head.
Mixed Media
So, what exactly is mixed media? My definition is, an art form using various materials to create texture, combined with found materials, ephemera and whatever interests me. I may use tissue paper, cheesecloth, drywall tape and modeling paste to begin my background textures. The components that I attached next may be screwed or glued. Then I usually paint or spray alcohol ink on the entire piece to create a blank canvas of sorts. It has lovely shapes and lots of cracks and crevices for the paint or ink to settle into.
Fluid Acrylic Pouring
This one is a little more complicated to explain. Basically, each time I pour it's a chemistry lesson. Every color has a different weight, white being the heaviest because it contains titanium. When acrylic paint is poured in layers into a cup the paint kind of sits on top of each other. When it is poiured onto a surface, using many different methods, the paint colors repel each other and form wonderful cells and lacing. The resulting effect can be manipulated to a point by tipping the canvas or using a palette knife. However, if you mess with it the colors will blend to a muddy hue. A fascinating technique that I have finally managed to control....somewhat. I enjoy creating landscapes with this technique.
Gelli Plate Printing
My current obsession is print making using a plate made of gelatin and glycerin. Paint is rolled on with a brayer and can be stenciled,masked or stamped onto. Next, I lay paper on the plate and pull a print. Several layers create complex patterns which I enjoy collaging.