PAINTING BACKGROUNDS

In mixed media, backgrounds can be considered as works of art in themselves. Here are a few basic painting techniques that can be used to create backgrounds for your mixed media artwork.

SCUMBLING & STIPPLING

To scumble, use just a little bit of paint on an old, dry brush. Push and spread the paint around, creating a thin layer (left side of image). To stipple, use the same dry brush in a soft bouncing motion, again with a minimum of paint, splaying the bristles as you bounce the brush (right side of image).

Using scumbling and stippling techniques, mix two or more colors as you move around the surface. There is no need to change brushes, as this creates new and interesting colors as you go. Use white or black to lighten or darken areas as desired.

SCRAPING

Squeeze two or three colors of paint onto your surface and spread it around by scraping across the surface with a credit card or palette knife. You can also draw lines in your paint with the edge of the card, or push it more to create interesting designs.

ROLLING PAINT

Squeeze a little paint directly onto your surface. Spread the paint with a paint roller or brayer, moving in different directions. Try using several separate colors going in different directions!

A brayer is a hand roller typically used in printmaking techniques. Brayers are made of rubber or foam and can be purchased at your local supply store.

WASHES

Use water with acrylic paint to create a wash. First mix water and acrylic paint 90/10, and then wash over other colors or papers with a soft brush. You can use your washes in a variety of ways—as a background or over any of several methods used to create a substrate. You can create a finished piece by stenciling, stamping, and/or drawing over the dry wash and adding focal-point images.

GEL PRINTING

The Gelli Arts™ Gel Printing Plate has the same sensitive surface as gelatin but is easier to use and store than gelatin printing plates. This printing plate is nonperishable, nontoxic, has a sensitive surface that is always ready for printing, and is easy to clean!

Follow the simple instructions with Gelli Arts™ gel plate to create interesting painted backgrounds. Spread paint on the plate with a brayer; then draw in the paint or use mark-making tools or stencils to create designs. Lay paper (watercolor paper works great) on the surface. Press down while the paint is wet to impress the image.