Mixed Media Portraiture
Using your own portrait photographs we will use acrylic ink and other mediums to merge, blend and collide to create your own unique portraits.
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Description
Using your own portrait photographs we will use acrylic ink and other mediums to merge, blend and collide to create your own unique portraits.
This fun, liberating and experimental workshop explores the unbounded world of mixed media. We'll begin with experimental drawing techniques, using photographs of your choice as inspiration. Using acrylic ink as the base, this vibrant, active and versatile medium allows for spontaneity and experimentation, enlivening the creative process. From Picasso to contemporary artists Marlene Dumas, Elizabeth Peyton and Wangechi Mutu, you will observe the unique approach to the medium each artist takes. This open, supported studio encourages all mediums and materials to merge, blend and collide. Suitable for the novice through to the advanced practitioner, let curiosity and play be your guide.
Bring along 2-3 portrait photographs of your choice (you can find something on the internet if you don't have any of your own).
Course outline
- Overview - Intro to the world of Mixed Media
- Starting with experimental drawing exercises looking at the drawings of Picasso/Matisse and a couple of other contemporary artists
- Looking at Acrylic Ink as a medium
- Test swatches to see how the medium responds to the paper
- We will do experimental activation and a more considered/classical watercolor technique where we build up layers. We need to spend time with the medium, then we need to let it dry.
- Whilst drying, we will look at collage as an artistic medium.
- Referring and discussing the work of Hannah Hoch and contemporary artists Wangechi Mutu/Elizabeth Peyton. We will also look at the work of contemporary artist George Chamarro and others for the work we will do on a found photographic image.
- We will then look at the photograph students bring along and start mapping out the drawing/painting
Expected learning outcomes
- Develop drawing skills through a number of experimental, liberating exercises that connect you with your instincts not intellect.
- Learn a variety of techniques employing acrylic ink.
- Take command of composition, form and negative space by employing collage, drawing and paint.
- Look at contemporary mixed media artists who will inspire you to make interesting, dynamic portraits, unique only to you.
What to bring
Your lunch and photographs. Looks for images that have plenty of contrast of light and dark.
Who should attend?
Open to all - from novice through to the advanced practitioner.
About your tutor
Rachael is an artist, educator working at Māpura Studios, a creative space providing programmes in visual arts practice, creative expression, dance-movement, music and art therapy for people living with disability and diversity. Rachael also teaches life drawing and mixed media at Lakehouse Arts Takapuna and Corban Estate Arts Centre. She completed a Fine Art degree with (Honors) at Whitecliffe College of Art and Design in 2021.
