Adding to Acrylic Paintings

How to Add Unusual Items in a Subtle Way

© Jennifer Hollowell

Sep 28, 2007

Would you like to add an unusual element to your acrylic painting without taking away from the subject matter? Explore this twist to assemblage.

Acrylic paintings have been a class of their own throughout history. Their subject matters have ranged from abstract, to still life, to portraits, to landscapes and everything in between. Where does this leave the mixed media artist who wants to add assemblage elements without taking away from the theme of the painting?

Incorporation of unusual items is a good solution to this problem. By adding subtle textures to a painting, artists are adding depth, a bit of dimension and quirky interest to their paintings. Consider using:

  • Braille pages: affix the Braille page directly to the canvas using a strong adhesive; prime over the entire surface (both the canvas and the Braille addition) and allow to dry completely. During the application of the Braille pages to the canvas, be sure to continuously (and carefully) smooth out the bubbles using a bone folder or something similar.
  • Tissue paper: crumple up the tissue paper and affix it to the canvas using a strong adhesive (be prepared for it to rip and/or stick to fingers; this is a normal and frustrating part of the process). Prime over the entire surface (both the exposed canvas and the tissue paper) once the tissue paper's adhesive has dried completely. Depending on the type of adhesive and how much was used, this could take up to 24 hours.
  • Corrugated cardboard: affix the corrugated cardboard directly to the canvas using a strong adhesive. Priming over this material takes several applications; allow each to dry completely. Don't press down too firmly with the brush or the strokes will ruin the pattern of the cardboard.This are just a sampling of what can be added to acrylic paintings to add a mixed-media interest. After choosing which item (or items) to add to the piece, compose the painting as it was intended. If this piece was intended to be a landscape, consider adding these elements in the areas where they'd be most interesting. For example, the corrugated cardboard might make an interesting tree trunk, path or mountain texture. Another example would be using the tissue paper to simulate and add dimension to clouds, the leaves on trees, oceans and other natural themes.Don't be afraid to experiment, mix things up, and try other unusual materials. There are many advantages to being a mixed-media artist in that the achievement of the mixed-media aspect of the work can be very subtle. Practice on a small canvas, like a 4" x 4" for example, until a level of comfort has been reached with the process. There's no right or wrong way to add subtle elements, so have fun!

    • The copyright of the article Adding to Acrylic Paintings in Mixed Media Arts is owned by Jennifer Hollowell. Permission to republish Adding to Acrylic Paintings must be granted by the author in writing.




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