Mosaic Paper Backgrounds in Mixed Media Art

Giving Collage Paintings More Depth With Decorative Paper

Jul 15, 2009

Mixed media artists have a great deal of freedom when it comes to techniques and materials. To give artwork more impact, grab the scissors and head for the paper stash.

Mosaic paper backgrounds are easy and enjoyable to create. They are also extremely versatile because so many different kinds of paper can be utilized. Many artists have a collection of favorite paper, whether it's decorative, vintage or a combination of the two. Here is an excellent opportunity to put some of that accumulated paper to good use. Even vintage paper that's too special to cut into squares can be included. Simply have color copies made and the originals can stay put.

Dig into that collection of paper and gather together a few other supplies:

Decorative or vintage paper
Small, sharp scissors
Mod Podge decoupage medium
Stretched canvas or canvas panel
Charcoal pencil
Gesso
Blue and white acrylic paint
Wet paper towels
Paint brush
Paint sponge
Fine tip permanent black marker
Brown ink (optional)

Follow these instructions to create a simple mixed media piece with a paper mosaic background:

Cut or tear the chosen paper into squares that are roughly the same size, depending on how large the canvas is. Don't worry about making perfect squares. It's fine if the squares overlap, as long as the paper isn't extremely thick. Think about the colors of paper being used and allow for some contrast. Try making a checkerboard pattern or thinking of the background as a patchwork quilt. There really is no wrong way to do it, so experiment with different colors and patterns to figure out what works.
Arrange the squares of paper on the canvas. When the design is finalized, start gluing the squares into place with Mod Podge (or another brand) decoupage medium. Brush a thin layer of decoupage medium on the back of the paper square, then smooth it into place on the canvas. Continue doing this until the canvas is covered.
Allow the glue to dry for 20 to 30 minutes and then give the whole piece another layer of decoupage medium. Let it dry thoroughly; 30 minutes or until the surface no longer feels sticky.
Now use the charcoal pencil to lightly sketch out a drawing over the mosaic background. For the project pictured a simple outline of a bird was used.
Have a wet paper towel on hand. Fill in the bird drawing with blue acrylic paint. Use white for the background around the bird. Immediately after painting, use the wet paper towel to wipe away small areas of paint to allow the mosaic background to show through. The layer of Mod Podge prevents the paint from soaking into the paper, making it easy to wipe some paint off before it dries completely.
The previous step may be repeated to give more and more color and depth to the artwork. It's best to apply a thin coat of Mod Podge before adding each new layer of paint. Experiment with contrasting colors. Try wiping away areas of paint to reveal a specific word or design found in the decorative paper underneath.
Use the charcoal pencil to touch up the bird drawing. A fine tip permanent marker is great for adding small details. Rub a little bit of brown ink around the edges of the canvas to give the artwork a vintage look.
Give the finished piece another coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect the surface.

This article gave instructions on a very specific design, but there are so many other possible directions an artist can take. Enjoy experimenting and try the paper mosaic technique on wooden boxes, frames and trays.

The copyright of the article Mosaic Paper Backgrounds in Mixed Media Art in Mixed Media Arts is owned by LuAnne Payne. Permission to republish Mosaic Paper Backgrounds in Mixed Media Art in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.