Layering in Mixed Media and Collage Art
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time”
Art and Life in Layers
I recently reread one of my favorite books of all time: “Trust the Process” An artist’s guide to letting go by Shaun Mcniff. In it, he talks about “falling into the unknown” and arriving at a new place in life and art.
This is the reason that I call my art school in Los Angeles “The Art Process Studio”. Before embarking on my own painting, I will do a short meditation.( You can access my 5 minute meditation before art on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL). This enables me to let go of expectations and open up to the creative space that becomes available when I empty my mind. When I am fearful of messing up my painting, the expressive quality of my abstract paintings seem to disappear. It becomes tight, contrived and a little less interesting.
Art Techniques
I believe in teaching techniques that will give my art students the tools to become more free in their work. In the video below, you will see me working with gesso to cover and uncover the layers of my painting. You will see me working back and forth: erasing, uncovering, burying and excavating. This art technique is a valuable tool for trusting the process of creativity. As Mcniff says in the book: “Training in creativity requires the ability to relax in periods of uncertainty ….The education of the imagination…requires an inclination to step into the unknown as well as the ability to persist when there is no end in sight”.
online art classes
Now, as we are in a period of staying at home, I am happy to offer these mixed media and collage techniques in my WEEKLY ONLINE LIVE ART GROUP, MY LIFETIME ACCESS E-COURSES, PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP. Always, underlying my teachings is the concept of trusting the process and not having rigid rules on how to paint, but guidance to support your search for your inner creative voice and spirit.