Idea
I am exploring mixed media with collage. The general goal is to let the paint speaks itself. All I have in mind in the beginning is color theme. For example, all blue or all red. I don’t plan where the paint will be or what shape it will form. So I choose gouache and ink as major media for this experiment.
Process
The surface is cold press watercolor paper, I add water and gouache paint within the color theme layer by layer. Let it dry between each layer. Once I feel it is enough paint on the paper, I start drawing some outline with black ink pen. Actually this should be done at last as the black ink will bleed through washi paper on top.
As to the washi paper, I have a bag full of different color and pattern. It is my personal collection since my school age. Here is a beautiful website I find out for shopping high quality Japanese paper. I will select the paper with similar color theme as the gouache painting. Then I tear it into random shapes and sizes with my hands. Yes I can use a knife or a scissor, but I just want the outline to be more organic rather than clean cut. Layout those paper pieces on previous gouache underpainting before putting on any adhesive so they can be adjusted easily.
Once I am satisfied with the paper collage I glue them down with pH neutral adhesive. Again let it dry.
Next is the fun part, ink drawing. Outline the paper pieces with gold paint, fill in the area with pattern by ink pen drawing. Here is the Zen moment. It can take some time but definitely enjoyable.
In the end, I use pastel pencils to touch up some spots. Then figure out what the painting looks like to me. And of course, sign the artwork.
Frame
I have two identical gold frames that I bought long time ago. They suit these two mixed media collage paintings. ❤
Summary
I feel like I am stepping into another territory. But I enjoy the process and I like the results. The only thing I would change is drawing with black ink in the end. Next I want to try painting with coffee instead of gouache for the underpainting. However I always finish my cup of coffee before I can collect it in a separate container. Haha~