Mix It Up

Please welcome the latest Try Handmade columnist, Susannah Rodgers! You may know her through her shop Art Nest (which we featured a few weeks ago), and we’re fortunate to have her and her new series Get On The Wall. She’s going to be treating us with 2D, frameable art for your walls. Check out her first column, and I know you’re going to be hungry for more. Welcome Susannah!

:: Erika

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My interest in mixed media art was sparked by mistake. Several years ago, a local artist gave me one of her watercolor paintings as a thank-you gift for hosting her first art exhibit. I proudly hung the painting in my home, and it was admired often by my family and me. One evening, I was walking through my home turning off lights, and something in the painting caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, I was shocked to discover that the artist had used a few strips of magazine images in a section of the artwork—it was a mixed media piece, not a strict painting as I had previously thought! I had my nose to the glass for a long while, examining all of the details I had been missing. My mistake was a happy one which resulted in a new-found fascination of mixed media art. This month’s get-on-the-wall pieces are beautiful examples of how delightful mixed media artwork can be.

I think the Color Theory pieces by Esta Sketch are genius. These mixed media pieces are simple, clean and modern. I love looking through paint chip books! Watching the colors magically blend into the next for pages and pages delights me to no end. Esta Sketch’s organized splashes of color make me feel productive and organized!

Miss You by Michele Maule perfectly blends three of my favorite colors (mustard, tomato red, and sky blue)! I am reminded of my school days when I look at this piece. Wouldn’t this be perfect hanging above your child’s desk in his room?

My Heart on a String is a soft, quiet, and oh so sweet print made from the artists original mixed media piece. It is interesting that so much emotion can be conveyed in the absence of concrete detail. The shapes and colors speak for themselves which I find refreshing and romantic.

I have loved Rachel Austin’s mixed media paintings for several years now. Look closely at the background and you will discover that she has painted over a map! She offers both originals and prints in her shop. Rachel’s map paintings capture the beauty and mystery of traveling.

With this painting, Summer Evening, hung above my bed, I could drift off to sleep every night dreaming of the sea. I imagine the red splash is a boat that is lazily carrying its passengers back to the seashore after a long sun filled day. Visit Siiso to see more dreamy paintings by the artist.

Next time you pass a piece of artwork, stop and take a closer peek. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you discover! I am genuinely excited that I’ve had the opportunity to share some of my favorite mixed media pieces with you, dear reader, and hope you find a must get-on-the-wall piece of artwork for your own home!