Imperfect is Perfect

1. Watch and Learn.

My Mixed Media foray began this past January. It was the dead of winter. I was bored with my acrylic painting work, and I needed a shift, a change. So, I hopped online to see what I could find that might inspire me. A quick google search later and I found myself on Kelly Rae Robert’s home page (www.kellyraeroberts.com). A very commercially successful Mixed Media artist, Kelly Rae offers a home-study, self-paced course in “how to” with Mixed Media. I bought it. I did not know *just* how much my life was about to change. What I learned in that course, titled “Mixed Media Mantras,” was about to set me on a trajectory and path that I NEVER imagined. I found my inner creative bone, one that was very deeply buried, and that once unearthed brought me TRUCKLOADS of joy beyond my wildest dreams. I encourage you to check out Kelly Rae’s site…or hop on YouTube and search “MIXED MEDIA.” There are literally THOUSANDS of “how to” videos that are inspiring and meaty. Watch and learn.

2. Gather Your Goods — and make sure they’re GOOD.

A Mixed Media Artist needs supplies. Good supplies. Quality supplies from which to create amazing pieces of work. One thing I’ve learned in my short, creative life is that high-quality supplies are THE KEY. Using high-quality products make you “feel” more artistic (I know, it sounds weird…but it’s true), make you LOOK FORWARD TO creating, and they beg you to get into your “Creative Space” and simply BEGIN (you can’t waste that stuff you just paid good $$ for, right?!?).

Here’s a list of supplies that will get you started on your path:

-Canvas Panels (the key here is PANELS when creating Mixed Media–I get mine in bulk from Amazon)
-GOLDEN BRAND Gel Medium – GLOSS
-Liquid acrylic paint (I think a good starter set includes seven bottles: two “cool” colors; two “warm” colors; a black; a white; + a raw umber. I like GOLDEN or Liquitex.)
-Sponge brushes (a variety of sizes)
-A Brayer
-Hair Dryer or Embossing Gun
-Sponge brush stencil set
-Stamp Pad (I like Archival Ink brand–black)
-Stamps (found at your local big box store, like Michael’s…simple, patterned stamps without words or pictures are great for creating depth)
-Alphabet stamps
-Stencils (any that you like…again, patterns preferred over pictures and words)
-Texture tools (Bubble wrap, Catalyst-brand paint brushes, old credit cards, patterned paper towels, etc.)
-Paper that delights you (scrapbook paper, magazine pages that have your fave colors, old sewing patterns, wrapping paper, tissue paper, etc.)
-Distress Inks (I like RANGER products)
-Ink sprays (I like Dylusions)
-Sprayer bottle (for water)

3. Play, Play, Play + Smile, Smile, Smile

Allow yourself MANY, MANY opportunities to just PLAY on each canvas. DO NOT expect any kind of “final product” to emerge from your initial “first tries.” Just allow yourself to put paint on the canvas, put paper on the canvas, try out different color combos, add in texture when you feel like it, do a few ink dribbles, and see what delights you. There are NO RULES, except to PLAY, PLAY, PLAY and SMILE, SMILE, SMILE. The best pieces of work that you will produce come from a place of playfulness and genuine joy.

I am here to support EVERYONE in their own creative journey. If you get stuck, let me know–I know what that’s like because I’ve been there and I will be MORE than happy to talk you off the ledge. If you find your gremlins attacking you, shoot me an email; I’ll set them straight! Don’t stop giving yourself the freedom and opportunity to EXPRESS YOUR HEART.

Allowing your own creative mind the space to “open and bloom” is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself…and Mixed Media Painting is one of THE BEST places to begin because it is SO forgiving and SO MUCH FUN.

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So, now it’s your turn…JUST BEGIN. And, if you’re feeling like it, post your piece of work and tag me on it via Instagram (charitigent) or Facebook so I can celebrate YOU and YOUR WORK with encouragement and love.

REMEMBER: Imperfect is perfect.

We only have ONE life to live, to create, to express, and to be our MOST precious and joyful selves…let’s do it right. xo