I decided to continue with the mixed media frog paintings that I started last month (which you can read about here). I’d been experimenting with layering different mediums onto A4-sized substrates. These paintings proved to be a great way to relax and unwind on these cold, dark, rainy February nights that we’ve been having here in the UK. I’m pleased with how they turned out, hopefully you agree.
Recap on the Mixed Media Frog Paintings
As mentioned above, I’d spent my creative time in January experimenting with different mixed media materials. Creating several layers as a mindfulness art practice.
I used scrap paper and other ephemera to create some initial interest, adhering these with a decoupage medium. Always good to start here, anything to get rid of the ‘blank white page’ as quick as possible. It got the creative juices flowing.
After that, I applied gesso to make the surface matt again. Then I went on to apply acrylic paint in various ways. Scumbling and stippling with an old paintbrush. Using rollers, stencils, stamps. Applying diluted washes of the paint. Scribbling Liquitex acrylic medium all over.
By that point, I’d ended up with four very textured backgrounds. But I needed a subject matter. Naturally, my mind went to frogs and so I sketched out some froggy shapes. And that was where I’d got up to in my previous blog.
Next Steps
The unfinished frogs kept looking at me.
I kept looking at them.
And then one evening, I found a paintbrush in my hand and my palette filled with acrylic paints. And before I knew it, these frogs were coming to life. Wonderful, colourful life.
I decided that my main aim should be not to overwork them. To stop painting just before I felt like they were complete. I think this has given them vibrant energy, some movement.
As a side point, you’ll notice I refer to these mixed media frog paintings as ‘the blue frog’, or ‘the yellow frog’, etc. I’ve not gone colourblind – these are just my nicknames for them. They are based very loosely on the background colour (or at least what the dominant background colour was at one stage in their evolution).
Art Materials
I used a Royal & Langnickel size 3 angle brush. I found the angle allowed me to create similar brushstrokes to a flat brush (which I like), but I was also able to use the edge to create outlines. It’s a perfectly good mid-range brush. Not super high quality, but far from poor quality, so a good choice for those on a budget.
The colours on my acrylic paint palette were: vermilion, primary yellow, leaf green, cyan, rose, black and titanium white (pronounced in Bob Ross’s gentle accent). I’ve had a fear of using black paint ever since it was forbidden in Year 5 art class. I’ve since had phases where I’ve tried using it before and it has ended up making my paintings lacklustre. Now I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. You can use it, it’s not forbidden anymore Ruth, you’re a grown up. Just use it responsibly; don’t use too much.
The Green Frog
The first of my mixed media frog paintings – the frog on the (now very subtle) green background. He’s a happy little guy, clinging to his tree branch. I love how all the previous layers have added depth. I was able to allow areas of the background colours to shine through beneath the new layers of acrylic paint. I’m particularly pleased with this painting actually.
I’ll share an exciting close-up of each of my frog paintings:
The Yellow Frog
Another frog perched on a branch. This one has some particularly interesting textures – I think this was the one I glued a sweet wrapper to. It’s pleasing to see some of the stamp layer showing through. This is most noticeable with the bubble wrap stamp on his face.
Here’s a close-up:
The Blue Frog
The next frog I painted was the on the previously blue background. Again, loving the bubble wrap stamp in the top right corner. All those pieces of scrap paper from the first layer are particularly interesting in this painting. They create lots of movement. He looks like he’s about to leap off the page!
In this close up, you can see how I’m using the black paint to create definition. They make the other colours look ever bolder and brighter:
The Red Frog
Finally, the frog on the red background, looking lost in thought. While I was painting this one, I was acutely aware of the risk of over-working. More so than when I painted the others, so I had to be really disciplined to put my paintbrush down and walk away. This frog has extra charm.
Here’s a close-up of some of those lovely textures:
Mixed Media Art
Although it could become formulaic, I think applying these mixed media art techniques with the ‘layering’ method has been successful. Something I will continue to do in future artworks.
That’s all I’ve got for now, I hope you liked my mixed media frog paintings.