Our last Family Day, in June, took a closer look at mixed-media art. A medium is a material an artist uses to make art. When a work of art is made from different materials it’s called mixed-media art. The materials an artist uses can have special meaning. Some artists include found objects, or everyday items, and give them a new story to tell. If you could pick one object to represent a big feeling or important idea, what would it be and why?
Take a close look at Rashid Johnson’s untitled “escape collage.” Johnson is an African American artist who makes art using many types of materials, like black soap, spray paint, books and even vinyl flooring. His collage paintings are assemblages. This word means works of art that are made with everyday objects or nontraditional materials. Johnson wants his art to show how it feels to be African American, now and in the future.
Look closely at the collage: Can you find three different colors? How many squares can you count? Do you see any objects or images that you know?
Now it’s your turn to make your own mixed-media assemblage. You’ll need the following supplies:
- sturdy base (cardstock, cardboard or canvas)
- pencil
- magazines to cut up
- scissors
- glue
- paint and brush
- miscellaneous art supplies (markers, buttons, beads, found objects, etc.)
Steps:
- Think of a scene, memory or feeling you want to recreate. Your finished project doesn’t need to look realistic.
- Lightly sketch the basic shapes of your design on your base.
- Cut out textures, patterns and images from magazines, and glue them onto your design to build up layers.
- Once the glue is dry, paint over and around the glued images. Try using unexpected colors and brushstrokes.
- Glue on found objects such as buttons or beads, building up the surface like an assemblage. What objects can you use that mean something special to you?
- Step back and admire your finished piece. What story does it tell?
Our next Family Day is Saturday, July 25. Come have fun with us!