This article is written by Debbie Davis from Artful Explorations

When I decided to get back into doing arts and crafts last year, I started doing Google searches to find something that would spark my interest. The Mixed Media Art site was one of the first that I came across and I am so glad I found it. I have learned many techniques that have helped me along the way.

I love scrapbook papers and use them in a lot of art projects. It is fun to sit and sort through the papers while deciding which ones I want to use in a circle tree collage. Once the papers are chosen I tear a few pieces to make “hills” that will fit at the bottom of a wrapped canvas. I trace circles in various sizes and cut them out for the trees. I like to use 2 circles for the larger trees. I’ll play around a bit with the placement of the papers to determine just where I would like them to go.

Before adhering the papers to the canvas, I paint it a coordinating color. Sometimes I will add two colors of paint to a palette that are similar and mix lightly (not completely) with a wet brush. I then add the paint to the canvas in a swirling motion with the brush. Before it dries, I’ll pick up some of the paint with a damp paper towel. I usually paint the sides of the canvas black, or sometimes, paint it as I did the top. Once the paint has dried, I will lightly stamp on some ink or paint in a darker color to create dimension. The papers are then collaged onto the canvas using gel medium. Here is one of my circle tree collages, not yet been outlined with the charcoal.

My favorite part of completing the collage is outlining the papers with a charcoal pencil and then smudging it to create shadows and depth. For some reason, I find tracing around the paper and smudging the charcoal very relaxing. It’s kind of like playing with one of those little Zen sand gardens. Notice the difference the charcoal has made in the second picture. I love the way the charcoal makes the trees and hills pop.

Here are a collection of circle tree collages in different colors.

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My name is Debbie and I live in Morton, Illinois (USA). I’m happily married and have a wonderful family that includes a daughter, son, son-in-law and 2 of the sweetest grandchildren ever!

What I love most about mixed media art is that you don’t have to be an expert at anything to create beautiful art. It is a great way to recycle found objects. Art is such a wonderful stress reliever. I just wish I had more time to play!

I have a shop on Etsy called Artful Explorations where I place some of the art I have created for sale.
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