Materials:

• 8x8 Canvas
• Arteza Markers
• Print Outs
• Design Paper
• Ribbon
• Mod Podge
• Foam Brush
• 150 lb Watercolor Paper
• Scissors
• Feather

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Step One:

 I drew out my skull and colored it in using markers. You can get really creative, and go crazy with the florals. After drawing it out, I used a permanent black marker to outline everything. This will keep the color from bleeding when I start to paint.

Step Two:

Next, I cut out my skull, this will be layered over more textures and colors.

Step Three:

Using design papers is a fun and easy way to add design and color to your pieces. You can find these at any arts and crafts store. This is what I used as the base. I used Mod Podge to apply to canvas.

Step Four:

I glued my skull on after applying this brown design paper. Make sure each piece is fully dry before layering the next. You can use a blow dryer to move faster.

Step Five:

Using my hands, I ripped out my printouts and starting to piece together my story...composition.

Step Six:

For color I used brush pens by Arteza, they aren’t waterproof, so they can bleed into other colors. I learned this the hard way. ☹️ This is a great way to unify your piece.

Step Seven:

I started adding colors to all of my characters who play a part in this mixed media.

Step Eight:

I had two feathers but decided to just add one. I used a glue gun for this.

Step Nine:

Finally, I added the copper ribbon around the canvas using the glue gun to carefully apply it all around.