Trust the Process! Creating a Mixed Media Owl
You guys hear me say it all the time! It’s my go-to phrase. It’s on my aprons and my cups… Trust the process! And when I was painting this mixed media owl that I am going to teach you today, I had to take my own advice!
Easier said than done, though, right? For a lot of you, you may just be getting started on your painting journey. The thought of looking at a blank canvas causes you to freeze up. You can’t seem to make yourself pick up that paintbrush and just do it.
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The thing I want everyone to realize is that it’s OK to make mistakes. You have to start somewhere. When I asked my Inner Tribe members what would be the first thing they would tell someone new in painting. The number one answer was to just jump in and do it!
Fear is a liar. It controls us, and it stops us from living God‘s will for us. So how do you get past fear?
My philosophy is action stops fear. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can get rid of that fear that’s controlling you. Right now, you’re thinking of all the what if‘s?
What if I can’t do it? What if it doesn’t turn out right? What if I mess up in the middle of my painting?
I’ve come to realize that a lot of people think that every time I paint that it’s easy for me, and that is not true. I have to trust the process, just like you guys do.
When you start a painting, you can’t see the finished product. You don’t know how it’s going to turn out.
On the last day of my series of owl paintings I did with you guys LIVE, we did a mixed media version. This painting tutorial is a true example of trusting the process. You got to see me work through decisions throughout the entire painting and even deal with the eyes that kept giving me trouble.
It’s 0K!
That’s what I want you to realize. It’s 0K. I know that if I do something I don’t like, all I have to do is let it dry and paint over top of it!
Let’s Learn How To Create This Adorable Mixed Media Owl
I love mixed media art. It can be a bit messy, but there are literally no rules! Mixed media is when you layer more than one type of material like paper, ink, paint, stencils, stamps ect. to make a unique piece of art.
You don’t have to have a solid plan, but you definitely have to trust the process and create as you go. I like to have a few cute scrapbook scraps and tissue papers to choose from.
Create The Background
Start with the background first by adding a little bit of ripped paper to parts of the background. Use a thin layer of decoupage on the canvas board, place your paper, and seal in with another layer of decoupage.
A lot of my background paper will be covered by paint, but you will see the gold polka dots, patterns, and texture of the torn paper peeking through.
Don’t worry if there are bumps and creases as you apply it because that will add to your painting’s character.
After decoupaging my background papers and letting it dry a bit, paint in the background color and foreground. I paint right over my paper! You can use a little bit of paint or sheer it out by watering it down so you can see more of the patterns. You get to decide how much of your paper shows through.
Mixed Media Fall Owl
While that is drying, paint in your owl. I used feathery strokes by flicking outward on the body and head to make this owl fluffy and then paint in the little legs and the eyes.
I had a paper with a paisley pattern that was perfect for my owl’s wings! When you are working on a project like this, you get to decide how much of your piece will have mixed media. It doesn’t all have to have scrapbook paper and I will be adding paint to all my elements.
When you are creating, play around with the mediums you have on hand. In my fall owl painting, I ended up using a lot of paper.
I couldn’t resist the paisley wings and even had a berry branch pattern to add to the background and an acorn for the hat. All of the things you can add just make your painting stand out with texture and uniqueness.
Finishing Touches
This cute little fall owl wouldn’t be complete without some accessories! With more paper and decoupage, I fit together patterns on the hat ribbon and scarf.
Paint in the hat and add a little painted fringe to the scarf. You aren’t limited to just paper with mixed media. You can use fabric and even napkins!
With black paint, outline, shade, and make creases in the scarf, hat, and wings. Darkening the cut paper’s edge to add dimension really makes a difference.
Get creative and add whatever details you want to your mixed media art! In the video tutorial below, you can see when I had to take my own advice and Trust the Process.
I made a mess of this poor little owl’s eyes, and it took me a few tries to get to the end result you see in the images. I ended up using decoupage and paper to help correct my mishap!
Now, to finish this painting off, you know I love to add gold and scrape dark paint on the edges with a palette knife.
Download the FREE Owl Template HERE!
Trust the process! Follow the steps I’m giving you. Don’t worry about how it’s going to turn out. Enjoy the journey!
Watch the complete Mixed Media Owl painting tutorial!
https://www.facebook.com/TheSocialEasel/videos/373392090505748
Paint like a kid! Paint for the peace and therapy art can give you! Don’t judge yourself. Just have fun!!
I want you to have fun! I want creating art to bring you joy, not stress.
God instilled creativity in all of us because we are created in his image, and he is the original creator. Let go. Turn on some music, watch one of my tutorials, and just have fun!
When you get frustrated, when you make a mistake, when you get nervous, that is when I want you to hear my little voice in your head telling you to trust the process!!
