How to incorporate a photo on your mixed media canvas

Back in August 2012, I shared how to create a simple mixed media canvas. Today I'm sharing how to  incorporate a photo on your mixed media canvas.

Start by picking a photo. The photo will help to guide your colour choices. Alternatively, you can go with a black and white photo. Decide where your photo will be placed on the canvas.

Scrunch and adhere some wrapping tissue to the base of your gesso-primed canvas, keeping your creases to areas outside the designated spot for your photo. This makes it easier to adhere your photo later.

Start adding various painted colours to your canvas. Acrylic paints tend to look "plasticky" so I like to mix in shimmering mediums to the paint. The colours are built gradually by layers. I apply the first layer with a palette knife to spread the colours all over the canvas, then use my fingers to dab another layer of colours. . It is quite a labour-intensive process so you may want to work on a smaller canvas [mine measures 8 x 8].

Then I add in the gold and bronze paint colours, making sure they get in-between the creases. I finish off with a thin layer of gesso on the palm of my hand which I distribute all over the canvas. The white helps to pull the colours together and applying with your palm creates an interesting texture. I added PearlEx to create even more shimmer on the background.

Then adhere your photo to a piece of patterned paper [it's harder to stick photos directly on the textured surface] that serves as a photo mat. And start embellishing with dimensional objects like buttons, charms and blooms. [Spot the washi? *winks*]

There you have it. A photo on your mixed media canvas. Not too difficult right? What do you think?

P/s: This canvas was done for this month's challenge at Zeus and Zoe is to scrap about yourself right now and to incorporate buttons. :)