Anatomy of a Mixed Media Collage

Anatomy of a Mixed Media Collage

This was a satisfying project taught by Eulalia Mejia, an artist in Columbia who gravitates to bright fluorescent colors and whimsical designs with inspirational messages. Here’s the completed piece, but let’s go through the steps in the process. 


First Step

Collage with neutrals - scraps of book pages, Kraft paper, scrapbook paper, security envelopes affixed to mixed media journal paper with matte medium. Why do all of this when you’re just going to cover it all with paint? Texture, baby, texture. I’m all about the texture. 


Second step - add acrylic paint in wild, bright colors

Third step - add another acrylic layer, deepening the colors

Fourth step - letter the message on piece of deli paper using India ink. Oops. Cut out circle. The India ink smeared when wet. Maybe I didn’t wait till fully dry? Did another one using waterproof marker.


Got so involved in the process that I forgot to take photos of remaining steps. But here is the finished piece. Glued down text circle using matte medium, painted flower petals - new trick learned. Adding white acrylic to colors makes them more opaque. Good to know! Added text/kraft paper bits to petals, added leaves, and finalized details with white Posca pens. 


Time consuming project but worth it.


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