Ruth Rae Scratches the Surface of Mixed-Media Collage

Here at Cloth Paper Scissors, we see exciting new artworks each day. I don’t always know what substrates artists are using in the work I see in our online gallery, but I often speculate based on my understanding of mixed-media art techniques. That said, I never would’ve guessed that author and mixed-media artist Ruth Rae (ruthrae.com) created the artwork below by building her layers on wood.

I invited Ruth to share her insights on mixed-media art techniques such as using wood as a substrate, which is the topic of her newest DVD with Craft Daily.

Mixed media art techniques with Ruth Rae
Preview Dimensional Collage on Wood, Ruth’s newest video on mixed-media art techniques. Ruth is also the co-author of Explore Mixed Media CollageClick here to “pin” this image!

“Over the years of working with different media I’ve found it’s important to fully understand the materials you’re working with to ensure the final work will have structural integrity,” Ruth says. “For example, I’ve discovered that although sewing on paper is fun, you swiftly compromise the integrity of the paper by piercing it with the needle and thread. If you back your paper with a piece of fabric and lengthen your stitch on your sewing machine, however, your paper will have more strength to withstand the continuous piercing of the needle and thread.

“By using wood as a base for mixed-media art, you’ll find you have more options for attaching mixed media and found objects. Nails, tacks, wire, string, and of course glue can all be used to help attach things to a wooden surface, creating a bond that you couldn’t have on an artist canvas.

“Wood also allows you to use traditional artist media: molding paste, also called modeling paste, or textured paste can be used for creating texture for painting. Using this medium will allow you to create interesting effects. You can add paint to it when it’s wet and then spread, scrape, scratch, or smooth the paste. Once the paste is completely dried and adhered to a hard surface, you can cut, carve, stain, and sand it. Molding paste is best applied to a rigid surface such as wood to help stabilize it.

“Working with mixed media is much like putting the pieces of a puzzle together. It’s helpful if you develop an understanding of how you want to unite all of the elements that you’re using in your art piece. I’ve found that working in layers and then attaching and building these layers helps to create a strong foundation.”

Do you use a unique surface for your art? Tell us about it in the comments section! And, don’t miss this preview of Dimensional Collage on Wood, where you can get a sneak peek of the mixed-media art techniques you’ll learn to create art that stands the test of time.

Always inspired,

Categories

Blog, Collage, Mixed-Media Techniques

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