Mixed Media Project: Painting an Abstract Urban Landscape

In this blog post, we will embark on a thrilling artistic journey, exploring a mixed media project that involves transforming an inferior watercolor into a vibrant, dynamic abstract urban landscape. Art is a reflection of the human spirit's boundless creativity, and it thrives on experimentation and innovation.

This project serves as a testament to the power of creativity, the importance of breaking away from traditional techniques, and the joy of up-cycling old art. Here's the piece I'll be doing in this video below...

As you can observe, this artwork embodies a sense of looseness and abstraction, departing from many of my prior creations. However, beneath the surface, it encapsulates several elements that I deem essential in a compelling painting: the interplay of harmonious colors, a well-thought-out composition, and an arresting focal point.

Within this piece, the figures situated in the lower portion of the composition are intentionally distinct, immediately capturing the viewer's gaze. This effect is achieved through the strategic placement of vivid blues and pinks against a backdrop of contrasting dark shades. In contrast, the remainder of the painting remains decidedly abstract, with the building serving as a recognizable anchor that imparts a distinct sense of place.

The Concept for This Abstract Urban Landscape Painting Project

The concept behind this mixed media project is simple yet profound – to take an existing watercolor painting, one that may be considered inferior or incomplete, and breathe new life into it by turning it into a captivating abstract urban landscape. By embracing a loose and intuitive approach to art, we'll explore how to combine various media like collage, inks, and acrylics to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Materials You'll Need

Before we dive into the process, let's gather our materials:

1. An inferior watercolor painting (the foundation of your project).
2. Collage materials such as old newspapers, magazines, store bought scrapbooking paper, or tissue paper.
3. Glue, I use Mod Podge Matte
4. Acrylic paints in a variety of colors.
5. High-quality brushes in various sizes.
6. Inks or watercolor paints for detailing.
7. A palette for mixing acrylics.
8. Water containers.
9. A palette knife or old credit card for texture.
10. Masking tape.
11. A canvas or heavy paper for your final piece.
12. Easel (optional).
13. An assortment of old brushes or sponges for applying collage materials.

Let's Check Out The Video Demo!

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