Collage Behind the Scenes

Custom Colors

Today I thought I’d share a peek behind the scenes! One thing I love about mixed media is all the variety. No one day looks the same in my studio, and the possibilities are endless.

Dying papers is a messy, fun process that, at least in my case, often gains momentum and takes on a trajectory of its own!

For me, the inspiration often starts with a thought like: ”hmm, where’s that perfect shade of green that’s not too lime-y, a little bit mossy, sort of cedar-y, and not too vivid?” I then look around in my existing papers stashes, and if I don’t find it, I obviously must mix it! Now!

I open my stash of acrylic paints and inks. Often my formulas are nothing other than playing around to see what happens, getting mesmerized watching the colors shift as I add a new hue. Occasionally my left brain kicks in with some color theory.

I often end up mixing more than one color. When I think the colors looks like interesting shades, I’ll grab several random neutral papers of all kinds- old newspapers, books, sheet music, and occasionally some bright new copy paper.

I let them soak in the colors for hours, then I set them to dry.

If it’s nice weather outside, I love letting the sun dry them!

Today I got distracted by the early spring blooms from plants that overwintered in my patio planters. Aren’t they lovely?

Then the dogs had to come outside to see what was going on:

Once they’re dry (the papers, not the dogs), I discover all kinds of great marks and variations that I never could have planned!

I find the whole process of dyeing papers to be really calming, and it feels good to have added a custom element to found papers. When I use them in my mixed media pieces, they carry an extra level of history and meaning.

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6x6 Collage with antique & dyed papers (March, 2023)

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Thanks for being here and following my creative endeavors!

xoxo,
Jill