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So I THOUGHT the Current watercolor set by Prima was my favorite of all the little Prima palettes I've tested... until today! Today, I FINALLY feel like I found exactly what I've been looking for in these watercolor sets.
If you know me - you know I LOVE bright, punchy, even obnoxious saturated color, which for me, is tough to find in watercolor as a medium (and why I often turn to fountain pen ink painting). The colors in Prima's Tropical watercolor set are so luscious, rich, vibrant, and TOTALLY me!! I can't wait for you to check them out!! 
*All product links are affiliate and for U.S. residents only.*
Take a good look at the photo above. Does this look anything like what you'd imagine a tropical watercolor set might look like? Of course NOT! That's exactly why I tell everyone how important it is to swatch your colors BEFORE you start painting.
Case in point... the photo below shows what's hiding inside the Prima Marketing Tropical Watercolor Confections palette once you add the magic of water! 
Gorgeous, right?! You would never know that unless you swatched them. Swatching totally eliminates the potential for a mixed-media mess of surprises as you're painting, and is a gift to your future self.
If you've been hanging out with me for my Prima watercolor series on YouTube, you know that I'm such a fan of swatching that I do it twice. Once on the little swatch card included with my palette, and a second time in a little watercolor swatch book I use as a backup in case I ever lose the card. 
Make sure you click over to see Prima's Tropical Watercolor set in action as I paint this fairy watercolor lesson for the Celtic Collective.
I had SO much fun layering the colors from this set to create unique skin tones and hair for my fairy! But I think the bold blooms of color in the background just might have been my favorite part! I'm in love with the intensity of this palette :)
Wanna Create This Lesson Together
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If you'd like to use these books for watercolor swatching, I have a little suggestion because these books have not been printed on watercolor paper. Pick a page from one of the books and use it as a reference! Draw the image(s) onto your own sheet of watercolor paper, and swatch away :)
And - in case you're a newbie here, or just need a reminder, paper is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the other art supplies in your stash (these are all my faves on Amazon). Sometimes paper is THE MOST important art supply - like in the case of watercolors and water-soluble mixed media art supplies.
Wanna learn MORE about how to choose the right paper for your mixed media art projects? This one's for YOU!
And - in case you're a newbie here, or just need a reminder, paper is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the other art supplies in your stash (these are all my faves on Amazon). Sometimes paper is THE MOST important art supply - like in the case of watercolors and water-soluble mixed media art supplies.
Wanna learn MORE about how to choose the right paper for your mixed media art projects? This one's for YOU!
Want MORE Prima
Watercolor Confections Set Demos/ Reviews?
The one below is about the Complexions set. I'm OBSESSED with this for creating watercolor portraits because I WAY prefer dipping my brush right into the exact color I want, instead of mixing my own skin tones!!
Enjoy!! And thanks for hanging out with me today!!
Need More Resources?
I've been a fan of Prima Confections watercolor sets for years and can't wait to demo the latest palette I picked up. Instead of a straight-up product review today, I'd LOVE to share with you WHY I continue to collect watercolor sets (even though I have a bazillion colors already!), and how a prepackaged watercolor set can benefit YOU in your own art!
Today's video is perfect for watercolor beginners who might not know which watercolor sets to buy, people looking for a little stress relief/ enjoyable art therapy activities, and advanced watercolorists looking for ways to challenge their creativity by limiting themselves to ONE palette of color.
Today's video is perfect for watercolor beginners who might not know which watercolor sets to buy, people looking for a little stress relief/ enjoyable art therapy activities, and advanced watercolorists looking for ways to challenge their creativity by limiting themselves to ONE palette of color.
All product links are Affiliate. I may earn a small commission if you choose to order through these links but by law there is never any additional cost to the consumer for doing so. I thank you for your support.
If you've been following me for a while, you know I'm a HUGE FAN of Daniel Smith watercolors and totally love creating my own watercolor palettes filled with shades I love.
I've also enjoyed watercolor sets by Prima for years - and recommend their Complexions Set to ALL my students because it's amazing to have a little palette filled with SO many perfect pre-mixed skin tones right at your fingertips.
I've also enjoyed watercolor sets by Prima for years - and recommend their Complexions Set to ALL my students because it's amazing to have a little palette filled with SO many perfect pre-mixed skin tones right at your fingertips.
These cute little sets by Prima like the "Terrain" one I'm demo-ing today, are a great "value set" because you get 12 colors for $20-25.
In case you're not familiar with Prima Confections Watercolor sets, these are NOT fine art quality paints, they're basically mid-range products and considered a "craft-grade" product. This doesn't mean they're bad in any way or that you have to spend more money on your supplies- they just may not all be light-fast, so if you're creating a gift or a commission for someone, your work could fade over time. Just something to be aware of :)
If you're just creating for fun, Prima sets are awesome because they're super affordable and the color combos they've developed are beautiful and richly pigmented.
In case you're not familiar with Prima Confections Watercolor sets, these are NOT fine art quality paints, they're basically mid-range products and considered a "craft-grade" product. This doesn't mean they're bad in any way or that you have to spend more money on your supplies- they just may not all be light-fast, so if you're creating a gift or a commission for someone, your work could fade over time. Just something to be aware of :)
If you're just creating for fun, Prima sets are awesome because they're super affordable and the color combos they've developed are beautiful and richly pigmented.
How to Unwrap Watercolor Half Pans
If you're completely new to watercolor and bring a set home like the one I'm working with today, it may feel overwhelming to just get started.
Make sure youclick over to watch today's video because the demo shows you exactly how to unwrap each tiny half-pan of watercolor and assemble your palette before you start painting.
Make sure youclick over to watch today's video because the demo shows you exactly how to unwrap each tiny half-pan of watercolor and assemble your palette before you start painting.
This can feel really tedious, but just pop on some music or a podcast and get going. Before you know it, you'll be ready to swatch.
Why You NEED to Swatch Watercolors
Watercolor swatching is something I used to ignore for YEARS! I just couldn't be bothered. I've got 3 kids and was always way too busy. Plus, when they were little, I had zero time to create, and didn't want to suck up all my artsy time with swatching before I even got to the good part of making something!!
Here's what I learned the hard way, and want to help you avoid...
I spent YEARS grabbing the wrong colors and diving right into my creation process. Years, throwing what I *thought* I wanted on my paper based on the color cap or what it looked like in the pan, etc.
There are SO many things wrong with those choices! For starters, check out the first color in the second row of the set I'm demo-ing today. It looks like a super dark blue, almost black right?
Here's what I learned the hard way, and want to help you avoid...
I spent YEARS grabbing the wrong colors and diving right into my creation process. Years, throwing what I *thought* I wanted on my paper based on the color cap or what it looked like in the pan, etc.
There are SO many things wrong with those choices! For starters, check out the first color in the second row of the set I'm demo-ing today. It looks like a super dark blue, almost black right?
It's NOT!! When I took the time to swatch this set today, I was a little shocked at how light this blue came out on my paper. Check it out...
If the old me had grabbed this and started painting, expecting a dark navy to appear on my paper, I would've been SO MAD because it's totally not, right?! Swatching your set ahead of time REALLY helps avoid future frustrations like this and eliminates the guessing game of not knowing what's REALLY in your palette.
One of the things I really love about the Prima sets is they come with a tiny blank swatch card (shown above & below), that I can fill out myself and pop right back into my case.
I also love that the swatch card provided by Prima has been printed on watercolor paper (SUPER important if you're a newbie - never swatch watercolors or water-soluble products on just any old paper - you need a thicker, sturdier paper that can absorb the water - so always use watercolor paper or watercolor journals).
I also love that the swatch card provided by Prima has been printed on watercolor paper (SUPER important if you're a newbie - never swatch watercolors or water-soluble products on just any old paper - you need a thicker, sturdier paper that can absorb the water - so always use watercolor paper or watercolor journals).
As you'll see in today's video, I not only swatch directly onto the swatch card that came with my Prima set, I ALSO swatch into a cute, rectangular watercolor journal at the same time. This might feel like overkill, but I've found that it can be easy to lose these little swatch cards for my watercolor sets, and I kinda love having a little reference book of colors as a backup.
Color Swatching Reference Books
To make swatching more fun, I've created a number of resources to help you. I've got a FREE Fun Fab Swatch Sheet and TWO books about swatching, my latest one, Swatch! Copy! Color! ...
and my Fun Fab Swatch Pad, created with my beloved Facebook Group a couple of years ago!!
You can swatch directly into the books for markers, colored pencils, and other dry products.
Remember, for watercolor swatching and swatching water-soluble art supplies, you always need to be working on watercolor paper or watercolor journals.
If you love the swatching backgrounds or faces in these books, feel free to freehand them into your own watercolor journals to make swatching even more fun for you at home!!
Remember, for watercolor swatching and swatching water-soluble art supplies, you always need to be working on watercolor paper or watercolor journals.
If you love the swatching backgrounds or faces in these books, feel free to freehand them into your own watercolor journals to make swatching even more fun for you at home!!
Why I LOVE Collecting Watercolor Sets
(Even Though I Already Have a Bazillion Colors!)
This is huge. And it totally goes along with why I always tell my mixed media art students to buy scrapbook paper pads or collections. It's so simple- whatever has been packaged into these sets - whether it's watercolors or scrapbook paper, already GOES TOGETHER!!
This may seem super simple, but this means you can do your art projects with CONFIDENCE AND EASE because you already know the colors and patterns will work together in your project. You can spend more time CREATING, and less time wondering what colors of paint to grab, etc! I don't know about you, but I'd much rather spend more time creating and less time planning :)
This may seem super simple, but this means you can do your art projects with CONFIDENCE AND EASE because you already know the colors and patterns will work together in your project. You can spend more time CREATING, and less time wondering what colors of paint to grab, etc! I don't know about you, but I'd much rather spend more time creating and less time planning :)
Another reason I love collecting watercolor sets is because it's fun when a set comes along filled with my FAVORITE COLORS!!
This might feel super simple too, but I've learned over the years, I gravitate to blues and greens. Why fight that?! Lean into it and own that part of you!! If you find a watercolor set pre-filled with your favorite colors - grab it!! The colors will make you happy and you'll enjoy your art time with them even more.
This might feel super simple too, but I've learned over the years, I gravitate to blues and greens. Why fight that?! Lean into it and own that part of you!! If you find a watercolor set pre-filled with your favorite colors - grab it!! The colors will make you happy and you'll enjoy your art time with them even more.
AND if you love your art, you're gonna wanna to MORE of it. And if you do more of it- you're gonna get really good at it!!
Sneak peak at NEXT WEEK's video in some of my fave colors!!!
Which Mixed Media Art Supplies
Go Well With Watercolors?
When it comes to combining other art supplies with watercolors to create a mixed media piece, there are a TON of things you can do! You do need to be careful, because not everything will "play nicely" with watercolor.
Before you add any art supplies on TOP of your dry watercolor layers, ask yourself :
DO I WANT THIS WATERCOLOR TO MOVE? (Because it will!).
If you're a watercolor beginner or mixed media beginner, it's important to understand that dry watercolor WILL re-activate if you add more water to it, or add another water-soluble art supply on top of it like I do in today's video with my watercolor markers.
If you really love the way your dry watercolor layer looks, and don't want it to re-activate, DON'T add any doodles or additional shading with a water-soluble product. Reach or something permanent like Molotow fineliners, colored pencils, etc.
If you DO want your dry watercolor layer to move or blend - try adding some shading with water-soluble supplies like watercolor markers, watercolor pencils or NeoColor IIs!
DO I WANT THIS WATERCOLOR TO MOVE? (Because it will!).
If you're a watercolor beginner or mixed media beginner, it's important to understand that dry watercolor WILL re-activate if you add more water to it, or add another water-soluble art supply on top of it like I do in today's video with my watercolor markers.
If you really love the way your dry watercolor layer looks, and don't want it to re-activate, DON'T add any doodles or additional shading with a water-soluble product. Reach or something permanent like Molotow fineliners, colored pencils, etc.
If you DO want your dry watercolor layer to move or blend - try adding some shading with water-soluble supplies like watercolor markers, watercolor pencils or NeoColor IIs!
Not sure if your art supplies are water-soluble? TEST THEM OUT! Simply swatch them off to the side and add a little water. Do your lines melt into puddles, or stay put? This will help you feel more prepared before using the supplies on top of your artwork.
If you feel like you'd like some tried and true art supply combos to play around with at home, check out my FREE Mixed Media Hot Dog Packet! This is SUPER helpful and will give you tons of ideas, not only from me, but from a bunch of my artsy friends!!
Make sure you click over to WATCH today's video, because I have packed this one FULL of even MORE tips and tricks I didn't even get to here - like what makes a good composition, and how advanced watercolorists can enjoy pre-filled watercolor sets as well to challenge themselves!
Plus, I don't know about you, but it's so fun to just watch the timelapse of a project coming together isn't it?? Join me over on YouTube for today's super fun video!!
Wanna Learn How to Draw the Girl in Today's Demo?
Awesome!! She's a lesson in my Celtic Collective art club membership over at Awesome Art School. I run this club with my Scottish bestie, Lucy Brydon. This club is all about fantasy art and features online art lessons on fairies, unicorns, mermaids, mythical creatures, castles and so much more!! We'd love to have you join us! Learn more here.
What to Watch Next
If you're a watercolor newbie and need a fun and easy watercolor painting idea, look no further than this video:
If you'd like to learn how to create your own watercolor palette instead of using a pre-packaged watercolor palette created by someone else, check out these videos:
As always, thanks for hanging out with me!! I hope you learned a TON and had FUN!!
Need More Resources?
If you LOVE fantasy art drawing and painting, you're in the right place! Today on YouTube, I'm sharing a sneak peek at lessons inside the Celtic Collective art club that I run with Lucy Brydon over at Awesome Art School!
Lucy and I became instant friends on an art retreat in Scotland quite a few years ago. We kept in touch, and in 2019, decided to put our combined 30 years of art experience together to host OUR OWN art retreat at Wardhill Castle in Scotland! (Our most recent retreat was just a couple of weeks ago).
The fun didn't stop there!! In 2020, we decided to form an art membership just for people who loved all things fantasy art and have been having a blast with our artsy community ever since.
Here we are (below) on one of our monthly zoom calls together!! We have so many awesome members, we'll never all fit on one screen together!!
The fun didn't stop there!! In 2020, we decided to form an art membership just for people who loved all things fantasy art and have been having a blast with our artsy community ever since.
Here we are (below) on one of our monthly zoom calls together!! We have so many awesome members, we'll never all fit on one screen together!!
Our monthly art lessons explore drawing, watercolor, acrylics, gouache, alcohol markers- you name it! We hold NOTHING back, and share ALL our tricks, tips, and SECRETS plus one-of-a-kind projects that you can BINGE away on until your heart's content!
Each lesson is FUN, filmed in real-time and step-by-step to help you create beautiful art you can be proud of from start to finish.
One of the BEST PARTS about the Celtic Collective is that you don't need ANY prior art experience to join! In fact, we have TONS of beginners.
If you've always been drawn to fantasy art but have NO IDEA where to start - we've got you covered!! As teachers, Lucy and I always take our time making sure our students feel supported with EVERY line drawn and painted - no matter what level of art experience they have.
Once youjoin the Celtic Collective, you can choose to start with the basics or refresh your knowledge if you're a returning artist who hasn't created in a while.
If you've always been drawn to fantasy art but have NO IDEA where to start - we've got you covered!! As teachers, Lucy and I always take our time making sure our students feel supported with EVERY line drawn and painted - no matter what level of art experience they have.
Once youjoin the Celtic Collective, you can choose to start with the basics or refresh your knowledge if you're a returning artist who hasn't created in a while.
Or, if you've been around the block and know what you're doing, feel free to dive right in based on the projects YOU want to create!
Check out this recent unicorn lesson from Lucy! See it in progress during today's Celtic Collective sneak peek on YouTube!!
Check out this recent unicorn lesson from Lucy! See it in progress during today's Celtic Collective sneak peek on YouTube!!
Learn how to draw a unicorn in pencil, step-by-step, and then how to watercolor your unicorn with gorgeous techniques shared by Lucy. Aren't her metallic watercolors divine?!
Not in the mood to paint? I hear ya!! Check out one of my MANY alcohol marker projects, like this gorgeous mermaid!
Loving the watercolor and want to try painting a mermaid partly underwater? Check this project out from Lucy, and enjoy the sneak peek in action over on YouTube.
These projects are beyond fabulous and SO MUCH FUN to create!
Not sure what you'll be in the mood to create from one day to another? You're gonna LOVE our Visual Project Index!! Check this out - once you're a member, simply log in, scroll through the Visual Project Index, and click on whatever floats your boat that day!! OR -- you can choose where to begin based on your level of art experience.
Not sure what you'll be in the mood to create from one day to another? You're gonna LOVE our Visual Project Index!! Check this out - once you're a member, simply log in, scroll through the Visual Project Index, and click on whatever floats your boat that day!! OR -- you can choose where to begin based on your level of art experience.
There's never a dull moment in the Celtic Collective, and you'll NEVER be at a loss for something FUN to create!!
We'd love to have you join us!! Learn more about the Celtic Collective and how to join, HERE at Awesome Art School.
We'd love to have you join us!! Learn more about the Celtic Collective and how to join, HERE at Awesome Art School.
Need Other Resources?
Welcome, fellow art friend!! I can barely believe my most recent Scottish Castle Art Retreat at Wardhill Castle is already behind me!! I've only been home a couple of days and I can't get the memories out of my mind! I'm thrilled to share some footage from the trip with you!!
Join me for a behind-the-scenes peek into how it felt to be on this super special art retreat last week!
Join me for a behind-the-scenes peek into how it felt to be on this super special art retreat last week!
Upon arrival at Wardhill, we received a glorious welcome from a local bagpiper on the front porch. He was so majestic! Make sure you click over to watch the video to hear him play. He added so much to the ambiance for the guests!
Our first full day was dedicated to art-ing and exploring the castle's hidden treasures. This hauntingly beautiful Scottish Castle offers breathtaking views and a sense of stepping back in time in every room.
We just loved sketching and painting the rooms, grounds, portraits, patterns in the wallpaper, and still-life arrangements we made with flowers from the castle grounds!
We just loved sketching and painting the rooms, grounds, portraits, patterns in the wallpaper, and still-life arrangements we made with flowers from the castle grounds!
After a luxuriously long day of art-ing at the castle, we were spoiled rotten with fancy meals by Cafe 83!
I'm getting hungry again just looking at these pix!!
This dessert tasted even MORE amazing than it looks!!
In addition to art-filled days at Wardhill, we enjoyed lovely walks on the grounds through the forest. Just look at the trunk of this tree! I wish I had time to draw them all!!
We took three excurions off-site to visit the adorable seaside town of Cullen...
...the majestic Fraser Castle (no relation to my beloved Jamie from Outlander!). Check out the view from the top!!
And of course enjoyed the fairytale favorite, Crathes Castle! (Yes, it's truly PINK in real life!!)
I just loved getting to know each of these incredible women last week and am so grateful for our time together!!
Interested in the Art Projects Featured in Today's Video?
If you love fantasy art lessons and can't get enough of fairies, elves, florals and castles, you HAVE to check out the Celtic Collective art club I co-host with Lucy Brydon over at Awesome Art School!
We have SO much fun drawing, painting, and enjoy getting to know our students during our monthly zoom calls!! Learn more here.
We have SO much fun drawing, painting, and enjoy getting to know our students during our monthly zoom calls!! Learn more here.
Need More Resources?
Today I'm excited to share a timelapsed version of how I made this sassy Mixed Media Marilyn Monroe, "Hamburger Style" painting, on CANVAS!!
Not sure what "Hamburger Style" is? It's my signature mixed media process - or recipe- for using my favorite, tried-and-true mixed media art supplies and layering techniques to achieve mixed media success EVERY time I sit down to create.
The BEST part is how EASY this fun system is for ANYONE to replicate at home!! Check it out ...
Not sure what "Hamburger Style" is? It's my signature mixed media process - or recipe- for using my favorite, tried-and-true mixed media art supplies and layering techniques to achieve mixed media success EVERY time I sit down to create.
The BEST part is how EASY this fun system is for ANYONE to replicate at home!! Check it out ...
All product links are Affiliate. I may earn a small commission if you choose to order through these links but by law there is never any additional cost to the consumer for doing so. I thank you for your support.
Need a Cheatsheet to Follow Along?
Heck ya, you do!! Click the button below, and I'll deliver a 2-page, printable PDF straight to your inbox outlining each step of the Hamburger System.
Now that you've got your cheatsheet, let's dive into today's SUPER FUN project!!
The first layer of the Hamburger System is our "plate," or our substrate. A substrate is simply the surface we're art-ing on. In this particular project, I'm working on an 18 x 24 stretched canvas.
The first layer of the Hamburger System is our "plate," or our substrate. A substrate is simply the surface we're art-ing on. In this particular project, I'm working on an 18 x 24 stretched canvas.
As you can see above, I've pulled three different scrapbook paper sheets in the same color scheme, and have ripped them into pieces for Layer #2 - Collage. I feel like collage is such a FUN way to get in the mood to create ANY project because there's really no rhyme or reason to it. You get to channel your inner 5-year-old, rip up stuff, and paste it around onto your canvas however you choose!
When you're ready to glue down your collage pieces, I always reach for a cheapie foam brush and my matte medium. Lots of people love mod podge (me included!), but I really prefer matte medium for my Hamburger System projects because matte medium was created to work with acrylic paint (our next layer!). It not only serves as a glue becuase of its adhesive qualities for the collage, but preps our surface to accept acrylics.
I added some white gesso in the middle of my finished collage so I could draw Marilyn in watercolor pencil (that way my lines will disappear once I start painting).
For the acrylic layer, I grabbed three tubes of Lukas acrylic that matched the color scheme in my collage, plus a skin tone. You can totally grab any of these at your local craft store or on Amazon. If you know me, I LOVE hoarding art supplies as much as the next girl, but ALWAYS recommend you use whatever you've got on hand before running off to add more supplies to your stash!
For the acrylic layer, I grabbed three tubes of Lukas acrylic that matched the color scheme in my collage, plus a skin tone. You can totally grab any of these at your local craft store or on Amazon. If you know me, I LOVE hoarding art supplies as much as the next girl, but ALWAYS recommend you use whatever you've got on hand before running off to add more supplies to your stash!
How cute is she looking already?! I seriously LOVE this project!!
Once I'm done with my acrylics, it's time for Layer #4 - gelatos and art crayons! These are SO fun for adding shadows and SO MUCH FASTER to work with than acrylics to add depth.
Once I'm done with my acrylics, it's time for Layer #4 - gelatos and art crayons! These are SO fun for adding shadows and SO MUCH FASTER to work with than acrylics to add depth.
After I'm done with the acrylics and gelatos, it's time for a little sealant. I grab another black foam brush for this and slap a juicy layer of mod podge all over the entire canvas. You can either get up and take a break from your project to let that dry, or use your hair dryer to get on with it like I do!
I LOVE the feeling of the dry, slick mod podge in this process. It's the perfect surface for using Pitt Pens to add some additional details and outlines throughout. They're also kinda magical because if you make a mistake, you can reach for a baby wipe and ERASE what you don't love!! Awesome right?!
I LOVE the feeling of the dry, slick mod podge in this process. It's the perfect surface for using Pitt Pens to add some additional details and outlines throughout. They're also kinda magical because if you make a mistake, you can reach for a baby wipe and ERASE what you don't love!! Awesome right?!
To lock your pitt pen layer in place, seal with another layer of mod podge. Next, you can add another layer of pitt pen doodles, some highlights, outlines, and give it a final seal!
So FUN and EASY, right?!
So FUN and EASY, right?!
I hope you had SO much fun watching this project unfold. I had a blast creating her and would LOVE to see your work in the Facebook group if you played along!
Wanna Dive Deeper into The Hamburger System?
I LOVE teaching students how to make the Hamburger System work for them at home! I've got an entire real-time (no timelapse) YouTube series you can binge for FREE right now, that breaks each layer down into its own video!
You can also grab a copy of my Hamburger System book on Amazon to set at your art table so you have EVERYTHING you could possibly need to know about art supplies, layering techniques and more right at your finger tips!
Want Access to Today's Lesson in Real-Time?
I hear ya! There's nothing QUITE like getting to do each and every step together without timelapse!! This mixed media Marilyn Monroe lesson is part of my Mixed Media Society over at Awesome Art School.
The Mixed Media Society is only open for enrollment three times/year. Add your name to the waitlist here to get notified next time we're taking on new members!
The Mixed Media Society is only open for enrollment three times/year. Add your name to the waitlist here to get notified next time we're taking on new members!
Need More Resources?
Hey there! Are you itching to try your hand at mixed media art but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the supplies and how to layer them successfully? You're in the RIGHT place!
I've got a solution that will make it super easy and fun for you. I call it "The Hamburger System," and it's seriously going to revolutionalize your approach to mixed media art (if it hasn't already!).
In my signature 7-step process, you'll learn MORE about your art supplies (what they do & if they play nicely with others), plus I'll teach you exactly how, and when to layer your supplies to set you up for mixed media success EVERY time you sit down to create.
Let's dive in!!
I've got a solution that will make it super easy and fun for you. I call it "The Hamburger System," and it's seriously going to revolutionalize your approach to mixed media art (if it hasn't already!).
In my signature 7-step process, you'll learn MORE about your art supplies (what they do & if they play nicely with others), plus I'll teach you exactly how, and when to layer your supplies to set you up for mixed media success EVERY time you sit down to create.
Let's dive in!!
Need a Cheatsheet Before We Get Started?
I thought so!! Click the button below, and I'll deliver a 1-page, printable PDF straight to your inbox outlining each step of the Hamburger System.
Feel like you want an even MORE TANGIBLE way to understand the Hamburger System? I turned it into a BOOK so you can have the entire step-by-step process ready and waiting for you at your art table! Check it out on Amazon here.
Layer 1: Substrate
Back to today's video :) Our FIRST LAYER is super easy! It's the substrate or "plate" for our hamburger. A substrate is simply whatever surface you plan to create your masterpiece on. Canvas? An art journal, watercolor paper, altered book, or wood panel? One of the beautiful things about mixed media is there are SO many options to choose from!
Before we continue, super quick announcement: All product links are Affiliate. I may earn a small commission if you choose to order through these links but by law there is never any additional cost to the consumer for doing so. I thank you for your support.
Layer 2: Collage
Collage is our second layer. It's is a SUPER FUN way to get in the mood to art, and a great way to move through creative block if you're feeling stuck or have no idea what you want to create yet.
Grab your matte medium (or any adhesive YOU like) along with a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Then rip the scrapbook paper into chunks and start gluing it to your substrate. I think collage is an awesome foundation for your piece and adds visual sophistication to your work!
Grab your matte medium (or any adhesive YOU like) along with a few sheets of scrapbook paper. Then rip the scrapbook paper into chunks and start gluing it to your substrate. I think collage is an awesome foundation for your piece and adds visual sophistication to your work!
Layer 3: Acrylic Paints (This Includes Stencils!)
Once you're done with the collage layer, it's time to bring out the paints! Acrylic paint is your best friend in the Hamburger System.
Lots of people ask me how I choose my paint colors for each project. Typically I look to my collage layer for inspo, and simply pull 3 shades of paint that match my scrapbook paper. Easy, right?
Once you've got your colors, add them throughout your collage layer wherever you want to jazz things up, or even cover something up that you don't like.
Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques like stenciling to achieve the effect you're after.
Lots of people ask me how I choose my paint colors for each project. Typically I look to my collage layer for inspo, and simply pull 3 shades of paint that match my scrapbook paper. Easy, right?
Once you've got your colors, add them throughout your collage layer wherever you want to jazz things up, or even cover something up that you don't like.
Feel free to experiment with different colors and techniques like stenciling to achieve the effect you're after.
Layer 4: Mark Makers
Here's where things get even more interesting. The magical mark maker layer is all about adding a focal point to your artwork. You can use any drawing tool you like—permanent or water-soluble (like the Black Stabilo All pencil I'm using in today's video) to create a foreground subject like a face, flower, or animal. No drawing skills? No worries! Many mixed media classes (LIKE MINE, in the Mixed Media Society!!) provide traceable templates to make it super easy for you.
Layer 5: Gel Sticks
Now, it's time for some serious shading. Enter gel sticks or gelatos! These highly pigmented sticks can be smudged with your fingers, creating beautiful shading effects. It's super easy to blend them to create realistic-looking shadows and depth. They're forgiving and allow for easy corrections, which makes them perfect for both beginners and experienced artists.
Layer 6: Pitt Pens
We're almost there! In the 6th layer of the Hamburger System, Pitt pens take the spotlight. These pens are fantastic for adding details, outlines, and more shading to your artwork. Their India ink pigments create rich and permanent lines, giving your composition that extra oomph. The best part? If you make a mistake or want to modify your design, Pitt pens are erasable with a baby wipe, so you have total control!
Layer 7: Sealer
You've already made it to the final layer!! Time to seal the deal! A sealer like Mod Podge ensures the longevity of your mixed media piece. Plus, if you want to remove or adjust anything you've applied with the Pitt pens, sealer makes it a breeze. Simply let that layer of mod podge dry, then make your adjustments with a second Pitt pen layer!
Not long ago I tested Mod Podge against SEVEN other sealers to see if there were any others I wanted to start working with. Check out what I learned and which glossy one I I fell in love with!
Not long ago I tested Mod Podge against SEVEN other sealers to see if there were any others I wanted to start working with. Check out what I learned and which glossy one I I fell in love with!
Voila! Isn't she adorable?! I hope you enjoy the Hamburger System as much as I do! It really has provided me with a structured and foolproof approach to mixed media art. It eliminates the fear of making mistakes and will truly give you the confidence to unleash your creativity!
Did you grab my Hamburger Cheatsheet yet? Here's that button again in case you need the link again!
Did you grab my Hamburger Cheatsheet yet? Here's that button again in case you need the link again!
Dying to TRY the Hamburger System with Me?!
I have SOOOO many fun mixed media projects waiting for you in my art club at Awesome Art School called the Mixed Media Society. Tons of them are "Hamburger Style" using the exact process shown today.
Add your name to the waitlist to be notified the next time I'm taking new members!
Add your name to the waitlist to be notified the next time I'm taking new members!
Wanna See MORE "Hamburger Style"
Mixed Media Art Projects on YouTube?
I thought you'd never ask... this playlist has your name on it!
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Karen Campbell
Founder of Awesome Art School. Mixed Media Artist. Author of 18 Instructional Art Books!
Posting on YouTube every single Wednesday of the year!
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"Karen is flipping hilarious and she's very real...I like the way she teaches in a way that really gives you confidence, whether you're a beginner or advanced there's always something new to learn!"
- Elizabeth W. |
What Fans Are SayingKaren, you are absolutely fabulous! You make me feel like I can draw anything. I have recently retired and finally have the time to do some of the art that I have loved since I was in school. I am really at the beginning of my art journey and I hope to learn as much as I can. Thank you for all you do. |
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