new online class: 101 mixed media techniques

I have been slowly working on revamping 
my website almastoller.com  
and I've just updated it with my new online class called 
101 mixed media techniques.

It is a class rich in all things handmade 
with clear video instructions.

Register early and get $10. dollars off.

101 mixed media techniques is an online class that consists of
tips, instructions and projects related to mixed media art.
I show you various painting techniques, textural and surface applications, how to make a total of 20 handmade canvases, make your own paint applicators, handmade journals, your own art supplies, handmade paints, adhesives and more...

class starts Monday, July 22nd
To read more about this class and to register : 

CLICK HERE

Video Series painting on a magazine page

Video Series:painting on a magazine page

Video Series:freeform painting on a magazine page

This is the 21st video in the series of freeform painting on magazine pages.

I started this video series as an exercise in freeform and intuitive painting. 

It is a great way to play with color, create interesting color combinations,

 develop your painting style while at the same time making your own one-of-a-kind

 collage paper out of the finished piece.

To start, gather all of your supplies.... everything from paint brushes, 

scrap paper and 4-5 different colors of paint.

Everything you like to use should be close at hand so that you can immediately act when inspired.

I use all kinds of paints....and I don't prime or gesso the magazine page.

I like to start with a coat of a heavy body acrylic as the base.

Then paint something.... paint anything.

Don't think....just do it.

Paint lines, circles, swirls, dots, plumes, triangles, squares and 

any organic or odd shape that flows from you.

You may want to time yourself.

Setting a 10 -15 minute time limit helps you focus on painting fast and intuitively.

At first, it won't feel very comfortable and the finished piece might not look like much.... 

but like anything, the more you do it 

the more comfortable you will be with the freeform process.

VIDEO SERIES: 

freeform painting on a magazine page

Video Series: freeform painting on a magazine page

Happy Earth Day 2013

This weekend was all about the Green Festival.

Rose and Talat Jonathan Phillips. She loved his presentation about gnosticism and spirituality.

Sara Moulton....whom I love.

Video Tutorial: how to make a cardboard canvas

This is my process of making a mixed media canvas and a step-by-step look at 

one of the ways I create a painting.

The process is intuitive and freeform.

*No rules*

Mindful of nothing but of putting paint to canvas and seeing what happens.

No consideration of color theory, perspective, realism, or conventional painting processes.

Just do something....and get lost in it.

Create something....anything.

I never buy canvases. 

It just doesn't work for me or what I do.

What I love about handmade canvases is that the materials are readily available and/or free.

I can design it and shape it any way I want, and that it doesn't take up a lot of space.

So, I'd like to encourage you to explore these options.

Over the years, I've posted tutorials on how to make your very own handmade canvas.

The links are below.

how to make a magazine canvas

how to make a cardboard canvas

how to sew magazine pages to make a canvas

how to make a soap box canvas

Today, I want to share with you a video tutorial of my favorite method...

and probably the easiest one of all. 

This one is great for all kinds of mixed media applications.

enjoy!

Supplies: 

cereal box, Golden Regular Gel Matte, and scraps of junk paper