There’s something magical about capturing landscapes through texture and layers.
This project is inspired by my honeymoon trip to Kashmir’s breathtaking scenery, where the rolling hills, lush greenery, and misty skies left an indelible mark on my soul.
In this blog, I’ll share a step-by-step guide to creating a richly textured artwork using soft pastels, vintage papers, acrylics, inks, and fabrics.
Read on to explore how personal memories and mixed media can come together in a harmonious blend of color and texture.
MATERIALS YOU NEED
- Reference Images: Photographs from inspiring landscapes (e.g., Kashmir)
- Soft Pastels: For initial mark-making and color layering
- Gesso: To mix with pastels and create a smooth background
- Vintage Papers: Torn by hand for a natural, textured collage effect
- Acrylic Paints: White, unbleached titanium, and assorted colors
- Black Pen: For journaling personal experiences
- Roller Brayer: To apply acrylics evenly
- Timber Acrylic Inks: Black and brown for defining edges
- Fabrics: Various textiles such as laces, doilies, and gauze for added texture
- Watercolor Paints: For drips and splatters to balance the composition
- Dry Brush: For final textural highlights
If you enjoy experimenting with mixed media techniques like me, I have a collection of creative projects for you! From abstract mark making to textured collages and art journaling, explore a variety of tutorials that will spark your creativity.
1. Inspiration and Reference
Begin by gathering reference images from your own experiences. I used photos from Kashmir, focusing on the vivid greenery and serene blue hues that inspired me. These images served as a visual foundation for choosing colors and planning the composition.
2. Mark-Making with Soft Pastels
I started with loose mark-making using soft pastels to outline the rolling hills. This initial step allowed me to visualize the composition and set the tone for the piece, laying down a gentle yet expressive base.
3. Building the Background
Next, I mixed gesso with soft pastels to create a smooth, blended background. This technique not only added color but also introduced a subtle texture that gave the sky and hills a dreamy, atmospheric quality.
4. Collaging with Vintage Papers
To add organic texture and depth, I tore vintage papers by hand into shapes that mimic the contours of mountains. By collaging these pieces onto the canvas, I created a patchwork effect that enhanced the natural, rugged feel of the landscape.
5. Journaling the Experience
A unique element of this project was journaling my Kashmir experience directly on the canvas. Using a black pen, I wrote about the crisp mountain air, the towering pines, and the peaceful ambiance. This personal narrative in the sky area added emotional depth to the artwork.
6. Softening with Acrylic Paint
I then applied a light layer of white and unbleached titanium acrylic paint using a roller brayer. This step helped to soften the journaling and unify the collage elements, ensuring the various layers blended seamlessly.
7. Defining with Ink
To enhance the depth and contrast of the mountain shapes, I used black and burnt umber acrylic ink. Carefully applied along the edges, the ink provided definition and brought out the intricate details in the hills.
8. Fabric Layer Collage
The highlight of the piece was adding fabric elements. I layered various textiles—fabrics, laces, doilies, and gauze—onto the hills. This step introduced a rich, tactile texture that transformed the landscape, giving it an almost three-dimensional quality.
9. Color Correction with Watercolor
To bring balance and harmony to the overall composition, I applied light watercolor drips and splatters. This final touch acted as a color corrector, subtly unifying the hues and enhancing the visual rhythm of the piece.
10. Final Touches
Finally, I dry-brushed white acrylic paint over the textured areas and added a few splatters. These finishing details highlighted the layered textures and provided a polished, cohesive look to the painting.
This mixed-media project is a celebration of memory, texture, and creativity. By combining personal journaling with layers of soft pastels, vintage papers, and fabrics, I was able to create a piece that reflects both the beauty of Kashmir and the dynamic nature of mixed media art. If you love landscapes, rolling hills, and the tactile sensation of textured art, I encourage you to experiment with these techniques and share your creations.
Have you ever tried layering fabrics in your artwork? Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
