My First Mixed-Media Painting

I got the idea for a mixed media work at a group exhibit I took part in and knew I would love doing it; creating a portrait using words from someone I admire. I had been wanting to make a portrait of Audrey Hepburn for a while - who doesn't love her in the classic movies, her amazing on-screen personality and the person she was, with such an admirable outlook on life - and knew I could make the subject work. 

But I didn't want the painting to be just about her as an actress and the characters she portrayed in classic movies - but about who she was as a person. Few people know how the other side of Audrey, her humanitarian side and also her message to people regarding beauty and loving oneself.

I found a photo of Audrey I knew that I could work with and printed out some of my favourites quotes. I knew that there was one I wanted to emphasize in my painting because I think it's a brilliant way of defining what makes a person beautiful.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

Once everything was printed, I got the necessary material: a 18'' x 24'' canvas, acrylic paints (white, black & brown) as well as an acrylic gel medium which would allow me to make the collage. I also cut out some bits from magazines that I knew would work with my project.

The first step was to draw it out and paint:

And then I began cutting out the words and quotes and applying them the the canvas using the acrylic gel medium. To add texture, I also used some silk paper. 

Finally, I also added some colour using a metallic red acrylic paint and knew my work was done. The original artwork is for sale and it is also available as a print which can be bought at the Deviant Art website.