Hedgie The Hedgehog Mix Media Painting : Creative & Easy

“Step into the whimsical world of ‘Hedgie the Hedgehog’ with our latest blog post on mix media painting. This unique artwork blends textures and techniques to bring the charming hedgehog to life in a vibrant, multi-dimensional way. We’ll explore the creative process behind this enchanting piece, offering insights into the materials and methods that make mixed media painting art so captivating. Join us as we delve into the magic of ‘Hedgie the Hedgehog’ and discover how to infuse your own art with personality and depth.”

I have always loved creating mixed media pieces.  They  really are my favorite to create.  I haven’t actually created one in quite some time and forgot how much I love making them.  Well, this piece was inspired by my daughter and her love of hedgehogs.  My six year old, Lily, is obsessed with hedgehogs and I can’t blame her…  they are super cute.  She has a couple of stuffed animal hedgehogs one she has named Hedgie.  Besides hedgehogs, my daughter loves to read.  I thought, why not create a painting for her bedroom that incorporates two of her favorite things?  I also knew she would be over the moon for such a painting.

Well, for this project, I got to test out DecoArt’s Mixed Media line of fluid acrylics, modeling paste, texture sand paste, and matte medium.  I have to say that I’m completely hooked.  I love the ease in which you can mix the acrylic paints and the coverage and vibrancy is absolutely amazing.  I’ve used all different types of paints throughout my eighteen years of teaching art,  and this quality is unbeatable.

Mix Media Painting:

Supplies Needed:

  • DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics
  • DecoArt Modeling Paste
  • DecoArt Texture Sand Paste
  • DecoArt Matte Medium
  • 12″ x 12″ Canvas
  • Stencil (Any pattern will work.)
  • Spatula
  • Various Size Paint Brushes
  • Scrap Book Paper
  • Vintage Fabric/Regular Fabric
  • Skewer
  • Scissors

Step 1:  Tear a piece of scrapbook paper and cover the 12 x 12 canvas. Don’t make this exactly the same size as the canvas. That’s part of the fun of Mix media painting… the lack of Precision :).  Adhere the paper using the DecoArt Matte Medium by first brushing it onto the canvas and then brushing to cover the paper. Then let it dry.

Step 2:  Cover the sides using the same process.

Step 3: Mix the DecoArt Texture Sand Paste with the DecoArt Fluid Acrylics.  Lay your stencil out and apply the mixture with a spatula.  Apply in a couple of areas on your canvas.  Let this dry thoroughly.

Step 4:  Mix the DecoArt Modeling Paste with the fluid acrylics and apply around the edges.  Take a skewer and create a fun border pattern.  This doesn’t have to be perfect and it definitely doesn’t have to be the same coverage throughout. Let this dry thoroughly.

Step 5:  Using the fluid acrylics again, paint the background. Also, once again, don’t worry about even coverage. In fact this is how you get depth… by building it up in some places and leaving the transparency in others. Here you can see,  I used a mixture of green and a bright lime green. I also didn’t paint the entire canvas since I knew I was putting my paper and fabric on top.

Step 6:  Using a pencil, I outlined the size and where I wanted  my hedgehog.  Once again, I used the DecoArt Matte Medium, and applied the scrapbook paper, creating the body of the hedgehog.  I also used vintage fabric for the inside of the body and applied it with the Matte Medium as well.

Step 7:  I painted around the body, filled in the feet and hands, created the face with all the features, and started outlining all of it in black.  You can put as much detail in as you want or as little… just have fun with it, but don’t overdo it. It’s easy to get carried away.

Step 8:  Finishing outlining the body and the book.  I also went back in and put “read” on the spine of the book and gave Hedgie a cute pair of glasses. Sometimes it’s the small details that really make a work come to life.

So, thanks to this bundle of cuteness and also to Hedgie, for the inspiration for this mixed media painting. Also, a big thank you to DecoArt for providing me with the fantastic paints and other mixed media supplies.

Mixed media is so much fun.  If you haven’t tried it, there truly isn’t a right or a wrong way. The trick is it’s all about layering and allowing the layers to show through. If you’d like more educational tips and even some videos, you can check out the DecoArt Mixed Media Program.  They even have beginner videos too! This is a great site and resource to explore the various types of products such as the Antiquing Cream, Misters, and Crackling Paste and the effects they can produce in a work of art. And as if that wasn’t enough, for more inspiration and ideas, go ahead and follow the DecoArt Mixed Media Blog or you can even sign up to receive their Newsletter.

Whether you’re an experienced mixed media artist or a complete novice, you will love this line.  The DecoArt Matte Medium really adheres and dries quickly. The Modeling & Texture Sand Paste help add a new depth and texture to your work and the vibrant colors and excellent coverage really make the DecoArt Fluid Acrylics pop.

I just can’t wait to make another Mixed Media Project!

‘Hedgie the Hedgehog’ exemplifies the beauty and creativity that mix media painting can offer. By combining various materials and techniques, this piece not only captures the whimsical essence of its subject but also inspires us to experiment with our own artistic endeavors. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this charming artwork—let us know in the comments how you might incorporate mix media into your creative projects or share your own experiences with similar techniques!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mix media painting?

Mix media painting involves using various materials and techniques to create art. This can include combining traditional paint with other mediums such as paper, fabric, found objects, and digital elements to add texture, depth, and visual interest.

What materials are typically used in mix media painting?

Common materials include acrylic paints, watercolors, inks, pastels, collage elements (like magazine clippings or fabric), textured mediums (such as gesso or modeling paste), and even non-traditional items like buttons or metal pieces.

Can I use mix media techniques with any type of paint?

Yes, mix media techniques can be used with various types of paint, including acrylics, oils, watercolors, and inks. The key is to understand how each medium interacts with others and to use appropriate techniques for layering and combining them.

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