How to use mixed media & why I love it | Paint with me

[@stefaniearielart]

Just found your channel, your art is lovely! I love the vibrancy and the textures! To help with the gesso vs matte medium question - As you said, gesso is meant to be more of a base. It dries with a bit of a tooth, which can be left for a more textured surface, or sanded down for a more smooth surface. It comes in fully transparent, opaque white, and black, and can be tinted with acrylic colors, if desired. It *can* be used to make acrylic paints more matte, but if you're using a white gesso, then it will, of course, make the paint color lighter. Matte medium was developed specifically to take away the shine from acrylic paints. Many people also like to use Matte medium as an adhesive, but I find it a bit too watery for my personal taste. One advantage to using white or black gesso to make acrylic paints look more matte is that it will not dilute the color. It will still apply thick and beautifully, given that the original color was opaque. It could even take a more transparent color and make it more opaque. Conversely, I find that mixing matte medium will almost always water a paint color down and make it slightly transparent, requiring more layers in order to achieve full coverage. It all depends on what look you're trying to achieve! Experiment with it, figure out your own preferences, and have fun! Hope that helps anyone reading 💜

[@kathyhackney7950]

Art philosophy has a set of water soluble oil pastels, and they're really fun! Mungyo does, too. I feel like the art philosophy ones are slightly creamier, but they're both fun!

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh thank you so much! The materials wish list grows longer by the day haha

[@intergalacticpeachpatrol]

It's so hard for me to get through any of your videos 'cause as soon as you put even one brush stroke down, my body wants to LEAP UP and paint with you! haha. I love, love, love your process and how you use your materials differently to most other artists I follow. You're always so inspiring with what you talk about, and what you show us. Thank you so much for sharing with us. I'm so forever glad that I stumbled across your work. :- ) XOXO

[@OrlaStevens]

haha yay yesss please do, grab the brushes!! 😄thank you so so much, it means a lot! 💙

[@robert4724]

I totally agree with Orla's answer to the first question about art materials. I use less expensive/student grade art supplies to sketch with, and the more expensive high end art materials for my more developed art pieces. As for matte mediums, I use both gloss and matte medium mixed with sand, grit, etc., to give my painting surfaces texture, depth.

[@OrlaStevens]

Adding sand and natural materials to the mediums sounds really fun! great idea :)

[@sarahclementsart]

Thank you so much for these lovely videos. You have really helped me to loosen up again (after years of tight work) & use my different media. You even inspired me to start my own KZbin channel. ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you, that is so lovely to hear, and congrats on starting your channel too!! 💫

[@abiotic_sloth1768]

The way you abstract the world is so fascinating. Your art creates such a beautiful glimpse into your view of the world. I'll never quite make abstract art like you do, but I hope I can someday figure out my style

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! and that's a lovely thing, we are all working towards our own voice, I think it's a bit of a quest for us all x

[@soda_fairy]

Hehe big kitty must enjoy checking out all the art stuff on the floor! I also have an orange cat.

[@redandpink219]

Really appreciate you walking us through your processes, Orla. Gives me confidence! Actually, I think how you fixed your 'mistake' by lifting the blue paint to reveal the pink underneath gave the effect of an aurora with the paper lines, which I loved!

[@OrlaStevens]

I'm so glad to hear that! Ohhh that's lovely, I hadn't even thought of that link, thank you! :)

[@jeckslynne]

Sketch tea and more art what more can one ask for. ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

the dream right!! ☕️ 📕 🎨

[@maisycakes1125]

I found this to be just a lovely refreshing fun video to watch with a refreshing and fun presenter 🤗

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! :)

[@artsoundmedicinewoman]

Love your playing courage with all the materials and you using the pencil box lid to drag through the paint was fun to watch 😅

[@208amanda_martinez]

I am the same way I don’t like a single layer. I have to layer all my pieces too. I love this video! I’ll be following! ❤

[@vickiescott2243]

Thank you for a very inspiring video. I also love those little sketchbooks. I use gouache, Neo II crayons, colored pencil and willow charcoal in them. Love your work!

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! That sounds like a lovely combo :) I've been wanting to try gouche out again, do you have any favourite types you'd recommend?

[@nickyperryman2683]

I love your vibe and your enthusiasm and your use of colour. It’s fun watching you paint.

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! ☺️

[@queenbuzybee4074]

Thanks for this! Stabilo Woody is watersoluble and fun to use.

[@cybiladavan1230]

you make painting FUN

[@OrlaStevens]

woohooooo! 💫 thank you!

[@diaryofdaksha]

I love how your boldness reflects through the way you paint! You have no idea how much you inspire me to come back to myself and paint with my heart! Much love❤

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you so much! It's funny, I never considered myself a bold person but I suppose these quieter parts of ourselves can come forwards and be louder through our art :)

[@KittehNow]

Thank you, lovely Orla. YOU INSPIRE ME!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤😊❤😊❤

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you so much! 💙

[@liannejohnson5491]

I loved everything about this video, Orla! Thank you! You inspire, as always. :)

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Lianne! 💙

[@dolBetancourt]

I love❤❤❤ your art

[@WeeCrafts]

I loved sharing in your excitement. I like how you explained why you liked your painting. Thank you.

[@KittehNow]

19:53 @WeeCrafts : I really like your comment and am glad you made the point of Orla explaining WHY this painting inspired and excited her!!! I am a mixed media artist, and it took me a LONG time to learn to really appreciate art I made that I did not care, for as far as how it turned out, BUT parts of it that DID turn out...things like textures, color palettes, composition, ALL KINDS OF things, just like Orla mentioned about her painting. Just because a piece does not turn out perfect, or as planned, it can still be a very valuable piece to you. This was a great video❤❤❤

[@jomassey4207]

Yay!!! So pleased that you've jumped in head and heart and just enjoyed the process. So many surprises yet to discover😊

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you, it was such a fuuuun session! 😄

Very nice way to paint loose❤. About mat medium, I usually use it as a glue, to stick paper on my painting and also mixing with paint to make it less shiny.

[@OrlaStevens]

that's great to know, thank you! Might try it with my collages next time :)

[@verfpapierschaar]

What a great energy you have!! I learned a lot, although I have been doing mixed media for quite some time now. A precious reminder to always look out for other and new ways to create. Thank you!

[@mattbray_studio]

That jumper is 🔥🔥

[@OrlaStevens]

haha it's my favourite!!

[@deborahmeyers551]

Your videos always make me smile inspiring all the way thanks for sharing Orla❤😊

[@marcydrake9159]

I love your journal and your spirit of adventure! ❤

[@circumboreal]

I just discovered your channel. The works you show in this video are really special, showing true individual spirit and vision. Enchanting and inspiring! Thanks for making great videos and art for us!

[@Lightpoetry.]

I LOVED this one!! Had a creative session whilst watching it and it pumped me up!!🤘🏼😅🧡 thaaanksssss Orla!😊

[@OrlaStevens]

yesssss so happy to hear that!! thank you ☺️🪩💙

[@gregThrelfall]

Love the fearless marking making and layering.I hang on to room key cards from hotels to use as scrapers for artwork and in the frosty winter months to scrape the car windscreen!! Keep on inspiring.G

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you Greg! Ohhh good idea re the scrapers! haha love a dual purpose tool 😄

[@julieannecook-artist]

I love mixed media too its yummy ❤

[@jude1515]

I love this video. It’s awesome to experiment with different techniques and colors. Your paintings are beautiful!

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! :)

[@sweethomes674]

Beautiful 🎉

[@andreabrown8551]

Thank you so much Orla for this inspiring video. Love some of your techniques and will give them a try. I’ve just expanded on my art journals, now have 4 on the go and have just received a large A3 book I’m looking to starting, making it 5. Absolutely love mixed media and find your approach and process truly inspiring and fun 🤩 🙏🏻, looking forward to your next one. Gazillions of thanks 🙏🏻 😊

[@riittahakala5689]

Wonderful Orla🎉

[@noreennorton5811]

I so enjoy your videos...and I would love to get a pattern for your apron!

[@LJ-xw3ou]

Yay. I’ve been waiting for you!

[@CarolynMullet-u7k]

Nice colors!

[@carolineschlunke]

You are so talented 😍

[@OrlaStevens]

thank you! :)

[@LJ-xw3ou]

LOVED THIS!!!

[@LJ-xw3ou]

More like this. So much fun!

[@OrlaStevens]

hehe thank you!

[@Sunburrs]

Matte or gloss medium is a way to thin and make acrylics more fluid and transparent without affecting the integrity of the paint like water does. You can also fix lines made with things like your stabilo pencils, charcoal, pastels etc if you do not want them to move. Alternately you can also smear those lines by running over them repeatedly with the media. Airbrush media is also great for thinning/transparency of paint. Matte/gloss media can also act as a varnish/final layer, fixing any water soluble media. It dries completely transparent. Gloss will add a shine and matte will dry matte.

[@OrlaStevens]

great advice and tips - thanks so much for sharing! :)

[@oldmanmilo8539]

Good stuff

[@clarebondart]

Another great, super inspiring video Orla! I just got some inktense in block form, which I am really enjoying, because you can use them like pastels and then wash out parts of them

[@OrlaStevens]

Thanks Clare! Oh they are on my wish list, glad you are enjoying them! They look so so fun :)

[@periknows]

Love your work 🐸 mixed media is so much fun ……and that jumper is gorgeous 😍 where can I get one 🙏

[@melaniedoornbos3061]

Loved this video! Ive watched it through twice. Thank you for sharing! Also will there be a replay of the free workshop coming up? Thanks!

[@klewis2048]

I managed to get some yellow acrylic ink all over a nice t-shirt this week, so I've brought a new apron that my wife bought me into my painting space, though I've yet to put it on while painting. Lessons shall NOT be learned!

[@OrlaStevens]

haha I know the feeling!! something about it feels restrictive - I'm the same with gloves for painting with.

[@donatellaciardella7626]

Brava e simpatica,ragazza creativa...😀

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Mungyo has 2 sets of water soluble oil pastels...one in vibrant colors and one in pearl colors I like them both...as well as their regular pastels. ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh thank you so much! I will check them out :)

[@IzzeGreene]

Another watercolor pencil out there is called derwent. I’ve heard good things about them and recently found some at the thrift store :)

[@OrlaStevens]

Oh thank you, I'll check it out!

[@jeckslynne]

Windsor Newton i believe has a line of paints

[@freezo244]

I love how fearless you are when you create. As a beginner artist I aspire to this as well but find myself stunted by unarmed expectations for the outcome. Besides using a wide brush, do you have any other tips for overcoming hesitation?

[@freezo244]

Okay, I just watched your Overcoming Perfectionism and it helped. Not sure how mapping will help me but I can see potential there and will try it.

[@OrlaStevens]

Thank you! I think creating a large volume of work is the best way - as over time and many pieces, you learn that you can and will make more, and get better, even if some surprises arise along the way :) so make as much as possible, and remember that each time you make a painting it's an opportunity to just go for it - it's a practice of that mental hurdle which is I think sometimes more tricky than the painting process itself

[@elhamr5987]

❤

[@katjalavikainen3845]

Thank you for your messiness! I love your shirt. Have you made it?

[@OrlaStevens]

hehe no problem! Thank you, it's a favourite. No, however I'd love to try figure out the pattern to make a similar one, as it's the best top and I don't want to wear it out 😄

[@robynbrownburke8206]

I love your wee apron!! Where did you get it? Another inspiring video once again! thank you

[@OrlaStevens]

thanks so much! 💙 I got this one from an artist open studio - it doesn't have a tag on it, but I think you'd find similar ones through a google 'cross back linen apron' xx

[@zoewhite7705]

Love that apron! Do you remember who it’s by? (Sorry if you already told us). Also, how did you do the glorious orange mono print? Was it some kind of plate? Geli maybe? Edit - oops, just rewatched the video and caught you making the mono print at the beginning :)

[@OrlaStevens]

Thanks Zoe! I bought it from an artist open studio, unfortunately it doesn't have a label on - though I reckon you can find a similar one through a 'cross back linen apron' search on etsy :) The orange monoprint was made by putting too much paint on one sketchbook spread with a brush, then laying another on top, to pick up the excess, and peeling off - no plate needed :) (although gelli plates are on my radar of art rabbit holes to go down, perhaps over winter :) )

[@juliegriffiths4272]

I am totally inspired by your process. I'm curious as to how water colour dries on top of acrylic, i must have a play. Not art related, but where did you your tops from? The first jumper and the blue and white one later. I want ❤

[@OrlaStevens]

it makes a great texture, kinda separates! Deffo worth exploring :) hehe thanks julie! The first is from a brand called Paper London, but it's at least 5/6 years old now, think the brand has changed. The blue one is a second hand find by satu maarannen x petit bateau. It's the best top ever, going to need to figure out how to make it!

[@juliegriffiths4272]

@OrlaStevens thank you. I will defo play with this and rummage through my paper stash. 🙂

[@LJ-xw3ou]

I have Staedtler watercolor crayons. I would love to see what you think of them.

[@OrlaStevens]

Ohh I haven't tried them out before, will add them to my list!

[@CynthiaYosef]

Hi what kind is mixed media sketchbook do you use? I’d like to get one so I could do watercolor pastel and drawing

[@mandysmith6264]

Thank you as always❤If you get a chance have a look at Derains figures in a book called Vertigo of Color for inspiration🙂

[@OrlaStevens]

oh wow I just gave it a search, will have to try find a copy! thank you :)

[@Pattymelt415]

Hello Orla. I'm looking around for those little fat acrylic pencils you showed us. Can you give the name? Thanks so much!!❤

[@OrlaStevens]

Ohhh I think the ones you are mentioning are Stabilo Woodies? They're really opaque thick creamy pencils that you can also add water too to move like paint 🎨

[@Pattymelt415]

@@OrlaStevens thanks so much😊

[@FluffybrushesColleen]

Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us. I want to work on the floor sometimes too, could you tell us what sort of cloth you are using to work on?

[@OrlaStevens]

Of course; this is a simple and very cheap ikea rug, it's just a cotton woven rug that is just thick enough to keep paint off the floor :)

[@AliBaba-ke5jn]

You paint on the floor? You must have a good back. 😮

[@OrlaStevens]

haha I do this to try help my back! trying to counteract too much time sitting 🪑