Mixed Media Art - Masking a Grid for Thumbnail Compositions

[@chriszar2173]

I have an entire journal dedicated to grid abstracts. I don’t use tape, just sketch boxes and go! It’s a wonderful way to test color combos, practice mark making and working on composition. I often take inspiration from one small abstract to make a larger piece. Lovely grid Pam!

[@pamhemmerling]

That is a great idea Chris! I have seen artists use sketch boxes but it has always looked a little intimidating--you've made it sound like a natural, free-flowing way to try new things. I appreciate you sharing.

[@diane753]

Pam, I'm sure you most likely know this but if not, I thought I would share. If you use a heating tool or blow dryer on the tape it will always come up without damaging the paper. I LOVE your videos!!

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh Diane I had no idea about using a heat tool to release the tape--thanks for sharing that tip! I appreciate your enthusiasm for my videos--it is very encouraging.

[@sarahmitchell9073]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this in the comments already, but an important tip to pulling tape - never pull straight up off the paper. Always pull at an angle, slowly, away from the painted image. Use your other hand to hold the paper down in case any ripping starts to happen (in the grid, alternate pulling side to side). Also, if you are using very sticky tape, such as masking, before attaching it to the paper, take some of the stick out by pressing it to some clothing you are wearing so that the fibers take some of the "stick" out.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for those tips Sarah! I appreciate you taking the time to let me know--that is super helpful!

[@peggy247]

This has really gotten my creative energy flowing! Thank you!

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh Peggy, I am so glad to hear that! I hope you give it a try--and if you do, let me know how it goes.

[@angelinamichelle8474]

Fabulous! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks Angelina! I'm so glad you were inspired. I hope you give it a try.

[@soozarty]

Thank you thank you thank you! I so appreciate you sharing the mistakes as well as the successes. I sometimes struggle with giving up if a project bombs, and this video was so helpful in reminding me not to do that! In fact, when you showed the torn original, my first thought was how fabulous that would be for collage. I appreciate the reminder that my self critical lens is not the only one to view things through, that “mistakes” can be beautiful as well as a learning experience, and if I keep plugging away, something gorgeous can come of it. 🌺💖

[@pamhemmerling]

Your comment means so much to me--thank you for sharing. I often struggle with how much to include in the videos as I always try to figure out what is most helpful, encouraging, etc. You have made me realize (yet again!) that it is not the successes but rather the challenges where we do the most learning. Art is an ongoing process and great results are not always found the first time. Press on!

[@LoJo99]

Let’s see if I can say love it one more time😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@pamhemmerling]

You made me smile--thanks for the double comment!

[@michellespohrer6395]

Love this, Pam! Thanks for the inspiration. I might do something like this in holiday colors to make individual cards.

[@pamhemmerling]

That is a great idea Michelle--you have inspired me to try that as well.

[@denisecope]

It came out so great! I think those big brush marks are a big part of why I love it. I’m glad you tried again!

[@pamhemmerling]

I love that part too Denise! Thanks!

[@monabuhler]

I love this kind of exercise 👌🏻, just beautiful !! Thank you dear Pam 💞

[@pamhemmerling]

Oh Mona, you are so kind--thanks!

[@sabinemetscher6449]

When you say press on, I’m subscribed 🌞Also it’s really cool to try this over & over for surprise effects 💕🐾🖌️🗺️📚

[@pamhemmerling]

Sounds like you have done this quite a bit Sabine--I'm not sure why I waited so long to give it a try as I agree, you can achieve surprising results. Thanks for watching!

[@LoJo99]

Love those colors. And the process love it love it. Those would be cool ATC’S….. I also like the fact that you pushed through and didn’t give up love it.

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed the process--I am never certain how much to share or if it is even relevant. Your comment is helpful and encouraging!

[@lyndsaypearce8820]

They’re lovely …. I can’t wait to try this … thank you😁

[@pamhemmerling]

I do hope you give it a try Lyndsay--it is fun and the unexpected results take the pressure off. Thanks for watching!

[@gwynnedjackson3871]

Hi Pam! What another great idea that i cant wait to do! Just got some artist tape and I'm ready! Thanks for sharing! I love your videos! I have to admit, I'd love to see you create in real time, instead of fast forward. ❤😊

[@pamhemmerling]

I'm so glad you are going to give it a try Gwynned--be sure and let me know how it turns out. I also appreciate you letting me know about watching in real time--that is helpful feedback. I've been thinking about posting a question to see what type videos everyone would like to see in 2025--I think it might be time to mix things up. What do you think?

[@mariach46]

I love how this turned out too. Something i would definitely try!! Thank you Pam for the encouragement and sharing ❤😊

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks so much Maria! I do hope you give it a try--the result is very satisfying. I'm glad you have been encouraged in your art journey--I appreciate you letting me know.

[@tinacookieleesanchez6850]

Love this going to 🙂try this 💕

[@pamhemmerling]

You definitely should Tina--it is very freeing to not know exactly how it will turn out.

[@cleot151]

I'm always up for doing some grid art!

[@pamhemmerling]

Sounds like you must already be doing this--any tips for me?

[@dagmargebhardt6637]

Very nice. I've done this several times too. Great to see what came out of it 🎨🙋🏻‍♀️

[@pamhemmerling]

Isn't it a fun result, Dagmar? I can't believe I've never tried it before.

[@ElizabethLovegrove-cm1bb]

Love it ❤will definitely try it

[@pamhemmerling]

I am so glad to hear that Elizabeth! Let me know what you think if you give it a try.

[@fyrtalker]

This is amazing! I love the idea of saving the tape also. Any ideas on how you would you save it?

[@pamhemmerling]

I didn't end up saving my tape this time, but I've seen other artists adhere it to a shiny surface like palette paper, so it peels off easily. Let me know if you give it a try.

[@TracyDeFreitas-i4n]

What brand is the pale charcoal? Thanks. These are stunning.

[@pamhemmerling]

The charcoal I used was Derwent XL Charcoal Block. The lighter gray was a graphite pencil. The links are in the description if you're interested.

[@lenawarelius4195]

So fun 🤩 thank you so much for sharing 👏🙏 do you spray it afterwards? Lots of love from arctic Norway 🥰🌸🌺🌼

[@pamhemmerling]

A spray fixative is a good idea Lena. I can't remember if I sprayed this or not--sometimes I put a coat of clear gesso over the top or cold wax.

[@lenawarelius4195]

@@pamhemmerling when you have done waxing on the page, can you do anything else on that? Like paint or stamping or whatever? 😅

[@pamhemmerling]

@@lenawarelius4195 No, cold wax is generally the final step. Now that I think of it though, I could probably put oil pastel or oil paint over the wax but I have not tried that. In general, I like to experiment so if you want to stamp or paint over the top I would give it a try--what have you got to lose?! I don't always stick to the traditional "rules" of art making and find there is a lot of freedom in that.

[@patriciadistefano7467]

Wow! It turned out beautifully! I’m glad you tried it again. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@lenawarelius4195]

@@pamhemmerling oh yes, letting go of all rules is definitely a great idea 🙏🥰 I tell you what happens if I try it 😅😊 lots of love 💕

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Try heating your tape up with your blow dryer to loosen the glue

[@pamhemmerling]

Thanks for that tip Susan! I appreciate you watching.