Assemblage can provide a unique three-dimensional addition to any illustration. The sculptural presence, textural finishes and custom patinas make an assemblage accent a desirable element for the mixed-media milieu. From repurposed and custom-treated natural and man-made elements to hand-sculpted creations in self-drying and polymer clay, a diverse array of exciting techniques and materials can be added to illustrative works of art!

The Courageous
30.25″ x 19” x 2.5”
acrylic, oil, collage & assemblage on
canvas over masonite & board with wooden framework

In my paintings, I like to use vintage as well as newly repurposed accents, incorporating metal, plaster, clay and wood in unique combinations. To harvest a unique collection of trinkets and time-treated treasures, I go to flea markets, antique shops and the like. I just love it when I find just the right trinket that I can make into a one-of-a-kind treasure. I also pilfer from my great-grandmother’s button collection which has some amazing vintage pieces.

Finding that perfectly aged piece when you need it is not always easy. There are, however, some great dimensional accents that can be found at the local hardware store and online. Wooden trim and other such accents can be treated with an aging varnish or a crackle patina to give them a time-honored look.

Self Awareness  30.5″ x 21.5” x 1.75” acrylic, oil, collage & assemblage on canvas over masonite & board with wooden framework

Meditative Pathways  20″ x 17” x 2”
acrylic, oil, ink, graphite, collage & assemblage on canvas
over masonite & board with wooden framework & inlaid boxes

Detail of an assemblage accent with wire and beads. Finished art is featured above.

Custom finish using sponging techniques with various metallic acrylic paints.

I also love to add my own custom patinas and faux finishes using techniques such as sponging, glazing, dry brush, distressing and rusting just to name a few. Sources of inspiration for unique finishes can be found almost everywhere!

Hardware before custom painted finishes.

Hardware after custom painted finishes. Custom finish was created using sponging techniques with various metallic and non-metallic acrylic paints.

 

Adding an acrylic patina to a hand-embossed and debossed metal accent.  The metal is called tooling foil.

Backside shown of embossing and debossing metal using an embossing tool and drawing stump. To create the effect, a mouse pad was used for smooth debossing/embossing and a hard surface for a textured look.

 

Dimensional Accents can also be created with liquid polymer. The dimensional accents are painted in black acrylic gesso and acrylics then dry-brushed on top with gold.

Custom sculpted accent created with self-drying clay and painted with a patina using sponging techniques.

Add a custom finish to hardware knockers using dry brush techniques.

I like to use metallic paint in my custom finishes. Oftentimes, I make my own metallic paint using iridescent acrylic medium and a custom acrylic mixture.

Below is a video of my mixed-media painting entitled The Warrior. The framework is embellished with assemblage accents. many of which I created.

The Warrior   24″ x 12” x 2” (art) with 48″ x 25” x 6” (frame)

If you are interested in learning more about working in relief on the painted surface or working in experimental mixed-media techniques, check out my Masterclass on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/lisalcyr

A Unique Approach:

Masterclass is a unique approach to learning, where each artist works on their own projects, whether that be standalone works or works in a series. Unlike a workshop or an assignment-driven class, this online atelier supports each individual artist’s intent on creating works that they really want to pursue. 

There are approximately SEVEN Live Events every month. The Masterclass Saturday sessions (usually held on the first Saturday of the month) are from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the In the Studio sessions are from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on the same day. In addition, there is a monthly Paint, Draw + Create Together event (once a month) on Tuesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social events (3 to 4 times a month) are on Tuesday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Patron Art Feedback sessions for Masterclass are conducted four times a year, giving each artist time to create their works. Artists that cannot attend live can submit up to 3 pieces for a live session review. Each review is recorded.

Experimental + Traditional Techniques:

The Masterclass online atelier covers a variety of topics from studio best practices to a vast array of experimental and traditional painting as well as expressive drawing techniques. The instructor provides monthly assistance and guidance through live  demonstrations, lectures and group chats. ​If you miss a class, you can watch the recording at a later date. 

Painted Passages: This series of posts and videos on how to employ freeform painting techniques to create magical backgrounds and environments in mixed media.

Collage Techniques: This series of posts and videos on using collage techniques in mixed-media works of art.

Working in Relief: This series of posts and videos focuses on working in relief in mixed media, exploring self-expression through texture-building and bas-relief techniques onto the painted surface.

Studio Basics: This series of posts and videos on artistic best practices for the studio artist, from working surfaces, grounds, painting mediums, varnishes, drawing and painting media to brushes, tools and equipment.

Expressive Drawing Series: This series of posts and videos explores alternative mark-making using drawing materials to create expressive works of art. 

Conceptual Development: This series of posts and videos focuses on developing concepts for visually expressive works of art.

Masks, Props + Costuming: This series of posts and videos focuses on how I create unique masks, props and costumes for my figurative subjects.

Insights from the Natural World: This series of posts and videos explores using nature as an inspirational muse for creating artistic works

Just Imagine: This series of posts and videos explore working in a sketchbook as well as creating custom made books. Tactile surfaces, unique designs and engaging presentations stimulate brain activity, allowing artists to drift back to a playful state of mind.

Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club: This series of posts and videos explore writing about our works, creating poetry and prose and using the power of words to assist in the creative process!

Mixed Media Artist Series: This series of posts and videos includes insightful and thought-provoking profiles of leading artists, working in unique techniques and innovative approaches in art.

The Art of Promotion: This series of posts and videos cover artistic promotional strategies and practices.

Check out the complete Collection of Content already on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site!

Behind-the-Scenes Access:

The artist brings you into her studio through live behind-the-scenes access and weekly posts and videos to current projects and creative endeavors.​

In addition, you have early access to the artist’s upcoming Shows and Exhibitions.

Creative Enrichment:

Discussions regarding artistic growth and development, nurturing the creative spirit, developing personal content, embracing a multidisciplinary mindset and creating message-driven art are also explored as ways to assist artists on their own creative path.

Throughout this online workshop experience, artists discover a multitude of ways to ignite creativity, opening the door for the artistic spirit to shine! Check out the testimonials above from artists around the globe!

Get weekly access to the Rediscovering Your Creative Self weekly podcast which focuses on developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity, building a more creative and playful mindset.

Throughout the audio program, topics such as battling the inner critic, handling creative block, working through anxiety and self-doubt and interrupting the patterns that bind are explored. Managing fears, seeing mistakes as rites of passage, knowing when to open and close doors, riding the wave of triumphs and tribulations, avoiding distractions and coping with naysayers that keep one from seeing the light that resides within are covered.

Every month on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site, there is new Sketchbook Challenge prompt and directive, allowing artists to discover alternative ways in which to practice art that is more personal. Art created from this endeavor is shared on the private Community Chat with other artists.

Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Weekly Social

Every Tuesday night from 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST, you can attend an open sketchbook night social event called Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration. We discuss the Rediscovering Your Creative Self podcast episode of the week, setting an intention for our work and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity.

Artists use the Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration weekly get-together as a time to commit to working in their sketchbook, experimenting and discussing with other artists topics that will help in developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within. Recordings are available for Masterclass artists if they miss a session!

Build a Community:

Be a part of a creative tribe, interacting with artists and enthusiasts from all around the world who have shared interests in art. This is an opportunity to create a robust artistic community, broadening your horizons as a creative person.

Your membership also includes private access to the  Community Group, where patrons share art and works-in-progress, post the monthly Sketchbook Challenges as well as the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social art and work from the Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club. They also share inspiration, discuss new artistic tools, products and equipment as well as interesting and informative books on art and so much more!

Join Us:

TheNavigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind Online Atelier has weekly posts and videos as well as several LIVE events each month.​

Join month-to-month for $25/mo US or save 5% if you join yearly!

Join NOW!

@copyright 2021 Lisa L Cyr, Cyr Studio LLC, all rights reserved