Kids + bubblewrap = Inspiration

How to make a photo collage of the kids with plenty of texture and atmosphere? I was inspired to make this picture by a bit of bubble wrap. I thought, wow, that would make a great effect when soaked with acrylic paint.

So with my creative juices up and running, first I coated a canvas with gesso. When it was still damp I pressed the photos into it and the magazine picture of birds in flight on a beach to give it a bit of atmosphere. I painted in some sections of the background with acrylic diluted with Golden Fluid Acrylic. Then I started dipping the bubble wrap in pink acrylic paint mixed with Golden. Next I dipped the bubble wrap in green.





I was pretty pleased with how it was coming along but the colors seemed too bright and pastel colored for the effect I was looking for which was wisful, romantic, nostalgic and wintery, so I decided to tone the palette down so I put some more white paint bubblewrap effect on the picture to make it look more like a winter walk on the beach.

Finally, I found some bits of 'sea glass' in the stream behind our house and stuck them on to give atmosphere. How do you like it? I think it turned out pretty well.

Ta da! The finished piece:

So remember - don't ever throw out any bits of packaging - they can make great effects in mixed media pieces!

This is part of the Monday Mantras Inspirational Link Up, so what are you waiting for? Link up your posts!

My kids are my inspiration. They inspire me to create art every day and to try and be a good mom!