Artist Col Mitchell uses a fascinating technique to create highly textured art images. See more of her work by visiting her website.
“Red Pine Ocean” 36” x 24” Museum barrier paper, tissue paper
One workshop + one untried medium + a twist on material = equals an entirely new technique that has me mesmerized. And since 2008 the very short story is that I work as a contemporary paper artist making energized paintings of nature and wildlife on a textural fusion of sculpted papers on canvas or panel.
Col Mitchell
Photo credit: Shannon Stark
My technique encompasses three key stages: Sculpting and manipulating a wide variety of papers to create subject appropriate texture and lines based on a consideration of the character, personality, individuality, and performance level of each type of paper.
“Breakable” (detail) 36” x 48” Museum barrier paper, bond paper, tissue paper
Layering semi-transparent acrylic washes in exploration of the hardened surface, establishing my under-colours, as well as generating interesting and unpredictable effects through interaction with the differing qualities of the materials; unique to each piece.
Maid of the Wave 30” x 12″ Bond paper
Photo credit: Randy Foster
Applying a galaxy of multi-hued pen-nib applied ink lines to define the subject, enhance depth and movement.
Two Performers 36” x 24” Recycled paper
This third stage becomes an intense visioning process of reaction and inspiration to the interaction of the paint and the paper, often evoking a meditative type state, a state that at first may seem at odds with the intrinsic energy portrayed in the finished work –but meditation is quite different from the relaxation of sleep. Meditation heightens consciousness, and is a path to a renewed sense of dynamism (energy).
“Whispering Raven” 16” x 12” Cardstock, crepe paper, tissue paper
By way of quality and character of crumple lines, crinkles, folds, ridges, tears, absorbency, repellency or sizing that are personal and individual to every type and sheet, my fascination lies in paper’s subtle yet undeniable ability to contribute to the process and influence the outcome.
“Camp Robber: Patience” 8” x 8” Pineapple paper, mulberry paper
The following works, made from a single sheet, illustrate a basic difference between papers. The paper used in Enchanted Forest Daydreams is called “silk”, while the paper used for The Tree, the River, and the Mischief-maker is called “taizan.” Notice the greater abundance of branches and curved lines in The Tree, the River, and the Mischief-maker in comparison to Enchanted Forest Daydreams. Silk wanted to keep its shape, it did not want to buckle and bend the way taizan did. Silk’s comparative inflexibility created straighter lines when it creased, and broader expanses between creases. This evoked a leafier tree than the taizan worked tree.
Top: “Enchanted Forest Daydreams” 36” x 24” Silk paper, Bottom: The Tree, the River, and the Mischief-maker 9” x 12” Taizan paper
Often a single sheet can comprise both foreground and background. In Sunset Becomes Her, the sky, the tree, and its branches developed from a single whole sheet of bond larger than the canvas; the Raven applied on top of the bond in black card stock.
“Sunset Becomes Her” 36” x 24” Cardstock, bond paper, tissue paper
I am continually exploring the alluring intricate synergy between the paper structure, the paint and my own contribution; the result greater than the sum of the individual effects. I strive for each piece to project the internal energy inherent in all matter, establish rapport, grasp that most basic language where a natural magnetism or recognition occurs, a “visual pheromone” if you will.
“Red Heads” 36” x 24″
Bond paper, tissue paper
Photo credit: Randy Foster
Col Mitchell invites you to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. Visit her Etsy shop, her blog and her Squidoo page.
Love your work Col and am intrigued by this delightful process! Best wishes on your continued exploration and success.
Thank you so much Georgianne!
Col, your art is amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your unique techniques. Thank you both Col and Carolyn for sharing this wonderful post. I will share it.
Renee, thank you so much! I so appreciate the shares too!
GORGEOUS work Col! I especially love the texture of the birds!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you Sue!! I so appreciate your (and everyone) taking the time to comment!
Absolutely fabulous, Col !! Truly unique and beautiful ! It is not only a fascinating technique but it looks like a great deal of fun :).
Keep up the great work !!
Thank you Lynette! Absolutely a great deal of fun! 🙂
I say all the time, “it’s 2013 – there is nothing ‘original’ anymore – it’s all been done before.” I was wrong. Your work is unique, inspiring, and truly like nothing else I’ve seen. Major kudos, and thanks for sharing some details on your process.
Hi Monica, Thank you so much! and wow.
I best not be the only exception… Cheers to further discoveries! 🙂