Mixed Media Using Natural Materials with Cheryl Cohen
Let's create art with nature....
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Would you love to learn how to create a mixed media project using materials found in nature? Imagine using all of the sticks, rocks, and acorns you have picked up on nature walks to create a personalized and unique piece of art. If this all sounds intriguing to you, then we have the course for you!
In this online course, Cheryl Cohen will take simple things found in nature and create a mixed media project. Cheryl has an incredible eye for using natural materials with intention and creativity. Throughout this course she teaches how to create a composition that has a beautiful mix of color, balance, and texture. These pieces can be displayed as wall hangings, table decorations, and functional mirrors.
In this course you will learn:
- Cheryl’s favorite tools and substrates
- Where to forage
- How to dry and clean materials found in nature
- Best adhesives for each of the materials
- How to break and incorporate slate
- How to create a balanced composition
- How to create a river concept
- How to use mirror successfully
- To install hanging hardware
Once you have learned Cheryl’s tried and true methods, you will be capable of creating all types of mixed media projects with natural materials. It is your time to take a walk in nature and collect beautiful things for creating art.
Included in this course is a PDF for download with the suggested tools, materials, and resources.
Your Instructor
My inspiration is the natural world. I love watching water, how it makes impressions in sand, how weeds work their way around and through rocks, and how flowers appear in the least expected places. I love seeing the sheen of water and the mica in rocks, seeing reflections in puddles, how rain sparkles on leaves after the morning dew. I strive to have these moments depicted in my work.
I use plate shards, stained glass, stones, slate, moss, and other natural and upcycled materials to create mixed media mosaic art to form succulent flowers, plants, and forest floor landscapes in both representative and abstract forms.
Initially educated and employed as an occupational therapist with a lifelong passion for art, in 2010 I opened Cheryl Cohen Mosaics Art Center, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to teach art classes in my own studio. Over the years, my studio grew to 2000 students per year, with tens of thousands of items in inventory. I find joy in gathering materials (at antique stores, yard sales, on the beach and in the forest), creating art, and encouraging my students to grow and learn.
Course Curriculum
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StartIntro and Personal Interview with Cheryl and Tami (5:13)
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StartPDF for download. Suggested tools, materials, and resources.
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StartOverview of mixed media with natural materials (0:57)
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StartOverview of tools and materials (1:35)
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StartGeographical foraging (3:42)
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StartPreparing the substrate (2:24)
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StartIntroduction to breaking slate (4:43)
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StartHow to clean and dry the natural materials (5:34)
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StartComposition of project (4:56)
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StartAdhering the mirror to the substrate (3:55)
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StartDeciding on the focal point (12:38)
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StartGlue down slate and sticks (8:12)
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StartIntroducing dabs of color (7:30)
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StartIntroduce and tint the mastic adhesive (4:51)
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StartTips and tricks for placing materials in mastic (9:01)
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StartAdding more materials to the composition (7:52)
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StartAdding color and more materials to the composition (6:14)
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StartAdding more layers for balance (3:17)
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StartContinuing the river concept (7:22)
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StartMaking decisions in the final third of the composition (5:27)
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StartUsing light materials to contrast the darker ones for a pop effect (2:29)
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StartAdding the moss (8:50)
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StartCompleting the piece with final details (3:28)
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StartAdding the hanging hardware (1:39)
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StartStuccoing the sides (3:04)
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StartMore inspiring ideas for mixed media with natural materials (3:57)
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StartWrap up and thank you! (0:20)