Modern Folk Art Painting ~ Maya on Canvas

Maya on canvas is the 5th in a series of modern folk art paintings I've done over the past 3 months. With each painting I learn a little more and I seem to be getting better and better at blending my acrylic paint.

"Maya"
Purchase Original & Prints

Maya was created in mixed media collage style using acrylic paint, decorative papers and rubber stamps. The orchids are individually hand cut from watercolor paper, folded sculpted and assembled into a 3 dimensional element. Orchid centers are embellished with a tiny faux pearl.

Mixed Media Face Painting

I am finding mixed media face painting with acrylic can be challenging because of the short drying time. I spent the better part of a month perfecting my drawing techniques. It's important for me to keep in mind that my painting deserves no less attention. How else will I learn what will work best for me right? I am determined to overcome!

good blending, could go darker in places

In my second and third painting attempts I thought I was using my extender but realized later I was using glazing medium instead. I found I could actually lift the paint layers beneath just by overworking an area with glazing medium. While this may have its uses, I found it difficult to reclaim the area after that had happened.

colored pencil used to add detail

I've read that acrylic painting actually has something called an awkward stage at which many beginners give up. I must admit that I too have felt the urge to give up but have pushed through. I keep hearing that little inner voice as it nags at me again whispering for the 800th time, "don't give up!"