Mixed Media Mosaic Animals with Katherine England

Welcome to the world of Mixed Media Mosaic Animals, where creativity knows no bounds! In this course, led by the inspiring Katherine England, you’ll learn how to mix traditional mosaic techniques with an array of eclectic materials to bring your favorite animal to life—no need to limit yourself to pets! Here, mixed media mosaic art is exactly what it sounds like: combining unique elements to create something wholly original.

In this course, Katherine encourages you to let go of creative constraints and dive into a world of endless possibilities. Using materials like found objects, old jewelry, beads, seashells, sea spines, and more, you’ll explore how these unexpected pieces can add depth, color, and texture to your mixed-media animal mosaic. Whether you’re experienced in mosaics or trying it out for the first time, Katherine’s guidance will help you transform your junk drawer of everyday items into a beautiful, layered work of art.

In this course, Katherine creates an egret bird from start to finish. You are welcome to follow along with her and create your own egret, or choose from a variety of other animals we have provided, or use your own image.

What You’ll Learn:

• Selecting Your Animal and Prepping the Base: Choosing the best image and preparing your substrate.
• Choosing Your Materials: Tips for selecting mixed-media elements that add personality and flair.
• Katherine’s favorite tools: Techniques for cutting different materials, including Mexican smalti and other unique elements.
• Adhesives and Tints: Katherine’s go-to adhesives and techniques for adhesion and adding pigments.
• Composition and Placement: Arranging materials that give your piece balance and visual interest.
• Shading and Highlights: Simple tricks to create depth and dimension in your design.
• Background Painting: Techniques for painting the backdrop to enhance your animal’s appearance.

Throughout this course, you’ll learn to mix and layer a variety of materials, exploring new ways to combine textures and colors. But most importantly, you’ll have fun. Katherine’s lighthearted approach encourages you to take risks, embrace the unexpected, and celebrate the creative process.

By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind mixed media mosaic animal, along with the confidence to break a few rules and push your creative limits.

Katherine has included a list of her favorite tools, materials, resources, and downloadable images to help you get started on this incredibly creative and fun mosaic art experience.