Creative Layers: Mixed Media Collage & Acrylic with Alleyn Yasskin

Discover the joy of layering, texture and expressive color in this inspiring 3-day mixed media workshop. Designed for artists of all levels.
About this Event

Discover the joy of layering, texture, and expressive color in this inspiring three-day mixed media workshop. Designed for artists of all levels, this class invites you to explore the dynamic combination of collage papers and acrylic paint to create vibrant, richly textured works. This workshop emphasizes process, experimentation, and creative confidence, making it ideal for artists of all levels who want to loosen up, explore new approaches, and expand their mixed media practice. You will begin by building a colorful, intuitive foundation using painted papers, tissue, and acrylic washes. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on exploration, you will learn how to layer transparencies and opaque passages, create visual depth, and develop a strong, balanced composition. As the workshop progresses, you’ll refine your painting by adding texture, pattern, and mark-making techniques that bring energy and movement to the surface. You’ll explore ways to create focal areas, unify your color palette, and enhance contrast for more compelling and cohesive compositions. On the final day, the focus shifts to thoughtful refinement—adding linear elements, subtle details, and harmonizing glazes—while learning how to recognize when a painting feels resolved. The workshop concludes with a supportive group sharing and discussion. This workshop will build your confidence and give you new tools, techniques, and inspiration to continue developing your own mixed media practice.

Materials to bring:

Please bring all supplies to class. Some shared materials will be available from the instructor.

Surfaces: 2–3 painting surfaces (11x14, 12x12, or similar size) such as canvas, cradled panel, or heavy watercolor paper (140 lb or heavier), Mixed media paper pad (for experimentation), Yupo paper (1–2 sheets for texture exploration).

Acrylic Paint: Bring a selection of your favorite professional or student-grade acrylics, including Titanium White, A warm and cool version of Yellow, Red, & Blue, 1–2 additional favorite colors (optional neutrals or earth tones encouraged).

Collage Materials: Assorted decorative or handmade papers, Tissue paper (plain or patterned), Old book pages or sheet music, Lightweight scrapbook paper, any personal papers you enjoy.

Tools & Brushes: Variety of acrylic brushes (flats and rounds, medium sizes), 1 larger brush (for washes and glazing), Old credit card or scraper, Palette knife (optional), Water container, Palette (disposable or reusable), Paper towels or rags.

Adhesives: Matte medium (preferred), Glue stick (optional).

Mark-Making & Texture Tools: Stencils (optional), Rubber stamps (optional), Pencil and various mark making tools, Waterproof black pen or marker, White acrylic paint pen (optional), Bubble wrap, netting, or found texture materials (optional but fun.

Miscellaneous: Apron, Plastic table covering (if desired), Notebook for ideas and notes