top of page
Writer's pictureAutumn Rozario Hall

Building an Enchanted Forest- Mini Mixed Media Exploration



mixed media bead tree

I have always been drawn to the forest. Growing up, there were no proper forests in walking distance, but there was a ramshackle wood of trees and weeds that had sprung up behind my apartment building. Intermixed within this wood were clinging grapevines, a stream of gutter runoff, the stump of a once proud elm, (which you could climb down into) and various maple and honey locust trees.

Trees have always held a special place in my paintings. More and more I’ve found myself drawn to creating them texturally through a variety of media. In this way, I could further the theme or idea behind a painting, by incorporating media that supports this theme. For example, adding metal keys to the trunk of a tree to further explore the idea of secrets, or crushed shell to the texture on a mermaid’s tail.

By now I have a few favorite media to work with when creating forests and trees, but I really wanted to push myself and my creativity.

I decided to experiment by creating a series of mini tree paintings. Each tree would explore different materials and relate to the idea of enchanted forests.

To begin, I decided to limit myself to using materials that I already own. As an artist, I hold onto all kinds of bits and bobs, buttons, beads, broken jewelry, interesting papers, pressed leaves, tissue papers, etc. I also tend to save certain materials for ‘that special artwork’ leading me to never use them. Well no more. All my materials have become fair game for this series.


I began by sketching the main tree onto the wood panel. I used the oak trees outside my window as reference. Then I layered crackle medium onto the tree. I’ve only worked with crackle medium a little before, but it seemed perfect for building textured tree bark. On one tree, I tried a thin layer, which produced smaller cracks, and on the other, a thicker layer, which produced larger cracks.


I used crackle medium for the first three trees and experimented with different materials for the foliage.

For the first tree I added tiny metallic black seed beads from a bracelet I’d been saving. The layered beads worked perfectly with the smaller crackled bark and blues I’d chosen for the background.

I was excited to try using some beautiful homegrown popcorn for the second tree. I used an heirloom variety of corn called, Glass Gem. I made sure to seal this one extra well, as I don’t want my painting to sprout in a couple years from now.


While I liked the effect of the corn, I found that it would look better in a larger painting. It almost overpowered the tree in the 6”x8” size. I had to go back and add thicker branches to balance the painting.

I spent more time on the third tree. I wanted to try working with pearlescent beads, which I have never collaged with before. I started by stripping some vintage pearl earrings. These were seriously chunky earrings! One earring supplied beads for the whole tree. I mixed the beads with some clear glass beads to add a bit of contrast, and then focused on the painted part.



Because of the pearls, I painted a shy beta fish and a watery background. I then went back into the foliage adding tiny gold caviar beads, and pearlescent paint. The bits of gold really helped the whites to pop, and not feel too cold.


I began a fourth tree where I tried layering crackle paste over tissue paper. I didn’t add enough past to make much crackling. For the foliage I aimed for weeping willow, but tried adding glitter. It did not end well. So far it’s in a disaster state awaiting inspiration to strike, so I can rescue it.

I’m very glad I took the time to try experimenting with these new materials on a small scale. I learned a lot, without the pressure of messing up a large painting.

As I worked on these trees, my mind kept coming up with ideas for other enchanted little trees. I can’t wait to explore them next.

The first three mini trees will be available for viewing and purchase through the Art Center of Burlington from starting in mid February.


90 views

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page