Inside My Digital Mixed Media Process: Bridging Analog Acrylic and Digital Technology

Art is my way of blending the tangible with the intangible, the traditional with the modern. My process in digital mixed media is all about exploring how acrylic paints and digital manipulation come together to create something entirely new—something that exists between worlds. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my creative process, from the first brushstroke to the final pixel, and share why this hybrid approach feels so right for my work.

Step 1: Acrylic as the Foundation

Every piece starts with a canvas (or paper) and acrylic paint. For me, this is where the soul of the artwork begins. Acrylic allows for spontaneity—it dries quickly, which means I can layer, blend, or even scrape away paint in the moment. The textures and imperfections created during this stage are crucial because they serve as the foundation for everything that comes next.

While painting, I let intuition guide me. This is where I explore themes of perception and deconstruction. Bold colors dominate my work, and I often focus on how they interact and create a sense of movement or emotion. At this stage, the art feels raw and tactile, which is exactly what I want.

Step 2: Capturing the Physical Artwork Digitally

Once the acrylic base is complete, I digitize the piece. High-resolution photography or scanning ensures every detail is preserved—the ridges of paint, the subtle gradients, and the interplay of light and shadow. This step is critical because it’s the bridge between the physical and the digital realms.

I view this as a form of preservation, but also as a way to unlock new creative possibilities. In its digital form, the artwork becomes a canvas within a canvas, ready for a new layer of exploration.

Step 3: Manipulating with Digital Tools

This is where the magic happens. Using software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate, I begin the process of digital manipulation. Filters, overlays, and adjustments allow me to transform the physical piece into something entirely different.

Here’s what I focus on:

• Color Enhancement: Amplifying hues or shifting tones to create emotional resonance.
• Deconstruction: Breaking down elements of the piece into fragments, repeating patterns, or creating layered effects that explore perspective and depth.
• Texture Overlays: Adding textures that weren’t present in the acrylic stage, like digital noise, glitch effects, or soft gradients.

The goal isn’t to obscure the original painting but to build on it. It’s a collaborative dance between the organic and the digital, where each medium complements the other.

Orinoco

Step 4: Balancing Chaos and Intent

Mixed media allows for experimentation, but there’s always a moment when I step back and ask, “What’s the message here?” Abstract art thrives on ambiguity, but I aim for my work to evoke a clear emotional or conceptual response.

Balancing chaos with intent is where the therapeutic aspect of my art comes through. I embrace imperfections and let them guide the process, but I also step in to shape the outcome. It’s about trusting the journey while maintaining a vision.

Step 5: Preparing for Print

Once the digital manipulation is complete, I prepare the piece for print. This involves ensuring the colors, textures, and details translate well to physical media, whether it’s high-quality paper, canvas, or another surface.

Prints are where the full circle of my process becomes visible. Each one carries the essence of the acrylic painting and the depth of the digital manipulation, creating a hybrid that feels alive in any setting.

Why Digital Mixed Media?

For me, this process isn’t just a method—it’s a reflection of how I see the world. We live in a time where boundaries between the physical and digital are constantly shifting, and my art reflects that. It’s about embracing both tradition and innovation, finding beauty in imperfection, and using every tool available to communicate emotion and perspective.

Digital mixed media feels limitless. It allows me to explore not only what art is but what it can become. And through this process, I hope to invite viewers into that exploration too.

Conclusion

Every piece I create is a journey—one that starts with my hands and ends with the click of a mouse. It’s a blend of color, emotion, and experimentation that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant. I hope this glimpse into my process inspires you to see art not as a finished product but as an evolving conversation between materials, tools, and ideas.

Ready to experience my digital mixed media for yourself?
Explore my collection of prints and find a piece that resonates with your perspective and space.

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