How to Create Rhythm in Your Art with Stripes

If your mixed media background feels unfinished, this simple collage strategy might be the solution.

Many works of art begin with expressive marks—sketches, brushstrokes, collage fragments. But sometimes those organic beginnings need structure to bring them together.

One way artists do this is by introducing geometric elements into an expressive surface.

In today’s video I’ll show how simple painted paper strips can organize, unify, and energize a layered background.

This technique allows the history of the painting to remain visible while giving the composition rhythm and direction.

If you are a mixed media artist and would like to go deeper into your own practice and process, you can join my monthly membership for artists The Paste and Paper Playground, where we explore new mediums, strategies, and concepts together alongside a creative community and two live sessions with me each month.

Materials: Golden Heavy Body Paint, Golden Soft Gel Matte Medium, Acid Free Card Stock, Stencils, Make-up Sponges, Glue Brush

I would love to know. How do you like to build rhythm in your art experiments?