Layering Neutrals to Create Depth in. A Mixed Media Collage.

In this week’s Monday Marks, I’m sharing how to use a neutral palette to create depth, cohesion, and stronger compositions in mixed media collage. Many artists believe more color equals more impact — but often the opposite is true. By limiting your palette and focusing on value, temperature, and layering, you can create artwork that feels grounded, intentional, and visually powerful. In this video, I demonstrate: • How to mix complex neutral colors • How to create neutral collage papers • How to build a composition using value first • When and how to add an accent color intentionally If you’re a mixed media artist looking to strengthen your compositions and develop your visual voice, this episode will help you rethink how you use color in your practice. A list of all materials and tools can be found on my website under the Monday Marks Vlog. Never miss a thing — Subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter at www.SharonLCiccone.com where I share art prompts and concepts like these, art strategies, and questions to get you thinking about your own play, practice, and process. 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 will go in depth into different mediums, strategies, and concepts to take your artwork to the next level alongside a community of artists and with me for two live sessions each month.