If you’ve ever felt intrigued by the Pop Art style, this is the blog for you. We’ve broken down a bunch of classic techniques that will help you get familiar with Pop Art so you can create eye catching artwork at home. Let’s get into it!
1. Mixed media
Pop Art loves to break boundaries, and so should you! Embrace the chaos by incorporating collage elements into your artwork. Raid your Craft Paper, newspapers, and magazines for patterns and designs that speak to you. Cut and paste these snippets onto your canvas, allowing them to merge with your painted background.
The juxtaposition of hand-painted elements and collaged materials creates a dynamic composition that tells a story. Don't worry about perfection – make the most of the chaotic style and let your creativity run wild. Collage adds an unexpected and playful element to your Pop Art creations.
2. Colours used in Pop Art
At the heart of Pop Art lies vibrant colour explosions that capture attention and spark joy. Forget subtle pastels – think bold reds, electric blues, and sunshine yellows. To start your Pop Art journey, grab a canvas and experiment with a palette full of bold hues for high energy creations. Acrylic Paints will be your best friends for this, as they are quick drying so you can layer and mix without waiting long periods.
Remember, Pop Art isn't about realism; it's about exaggeration and bold energy. Don't shy away from intense contrasts – let your colours clash and collide, creating a striking image for the eyes.
3. Celebrity portraits
Pop Art icons like Andy Warhol were famous for immortalising celebrities through their artwork. Channel your inner Warhol by creating vibrant portraits of your favourite stars or even yourself! Start with a bold outline, then fill in the details with your signature bright hues.
Experiment with different facial expressions, poses, and backgrounds to capture the essence of your subject. This technique not only hones your Pop Art skills, but your portrait skills too!
4. Artwork with repetition
One hallmark of Pop Art is repetition of images to emphasise your subject and create bigger impact. Get inspo from artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein and play around with multiples. If you’re new to the technique, start with a simple object or shape – maybe a heart, a star, or even a can of soup – and repeat it across your canvas. Once you get familiar, you could try creating multiple portraits in different colours for a striking effect.
Experiment with size, colour, and placement to find the perfect balance. This technique adds a captivating visual rhythm for viewers, drawing their eye to different areas of the canvas according to their own feelings and emotions. It's a simple yet effective way to make your artwork visually dynamic.
5. Artwork typography
Pop Art often features bold statements and witty phrases. Channel your inner graphic designer by incorporating lively typography into your artwork. Experiment with fonts, sizes, and styles to find the perfect combination that complements your artwork’s narrative.
Whether it's a catchy slogan, a powerful quote, or a playful word, let your typography take centre stage. This can bring depth to your painting, allowing you to add a message or evoke a particular emotion in your audience.
6. Collage technique
Want to take your Pop Art to the next level? Combine the digital age with traditional techniques by incorporating photo collage into your artwork. Print out your favourite personal photos or use magazine cutouts, then paste them amongst your painted elements.
Experiment with different photo placements and sizes to evoke different feelings in your viewers. This technique adds a contemporary twist to classic Pop Art, so you can explore visual storytelling using modern cultural references or real life experiences.
7. Comic book art style
Ever wondered how those iconic comic book images get their unique look? Enter Ben-Day dots – a technique that involves adding tiny, evenly spaced dots to create shading and texture. Give your artwork that vintage comic book vibe by grabbing a fine-tip Detail Brush, Stencil Brush, or even a toothpick and start dotting away. Experiment with different dot sizes and spacing to find the perfect balance for your piece.
Don't be afraid to mix it up – combine Ben-Day dots with your bold colours for a dynamic effect that pops off the canvas. This technique adds depth and character, transforming your art into a visual narrative.
8. Choosing the right frame for art
Your Pop Art masterpiece deserves a frame as bold as your creative spirit. Don't settle for the ordinary – embrace funky, bold frames that complement the energy of your artwork. Think neon colours, unconventional shapes, or even DIY embellishments.
The frame is the finishing touch that ties your entire piece together, so don't be afraid to think outside the box. Consider the frame an extension of your overall artwork, and let it add to the impact of your Pop Art creation.
Pop Art is all about breaking free from traditional constraints and unleashing your creativity in a riot of colours, shapes, and statements. Remember, there are no rules in Pop Art – just endless possibilities waiting for you to explore.
Grab some Dot Pens, Detail Brushes, and bold Acrylic Paints to kick off your journey into the world of Pop Art. If you feel inspired to make something, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!
Check out our tips and techniques page for loads more ideas and inspo. To stay up to date with our latest products, art lessons, how-tos, hacks, and more, subscribe to Creative Connection by entering your email down below.
