How to Create a Grunge Background for Any Style of Art – Book of Backgrounds 2016, Number 41

Does the idea of creating a grunge background make you feel a little like a rebel?

For me, the idea of being able to create a grunge background that is raw, textured and industrial looking really turns my crank.  I love it because it’s so random, yet planned.  Rarely can I replicate the look because it’s created out of a feeling.  When I create a project like this on camera, the look is different than a grunge background created off camera.  On camera, I”m focused on technique and not the feeling…except now.

The background I created here has got to be one of my favourites because it can be used for so many different things.  Here is a very small list of what you can use this grunge background for:

• for a painted portrait of people or even animals
• as a base for artist trading cards (atcs), postcards or art mini’s
• backing for mixed media art
• a formal background for stenciled or handpainted quotes or inspiration messages

Grunge Background

Background Type:

• Anything that will accept acrylic paint that is sturdy.
• Gesso demo is on plain cardboard

Palette:  DecoArt Dazzling Metallics

• Worn Penny – DA287
• Dark Patina – DA248
• Black Pearl – DA127

Prep and Mediums

• DecoArt Media White Gesso – DMM18
• DecoArt Media White Modeling Paste – DMM21

Accessories

• DecoArt Application and Texture Tools – DAS221

Found Items

• Rubber or Cling Stamps
• Bubble Wrap
• Paper Towel/Wax Paper Inner Core Tube
• Fun Foam

Brushes: Royal Aqualon

• 1/2″ & 3/4″ Glaze Wash – R2700
• #10 Shader – R2150

General Supplies:

• Royal Brush Square Brush Basin – RD325
• Royal Essentials Palette Paper – RD358
• Unstick Reusable Arts and Crafts Sheet
• Mister Bottle Filled with Water
• Paper Towels
• Baby Wipes, Kitchen Wipes or Kitchen cloths (for dry rub application)
• Heat Gun

Manufacturers

• DecoArt – DecoArt.com
• Royal Brush – RoyalBrush.com
• Unstick – Unstick.ca