Mastering Mixed Media
Creative Session with Jenny Manno
Permission to Play: A Mixed Media Portrait Without the Pressure
In this session, we’ll use portraiture as a framework for play, loosening expectations while still working within the familiar structure of the face. Using Strathmore tan toned mixed media paper, we’ll explore graphite, watercolor, chalk pastel, and black and white charcoal pencils to build expressive, layered portraits that prioritize feeling over perfection.
We’ll begin with intuitive graphite marks to establish gesture and movement, allowing erasing, smudging, and re-drawing to become part of the process. Watercolor will be used freely and imperfectly, embracing transparency and unexpected color shifts. Chalk pastel and charcoal pencils will add contrast, texture, and emotional depth, inviting artists to respond to the page rather than control it.
This class is designed to help artists let go of tight expectations, quiet the inner critic, and rediscover the joy of simply playing with materials. Perfect for artists who love portrait work but feel stuck, intimidated, or overly focused on getting it right, this session offers tools to loosen up, trust your instincts, and allow the portrait to evolve naturally.
Creative Session with Jenny Manno
Do You Want Lifetime VIP Access?
Unlock Lifetime Creative Inspiration!
Join Mastering Mixed Media, where 37 incredible artists share their expertise in 40 inspiring art sessions – all designed to help you explore, experiment, and elevate your creative practice.
While the event is free to watch for a limited time, you can keep every session forever with the VIP Package! Valued at $760, this exclusive offer grants you lifetime, downloadable access to all lessons, so you can learn at your own pace, revisit your favourite techniques, and never miss a moment of inspiration.
Don’t miss out – secure your VIP access today and take your mixed media journey to the next level!
Buy now for only £99 £63!
Jenny Manno’s free gift:
One of my full length Next JEN Art Academy lessons! How to Access Your FREEBIE, click on link here: Jenny Manno’s free gift
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4. You’ll be taken to a thank-you page. Click the View Product button.
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Artist’s Product Spotlights
The Art of Mixed Media Watercolor Portraits: A How-To Guide
Want your watercolor portraits to sing, strut, and maybe even wink at you? In The Art of Mixed Media Watercolor Portraits, Jenny Manno shows you how to mix watercolor with pastels, markers, ephemera, and more to create portraits full of depth, personality, and a little chaos. Forget the rules, this is about finding your own playful, messy, joyful way to make art. Packed with tips, tricks, and tiny doses of rebellion, it’s perfect for beginners who want to loosen up and seasoned artists craving fresh inspiration.
The Art of Mixed Media Portraits: A How-To Guide with Jenny Manno
This book is not just a collection of techniques; it’s a celebration of creativity, encouraging you to embrace mistakes, problem-solve, and break the rules to discover your own artistic voice. Jenny’s engaging and fun-filled lessons are designed to be both accessible and empowering, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist. Her mantra of “it’s just art supplies” shines through every page, inviting you to explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating mixed media art. Perfect for those who love having a tangible resource to refer to and make notes in, this book will become your trusted companion. Whether you’re traveling or relaxing at home, Jenny’s techniques and tips will inspire you to keep creating and growing.
The Art of Mixed Media Portraits: A How-To Guide with Jenny Manno
Next JEN Art Academy
What is Next JEN Academy? It’s my cozy corner of the internet where we make glorious messes, bend the art rules (on purpose), and grow creatively, one joyful, unpolished, full-hearted lesson at a time. Inside, you’ll find full-length mixed media tutorials, bite-sized creative prompts, and a whole crew of kind, curious art-lovers just like you. 💛 Not sure if we’re soulmates yet? Come check it out with a 3-day free trial — poke around, watch some lessons, see how it feels. If it clicks, great! If not? No hard feelings, my glitter-covered kindred. ✨ Come as you are & Let’s make some magic together
About Jenny Manno
Jenny Manno is a mixed media artist, art teacher, and creative guide with nearly 30 years of experience helping artists loosen up, trust themselves, and find joy in the process. Known for her layered, expressive portraits, Jenny blends watercolor, acrylic, charcoal, collage, found objects, and unexpected color choices to create work that feels both intuitive and deeply personal.
At the heart of Jenny’s practice is a love of experimentation and rule-breaking. She believes art doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful—and that repetition, play, and curiosity are some of the most valuable tools an artist can have. Her teaching style mirrors this philosophy: encouraging, honest, and rooted in real-life experience rather than rigid formulas.
Jenny is also the author of mixed media art books and the creator of an extensive online library of lessons, offering approachable guidance for artists at every stage. Through her Next JEN Art Academy community and one-on-one mentoring, she fosters meaningful connections and creates a safe, inspiring space for growth.
Driven by a desire to make art feel accessible and freeing, Jenny continues to share her journey openly—messy moments, breakthroughs, and all—inviting others to explore, take risks, and rediscover the magic of creating.
Find out more about this teacher by visiting their site:
https://www.jennymanno.com/
Unlock Lifetime Creative Inspiration!
Join Mastering Mixed Media, where 37 incredible artists share their expertise in 40 inspiring art sessions – all designed to help you explore, experiment, and elevate your creative practice.
While the event is free to watch for a limited time, you can keep every session forever with the VIP Package! Valued at $760, this exclusive offer grants you lifetime, downloadable access to all lessons- so you can learn at your own pace, revisit your favourite techniques, and never miss a moment of inspiration.
Don’t miss out – secure your VIP access today and take your mixed media journey to the next level!
Buy now for only £99 £63!
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