Sarmia primarily uses two distinct methods that make her art truly unique in its process and outcome.
The first is Decalcomania, a technique used by some visionary artists that involves pressing wet paint between sheets of paper or plastic to create distorted, organic patterns. These forms become the groundwork—an intuitive starting point—upon which she layers and develops her imagery.
The second method is known as Mischtechnik (or “mixed technique”), a painting process that combines various media and layering techniques, often involving egg tempera and oil paints. This indirect approach allows artists to build up the painting in layers, resulting in highly detailed and luminous effects.
Sarmia not only nurtures each creation into being with intention and purpose but she also spends many hours on each artwork averaging between 2-3 months to complete one art piece and between 100-150 hours of painting time to finish one visionary art painting.
Her methods are old traditional ways of painting using only a paint brush and no other modern methods like pens and texters for detail. Many of her hours are spent using the finest 5/0 paint brush creating all the definitions that intricately weave the designs which bring her pieces together.
Elaboration on Mischtechnik:
Renaissance Roots: This technique traces back to the Renaissance, with notable use by Flemish, German, and Italian masters.
Layering: It involves layering different types of paint—such as egg tempera and oil—to create incredible depth and vibrancy.
Tempera Base: Typically, the process begins with a monochrome tempera underpainting, followed by refined oil glazes.
Luminous Effects: Mischtechnik relies on light refracting through multiple translucent layers to produce glowing, luminous effects.
Revived by Fuchs: Ernst Fuchs, a Viennese Fantastic Realist, is credited with reviving and popularising this sacred technique in modern visionary art.
Materials & Quality
Sarmia works with some of the highest quality, handcrafted professional oil paints available. She uses Langridge’s high-performance, artist-grade oils known for their rich colour, smooth handling, and intense tinting power.
Made from single pigments for clean, vibrant mixing, these paints are packed with colour and built to reflect the bold light and hues of Australia. Langridge Artist Colours, an independent company based in Melbourne, was the first in the world to create oil paints specifically designed around modern, high-saturation colours.
Sarmia’s original canvases are just as premium. Professionally stretched on fire-kilned frames with top-tier artist canvas.
Cie-Elle Digital Imaging
Sarmia works with a boutique company in Sydney to make sure her prints are top-notch and true to the original artworks. Cie-Elle Digital Imaging is a small, passionate team that specialises in high-end artwork scanning and fine art giclée printing.
With over 35 years of experience and the world’s most advanced scanning tech, they’re experts at capturing every detail. Their dedication and care mean every print is made to the highest standard—just as Sarmia intended.
