Today, We Are Asking The Question, What Is Mixed Media?

derryn@artbyderryn.com.au
Aug 30, 2021
2 min read

Simply, mixed media art is the use of 2 or more different materials (media) in the same artwork.

A mixed media painting on paper or canvas could contain any 2 or all of the following:

pencil (graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolour)
charcoal, pastels, conte crayon
ink (India, acrylic, waterproof or not)
watercolour (pan, liquid or tube, mediums)
acrylic (hi flow, fluid, flow, structure, open, ink, mediums)
paper (cotton, wood, grasses, rags, rice)
fibre (cotton, wool, silk, acrylic, linen)
mica, gold & silver leaf
Oil pastel, sticks, paint ( it should be noted that oil & water-based products (like watercolour & acrylic) repel each other)

A mixed media painting on wood could contain any or all of the above. It could also be made with any or all of the above plus:

encaustic (though there are caveats with acrylic & encaustic as acrylic repels wax)
metal (brass, nickel, gold, silver, copper, steel)
clay (earth or polymer)

Fibre Art, sculpting, pottery, assemblages, jewellery & digital artworks can also be mixed media artworks.

If you would like to get started in mixed media but don't know where to start, I've create a free e-book, 'An ArtStart Newbie's Guide to Products You'll Need To Start Mixed Media Painting'.

I explain what you'll need to start your mixed media art journey & awaken your creativity. There are also links included for free classes & other handy downloads.