What is Mixed Media Art?
Firstly, you might ask yourself, "what exactly is mixed media?" In a nutshell, mixed media art is where the artist uses a variety of media (inks, paint, powders etc) for creating one piece of art. There are no rules, nothing is excluded and the artist feels free to apply any medium in any fashion they like. For example if the artist drew the initial image in charcoal, used acrylic paint to give the general shapes of the subject then used ink and textured paste to give definition to the painting, that is mixed media art!
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The term 'mixed media' can seem broad and confusing. How do you start it? Do you decide which materials to use before hand or just make it up as you go along? Can you apply anything to the surface? You can find the answers to these questions and more on this website.
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Why is it called mixed media?
The plural of medium is media. Artists use the word 'medium' to describe the material they have used to paint with (eg oil paint). So, for an artist that uses a wide variety of materials on one canvas, they will say that they use 'mixed media' to paint with.
1. Layered
As there are many types of media on one surface, artists will most likely use layers of their media (paint, inks, acrylic paste etc). This gives depth and lots of detail for the viewer, often making people ask "how did you get that effect?" as they look at all the combined colours and textures. Use watery PVA glue or something similar to seal each layer as you go along and finish with a spray varnish.
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2. Textured
Mixed media paintings are often very textured due to the layers and also because of what happens naturally when you combine many different media on one surface. Artists often choose to use mixed media for this very reason: if you want to portray texture in your art work, use mixed media! Artists might embed wood shavings or thread on to the surface (using thick paint or pastes) which will automatically create impressive texture. Finish with a thick varnish or water-based glue to hold it all in place.
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3. Messy
You can't be afraid of being messy when you create mixed media art! Your studio will look very impressive with art supplies sprawled all over the floor and everything form dust to top-quality oil paint laid out ready to join the party. As you are combining lots of media it usually (not always though) results in a 'messy' style of art.
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4. Abstract
Artists that are drawn to use mixed media often create abstract art. The messy, layered and textured qualities of mixed media are perfect for expressing yourself and creating abstract art.
1. Clear space in your art studio. To use mixed media for the first time when painting I recommend giving yourself space in your art studio and plenty of time.
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2. Clear your mind of some previous teachings at school ie 'the way to use acrylics is like this...' I do believe it is a good thing for students to be taught the basics of using a medium first and not just told to go and work it out for themselves. However, after the fundamentals of how a type of paint works is learnt, it is then up to the artist to go for it and experiment big style. You know the famous phrase: you've got to know the rules to break the rules! Pablo Picasso himself, said "Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
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3. Lay out a collection of art materials (I suggest 3 different types to start with) and start to see them not as media but as colours, textures and shapes with unique qualities. All are capable of creating super cool effects when mixed together. Your paint palette just exploded!!! No longer do you just have a selection of colours - suddenly you have a whole collection of colours with different textures, shapes and personalities also.
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4. Choose a subject to paint and do some preliminary sketches to get you familiar with your subject.
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5. Start building up your painting as you would usually, while at the same time being open to mix in other media that you wouldn't usually consider. Be free to make mistakes and learn. The aim at this point in time is not to produce a perfectly developed piece of art (although that may always happen). The aim is to learn and become confident in using mixed media.
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6. Continue until you have explored different techniques (either on the canvas or in sketchbook alongside you) and you feel satisfied that mixed media has done your subject justice.
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7. Sit back and enjoy looking at your mixed media art work!
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Mixed media paintings need to be sealed and protected in order to ensure they last for a long time. When using acrylics, varnishes or sealants should be applied after it has dried completely, to protect the paint from fading or cracking. For pastels or charcoal drawings, framing with glass can help keep them safe.
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