Exploring Mixed Media: Combining Different Art Forms to Create Unique Works
What Is It???
At its core, mixed media art involves using more than one medium or material to create a single artwork. This can be as simple as combining paint and ink, or as complex as incorporating photography, sculpture, collage, fabric, and found objects into your work. The beauty of mixed media is that there are no strict rules—artists can experiment with different textures, techniques, and materials to convey their vision.
Why Use It???
Mixed media opens up an exciting world of possibilities that allows artists to:
(1) Add Depth and Texture: By layering different materials, you can create intricate textures that draw the viewer’s eye and invite them to explore the details of your piece.
(2) Break Free from Traditional Rules: There are no limits to what can be used in mixed media art. From repurposed household items to natural elements like leaves or sand, anything can become part of your artistic toolkit.
(3) Express Multiple Ideas at Once: Different media can communicate different emotions and ideas. For instance, watercolor can evoke softness, while bold acrylics or collage can add dynamism and structure. By combining them, you can present more complex ideas or narratives.
(4) Encourage Play and Experimentation: Mixed media invites artists to step outside their comfort zone, inspiring innovation and discovery. It’s a great way to keep your artistic practice fresh and exciting.
** Getting Started with Mixed Media...
Starting your mixed media journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. Here are a few steps to help you ease into the process and embrace the freedom of experimentation:
1. Gather Materials
Begin by collecting a variety of materials that inspire you. Traditional art supplies like acrylics, oils, and pastels work well with mixed media but don’t limit yourself to these. Think outside the box—magazines for collage, textured fabrics, pressed flowers, or even recycled materials like cardboard can add unique elements to your work.
2. Choose a Base
Your base (or substrate) is where your artwork will take shape. It can be a canvas, wood panel, paper, or even a piece of metal. Each substrate interacts differently with various materials, so experiment to see what works best for the effect you’re aiming to achieve.
3. Layer, Layer, Layer
One of the hallmarks of mixed media is the use of layers. Start by applying your first medium, such as paint or ink. Once that layer dries, add additional elements like collage, textured paste, or stencils. Experiment with different combinations—overlay transparent materials, add splashes of color, or etch into thick paint for added dimension.
4. Experiment with Texture
Textures can make your artwork visually dynamic. You can use modeling paste, fabric, textured paper, or found objects to add tactile elements to your piece. Play with contrasting textures to create depth and interest.
5. Combine Art Forms
Mixed media isn’t just about materials—it’s also about combining different art forms. You might incorporate photography into a painted background, add hand-drawn details to a collage, or blend typography with abstract shapes. These unexpected combinations can give your work a fresh and modern look.
** Take Inspiration from Famous Mixed Media Artists:
The use of mixed media began around 1912 with the cubist collages and constructions of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque
Some of the most innovative artists in history have used mixed media to break new ground in art. For example, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque pioneered collage with their Cubist works, blending newsprint and everyday materials into their paintings. Contemporary artists like Julie Mehretu and Robert Rauschenberg have continued this tradition, pushing the boundaries of what art can be by integrating painting, sculpture, and even digital media.
Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, and Cubist Collage
Picasso among other modern painters, often depicted three-dimensional objects from different points of view at once, by fragmenting and redefining the different viewpoints.
Not only did this alter expectations of perspective, but cubist collage also used a variety of media including paint, pasted paper, oilcloth, and even chair caning. This would help to incorporate small parts of the actual object into the cubist reinterpretation of the object.
Georges Braque was a Parisian painter from the 20th century. He was most well known for being the founder of Cubism alongside famous artist Pablo Picasso. He focused on collage styles of work, which brought together a series of imaginative pieces, bold colors, and distinct shapes and styles to his work.
Pablo Picasso
Bottle of Vieux Marc, Glass, Guitar, and Newspaper (1913)
https://www....search/755495
Georges Braque
Glass Carafe and Newspapers, 1914
https://www....-braque-1914/
Henri Matisse
Matisse said that he was never truly expressing himself until he started to work with collages. His cut-outs comprise some of his most famous work and also represents the artist at his most expressive, despite being restricted by age and movement.
https://www....-his-collages
The Knife Thrower (Le Lanceur de couteaux), 1943–47
https://www....n/works/28455
Nikki Farquharson and Photo-Ink Collages
London-based Nikki Farquharson uses bold colors and print-like designs for the inked collage effects of her artwork. The style uses photography and clean line-art in a combination of colors and textures.
https://www....quharson.com/
Anna Dubrowska (Finnabair) Art Journal
Finnabair is an art journaler who uses prominent collage in her art to interpret mood and tone. Her art employs strong texturing and an eye for overall design and composition.https://tworzysko.blogspot.com/p/resume.html
Martha Haversham
Martha Haversham is an interdisciplinary artist from the UK. She creates simple, playful images by combining parts of the figure with found objects. Her combinations bring both the figure and the object new life.
Her artwork is a great way to encourage students to reimagine the bits and pieces they find laying around every day.
https://www....aversham.com/
Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Textured Photo Collage
Crosby creates figurative compositions through collage. She lived in Nigeria until she was sixteen and now resides in the U.S. Her compositions are full, yet tend to have a sense of calm as she brings two worlds together. Her work is a combination of collage and painting.
https://www....licrosby.com/
***** If you love the artwork, shown in the photo, you can see more from artist Marie Bergstedt:
Marie Bergstedt is a fiber artist whose work defies traditional categories. Always telling a story with her pieces, she uses whatever materials and techniques best tell the story. And there is always a story.
https://crea...media-artist/