What is Mixed Media
According to Wikipedia: Mixed media is an artwork in which more than one medium or material has been employed. Assemblages and collages are two common examples of art using different media that will make use of different materials including cloth, paper, wood and found objects.
My Mixed Media art with dried flowers, art papers in combination with alcohol ink, watercolor or acrylic paints is “mixed media”. There are certain techniques to doing this so that you should follow so it does not look like kindergarten art. Focal points, layout, color combinations, textures, painting, drawing, layering, collaging, and texturizing are a few important elements in mixed media. These techniques are used in many art forms, not unique to Mixed Media. Your art needs to be planned ahead to achieve good results.
Several famous mixed media artists were Pablo Picasso and Erik Wahlstrom.
I have seen huge art works at art museums that until I was up close did not realize were mixed media paintings. I have viewed mixed media art that used feathers, shells, ropes, and metal pieces. I am obsessed with ‘found objects”. While driving down the road (or out for a walk) if I see something that could be used in a piece of mixed media, it probably ends up in my “found objects” collection. I have driven friends crazy gathering and pressing flowers for me.
Mixed Media art is a great way to use old pieces of art that are not being used for frameable art. (junk art I call it). If you do not throw it away – then it could be used in mixed media art.
I have certain glues and substrates I prefer to make mixed media art last longer. I use a good quality paper that will hold up to glue and heavier objects on it, glue that is archival and will not yellow. I like PPA – Perfect Paper Adhesive by US ArtQuest. In fact, I have several pieces of art that I framed over 15 years ago that still looks good – it has not yellowed or peeled. I LOVE beautiful papers which I order online or find in a good art store. These are a good investment because they will last for years.
TIPS FOR MIXED MEDIA ART
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Never thrown old art away – it could be used for Mixed Media Art.
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Keep your eyes peeled for found objects – small items that could be glued to your mixed media artwork.
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Keep a ‘stash’ of stuff that could be collaged. I keep old books, wallpaper samples, photos, pressed flowers, lace, beautiful papers, etc. I put them in a plastic box labeled “collage stuff”.
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Invest in good glue and paper.
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Watch YouTube videos for Mixed Media and Collage art techniques
"Make art that makes you happy. Make art that makes you better. Make art that makes you money. Make art that makes a difference."
SAHIL LAVINGIZ