Mixed media can take your artwork to a new level of excitment.

Welcome back to the world of mixed media art! Last month we discussed the primary characteristics of Mixed Media art. This month we are going to dive deeper and take a look at my five favourite art-making tools that every mixed media artist should have in their arsenal.

Mixed media is an anything goes kind of art that encompasses all media, some used in a non traditional manner, and sometimes objects not traditionally found in art works. From acrylic paints to collage materials, gel medium to stencils, and the versatile palette knife, let's embark on a creative journey that will ignite your imagination and elevate your artistic endeavours.

Paints come in all colours or you can mix your own from the basic primaries.

Tool 1: Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are a staple in mixed media art, offering a wide range of vibrant colours, quick drying time, and excellent versatility. Here's how to make the most of them:

1. Begin by selecting acrylic paints that suit your artistic style, budget, and preferences.

2. Experiment with layering colours, blending techniques, and using different brushes and tools to create intriguing textures and effects.

3. Play with various mediums like glazing or pouring mediums to enhance transparency or create fluid, abstract compositions.

4. Remember to clean your brushes and tools thoroughly after each session to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan.

5. Remember, acrylic paint dries quickly and can’t be reactivated once dry. This means that you can paint over sections with only a short wait time, but dirty brushes and tools are hard to clean when dry.

Collage materials can be just about anything that you can stick down to the surface of your work.

Tool 2: Collage Materials

Collage materials are a treasure trove for mixed media artists, providing an opportunity to combine various elements and textures into your work. Here's how to embrace collage in your artwork:

1. Gather a diverse collection of materials such as printed papers, vintage papers, fabric scraps, ephemera, found objects, and even natural elements like leaves or feathers. You can print or draw your own papers as well.

2. Cut or tear the materials into different shapes and sizes, allowing your intuition to guide you in the arrangement process.

3. Experiment with layering and overlapping, until you get a composition you like then adhere the materials using adhesive mediums like gel medium or glue.

4. Consider incorporating unconventional elements if that suits your style; let your imagination run wild and create unexpected connections between different materials.

Gel mediums come in a variety of textures, viscosities and finishes - experiment and see what you like.

Tool 3: Gel Medium

Gel mediums are a versatile and indispensable tool in mixed media art, offering a wide range of possibilities for texture, adhesion, and layering depending on which type you choose. Here's how to use gel medium effectively:

1. Choose the appropriate gel medium consistency based on your desired effect, whether it's heavy or soft, glossy, or matt.

2. Apply gel medium as an adhesive to stick down collage materials or create layered effects. I prefer to use a gloss medium for this.

3. Experiment with mixing gel medium with acrylic paints or inks to create translucent glazes or to extend the drying time of the paints.

4. Use heavier bodied gel medium to add texture by applying it with a brush, palette knife, or even by stencilling it onto your surface.

Stencils, either hand made or commercial can add structure to your work.

Tool 4: Stencils

Stencils are a fantastic way to introduce intricate patterns and add depth to your mixed media creations. Here's how to incorporate stencils into your artwork:

1. Choose stencils that work well with your ideas for an artwork. Consider using different shapes ranging from geometric patterns to organic motifs.

2. You can secure the stencil onto your surface using tape or stencil adhesive to prevent any movement during the application process or just freehand it if defined edges are not important to you.

3. Experiment with different techniques like stippling, sponging, or spraying to create unique effects and textures.

4. Combine stencils with other elements such as collage materials or paint to create visually captivating compositions.

5. Stencils can be bought from craft stores, or you can make your own using plastic sheets or thick card. They can also be as simple as stamping with a found object like bubble wrap or a bottle top.

Palette knives make a variety of different marks depending on their size and shape and the way in which you use them.

Tool 5: Palette Knife

A palette knife is a versatile tool that adds texture, dimension, and a touch of spontaneity to your mixed media art. Offering less control than a brush, palette knives often create interesting marks and ‘happy accidents’. Here's how to master the palette knife technique:

1. Use a palette knife to apply acrylic paints, gel medium, or even modelling paste directly onto your surface.

2. Experiment with different strokes, angles, and pressure to create various textures and effects.

3. Combine the palette knife technique with other tools like brushes or sponges to achieve a blend of textures you like.

4. Embrace the unique characteristics of the palette knife and let it guide you in creating bold, expressive marks and captivating compositions.

5. Try using palette knives of different shapes and sizes to create different effects.

You've now explored my five favourite art-making tools for mixed media artists. I hope that inspires some new ideas for you to try in your work or perhaps reminds you of some old one’s worth re-visiting. With acrylic paints, collage materials, gel medium, stencils, and the palette knife, you have the power to unlock endless creative possibilities. So, gather your supplies, trust your instincts, and let your imagination take over. Embrace the joy of mixed media art, and remember, the only limit is your own creativity. After all, if you don’t like what you create, you can always paint over it. Happy creating!

My Favourite Mixed Media Art Tools