Making Magic with Mixed Media

Who else feels constantly attracted to multiple interests and/or hobbies? Do you hate being told to stay in your lane, or do just ONE thing and do it well? Because, same.

As an artist I am constantly inspired by something new. There is SO much beauty in the world, how could I focus on only a fraction of what is out there? Furthermore, there is a multitude of creative ways to express this beauty. Music, writing, math, gardening, oil painting, drawing- the list goes on.

That’s where mixed media comes in. What is mixed media you ask? It is simply, the use of multiple mediums in an artwork. That could be collage, acrylic, watercolor, ink, or pencil to name a few. My personal favorites to use in conjunction are: acrylic, gouache, pastel, colored pencil, crayon, pencil, and oil paint.

There are some rules to adhere by of course when using multiple mediums that, well, have their own rules. For example, you cannot paint acrylic or gouache on top of oil paint. Oil and water together- you know, they don’t mix. But you can do the reverse! A simple rule of thumb, is the more water the medium requires the earlier in your process you use it. Watercolor, gouache, acrylic, etc.

What’s also really special about using multiple mediums is the range of texture and light play you get in a painting. Its as if the artwork changes completely from each different angle.

Have you tried mixed media? Maybe even when you were a child playing with markets AND crayons. If so keep an eye out for future emails announcing educational opportunities, and if you haven’t yet… sign up for my newsletter below!

xx, Michaela