Collage & Acrylic Still Life Video Tutorial

If you're into loose, expressive mixed-media art, this new still life demo is right up your alley. In this lesson, I mix handmade collage papers, heavy-body acrylics, charcoal, and plenty of chunky brushwork to create an abstract, garage-style still life featuring wine bottles, fruit, and bold tabletop stripes. And as always—my videos on Crafted by Robert stream 100% ad-free, so you can actually relax and paint along without interruptions.

Building the Base With Handmade Collage Paper

I always start these pieces by creating my own collage papers. Old sketchbook pages, failed paintings—whatever you’ve got lying around becomes fair game. I throw on layers of acrylic, crayons, pastels, and random marks. No rules. No pressure. Just texture and color.

Once the collage sheets dry, I cut out the shapes I need: tabletop stripes, warm background patches, and plate shapes. Mod Podge holds everything in place and keeps the edges from curling while I press them flat.

Blocking In Shapes With a Loose Acrylic Layer

With the collage foundation set, I move into the acrylic stage. I keep everything bold and chunky:

• Dip straight into the paint jars
• Blend directly on the paper
• Switch brushes instead of over-mixing
• Embrace imperfect edges

For this style, blending on the palette can dull your color. Letting colors collide on the artwork keeps it fresh and crunchy.

Bringing It Together With Charcoal & Final Touches

Once the main forms—wine bottle, fruit, plates, cast shadows—are established, I add my favorite finishing move: compressed charcoal scribbles. These loose lines add movement, help unify the collage and paint, and give the piece a gritty garage-studio vibe.

After a few adjustments to the background and some highlights on the bottle and glasses, everything clicks into place. The final piece feels layered, lively, and intentionally rough around the edges—the way I like it.

Want to go deeper with collage & mixed media?

👉 Explore the Mixed Media Hub
👉 Browse Collage Painting Ideas
👉 Dive into the Garage Collage Barrage

Supplies I Use All the Time

These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media project I create. Do I add new ingredients occasionally? You betcha! But these are the go-to materials I rely on most. I know how they behave, how they layer, and how to get the best results from them.

• Acrylic Paints – I only buy heavy body for their thick texture and thin them with water for fluid glazing and washes. See my favorite set →
• Watercolors Paints – Great for transparent layers and unexpected color effects. Exact colors are below.  Shop my watercolor picks →
• Acrylic Inks - Excellent way to add transparent layers to mixed media artwork. Mixes well with everything! See the inks →
• Synthetic Acrylic Brushes - You need a variety and I have listed my go-to's below. I use Princeton brands, very dependable! See the brushes →
• Watercolor Brushes - Get a decent grade but avoid all-natural as synthetic blends have come a long way. Shop my picks →
• Collage Papers – A mix of pattered, and printed paper you see me use is from Hobby Lobby, and it's usually found in the scrapbook section. Browse paper packs →
• Palette Knives – Good to have around for scooping paint and smearing techniques. See what I use →
• Blick Super Value Canvas Packs - Comes in many small and medium sizes up to 20x16". Love em'. Best bulk stretched canvas →
• Mixed Media Paper – Sturdy enough to handle wet and dry techniques. Strathmore is the way to go! Best paper for mixed media →
• Watercolor Paper - Top choice is 140 lb. cold press by Fabriano Artistico. Cost effective and crispy white. Best watercolor paper →
• Caran d'Ache Water-Soluble Crayons – Perfect for adding scribbles and linear interest to mixed media art. Check them out →
• Gator Board - Best firm boards you can find! Buy a large sheet and cut out down. These are used as backing for my paper when I paint. Check it out →
• Mod Podge - Reliable and affordable adhesive for paper, thick and thin. And get the Matte! View the glue →

My preferred hues; Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light (or Medium), Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White

My preferred acrylic brushes; #12 Large round, 2x Medium rounds, 2x Detail, or liner brushes, Large and medium fan brush, a few medium size bristles and old, small house painting brush for glue.