Mixed Media Still Life Project Using Acrylic and Collage
This tutorial demonstrates mixed media still life construction using Bristol paper and strategic collage integration. Beginner friendly mixed media project you can do at home.
Creating a still life doesn’t have to be rigid or overly planned. In this loose and expressive project, we’ll combine acrylic ink, acrylic paint and watercolor techniques, and collage to produce a vibrant piece full of personality. It’s beginner-friendly but still has enough depth for experienced artists looking to loosen up.
You may notice I use Bristol and watercolor paper a lot! It's not that I'm cheap, it's just that I often feel this pressure, or sense of urgency to paint a masterpiece RIGHT NOW when using canvas. It's mental. I needed to get over that so one day I order bulk canvases from Blick. Not 20, but more like 120, lol. Small though, 11x14" and 9x12".
I'll admit they collected dust until I finally made a point to do it! And here's the twist, I broke the canvases in first almost as if I wanted them to become a reject first. I did this by gluing collage papers in random places, and even using them as a mixing palette which I fell in love with. So, there you go! Another win for the experimental team! Go to unfamiliar places, that's where creativity dwells.
Final Result
The result is a lively and textured mixed media still life that feels spontaneous yet intentional. The combination of acrylic ink, acrylic paint, watercolor, and collage offers endless creative possibilities, making this a great technique for artists at any level.
Want to go deeper with collage & mixed media?
👉 Explore the Mixed Media Hub
👉 Browse Collage Painting Ideas
👉 Dive into the Garage Collage Barrage
Recommended Acrylic Painting Materials
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Princeton Catalyst Brushes – Flats (#6, #12), Rounds (#4, #8), Fan (#4), Liner Brush
Durable synthetic bristles for versatile acrylic techniques -
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint – Essential Colors
Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White -
Winsor & Newton Cotton Canvas
Reliable stretched canvas for studio and plein air work -
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper
Heavyweight, acid-free paper for acrylic and mixed media -
Fabriano Artistico 140lb Cold Press Paper
Excellent for acrylic, mixed media, and textured effects -
Blick Multi-Colored Painting Knife Set
Variety of shapes for texture, scraping, and bold strokes - Miscellaneous: Two pint-sized water containers, paper towels (from Home Depot or Walmart)
- Note: I use canvas or sturdy cardboard as my palette — no store-bought palettes needed.
