Mixed Media Painting Tutorials

Loose Collage Coffee Cups Painting with Mixed Media

A loose mixed media coffee cup painting using collage paper, negative space, and expressive line work. Simple, fun, and beginner friendly.

Robert Joyner

08 Jan 2026 — 3 min read

This project is all about keeping things loose, simple, and fun. I started this coffee cup painting using leftover sketches, old studies, and handmade collage paper, then let the shapes and textures guide the composition. There’s no real plan here, just reacting to what’s already on the surface and letting the piece come together naturally.

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Using Collage Paper as a Starting Point

For this piece, I used scraps from previous drawings and paintings, tearing them into different sizes and gluing them down randomly. Old studies make great collage material because they already have interesting marks and color. I don’t worry too much if edges curl or overlap. That imperfection actually adds to the character of the final painting.

Loose mixed media painting of coffee cups created with collage paper, acrylic paint, and expressive black line work on a warm brown background

Keeping the Shapes Loose and Varied

The coffee cups are suggested, not drawn precisely. I like mixing tall mugs, short cups, and different handle shapes so nothing feels repetitive. The background is a warm coffee-inspired brown, which helps the lighter collage areas pop without overpowering them. At this stage, it can feel messy, but that’s completely normal.

Negative Space and Final Line Work

Once everything dried, I thinned some black acrylic with water and loosely outlined the cups. This is where the piece really comes together. I’m not trying to be perfect here, just suggesting contours and letting the brush pressure create natural line variation. Keeping the details minimal helps the collage textures stay fresh and visible.

Why This Project Works

This is one of those projects where anything goes. It’s fast, forgiving, and a great way to reuse materials you already have in the studio. Every version turns out different, which makes it fun and surprisingly addictive.

Want to go deeper with collage & mixed media?

👉 Explore the Mixed Media Hub
👉 Browse Collage Painting Ideas
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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.