Essential Mixed Media Art Supplies (and a Few Extras You Might Want to Try)
A complete guide to the best materials for mixed media art — from paints and papers to my favorite adhesives, drawing tools, and texture-makers.
When you’re starting — or growing — your mixed media journey, having the right tools can make the difference between a frustrating mess and a creative breakthrough. Below, I’m sharing the supplies I personally use all the time, plus a few other popular materials that many artists love (even if they’re not in my own studio every day).
Supplies I Use All the Time
These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media project I create. 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.
Other Popular Supplies You Might Want to Try
While I don’t use these as often, they’re very popular among mixed media artists and might be worth experimenting with.
- Alcohol Inks – Intense, vibrant color for unique effects. Shop alcohol inks →
- Oil Pastels – Rich and buttery, great for bold marks. See oil pastel sets →
- Stencils & Stamps – Add pattern and texture quickly. Find stencils here →
- Modeling Paste / Texture Mediums – For raised, tactile surfaces. Buy modeling paste →
- Matte Gel Medium – My main adhesive for collage work; dries clear and matte. Get it here →
- Found Objects – Buttons, fabric scraps, ticket stubs… if it can be glued, it can be art.
- Colored Gesso – White is standard, but tinted gesso can create interesting base layers. Buy colored gesso →
Final Tip
You don’t need every supply to create great mixed media art — in fact, sometimes too many options can be overwhelming. Start with what you have, build your collection over time, and focus on mastering each material before moving on.
