My Mixed Media Art Supplies

Mixed media supplies are a lot like the ingredients list in a cookbook. Picture a steaming bowl of seafood gumbo. The photo looks amazing, but before you can taste it, you need the right stuff on the table. No shrimp? No spice? No gumbo.

Mixed media works the same way. The finished piece may look loose, expressive, even a little messy, but underneath is a carefully chosen mix of paints, papers, and tools. Gather the right materials first and you set yourself up for a creative feast instead of a flop.

Supplies I use all the time

These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media piece. Do I add new ingredients now and then? You betcha. But these are the ones I know inside and out: how they behave, how they layer, and how to get the best results.

• Acrylic paints: I only buy heavy body for the thick texture, and I thin them with water for glazes and washes. Liquitex and Golden work great!
• Watercolor paints: great for transparent layers and unexpected color effects. Holbein is my go-to!
• Acrylic inks: an excellent way to add transparent layers. They mix well with everything.
• Synthetic acrylic brushes: you need a variety. I stick with Princeton, very dependable.
• Watercolor brushes: get a decent grade, but skip all-natural hair. Synthetic blends have come a long way. Princeton has great brushes.
• Collage papers: the patterned and printed paper you see me use comes from Hobby Lobby, usually in the scrapbook section.
• Palette knives: good for scooping paint and smearing techniques.
• Blick Super Value Canvas Packs: small and medium sizes up to 20x16". Love ’em.
• Mixed media paper: sturdy enough for wet and dry techniques. Strathmore is the way to go. Strathmore 400 series or Bristol.
• Watercolor paper: 140 lb cold press Fabriano Artistico. Cost effective and crispy white.
• Caran d’Ache water-soluble crayons: perfect for scribbles and linear interest.
• Gator board: the best firm backing board you can find. Buy a large sheet and cut it down. I tape my paper to it when I paint.
• Mod Podge: reliable, affordable adhesive for thick and thin paper. Get the matte.

My preferred colors

Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light (or Medium), Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Titanium White.

My preferred acrylic brushes

A #12 large round, two medium rounds, two detail or liner brushes, a large and a medium fan brush, a few medium bristles, and an old small house painting brush for glue.

Other popular supplies you might want to try

Once you get that gumbo down, add your own twist. I don’t use these as often, but they’re popular with mixed media artists and worth experimenting with.

• Alcohol inks: intense, vibrant color for unique effects.
• Oil pastels: rich and buttery, great for bold marks.
• Stencils and stamps: pattern and texture, fast.
• Modeling paste and texture mediums: for raised, tactile surfaces.
• Matte gel medium: dries clear and matte, and works as a collage adhesive.
• Found objects: buttons, fabric scraps, ticket stubs. If it can be glued, it can be art.
• Colored gesso: white is standard, but tinted gesso makes interesting base layers.

Final tip
You don’t need every supply to make great mixed media art. 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.