Mixed Media & Collage Painting – Techniques, Tutorials & Ideas
Explore 9 creative mixed media painting techniques, from watercolor rescue to collage borders, and bring fresh energy, texture, and life to your artwork.
Mixed media and collage painting is where creativity has no limits. I combine acrylic, watercolor, expressive drawing, and collage techniques to create layered, vibrant, and original artworks. Whether you’re here to explore mixed media artwork, experiment with expressive painting, or learn how to blend acrylic and watercolor mixed media, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials, project ideas, and inspiration to spark your next piece.
From reviving old watercolors with my signature Watercolor Rescue™ method to building unique collage borders and loose, gestural compositions, this hub gathers my best techniques and resources in one place.
Watercolor Rescue Technique
Revive old watercolor paintings with mixed media layers, collage borders, and expressive details. Turn rejects into bold, vibrant new creations.
See all Watercolor Rescue projects →
Acrylic & Watercolor Mixed Media
Blend acrylic and watercolor to create layered, expressive mixed media paintings. Learn techniques for texture, depth, and bold color.
See all Acrylic & Watercolor Mixed Media tutorials →
Collage Borders in Painting
Add handmade collage borders and patterns to frame your artwork with texture and visual impact. Works beautifully with mixed media painting.
See all Collage Borders techniques →
Negative Space Painting
Use negative space painting to create bold, graphic shapes and strong composition. Perfect for coffee cups, cats, fish, and other simple subjects.
See all Negative Space Painting tutorials →
Handmade Collage Papers
Create your own handmade collage papers using leftover paint, textures, and patterns. Add them to your art for unique, layered effects.
See all Handmade Collage Paper ideas →
Collage Still Life Painting
Combine collage and paint to create expressive still life artworks. Layer acrylic, watercolor, and handmade papers for fresh, unique results.
See all Collage Still Life projects →
Mixed Media Landscapes
Paint vibrant landscapes in mixed media using acrylic, watercolor, and collage. Explore coastal scenes, cityscapes, and abstract landscapes.
See all Mixed Media Landscape ideas →
Expressive Drawing & Mixed Media
Add movement and energy to your work with expressive drawing. Use graphite, crayons, charcoal, and pastels over painted layers for bold effects.
See all Expressive Drawing techniques →
Expressive Painting Techniques
Learn how to bring energy, emotion, and personality to your paintings with expressive techniques. Explore loose brushwork, bold marks, and layered textures that help you break free from rigid styles and develop your own unique voice as an artist.
See all Expressive Paintings Techniques →
Ready to dive in?
Whether you’re rescuing old watercolors, experimenting with bold collage borders, or layering acrylic over expressive drawings, these mixed media ideas will help you create artwork that’s dynamic, personal, and uniquely yours. Pick a technique and start your next masterpiece today.