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Mixed Media Art Techniques — Bagged Up in One Easy Guide

Just like bagging groceries keeps the line moving, I’ve bagged up my favorite mixed media art techniques into one place. From unique collage borders to recycled flops turned fresh starts, this hub is your ready-to-go cart of inspiration, tutorials, and creative wins.

Explore my mixed media and collage painting techniques — and a big pet peeve

I’m about to share a lot of mixed media art techniques with you — decades of hard work, experimentation, and sticky glue-covered hands that can help spark your creativity. But first, I need to get something off my chest…

At the grocery store, nothing slows things down like someone who won’t help bag their groceries. If you’ve got a fussy baby, fine. But standing there with your hands in your pockets? Lame. A little effort goes a long way in keeping things moving smoothly.

That’s the same spirit behind this Mixed Media Hub. Instead of leaving you to dig through scattered tutorials and random advice, I’ve bagged everything up for you right here. Think of it as your ready-to-go cart of mixed media lessons, materials, and inspiration — designed to save you time and help you create faster.

Start Here If You Are A Beginner

If you’re brand new to mixed media art, you’re in the right place. Mixed media is all about layering different materials — like acrylics, watercolor, collage papers, and drawing tools — to create depth, texture, and personality in your art. It’s playful, forgiving, and full of creative possibilities.

Collaging, Bold Patterns and More, Fun Mixed Media Techniques
Collaging, Bold Patterns and More, Fun Mixed Media Techniques

Unique Mixed Media Techniques You Won’t Find Everywhere

These ideas are the result of countless hours experimenting and exploring my creativity. I tend to get lost in my art, and that often leads to unconventional mixed media methods you’ll find both refreshing and easy to execute.

1. Collage Borders - A Fresh Approach

Most artists think of collage as something you put inside the painting. I flipped that idea on its head by using collage around the edges — turning borders into a bold design element. It’s an easy, eye-catching way to give your art instant depth and personality.

Try these tutorials:

2. Recycling Old Paintings: From “Flops” to Fresh Starts

Here’s a technique you won’t see in traditional art lessons: taking failed paintings and transforming them into layered, expressive mixed media works. Nothing wasted — every “flop” becomes raw material for something better. It’s both freeing and uniquely mixed media.

Try these tutorials:

3. Bold Patterns, Mixed Media and Rejects

One of the recent mixed media adventures I've been exploring some which involves using rejects and combining collage with bold pattern overlays. Tens of fun and very experimental.

Try these tutorials:

4. Collage Paper Strips: Fast, Fun, & Totally Forgiving

This is one of my go-to tricks because it’s versatile, quick, and not something you’ll see in most classes. By tearing or cutting papers into strips, you can add energy, rhythm, and movement to a painting in minutes. It’s a beginner-friendly win that still looks sophisticated.

Try these tutorial:

Explore mixed media landscape painting techniques and tutorials
Collage and acrylic seascape of Coastal Maine

Mixed Media Landscapes

Landscapes are one of my favorite playgrounds for mixed media. From coastal sailboats to abstract city skylines, the combination of acrylics, watercolor, and collage creates depth and energy you can’t get with a single medium.

Try these tutorials:

Discover unique collage and mixed media floral painting techniques
Border collage with acrylics and graphite painting

Mixed Media Flowers & Florals

Flowers are the perfect subject for mixed media — bold colors, loose shapes, and endless possibilities for layering. Whether it’s collage petals, watercolor washes, or textured acrylics, florals are always fun, expressive, and beginner-friendly.

Try these tutorials:

Mixed Media Still Life

Ordinary objects become extraordinary when you add mixed media layers. Bottles, cups, or a bowl of fruit — collage and paint can transform the everyday into vibrant, textured artwork.

Try these tutorials:

Playful Projects: Fish, Cats & More

Not everything has to be serious! I love creating playful mixed media projects — from quirky fish to expressive cats. These projects are fun, fast, and full of personality — a great way to loosen up and enjoy the process.

Try these tutorials:

Final Thoughts

Mixed media doesn’t have to be confusing — I’ve already done the bagging for you. Join my email list and you’ll get new techniques, beginner projects, and creative inspiration delivered right to your inbox.

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