Mixed Media Flower Painting with Collage Borders
Paint your flowers in the center. Build the magic around the edges. How I discovered that putting collage around a painting instead of inside it creates instant depth and draws the eye exactly where you want it to go.
Using collage borders, and yes, mix and match the paper please, to your flower paintings adds an extra level of magic around the edges. How I discovered that putting collage on the outside, so around a painting instead of inside it creates instant depth and draws the eye exactly where you want it to go.
Most artists think collage belongs mixed into their paintings. I flip that approach completely—keep the painted subject clean in the center, then build collage elements around the outer edges. The result looks sophisticated instead of cluttered, and it's actually easier to pull off.
This technique transforms a simple flower painting into layered mixed media art without the guesswork of integrating collage into painted areas. You're creating a frame that's part of the composition.
Where This Fits in Your Mixed Media Journey
This tutorial demonstrates the collage border method from my Guide to Collaging the Garage Artist Way. It's Method 1 in that system because it's approachable for beginners but sophisticated in results.
The goal isn't perfect integration—it's creating mixed media work that feels alive and layered, like it came from an artist's studio where experimenting is part of the daily process.
Recommended Acrylic Painting Materials
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Princeton Catalyst Brushes – Flats (#6, #12), Rounds (#4, #8), Fan (#4), Liner Brush
Durable synthetic bristles for versatile acrylic techniques -
Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint – Essential Colors
Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White -
Winsor & Newton Cotton Canvas
Reliable stretched canvas for studio and plein air work -
Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper
Heavyweight, acid-free paper for acrylic and mixed media -
Fabriano Artistico 140lb Cold Press Paper
Excellent for acrylic, mixed media, and textured effects -
Blick Multi-Colored Painting Knife Set
Variety of shapes for texture, scraping, and bold strokes - Miscellaneous: Two pint-sized water containers, paper towels (from Home Depot or Walmart)
- Note: I use canvas or sturdy cardboard as my palette — no store-bought palettes needed.
