How to Paint an Urban Landscape Using Mixed Media

Revisiting older work is one of my favorite creative exercises. What was once a “failed” watercolor can often become the starting point for something unique and exciting. Can't tell you how many times I've dug through the pile of rejects only to discover a handful of hidden gems.

This tutorial shows you how I transformed a discarded watercolor urban scene into a vibrant mixed media cityscape using collage borders and acrylic accents. It's unconventional, messy and fun! What more could I ask for?

👉 Discover more mixed media painting techniques in my Mixed Media Hub

Cue the video!

Step 1 – Assess the Original Watercolor

The starting point was a watercolor urban scene that I once considered a flop. But stepping away from it for a few weeks gave me fresh eyes. I noticed interesting textures, shapes, and marks that could serve as a strong foundation for something new. But adding more layers of watercolor will often become fussy, instead I layer collage and acrylics to bring it back to life.

Step 2 – Create Collage Borders

I selected scrapbook collage paper in varying patterns and colors. The idea was to mix and match so that no two edges looked the same. I applied the strips along the borders, allowing a few pieces to overlap into the painting. Once positioned, I flipped the piece over and pressed it flat against my studio board to ensure good adhesion. Then cut off anything that's hanging over the edges.

Step 3 – Integrate Acrylic Details

After the collage borders were secure, I used acrylic paint to enhance certain areas of the cityscape. This meant adding bold strokes of light blue for the sky to key buildings and bringing the painting back to life with negative space techniques. I was careful not to overwork the original watercolor — the goal was to complement, not cover.

Step 4 – Adding the Point of Interest

Adding figures to a cityscape scene is common practice and a great way to add a story. Placing a couple walking in the lower left-hand quadrant seemed like a good entry into the scene or the viewer. That and some umbrellas near the building to suggest a cafe'. The umbrellas were created with white drawing paper.

Step 5 – Final Touches

I added darker values to pop the figures and balanced the composition by suggesting a tree on the right-hand side. A few small pops of color and texture in selective areas to tie the collage and painting together. This mix of watercolor transparency, acrylic opacity, and patterned borders gave the urban scene a completely new personality — fresh, lively, and full of visual interest.

Why This Works

Using collage borders and acrylic paint is an effective way to revive work you thought was unsalvageable. It’s also a fantastic exercise for pushing your creative boundaries, seeing potential in the unexpected, and discovering new directions in your art. This is what makes mixed media so much un, and expressive, oh and limitless!

Want to go deeper with collage & mixed media?

👉 Explore the Mixed Media Hub
👉 Browse Collage Painting Ideas
👉 Dive into the Garage Collage Barrage

Supplies I Use All the Time

These are my go-to materials for almost every mixed media project I create. Do I add new ingredients occasionally? You betcha! But these are the go-to materials I rely on most. 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.