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# Paint Everyday Objects: A Mixed Media Still Life Over Collage Strips
- URL: https://craftedbyrobert.com/paint-everyday-objects-mixed-media-still-life/
- Published: 2026-11-06T21:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-06T20:59:59.000Z
- Description: Learn to paint everyday objects in a mixed media still life. Glue collage strips onto a reject watercolor, paint simple canisters on top, and let the layers show.
- Author: Robert Joyner
- Tags: Mixed Media, Free Lessons

Some of the most exciting paintings come from the most mundane subjects.

In this mixed media still life, I paint simple canisters over a collaged reject watercolor, using everyday objects to show off style and personality.

### Start with homemade collage strips

This one starts with homemade collage paper made from old drawings and rejects that were used for mixing and scribbling. I cut it into strips and glue them onto a reject watercolor. Once it dries, the framework is there, and it has good bones to paint over. See [how to make handmade collage paper from leftover paint](https://craftedbyrobert.com/handmade-collage-paper-leftover-paint/).

[![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/ee/ee/eeee3f8a-028a-4efa-99e3-5af9bc505602/content/images/2026/10/learn-mixed-media-painting-4.webp)](https://craftedbyrobert.com/learn-mixed-media/) 

****Want to Create Loose Mixed Media Art, Slacker?** Learn the fundamentals, experiment with collage and layers, and develop your own expressive style.

[👉 Learn Mixed Media With Me ](https://craftedbyrobert.com/learn-mixed-media/) 

### Paint a simple, everyday object

I love taking simple objects that seem too mundane for a painting and infusing them with my own style. Here it’s a basic salt container we all know, painted in a way that’s unique and interesting.

Paintings like this can be just as exciting and impactful as a complex cityscape. Choose an object from your kitchen, such as a jar, a can, or a bottle, and keep it simple. For a similar approach, see [paint over an old acrylic painting (teacups)](https://craftedbyrobert.com/paint-over-old-acrylic-painting-teacups/) and the [mixed media cup collage](https://craftedbyrobert.com/mixed-media-cup-collage-torn-paper/).

### Let some of the underlayer stay

The hardest thing I had to learn was to let some of the old layers remain in the finished piece. It would be a shame to cover them all up. It doesn’t always happen for me, and I forget all the time, so this is a reminder: **let things breathe.**

The imperfections are the beauty of the piece, and you don’t have to describe every square inch.

### Try it yourself

1. Make or gather collage strips from old drawings and rejects.
2. Glue them onto a reject watercolor and let them dry.
3. Paint a simple everyday object on top.
4. Leave some layers showing, and stop before you cover everything.

For the mindset side, see [what to do with paintings you hate](https://craftedbyrobert.com/what-to-do-with-rejected-paintings-collage/) and [10 tips for painting loose](https://craftedbyrobert.com/tips-for-painting-loose/).

Learn Structure. Paint Loose.

**Construct. Deconstruct. Explore. Repeat.**

### Mixed media still life FAQ

**What can I paint for a simple still life?**  
Everyday objects like canisters, jars, cans, and bottles. Simple shapes are easiest.

**How do I make collage strips?**  
Cut old drawings and painted scraps into strips and glue them onto your base painting.

**How do I keep layers showing through?**  
Paint thinly in places and stop before covering everything. Leave some collage and old marks visible.

**Do I need a reject to start?**  
No, but it helps. Any old painting or sheet of paper makes a great base.