Paint Everyday Objects: A Mixed Media Still Life Over Collage Strips
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.
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.
Want to Create Loose Mixed Media Art, Slacker? Learn the fundamentals, experiment with collage and layers, and develop your own expressive style.
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) and the mixed media cup collage.
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
- Make or gather collage strips from old drawings and rejects.
- Glue them onto a reject watercolor and let them dry.
- Paint a simple everyday object on top.
- Leave some layers showing, and stop before you cover everything.
For the mindset side, see what to do with paintings you hate and 10 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.
