Mixed Media Supplies for Beginners

Hello lovely creatives!

If you haven't noticed by now, I'm passionate about Mixed Media art. But what is it exactly? Simply stated, it's a type of artwork that mixes different media or materials into one piece. The possibilities are endless and this is precisely why I find it so exciting! However, I know it can be quite overwhelming when you are just starting out. So, I've compiled a list, a starter kit if you will, of essential supplies. 

Substrates

Substrates are the surfaces you paint on. There are several options:

• art journals
• mixed media paper block
• spiral bound block
• loose sheets of paper 
• art panels
• wood panels
• canvas

It really is a matter of preference, but if you are at the beginning of your art journey, I would suggest investing in a good art journal or paper block with a weight of at least 200 gsm. In my opinion, the substrate is the most important of all supplies. Remember that mixed media often incorporates many layers and the paper needs to withstand wet media. My advice is don't skimp on the paper. From experience I can tell you you will be disappointed in your creations, no matter how beautiful, when the paper starts buckling or even tears! 

Paints

The most common paints to use in mixed media are acrylic paints. The student grade paints are inexpensive and work perfectly fine. They come in a huge color range, however, if you are familiar with the color wheel, you won't need to buy tons of colors, instead mix the tones and shades yourself using the primary colors red, yellow and blue plus black and white. This is also a great exercise to familiarize yourself with how the colors work together. Learning by doing has been my lifelong motto :)

Acrylic paints are very versatile, as they can be thinned down with water to achieve a wash. They can be layered from light to dark and vice versa and they dry quickly. Once dry they are permanent.

Brushes & Tools

Of course, you will need some type of tool to apply the paints on the surface. These are the ones I use most often:

• Synthetic flat brushes - large, medium, small
• Synthetic round brushes - medium, small
• Palette knife - good for mixing paints
• Small rubber brayer

The brushes are usually cheaper if you buy them in a pack instead of individually. The student grade brushes work just fine. Pro tip: when you are finished with painting ALWAYS immediately rinse and then thoroughly clean (using a mild soap) the brushes under a running tap. Then lay the brushes on a kitchen towel to dry. This way your brushes will last a long time. 

Collage

Collage is an integral part of mixed media art. Adding visual elements to create depth, convey a message or idea. The best part: you can make collage elements yourself! In my video below I am sharing how to make simple collage from tissue paper:

Other collage items that can be used are:

• newspaper clippings
• magazine images/titles
• old book pages
• photos
• ephemera
• found objects

I have a couple of types of glue, that I use to adhere the collage elements to my surface. A glue stick for 

newspaper or regular paper scraps and matte gel medium for delicate and vintage paper and photos. For very thick paper or ephemera I use Mod Podge - this also acts as a good sealant, as more often than not, further layers are added on top of the collage.

Stamps & Stencils

As mentioned in the beginning, mixed media art often incorporates many layers, that invites the viewer to explore the artwork. I love using stamping and stencilling to add interest to my work. There's a huge variety of stencils to choose from, but I would suggest going with simple geometric shapes. My favorite way to apply the paint through the stencil is with a make up sponge. It's so easy to use and just as with the brushes I immediately rinse it under a running tap after use. As for stamps - I have one wooden stamp with vintage text and a set of silicone alphabet stamps that I use over and over. I mostly use a black stamp pad, but there are plenty of other colors available. Just make sure the stamp pad ink is archival and waterproof.

Mark Making

Mark making is an enjoyable way to add interest to your work and is often the finishing touch to your page. You can use the following to make marks:

• regular HB pencil
• wax crayon
• paint pens
• fineliner pen
• paint splatters

And there are even more alternative tools to create marks, such as an old cork, a sponge, a bowl scraper, a wooden skewer, scrunched up foil, bubble wrap, corrugated packaging. I've used them all to make unique marks. Check your kitchen drawer!

That wraps up my break down of most commonly used supplies in mixed media art making! I've been asked in which sequence to build up the layers. Good question. You will need to determine your focal point or message in advance. Which area do you want to bring forward, which area to the back? Should it be overall dark or light? Busy or calm? I contemplate these questions before starting any of my work. And remember, there is no right or wrong...simply an exploration of how each element works together. Enjoy and have fun!