Arts >> Art >> Other Art

How to Paint a Mixed Picture

Mixed media painting is a contemporary art form that mixes traditional paintings with found objects or other items for a textured, three-dimensional feel. Items that are used in conjunction with acrylic paints in mixed media pieces can be found anywhere, and artists often collect and save them until they can use them for the right piece of art. Common mixed media items include silk flowers, tissue paper, greeting cards, and even old magazine and newspaper pages.

Things You'll Need

  • Canvas or Artboard
  • Acrylic paints
  • Acrylic matte medium
  • Acrylic gel gloss medium
  • Paint brushes
  • Painting knife
  • Found objects
  • Acrylic clear coat sealant
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a thin layer of matte medium, and press any paper or backgrounds into place on the canvas or artboard. Allow to dry for two to four hours.

    • 2

      Thin the acrylic paint by adding water until you have a watercolor-like consistency. Glaze the background media with the desired colors.

    • 3

      Continue adding paint with a lightly loaded paintbrush until you are satisfied with the image.

    • 4

      Mix gel gloss medium 1:1 with your paint, and apply heavily with a painting knife anywhere that heavier objects will be added. Allow to dry for five to six minutes.

    • 5

      Carefully press the three-dimensional found objects into the mixture of gel gloss medium and paint.

    • 6

      Allow to dry overnight. Add any final details, and spray your painting with several coats of acrylic clear coat sealant.

+:
+:

Other Art

Related Categories