If you love the dreamy textures of watercolours, the bold contrast of ink and the tactile appeal of cut paper then mixed media art might just be your next creative obsession. Combining different artistic materials and techniques into a single piece can open up exciting possibilities for expression and experimentation. Whether you're an art student, hobbyist or seasoned creative, mixed media offers a chance to play, explore and push your work into new dimensions.
In this guide we’ll cover what mixed media art is, how to select materials that work well together and how to layer your media effectively. You’ll also find inspiration from artists and creatives using supplies available from Eckersley’s.
What Is Mixed Media?
Mixed media art involves using more than one type of artistic material or technique in a single artwork. That might mean blending acrylic with pastels, layering watercolour and ink or combining drawing with fabric and collage. The goal is to use these different textures and finishes to create depth, emotion and energy within a piece.
Unlike traditional art forms that stick to one medium, mixed media celebrates contrast. You might begin with a soft watercolour wash and add calligraphic ink details over the top. Or you could glue paper textures into your painting to add a sculptural quality. The possibilities are endless and the rules are few.
At Eckersley’s we’re proud to support artists of all styles especially those who experiment across media to tell their own visual stories. If you’ve never tried it before, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Choosing Compatible Materials
One of the most important parts of working in mixed media is understanding how different materials interact. Some layers will sit happily together while others might smudge, warp or resist each other in unexpected ways.
Start with a base that accepts a variety of media. Watercolour paper or mixed media pads are great choices. For wet media such as paints and inks make sure your surface is thick enough to hold moisture without buckling.
Next, think about your foundational layer. A transparent wash of watercolour is an excellent starting point. It dries quickly and provides a soft background that won’t dominate your design. Once it’s dry you can overlay stronger marks using inks, pens or pastels.
If you’re adding collage, select paper that complements your palette. Lightweight papers are easy to glue but may ripple while heavier cardstock or painted papers add structure. Explore our range of papercraft supplies for creative collage options from handmade textures to printed designs.
Layering Techniques
The secret to a successful mixed media piece is working in stages. Let each layer dry fully before adding the next to avoid muddying colours or tearing paper. Begin light and loose then gradually add contrast and detail.
Try this simple layering order to get started:
- Watercolour base: Create a wash or abstract shapes with diluted pigment. Let it dry thoroughly before continuing
- Ink or pen work: Use fine liners or brushes with drawing ink to define shapes, add texture or write text
- Collage elements: Cut or tear paper shapes then arrange and glue them using a medium that won’t smudge your underlayers
- Finishing touches: Add detail with colour pencils, oil pastels or gel pens. Highlight key areas or add light accents
Use quality brushes suited to your medium. Soft bristles for washes and firmer ones for pasting or textured effects. And don’t be afraid to repurpose tools like sponges, palette knives or stencils for added interest.
Mixed Media Ideas to Try
Looking for creative prompts? Here are a few mixed media ideas you can try at home or in the studio:
- Nature journals: Combine leaf rubbings, ink sketches and watercolour backgrounds to capture your surroundings
- Mood boards: Layer magazine clippings, textured papers and painted swatches into a visual story or theme
- Portraits with personality: Start with a pencil sketch, add ink for definition, watercolour for softness then collage to bring personality
- Abstract landscapes: Use torn papers for terrain, loose watercolour for sky and ink lines to ground the composition
These are just starting points. Many Eckersley’s artists and customers share their own techniques using combinations of familiar and experimental materials making each creation unique.
Ready to Start?
Mixed media art is a celebration of contrast, curiosity and creativity. Whether you're layering textures or combining unexpected materials the process invites you to slow down, make bold choices and learn something new with every piece.
Ready to explore? Eckersley’s has all the materials you need to begin from paints and papers to collage tools and drawing inks. Contact our friendly team for expert advice on building your mixed media kit or to get inspired by real projects from our creative community.
Let your creativity cross boundaries one layer at a time.
