Challenge #8 - Mixed Media

Mixed Media art is an extremely popular and trendy form of art. It is a technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or painting and collage, that are combined in a single composition. Anything goes and perfection is not the object. It usually involved building layers of media, which means that you will have to use a thick paper or canvas for this style.
YouTube offers a vast array of impressive videos showing how to create a mixed media composition. The following, I think, will be extremely invaluable in showing you all the possibilities offered by this amazing form of art:

• From artistsnetwork, Easy Mixed Media Techniques for the Art Journal with Seth Apter. Instead of using fluid acrylics, a cheaper option is to use kids paint, which can be watered down if you want the paint to be more translucent.
• From Christie Tomlinson, Christie Tomlinson Mixed Media Collage: She Art (tease to the She Art Class) & Somerset Studio Project
• From EphemerasGarden, A Little Rain - Mixed Media Canvas by Debbie-Ann Parent
• From MixedMediaJenn, Mixed Media Art Journal Page #4. Instead of Modge Podge and Aileen's Tacky Glue, you can use PVA Glue.
• From Rach0113, 2 amazing videos, which make Mixed Media look so easy, Mixed Media Journal Page - Dance In The Rain, and Mixed Media Painting - Elements of Magic.

Now have fun: paint rough, glue newspaper bits, crepe paper, tissue paper, printed paper serviettes (remove all layers and only keep the printed layer), use crayons, blend, scribble, spray paint, doodle, use glitter pens, gel pens, splatter paint, glue photos, letters printed from the computer, journal, stamp, anything goes. Just get MESSY!!

You can create a messy background and build on it by adding layers. Each layer you add will make your Mixed Media page more authentic, unique and personal. Make sure you let each layer dry before starting a new one.

Grab what you can find around the house to use as stamps, stencils or make your own.

To make spray paint, drop a splat of paint in a clean spray bottle (garden spray, household, cosmetic, I use travel spray bottles for mine) and add a little bit of water. Shake well and spray to test. Add more water if it is too thick.

You won't necessarily need a canvas for this challenge but you will need a thicker weight paper (HomeBargains/The Works). 

You can print elements from Word clip arts or Internet images. Copy them into Word/Publisher so you can resize them easily. You also have the option of printing these in grayscale, to have black and white images contrast with the colours you will use, or even colour them in (in full or partly).

As you can see, there are just no limits to what you can do with Mixed Media.

So have fun, go crazy, and don't forget to share your art on our Facebook page.