Mixed Media Art

Art without boundaries

Mixed media art describes any art that uses more than one medium or material to make a work of art. Often, both traditional art materials (like paints, markers, pens, etc.) and additional elements can be incorporated to push the boundaries of more traditional art practices. In any given piece, you might find rope, wood, wallpaper, fabric, photos, paper, metal work, and any number of found objects. One of the advantages of mixed media art is that that are no rules or traditions that need to be followed, and a person doesn’t need any special training or technique to start creating. Another huge advantage of mixed media art is that it often transforms art that might begin on a traditional two-dimensional surface (like a canvas) into three dimensions. Mixed media art is often layered and textured, allowing an artist to create interesting visual effects without years of practicing a particular technique. Finally, mixed media art is a perfect fit for an artist who is concerned about their environmental impact, since mixed media artists are often able to reuse things that would otherwise be thrown in a landfill or find or develop less toxic or resource-intensive materials than traditional paints, inks, papers, and canvases. Although no specialized techniques are needed, many people new to mixed media art enjoy getting a few great ideas to get inspired and get started.