Using Mixed Media: Unleashing Creativity through Experimentation

I’m a huge fan of using mixed media in art it’s all about experimentation and the joy of trying new things. There’s something incredibly freeing about combining different materials and seeing what magic unfolds on your canvas.

Yesterday, in our weekly Q&A session with my Vibrant Visions students, we had an exciting discussion about how different surfaces can completely change the way paint behaves.

We don’t often realise that the surface we’re working on, whether it’s canvas, wood, or paper, plays such a huge role in the final result. The texture, absorbency, and even the flexibility of the surface can either enhance or challenge our techniques. And of course, the materials you choose—paints, pastels, inks play a starring role too.

Take, for example, a piece of artwork I completed a while back (I’ve shared a close-up below!) along with another piece in full. In them, I used several different media to create striking textures and colour effects. The result was an unexpected, yet delightful mix of layers and vibrancy.

I absolutely love how combining different media opens up endless possibilities, it invites more spontaneity and excitement into your process.

Let me share with you the materials I used to create these effects.

Here’s What I Used:

Acrylic Inks

I love these so much—they can create some truly wonderful and spontaneous results. I sometimes use them as a base layer to start a piece because they flow so freely and unpredictably. They are especially fun to work with on paper, where you can really see their fluidity come to life. My go-to brand is Liquitex acrylic inks, and they never disappoint.

Golden Fluid Acrylics

As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of these paints! They have such an elegant flow and glide beautifully across any surface. The richness and intensity of the colours are absolutely stunning, making them perfect for layering or adding bold accents. They’re a joy to work with and have become a staple in my toolkit.

Soft Pastels

These are so yummy I could almost eat them (though, of course, I don’t recommend that!). Soft pastels are pure pigment, so their opacity allows them to sit beautifully on the top layers of a painting. They add a soft, yet rich texture that contrasts wonderfully with the slick feel of the acrylics. I mainly use Sennelier and Unison pastels, and trust me—just a couple of colours can make a world of difference.

Why You Should Try Mixed Media:

One of the biggest advantages of working with mixed media is how forgiving it can be. It allows you to layer, rework, and even transform your piece as it evolves. You don’t need to go out and buy every colour or material under the sun. Start small! Try adding just one or two new elements to your work and see how they change your approach. It’s about exploration, not perfection.

Want to Experiment? Here’s a Fun Challenge:

Next time you sit down to paint, challenge yourself to include at least one new form of media in your work. Give yourself permission to play without the pressure of finishing a “perfect” piece. Let go of the end result and focus on enjoying the process—see what happens when you combine different materials, and be curious about the surprises that emerge.

And remember, there are no “mistakes” in art, only learning curves. Every layer, every change is part of your creative growth. Without those unexpected turns, we wouldn’t progress.

Wishing you all a wonderfully creative week! I hope you dive into some playful experimentation with your painting and discover something new along the way.

Embrace the process, be kind to yourself, and, most of all, have fun!

Let me know in the comments below if you like to try different media or perhaps are ready to try something new. I’d love to know.

Happy painting and experimenting!

Michelle