7 Mixed Media Projects That'll Break You Out of a Creative Rut

hand working on colored pencil and watercolor landscape

If one art medium is good, two or more is even better, right? Mixing up your materials is a great way to open up new creative territory with your artwork. Give it a try and if you’re lucky, you’ll surprise yourself!

1. Colorful 3D Collage

mixed media canvas

We’ve lost count of how many materials are used in this collage — and that’s why we love it. Get a crash course in stenciling, embossing, epoxy resin, plaster (honestly, we could go on and on), and then piece it all together into a cool work of dimensional art.

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2. In Bloom

mixed media flowers

Mixed media beginners, this one’s for you. Sketch some simple flowers and bring them to full bloom with watercolors and colored pencils — you’ll find these mediums work together like a dream.

3. Across the Pond

colored pencil watercolor picture

Once you get comfortable combining colored pencils and watercolors, tackle an entire landscape! Use these two mediums to capture a summer scene that’s full of detail, texture and vibrant color.

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4. Hungry Like The Wolf

mixed media wolf

This majestic wolf is all about texture — not just the illusion of it, but actual texture you can touch. You’ll experiment with different acrylic mediums and funky colors for a painting that practically howls.

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5. Pretty Pink Petals

mixed media rose bud

Sharpen those crayons! Yeah, you heard that right. If you’re a mixed media novice, this rose is totally beginner-friendly and uses simple techniques like stenciling, blending colors and adding 3D elements (time to use up those fiber scraps!). Go crazy with this one!

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6. Whoooo Loves This Owl?

mixed media owl

Spoiler alert: acrylic and charcoal make a stunning combo! Build layers of color to find that perfect balance between realism and abstraction, and don’t be afraid to throw in a few pastels to make the picture pop!

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7. A Simple Pen and Ink Scene

pen and ink farmers in a field

Pen, ink and watercolor is one of the most popular forms of mixed media, whether it be capturing your neighborhood through urban sketching or this gentle rural scene. This tutorial covers everything from how to compose your scene to finishing it with a watercolor wash.

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One Response to “7 Mixed Media Projects That'll Break You Out of a Creative Rut”

  1. ANNIE

    when i log in i cant see the history of what i have already viewed ... so that i can continue where i left off. Also tried a search by instructors name and no results ... it was Matt Rota and mixed media; i was trying to continue on the third video of his. Is there any way when logging back in again to look at the list or history of previous lesson videos viewed.