Mixed Media Art for Beginners: Materials, Layers and Ideas

Mixed media art simply means using more than one material in a single artwork: paint with pencil, ink over watercolour, collage under oil pastel, or texture with metallic highlights. It is relaxed, experimental and very forgiving, which makes it a lovely way for students and adults to explore. This guide covers the paper, the materials and a simple layering method.

Mixed media paper and surfaces

The surface matters most, because wet layers can make thin paper buckle and tear.

• Mixed media paper: the Fabriano Mixed Media Paper 50 × 65cm, 250gsm is made for both wet and dry media, so it handles washes, pencil and pastel on one sheet. Cut it down to smaller sizes for practice.
• Drawing paper with cotton content: Fabriano Designo Paper 50 × 35cm, 220gsm works well for drawing-led pieces with light washes.
• Canvas: a primed canvas such as the Bomeijia Canvas 20 × 20cm suits heavier paint, texture and collage.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. For more on surfaces, see our drawing paper types guide.

Materials that layer well

• Watercolour or diluted acrylic for the first background washes, for example Art Nation Solid Watercolour 12.
• Acrylic paint markers such as the Acrylic Marker Painter 6 pcs set for bold lines and patterns on top.
• Oil pastels like Pentel Arts Oil Pastels 25 for rich colour and resist effects.
• Fineliners such as the Sakura Pigma Micron 01 for fine detail and outlines.
• Gloss gel like Art Rangers Gloss Gel 100ml, which thickens acrylic for texture and dries clear and glossy.
• Metallic paint such as Mont Marte Metallic Acrylic 50ml Silver for highlights.
• Collage papers: old magazines, tissue paper, printed papers and ticket stubs, stuck down with a glue stick.

The golden rule: wet to dry, thin to thick

Most mixed media problems come from putting layers in the wrong order. Water-based materials will not stick on top of oily or waxy ones. Work in this order:

1. Thin, wet layers first: washes of watercolour or watered-down acrylic.
2. Collage pieces, glued flat and left to dry.
3. Thicker acrylic, gel and texture.
4. Drawn layers: pencil, ink, paint markers.
5. Oil pastel and waxy materials last, because little will sit on top of them.

A first mixed media project

1. Cut a piece of mixed media paper to about A5 and tape the edges to a board.
2. Brush two or three loose colour washes across the page and let it dry.
3. Glue on a few torn pieces of tissue or printed paper.
4. Paint a simple shape, such as a flower, bird or leaf, in acrylic.
5. Add pattern and outlines with a paint marker and fineliner.
6. Finish with oil pastel highlights and a touch of metallic paint.

Our art journaling guide has more page ideas using the same layering approach.

Tips for clean layers

• Let each wet layer dry fully before adding the next; a hair dryer on a low setting can help.
• Test new combinations on a scrap first.
• Keep a damp cloth handy for wiping fingers before touching dry areas.
• Do not overwork: leave some areas quiet so the eye can rest.
• Store finished pieces flat, with paper between them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use normal sketchbook paper?

Thin sketchbook paper is fine for dry media, but it can buckle under paint. Use mixed media or heavier paper for wet layers.

Why will my paint not stick over oil pastel?

Oil pastel is waxy and repels water-based paint. Add oil pastel at the end, or use it on purpose as a resist under thin washes.

Do I need to varnish mixed media art?

It is optional. Framing behind glass is a simple way to protect work on paper.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose materials for mixed media art.

More Haanz Art Guides

Canvas Guide: Sizes, Priming and Choosing a Canvas for PaintingRead the guide →How to Colour Resin: Mica Powder, Alcohol Ink and GlitterRead the guide →School Art Supply List: What Children Need by GradeRead the guide →Detail Brushes and Fan Brushes: Fine Lines, Leaves and TextureRead the guide →

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