10 things you didn’t know about mixed media art
Soma Mandal Datta 
10 things about mixed media painting that you didn’t know which could enable you to get started on a creative journey of self-discovery.
Mixed media art is a term used to describe artworks that result out of combination of variety of art materials. My favorite form of mixed media art is painting and collage as it is one of the best ways to explore, express and assert one’s creative voice. However I have seen many hesitate to give it a go as it’s an art form that is often dismissed as ‘crafts’ than art.
But nothing could be further than the truth. If that was true then numerous famous artists would not have created artworks using this style of art.
Image: Pablo Picasso, Still Life with Chair Caning, 1912, oil on oil-cloth over canvas edged with rope, 29 x 37 cm (Musée Picasso) Source:https://smarthistory.org/picas...
Creating mixed media also has many benefits for the creators themselves from better well-being to discovering one’s creative voice. It is a unique art form as it offers the opportunity to bring together the old with the new as part of the creative process leading to a numerous opportunities to explore and create greater range of unique artworks.
Here are 10 things about mixed media painting that you didn’t know and could enable you to get started on a creative journey of self-discovery.
# Ten reasons why you should make mixed media art
- No prior skills:
It is an art form that’s perfect for beginners and experts alike. As a novice, you do not need any prior experience or skills to get started with mixed media painting, except for the desire to create.
2. Freedom of Expression:
Mixed media art allows you to express your personality in infinite ways not only due to the infinite permutations and combinations of materials possible but also because there are no set rules in stone on the perfect way to use a certain combination.
3. Therapeutic
The different types of mixed media offer creative avenues to practice self-care such as art journaling. Since it encourages experiments and risk-taking, mixed media painting can be a therapeutic activity in itself.
4. No right or wrong
Because mixed media art encourages experimentation, there is no right or wrong way to create. Engaging in creative play is thus highly recommended to discover your own way to creative freedom.
5. Recognized art form
Many famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse have explored and created renowned artworks using this art form.
6. Failures = Happy Accidents
Endless possibilities also mean that the failures can be triggers for new ideas.
7. Encourages curiosity and risk-taking
Being curious and adventurous is must for any creator. Practicing mixed media enables creators to nurture these attitudes and nourish their creativity.
8. Old with new
Mixed media allows you to combine old with the new such as using lost and found objects as part of sculpture or collage-ing old photos with paints and inks, resulting in special and unique artworks that can’t be easily replicated.
9. Discover creative voice
Various permutations and combinations of different art materials offers infinite possibilities to explore and identify one’s creative voice.
10. Anyone can do it
It’s a versatile art form which anyone with a desire to create can undertake. You can be free and loose or controlled and structured with your creative process. You get to choose which way to go in your creative journey.
Mixed media art is one of the best ways to discover one’s innate creativity and build attitudes that nourish creative spirit. It’s simple to get started and offers infinite possibilities to explore, experiment and have fun creating artworks that voice your creative style.
Keen to connect with your creative side? Explore the latest of my course offerings at Tranquil Canvas Academy Online Painting Courses
Warm regards
Soma M Datta
Founder of www.tranquilcanvas.com.au
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Categories: learntopaint
