Mixed Media Collage Painting and Playing – Perfect Summer Project

A few weeks ago, I shared a mixed-media painting project using watercolors. Today I am super excited to share a mixed media collage DIY that is fun not only for the creative, crafty adults but also a great project to work with kids this summer.

I’ve been exploring mixed media for quite some time. I love that you can allow yourself to be creative without pressure, simply use the art tools and materials you have, and a dose of wonderful creativity, and you will have a lovely work of art in no time. Earlier, I’ve shared that mixed media art is the perfect way to relax, explore new art tools and materials, and a way to reenergize your creativity. It is also a great tool to combat anxiety and a great way to teach kids art in a non-pressure environment.

Let’s create some mixed-media collage art paintings and have some fun.

Gather your materials to play and create a lovely mixed-media collage art painting:

You can use anything you have on hand. That is the best part of mixed media art creation. You can use anything you want to use at the moment. I am recommending some tools below so you can create something similar, but the goal is to play, relax, and enjoy the process and the joy it brings. I recommend some of my favorite tools and materials below.

For collage art, you will need some old paper or old books that you don’t mind taking a few pages off. You can always purchase ephemera for journals or antique scrapbooking paper. I am using acrylics in this DIY. Below are just some ideas to start building a set of painting materials. As you practice and learn what you like, I am sure you will build a lovely collection of your favorite paints, brushes, and tools to use in your painting practice.

Materials and tools for mixed media collage art

• Acrylic Paint Markers – Posca Markers – I use the Posca markers, but there are so many great options
• Acrylic Paint – I like the craft paint because it is thin consistency, but you can use heavy body consistency as well.
• Gouache Paint – I have various brands but one of my favorites is the Winsor and Newton Designer’s Gouache
• Matte Medium – another option is to use Mod Podge
• Paint Brushes
• Watercolor Paper
• Reusable Stencils
• White Acrylic Gesso
• Pencil and Eraser – the kneaded eraser is perfect because I can make small tips to erase small areas and do not have to clean any shavings after erasing.
• Palette
• Surface cover – you can use cardboard or craft paper to cover your painting station

How to paint mixed media collage art

First, make sure you have a clean space, the watercolor paper, and some collage fodder. I recommend using the 140 lb watercolor paper. Mixed media paper is good but not as heavy, and if you are using an art sketchbook or journal, that is fine as well. The goal is to have fun and create a beautiful work of art. I like to use a surface cover for these types of projects so that I can reach the borders of the paper and not worry about getting the surface stained. Craft paper or cardboard is good.

You can use any paper size you have available. For this project, I am using a 9×12 inch watercolor paper, which I normally use for studies and general practice, and trying new paints.

You can sketch some ideas with a light pencil, or you can just paint with me.

Mixed media collage art is all about layers. Each layer adds a dimension to the art piece that is unique and unexpected.

First, use the ephemera, book scraps, and other collage materials and glue them to the watercolor paper. You can use the matte medium, Mod Podge, or even glue sticks. Remove any bubbles that may form.

No need to be too specific on this, some of it will be covered by the next layers of the collage art piece. For this project, I am using a watercolor paper that I had already placed some color on while testing new paint. However, you can start with a blank sheet as well.

Allow that first collage layer to dry.

For the second layer of my mixed media collage art, I like adding texture and some color to the background.

Add some white gesso to some areas, then add color using a thin layer of paint. You can mix the paint with the gesso to make it a bit thicker to add some texture to the collage art.

Add additional details using the stencils.

Cover as much or as little of the page as you like. Once you finish a layer, take a look and see if you want to repeat a similar design on the opposite side for balance.

Allow this layer to dry.

While the layer is drying, work on the painting design. In this case, I am painting a simple set of cherries with a bold leaf.

Use white paper and draw the cherries with the leaf.

To transfer the design, use the pencil and cover the back of the design with the graphite pencil.

Place the design over the top of your collage art piece with the sketch side facing you. Transfer the design by going over the sketch with the pencil.

Next, paint the cherries using a bold red, the stem with green, and the leaf in a lovely green color.

Add darker and lighter colors to give depth to the design.

Add a last layer of additional details. I added highlights in the light area of the cherries with a white paint marker. I also added an abstract pattern with a teal blue paint marker.

The goal is to make the design look finished to you. At this point, the mixed media collage art is finished and ready to be sealed.

To seal the mixed media collage art, apply a thin layer of matte medium, or Mod Podge if that is what you have available.

Lastly, to make sure the piece lasts a long time, add a layer of varnish. I prefer the spray finish, this one is one I recommend.

Once you have completed the painting, allow it to fully dry.

You can frame the paintings and use them for home decor or as a lovely gift to friends and family.

This mixed media collage painting will make great thank you cards, note cards, and lovely art prints for the family. I share how to scan and digitize your art for products in this short tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed painting and playing with this easy mixed-media collage art project.