How to Use Mixed Media in Painting

This work contains paint, rocks, wood and even a bullet casing

Who says a painting only has to contain paint? It can feature photos, clay figurines, feathers, fur, gemstones and even rocks. You can use mixed media in painting to create a three-dimensional, interest-grabbing and downright awesome masterpiece with the following simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas or other base
• Paint
• Other media of your choice
• Quality glue

Instructions

1. Pick your media. A painting of a peacock would look really luscious with actual peacock feathers sticking out of it.

2. Choose an appropriate base. Peacock feathers are light so you can go with a standard canvas. If you choose something like rocks, you’ll want a sturdy wooden or other board.

3. Begin with the paint. Paint the base if you wish, either with an illustration, base color or random mishmash.

4. Glue the mixed media in place with the appropriate glue. Peacock feathers fare well with tacky craft glue. Rocks need a stronger cement-like mixture.

5. Add more paint, if necessary. Painting borders around or actually on top of the mixed media often gives the piece a finished feel.

Tips & Warnings

• Craft stores are awesome for finding trinkets to add to your paintings, but it’s even more fun to find them on the side of the road or other strange places.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Your dog painting can have 3-dimensional teeth and a leather collar. Your bunny painting would look fabulous with a powder puff tail.