Mixed media artwork has captivated art lovers around the world for over a century, but what exactly is mixed media art? When did artists begin to create mixed media art? And who are some of the most influential mixed media artists?
That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post. Read on to learn more about the world of mixed media art, and to find out whether it’s a wise investment choice.
Define Mixed Media: What Does “Mixed Media Art” Mean?
Mixed media art refers to artworks that combine more than one artistic medium or material.
For example, a piece might include acrylic paint, collage elements, fabric, or even found objects like newspaper, metal, or sand.
Unlike traditional art, which typically sticks to a single medium (such as oil on canvas or marble sculpture), mixed media focuses on contrast and layering.
The History of Mixed Media Art
Early 1900s – Mixed media art began to emerge in the early 20th century as artists started breaking away from traditional artistic boundaries. Before this, paintings and sculptures were considered entirely separate types of art.
1910s – Artists began combining different materials and techniques, challenging the norms of what defines "art." This experimentation marked the beginning of mixed media as a recognised practice.
1919 – German artist Kurt Schwitters pioneered the use of everyday objects – such as paper, wood, and newspaper scraps – in his work. He coined the term ‘Merz’ to describe his pieces made from discarded materials, which helped to shape the early world of mixed media.
1916 - 1924 – The Dada Movement, which began during World War I, had a huge impact on mixed media art. Dada artists were all about absurdity and chaos, using a wide range of materials and unpredictable methods to challenge conventional art standards.
Mid to Late 20th Century – The art world became more accepting of experimental art, and mixed media became a lot more popular. Artists around the world began blending painting, photography, textiles, found objects.
Today – Mixed media is still a popular form of artistic expression. Contemporary artists now combine traditional and digital techniques – ranging from painting and sculpture to video, sound, and photography – to produce innovative pieces of art.
Learn all about the history of art here.
What Are Some Characteristics of Mixed Media Art?
- Combination of Materials – Such as paint, ink, textiles, found objects, metals, wood, digital imagery, and more.
- Layering Techniques – Artists often build up textures and depth using multiple layers.
- Experimental Spirit – There are no rules! Just creative freedom.
- Tactile and Visual Contrast – Juxtaposition of smooth and rough, glossy and matte, abstract and figurative.
What Are Some Mixed Media Art Techniques?
There are several techniques used in mixed media, the most commonly used techniques being:
Stencilling and Stamping
Stencils and stamps are used for repetitive designs and to create focal points. You can make your own stencils or buy them. Stencils are usually used with spray paint or ink to make the design cris. Stamping, like stencilling, is popular in street art – and adds layered imagery or detail.
Decoupage
This mixed media technique involves cutting and pasting paper (or fabric) onto a surface, usually using glue. This might include magazine clippings, tissue paper, or magazine clippings to create a collage effect.
Impasto
Impasto is when you add thick layers of paint to your artwork to add texture. Mixed media artists will often use a palette knife or a brush to build up layers of paint, adding a 3D quality.
Image Transfers
Image transfers are when you transfer printed images or wording (usually laser or inkjet prints) onto different surfaces (usually using gel or acetone). This results in a ghosted or weathered image, giving a layered or vintage effect.
Collage
Collage is one of the earliest mixed media techniques. It involves using various materials (such as photos, cardboard, paper or fabric) and assembling them onto a canvas or board. Collages can be both abstract and representational.
What Are Some Examples of Mixed Media Art?
See the image below for a perfect example of mixed-media art. Artist Mike Philp, also known as Silent Mike, uses a variety of materials in his art, including spray paint, acrylics, wood and even tattoo ink.
Another example of mixed media art is Still Life with Chair Caning by Pablo Picasso (1912). This iconic piece combines oil, rope, cloth, paper and paint, creating a unique piece of art.
Some other popular examples of mixed media art include:
- The Fall of Icarus by Henri Matisse (1943)
- Angel of Anarchy by Eileen Agar (1937/1940)
- Bicycle Wheel by Marcel Duchamp (1913)
Who Are Some Notable Mixed Media Artists?
These artists have helped shape the genre and are often at the centre of major art investments:
- Andy Warhol – Blended photography, silkscreen printing, and paintings. His Marilyn Monroe series is a hallmark of Pop Art and mixed media. Learn about Warhol’s art here.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat – Known for graffiti-style paintings combining paint, text, and discarded materials to comment on race and identity.
- Pablo Picasso – Pioneer of Cubist collage, Picasso fused newspaper, fabric, and found objects in iconic works like Still Life with Chair Caning. Picasso was one of the earliest mixed media artists, creating cubist collages and constructions. This is just one of Picasso’s many artistic periods.
-
George Braque – Used stencilled text, wood grain, and collage techniques to explore texture and form.
- Barbara Kruger – Famous for merging bold text with photography to critique consumerism and gender roles.
- David Hockney – Creates collaged “photo joiners” and mixed media portraits with vibrant colour and storytelling elements.
- Anish Kapoor – Sculpts using steel, stone, and pigments. His monumental works like Cloud Gate invite viewers into immersive, abstract spaces.
Explore our original artwork for sale today, from top-rated blue-chip artists such as Banksy, Sara Pope, Robi Walters and more. Call us on 020 8103 4905 if you have any questions.
