“Mixed Media” and a Few of Our Favorite Things

A phrase you will see often on Palette & Paper’s website and social media channels along with being heard in the shoppe is “mixed media”.

But what is “mixed media”?  According to Wikipedia, mixed media refers to “an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed.  For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a 'mixed media' work" (source). 

At Palette & Paper, we carry a variety of mediums to be used in various mixed media work (think about it, almost everything you create could be considered mixed media!).  A few of our favorite mediums/products that we carry are (we’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks):

Mica Powder by Finnabair Art Ingredients 

​Mica Powders are great additions to any base mediums – gesso, gel medium (use it this way when doing photo transfers and you will love the shimmery result) and even water to create your own custom mists.  The Mica Powder will add sparkle and shimmer to all of your mixed media projects. ​
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Dylusions Paint by Ranger

These paints are easily blendable but yet waterproof and dry quickly (an important feature in mixed media projects when you are working with lots of layers) to a matte finish.  These paints accept all types of writing inks without clogging up the tips and unlike other paints, they come in a jar with a wide opening perfect for art tools, brushes, fingers and baby wipes (have you painted with a baby wipe before?  Do it!  You can cover a large area with just a little paint and it makes it so easy to blend multiple colors together.)
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Heavy Gesso by Finnabair Art Basics 

​Gesso is a quick-drying paint and primer.  It comes in white, black and even clear!  It works well for a variety of color products providing a permanent, smooth, chalky background.  Gesso will work mixed with pigments or acrylic paints to create a range of customized, colored layers.  Gesso is also great watered down for “lightening” a background in your art journal (see examples of this below by Palette & Paper friend, Celeste).

Uni-ball Signo Broad Pen in White

White ink isn’t just for writing on black paper.  It is perfect for adding details and text to backgrounds and patterned paper.  This pen is adored by many with its smooth writing and nice bold tip.

What are some of your favorite mediums?  Do you use any of these four regularly in your artwork?