Understanding Mixed-media Art
- Larry Cox
- Mar 18, 2024
- 3 min read
Understanding Mixed-media Art What it is & Why it Matters If you're an art collector, fellow artist, or someone exploring original artworks, you’ve likely encountered a wide range of artistic mediums—from traditional oils and acrylics on canvas to digital creations and everything in between. But one term that’s often mislabeled, misunderstood or completely overlooked (even by seasoned artists) is “mixed-media” and how it relates to paintings. This also pertains to all artistic creations (3D renderings, sculptures, assemblages, collages, etc.), however, for the purposes of this article I will only be talking about how it relates to paintings.
My goal is to shed light on what mixed-media really means when it comes to paintings, how it applies to artists, as well as why understanding it can deepen everyone's appreciation of the creative process and the originality behind the paintings we create and admire through the process of mixed-media.
What Are Mixed-Media Paintings?
Mixed-media refers to paintings that combine more than one artistic medium (traditional paints plus other materials) utilized within a single original painting. Instead of using just traditional oils, acrylics, or watercolors, artists may incorporate multiple techniques and materials that are often layered or interwoven to create a unique one-of-a-kind painting. This can include a variety of elements like paint, paper, fabric, found objects, and even digital components. The key is the deliberate integration of diverse materials (mediums) to create a more complex visual experience.
An original painting is defined as a unique creation by the hands of an artist, not by the specific materials used. Original paintings are one-of-a-kind creations that are distinct from prints, mechanical reproductions, copies, etc., regardless of whether they are created using mixed media—with painting being the core element.
A mixed-media painting can be made up two or more of the following mediums: oil paint, acrylic paint, watercolors, paper, fabric, spray paint, foil, 3-dimensional objects, textured pastes, found objects, ink, acrylic paint pens, digital elements, as well as many other materials that allow artists to express themselves in innovative ways, thus pushing creative boundaries within their original works. The result is a painting that cannot be classified under a single medium—and that’s exactly the point! Mixed-media encourages creative freedom, experimentation, and a one-of-a-kind visual output within an original painting.
Are Mixed-Media Paintings Considered Original Paintings?
Absolutely! As long as the core element is paint, the additional materials used in no way diminish the finished painting being classified as an original work, whether applied to canvas, paper, or any other substrate (wood, metal, fabric, etc.) It's no more complicated than that!
A mixed-media work can absolutely be an original, provided it is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece that has been physically created or altered by the artist’s hand. Even if an artist creates a digital painting, prints it onto canvas, and then hand-embellishes it using acrylics, oils, or other physical media described above, that final piece is a true original mixed-media painting and not a reproduction. This distinction is especially important in a world where digital painting is now a highly respected medium. Such hybrid techniques are very common and actually date back to the early 1900's.
Why Mixed-Media Matters to Artists, Art Lovers & Collectors
Understanding mixed-media not only helps people appreciate the complexity of the artistic process, but also reveals the originality and craftsmanship behind each work. These are not hybrids in the sense of taking shortcuts—they are intentional, skillful creations that reflect the vision and creativity of the artist.
Collectors love mixed-media paintings because, but not limited to, the following:
They offer rich textures and visual interest
No two are ever the same
They blend traditional techniques with innovative methods
They invite closer engagement and storytelling
Mixed-Media Opens Doors for Artists & Collectors Alike!
As artists, understanding and embracing mixed-media allows us to liberate our full creative potential and properly present our innovative works as imaginative gallery-worthy originals.
As collectors, knowing what mixed-media truly encompasses and embracing its ingenuity helps them confidently invest in artworks that are not only visually striking but also deeply authentic.
So whether admiring digitally-painted canvas prints enhanced with hand-painted textures and other mediums, or multilayered collage-style combinations of paint combined with other mediums, you’re not looking at reproductions—you’re looking at truly original works!
