Using Mixed Media Art Techniques with Photography

Did you know that you can do mixed media art with photography?

It is possible, and many talented photographers and artists have done it.

I’ll tell you all about it in this article and give you some creative ideas about how to try it yourself.

Let’s get started!

What Is Mixed Media Art

Mixed media art is an art form that combines different techniques and materials in the same piece.

It’s important to note the difference between mixed media artworks and multi-media artworks.

Multi-media is more related to electronic techniques such as video and audio.

Instead, mixed media artworks involve analog technologies such as photographs, painting, sculpture, etc., with physical materials such as paper, wood, wire, etc.

• Related: How to frame your art

What Is the Point of Mixed Media Art?

Using mixed media is the same as choosing paint over a photograph or drawing over a sculpture.

Mixed media artists use this approach because they feel it is the best way to represent what they want to express with their work.

What Is Mixed Media in Photography?

Artists use Mixed media photography to combine a photo with other art forms to create their artwork.

Mixed media artists who use photos don’t necessarily consider themselves photographers. They simply use photos as one of the many mediums necessary to create an artwork.

Famous Examples of Using Photography in Mixed Media Art

Here are some interesting examples of how this medium can be elevated to high art.

Gerhard Richter Overpainted Photographs

 

Gerhard Richter is a German artist who works with mixed media. He often uses a combination of painting and photos to explore different topics.

One of the art forms he’s created is the Overpainted Photographs. He’s done more than 2000 pieces since the mid-1980s.

These mixed media works are photographs he uses as a canvas to paint over particular parts.

Other mixed media techniques he uses are photo-paintings and different photo-printing processes.

Retroactive I, Robert Rauschenberg

 

Rauschenberg is an American artist often classified as a Neo-Dadaist. He experimented with multiple combinations throughout his career.

He often used photographic printing techniques, much like Andy Warhol, to expand the concept of painting.

Popular Mixed Media Art Techniques (Using Photography)

Artists have explored the mixed media world in the most interesting ways. Here are some popular ways in which artists have used images to transform their ideas into artworks.

• Installation art – installations are works of art designed to fill a room. The rooms are meant to be immersive and sometimes interactive. This medium often intends to transform 2D elements, such as photography, into 3D elements. Some mixed-media artists who use images in their installations are Chris Engman, Tyler Mitchell, and Lori Vrba.
• Collage – Many artists use photos as one of the elements in their collages. The creative process is different for each of them. Some paste printed pictures together, while others paste them into tridimensional elements such as wood or metal. Some famous collage artists are Romare Bearden, Man Ray, Hannah Hoch, and Grete Stern.
• Photo embroidery – Artists experiment with picture embroidery for a while. Sometimes, they use their own photo and others; they use old postcards or another photographer’s work. Some artists are Hinke Schreuders, Aline Brant, and Mayra Biajante.
• Photo sculptures – This is another art form that expands what you can do with a photograph. Here, a photographic print is turned into a piece of tridimensional art. The portraits from Brno Del Zou are a great representation of this mixed media.

What Materials Do I Need to Create Mixed Media Art With Photos?

As you’ve seen, many ways of creating artwork with your photo and other media exist. The materials you’ll need vary depending on what you want to do.

However, here are some basics that can help you to create your first pieces.

• Photos.
• Paper.
• Canvas.
• Wood.
• Scissors.
• Glue.
• Tape.
• Ruler.
• Sponge.
• Paint.
• Brushes.
• Color pencils/markers.
• Threads.
• Needles.
• Clay.

4 Ideas for Transforming Your Photos Into Mixed Media Art

If you’re feeling creative, here are some ideas for you to try.

Transfer your photo to wood

You can transfer a photo print into a piece of wood.

This can be something you carved, and it’s in itself a subject or a piece of wood that will serve as a canvas where you can glue other materials too.

Create a collage

A photo collage is one of the easiest ways to get your creativity going.

It’s easy to do, the materials are inexpensive, and you can use almost anything.

Here’s how to create a collage in Photoshop or by using collage apps.

Transform a self-portrait

Why don’t you create a self-portrait if you’re looking for an idea to start making mixed media? You are the best subject you’ll have because it’s what you know best.

So, you can explore different techniques and see how to use them to better describe yourself.

You’re also always available to take the necessary pictures as you go along.

If you want more ideas and learn directly from an artist- check this article on self-portrature and mixed mediaby Veronika Lavey.

Embroider a photo

 

A creative idea for you to try is to embroider a picture. You can print it on paper or transfer it to fabric – whichever you find best.

Then, start creating. You can add new elements or highlight the ones in the picture.

3 Inspiring Mixed Media Photographers to Follow

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out the interesting work of these artists.

Zelco Nedic

 

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A post shared by Zelko Nedic (@zelkonedic)

Zelco Nedic uses wet plate collodion process and painting.

Veronika Lavey

 

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A post shared by Veronika Lavey (@veronikalavey)

Veronika Lavey uses collage, acrylic, and photography in her work.

Ofelia y Antelmo

 

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A post shared by Ofelia & Antelmo (@ofeliayantelmo)

In her account, Ofelia y Antelmo, Gabriela Marinex shares her work embroidering photographs and fashion.

FAQs About Mixed Media Art in Photography

What are the 6 types of mixed media?

Some popular art forms are collages, assemblages, installations, found objects, painted photos, and printed ceramics. These are just a few examples of the many interesting combinations artists have created.

What is the difference between collage and mixed media art?

A collage is only one of the ways you can create mixed-media art. To do a collage, you paste images on other materials. Instead, mixed media can use different elements that don’t have to be prints – for example, Nicole McLaughlin combines ceramics and embroidery.

How do you combine photography and art?

Photography can be an artwork in itself. You can also combine it with other art forms; for example, you can draw or paint on it. You can also combine photos with ceramics or sculptures.

Who are some famous mixed media art photographers?

Gerhard Richter is one of the most famous media artists and photographers. Other artists who can inspire are Ben Hecht, Amber Isabel, and Chris Engman.

Is mixed media art sold?

Yes, it’s sometimes sold through regular art market channels such as art fairs or galleries. Other times, mixed-media artists sell their work independently.