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This article is written by Barbara Rankin

Mixed media is really hot right now, and whether you are a novice or a skilled mixed media artist, this book would be a wonderful addition to any artist’s library.

The book is a compilation of a myriad of mixed media techniques by several artists, and is published by Walter Foster. It retails for $19.99 in the United States.  I particularly like the way it is spiral-bound, allowing it to lay flat while referring to a particular technique.

The book begins with:  “There are no mistakes in art.”  I could not agree more.  Every artist has their own style, and this book will help you evolve as an individual artist, in your own way and in your own creative manner.  Next, there are suggestions for how to use this book, and it explains that with mixed media, the techniques can either be used individually or combined to create your very own masterpiece.

The topics covered in this book are painting backgrounds, gesso and mediums, found and re purposed materials, stamping, stenciling, altering photos, transferring images, encaustics, playing with paper, adding texture, and the ever-popular art journaling.

Each chapter addresses various techniques pertaining to the topic, with a list of supplies.  For instance, under “Painting Backgrounds”, you will find techniques for dry brushing, rolling paint, scraping, washes, and so on.  Each technique is presented with excellent examples, a brief explanation, and tips from the artist.

I like to compare mixed media artists with a scientist in a laboratory, one who is always experimenting, always looking for just the right combination of ingredients.

This book will definitely be on my desk at all times, not only for inspiration, but I will consider it my workbook, or notebook, of all things mixed media, only someone else did all the work of taking notes and writing them down for me.  Even if I already know how to perform a specific technique described, It will be something I can refer to over and over again to either refresh my memory as to a specific technique, or to help me get my mojo back when it takes a leave of absence. You know those times when you have to walk away from your work because you are stuck for ideas.  This book should alleviate some of that.

When it comes to mixed media, the most important thing to remember is that there are no rules.  Try the techniques in the book, and experiment with them.  You just might come up with the most amazing technique that will be your “go-to” for years to come.

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Barbara is a mixed media artist who loves to teach. She loves to learn new techniques and to share her knowledge with other artists. She is a contributing artist in a book: Make it in Minutes: Mini Albums, and has been published in several paper and online magazines. She is currently on two design teams, Sin City Stamps and Altered Pages, and has served as a design team member for The Robin’s Nest and Creative Paperclay®, as well as guest designer for Craftwell USA and the February 2015 issue of Unruly Paper Arts.

She lives in the Memphis, Tennessee, with her very supportive husband of 32 years, and her two Yorkies, Chloe and Zoe.

You can see more of Barbara’s work on her blog at Black Hole Art Studio or via Facebook – Black Hole Art Studio

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