What Does Mixed Media Mean to Me?

"Nicole, what do you mean by mixed media?" I hear this question quite a bit at shows, and it's a great one!

Simply put, mixed media art includes more than one medium. It's not just acrylics or oils; it can be both, or something else entirely! Mixed media is about layering, experimenting, and combining different materials to create something unique and textured.

Close-up of one of my most recent paintings, "Just Having Fun"

In my mixed media pieces, I love to play with a variety of materials, including:

• acrylics

• oils

• cold wax

• modeling paste

• crackle paste

• plaster

• sand

• glitter

• gold/silver leaf

• pencils

• collage

All these and more find their way into my artwork. Each material brings something special to the table, creating depth and intrigue.

Lately, I've been particularly drawn to creating my own plaster mix and applying it as the first coat. It sets a fascinating foundation, both visually and texturally. Collage is another technique I adore, as it's thrilling to see which elements peek through to the final layers, adding stories and secrets to the piece.

Mixed media, to me, is about the joy of discovery and the beauty of complexity. It's a playground for my creativity, where different elements come together to tell a story, evoke an emotion, or simply mesmerize with their beauty.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of what mixed media means in the world of Nicole Simmons Art. It's a lot of exploration, and I'm so excited to see where it takes me next.