Mixed Media Collage

This mixed media art collage project is perfect for students of all ages and learning levels and inspires creative thinking.

Grade Levels

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grades

Objective

In this Mixed Media Art Collage lesson, students will create a mixed media collage using a variety of materials.

Time

2 – 60 min lessons

Materials

• Magazines
• Pencils
• Scissors
• Stamps of any kind
• Construction paper of any kind- Pacon Tru-Ray Construction Paper, 9″ x 12″, 10 Classic Colors, 50 Sheets (P103031)
• Stickers of any kind
• Glue Stick – Elmer’s Glue Stick (E4062) (7 sticks)
• (Calendar) images landscapes, pets, etc. (Dollar Store works great)
• 12×18 Watercolor paper – Canson XL Series Watercolor Textured Paper Pad for Paint, Pencil, Ink, Charcoal, Pastel, and Acrylic, Fold Over, 140 Pound, 12 x 18 Inch, 30 Sheets
• Brushes – Acrylic Paint Brush Set, 1 Packs / 10 pcs Nylon Hair Brushes for All Purpose Oil Watercolor Painting Artist Professional Kits
• Liquid Water Colors – Sargent Art 22-6010 10-Count 8-Ounce Watercolor Magic Set
  • Or this mini version for homeschooling – Sargent Art 22-6210 10-Count 4-Ounce Watercolor Magic
• Kleenex for blotting paint
• Sharpie Marker – Sharpie Permanent Marker, Fine Point, Black, Pack of 5
• Acrylic Paint – Crayola Washable Kids Paint Set, 10 Count

Inspiration/Artist

Mixed Media Collage

I was inspired to make this project from anything you can find on Google when you type in Mixed Media Collage.

Instruction with Questions

Day 1-2

Students will engage in a discussion about Mixed Media.  (What do you think mixed media is?)  

I created this PowerPoint Presentation about Mixed Media Art

• What makes this type of artwork unique?  
• Name kinds of things can you glue onto a paper or canvas? 
• Describe what else can you do to add to the artwork that doesn’t involve glue? i.e. paint, draw, color etc. 
• What qualities are unique to mixed media vs. drawing, painting etc by themselves?

The fabulous thing about Mixed Media Art is that it can literally be done by any age group and with numerous types of supplies many of which you may already have, or can easily acquire for free!

The main idea here is encouraging play and layers. I also encourage my students to choose a focal point. My example at the top is the kitten. It is the first thing your eye is drawn to and makes the rest of the scene make sense.

Use words from magazines etc, but also use a marker. It is important to have something drawn or written by hand. This adds a whole other dimension to the artwork.

Most importantly, have creative fun!