School-aged kids will explore multiple mediums in this fun project. Our simple technique can easily be used at home or in the classroom.
Mixed media art simply means that an artist used multiple mediums to create the finished piece. This is a fun style of art that encourages artists to explore new techniques, mediums, and styles. This is one of those projects where we pull out numerous supplies and kids are free to create and explore on their own.
Related: Create more mixed media art with our fun monster project.
Supplies Needed to Make This Exploring Mediums Art Project
- Cardstock
- Pencils
- Bic Pen
- Colored Pencils
- Crayons
- Ruler
Directions to Make an Exploring Mediums Art Project
Step 1
First, use a pencil to lightly sketch a large image on the paper.
Step 2
With a pencil and ruler, lightly create a grid of vertical and horizontal lines covering the page.
Step 3
Finally, use one medium per square to complete the project. For example, one square will be completed using only pencil, another the Bic pen, another the colored pencil, and lastly the crayon. Continue to alternate mediums until grid is complete.
Finished Exploring Mediums Art Project
I love seeing multiple mediums showcased in one work of art! Since these projects are made on paper, they can easily be framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this Exploring Mediums Art Project
We enjoyed exploring mediums in this fun project. It’s neat to see the mediums merged together in one piece. Yet, the grid design still showcases the unique aspect of each medium.
Lessons We Learned:
- We sometimes struggled while completing our squares by accidentally crossing over the grid lines with a medium. We learned to slow down and focus on completing one square at a time.
- Each artist’s attention to detail easily impacts the length of this project.
- Artists should choose a design that covers a large majority of the page where they are not left trying to fill empty spaces.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
30 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Tools
- Pencils
- Bic Pen
- Colored Pencils
- Crayons
- Ruler
Instructions
- Use a pencil to lightly sketch a large image on the paper.
- With a pencil and ruler, lightly create a grid of vertical and horizontal lines covering the page.
- Use one medium per square to complete the project. For example, one square will be completed using only pencil, another the Bic pen, another the colored pencil, and lastly the crayon. Continue to alternate mediums until grid is complete.
Notes
Exploring Mediums Art Variations
- Complete project using any number and combination of mediums.
- Use a heavier bodied paper to explore wet mediums in this project.
- Alter size of grid to create more or less squares for exploring mediums.
Exploring Mediums Art Variations
- Complete project using any number and combination of mediums.
- Use a heavier bodied paper to explore wet mediums in this project.
- Alter size of grid to create more or less squares for exploring mediums.
Other Fun Mixed Media Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids like exploring various mediums in this project? What design did they draw on their paper?
