Exploring New Techniques and Materials in Art

Curiosity drives artists to explore new methods and materials. This interest leads us to try different processes, with each brushstroke or color combination reflecting a willingness to explore what’s possible in art.

Art involves discovery. Stepping outside our comfort zones allows us to test new ideas and materials. By taking small risks in our practice, we expand our technical skills and bring more depth to our work. Balancing technique with the ability to convey complex emotions creates art that connects with viewers in a meaningful way.

Honoring Tradition While Exploring New Approaches

While tradition provides context in art, trying new techniques can open doors to different styles. Many artists today work beyond conventional approaches to shape new expressions of art and make unique contributions to the art world.

Transforming Everyday Materials in Art

Materials are the base of our work, and exploring different ones can add fresh elements to our practice. Experimenting with supplies not typically used for art can create surprising effects, allowing viewers to see art from a different perspective. From new textures to enhanced effects, materials can elevate artwork in distinct ways.

Each tool brings something unique to the process. Watercolors add transparency, oils bring depth, and digital tools offer precision and flexibility. By mixing materials and tools, we open up new ways to create, adding variety to our techniques and results.

Art supplies, traditionally designed for specific techniques, can be repurposed or combined in innovative ways to create unique effects and push artistic boundaries. Some things to think about (especially if you’re interested in mixing your materials): So what can we use to innovate within our practice? What supplies can impact our message?

Now for the fun part. Art supplies and experimentation! What could be some combinations to explore in your practice? Here are some of my favorites that I like to recommend to my students in order to begin exploring new ways to create.

Watercolor pencils

Watercolor pencils, when used on canvas, provide a sketchy texture. These lines can be activated with water to create a watercolor effect. When combined with acrylic or oil paints, they add intricate details and textures.

Acrylic Mediums!

Acrylic mediums can be so fun to experiment with—if you have walked past them in the art supply store and weren’t sure what to do with them, grab a few and start experimenting! Acrylic mediums, like molding paste or gel, can be used to create three-dimensional textures. These can be sculpted, carved, or molded to add depth and dimension to paintings, transforming a flat canvas into a textured masterpiece.

Found Objects

We think of collage mostly in a 2D manner…but what about if you use some found objects?! Everyday items like newspaper clippings, fabrics, or broken objects can be incorporated into collages. Mixed media collages allow artists to tell complex stories by juxtaposing diverse materials, creating intriguing visual narratives. Check out the the work by Robert Rauschenberg for inspiration.

Alcohol Ink

Alcohol Ink and Yupo paper are such a great combo to explore and experiment with in your new adventures in branching out in your material use. Alcohol inks, normally used on non-porous surfaces, can be applied on Yupo paper. The ink spreads, creating vibrant and unpredictable patterns. Artists can manipulate the ink with various tools to produce mesmerizing, organic designs. I have also experimented with alcohol inks on porous surfaces, like canvas and watercolor—it’s fun to see what happens!

Coffee (and tea!)

One of my favorites! Coffee and tea can be used as watercolor paints. The stains they create evoke a vintage, sepia-toned effect. Artists can control the intensity of the stain by varying the concentration, resulting in nuanced and atmospheric artworks. So fret not if you dip your brush by accident in your coffee—test it out and see how it works in your art!

Natural Pigments and Dye

My current obsession. It’s been fun to experiment with natural pigments and dyes derived from plants, minerals, or insects. These pigments create unique, earthy colors and textures, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to commercial paints. I’ve been making them into pain and also combining with the acrylic mediums above to make an even more interesting texture to work with in my pieces.

Final Thoughts

Art is an ongoing process of learning and exploration, where each new technique or material adds to our skills and deepens our understanding. Experimenting with different materials and methods gives us the flexibility to approach projects from various angles, allowing us to find techniques that suit each piece best. Trying new approaches in art can also help us better understand our preferences, refining our personal style over time. This doesn’t always mean making radical changes but can involve small adjustments, like using a different brush or trying a new medium, that ultimately shape our unique voice as artists.

Engaging with unfamiliar materials or methods may feel challenging at first, but it encourages problem-solving and adaptability. Each experiment, whether successful or not, teaches us something valuable, even if it’s simply discovering what doesn’t work. Building this resilience helps in developing a more adaptable approach to our creative process, making us more open to new ideas. Furthermore, keeping an open mind about materials and methods can prevent creative burnout. By adding variety to our practice, we keep our work engaging, which can be especially helpful when we feel stuck or uninspired. The goal isn’t always to produce a polished piece but to see where each experiment leads us. In this way, exploration becomes a core part of artistic growth.

In the end, each material, tool, and technique contributes to our artistic toolbox, giving us a range of options to draw on as we develop our practice. By staying curious and open to new possibilities, we can continue to evolve and refine our work, making our art journey as rewarding as the outcomes we produce.