Examples of Mixing Acrylics and Collage: 3 Fun Examples to Try This Week

1. Layered Abstract Panels – The Easiest Example of Mixing Acrylics and Collage

Let’s start with the friendliest project, because confidence matters more than perfection here. This first project is a simple but powerful example of mixing acrylics and collage: small abstract panels built from color, paper, and a few bold marks.

Think of these as low-pressure “art warm-ups.” They’re small, fast, and forgiving—perfect if you’re new to mixed media.

How it works

You begin with a sturdy surface, like watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or a primed wood panel. Brush on loose acrylic layers: blocks of color, transparent washes, maybe a few drips. Don’t worry about a subject yet; you’re building a playground for your collage.

Once the paint is dry, you start adding collage elements: torn text, bits of envelopes, scraps of painted paper, or pieces of old maps. This is where the magic of these examples of mixing acrylics and collage: 3 fun examples really shows up—paint gives you atmosphere, collage gives you structure.

Concrete example: “Color Blocks + Newspaper Text”

One of the best examples of this style is a small 5x7 inch panel built from:

• A background of two acrylic colors: a deep teal and a warm coral, brushed on loosely so they overlap and create soft transitions.
• Torn newspaper headlines collaged in a diagonal band across the middle.
• A layer of transparent white acrylic glaze over part of the text so some words fade and others stay crisp.
• Final marks in black acrylic paint pen: a few looping lines that connect the collage pieces visually.

This kind of project shows how examples of mixing acrylics and collage don’t need to be complicated. You’re just:

• Painting a base
• Gluing down paper
• Painting and drawing on top again

You can repeat this process in layers until it feels interesting. That “push and pull” between hiding and revealing is one of the best examples of what makes mixed media so addictive.

Trend twist for 2024–2025

Lately, a lot of mixed media artists are leaning into sustainability—using junk mail, packaging, and old documents instead of buying fancy collage packs. It’s budget-friendly and better for the planet. If you’re curious about safe handling of older papers or materials (especially if they’re musty or dusty), organizations like the U.S. National Archives share general guidance on preserving and handling paper collections: https://www.archives.gov/preservation.

In your own studio, that might look like:

• Collaging security-print envelopes over an acrylic background
• Layering bits of brown paper grocery bags painted with leftover colors
• Using old to-do lists or receipts as texture instead of throwing them away

All of these are real examples of mixing acrylics and collage that feel current and personal.

2. Mixed Media Portraits – A More Expressive Example of Acrylics and Collage

Once you’re comfortable with abstract panels, portraits are a natural next step. They look advanced, but they’re just another example of mixing acrylics and collage—you’re still layering paint and paper, just with a face as your anchor.

Building a collage portrait

Start with a loose sketch of a face in pencil or charcoal. It doesn’t have to be realistic; think expressive, not perfect. Then:

• Block in large shapes of color with acrylics: skin tone, hair, background.
• Collage patterned paper into the hair, clothing, or background.
• Add smaller collage pieces to suggest shadows, highlights, or accessories.

You can seal your layers with acrylic medium as you go, which keeps everything workable and durable. Many art schools and museums share basic information on acrylic painting and materials—sites like the Smithsonian’s learning resources or university art departments (for example, the University of Washington’s art materials guides) can be helpful for understanding how acrylics behave over time: https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/art.

Concrete example: “Magazine Hair, Painted Face”

A favorite real example of mixing acrylics and collage: 3 fun examples is a portrait where:

• The face and neck are painted entirely in acrylics, using a limited palette of three colors plus white.
• The hair is built from overlapping collage pieces cut from fashion magazines—curls made from torn strips of dark photos, highlights from lighter pages.
• The background is a soft acrylic wash, with a few collaged circles or stars floating around the head.

The contrast between the smooth painted skin and the busy, textured collage hair makes the portrait feel lively and modern.

Concrete example: “Vintage Paper Skin Tones”

Another strong example of mixing acrylics and collage in portrait form:

• Instead of painting the entire face, you collage vintage book pages or sheet music into the face area.
• Then you glaze thin layers of acrylic color over the text, letting the words show through as subtle texture.
• You reinforce key features—eyes, nose, mouth—with acrylic paint and maybe a paint pen or pencil on top.

This gives you a face that looks layered and thoughtful, like it has a history built right into the skin.

Why portraits work so well as mixed media examples

Portraits are one of the best examples of how collage can carry meaning. The papers you choose—old letters, receipts, maps of hometowns—can echo the story of the person you’re painting. Even if you’re making an imaginary face, the materials themselves feel like memories.

If you’re working long hours on detailed portraits, remember to set up your workspace in a way that supports your body—good lighting, a comfortable chair, and regular breaks. The U.S. Department of Labor offers general ergonomics tips that translate nicely to art-making and studio work: https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics.

3. Storyboard Art Journals – Narrative Examples of Mixing Acrylics and Collage

The third of our examples of mixing acrylics and collage: 3 fun examples shifts from single images to a series: a mixed media art journal or “storyboard” spread. This is where acrylic paint and collage help you tell a story across multiple panels or pages.

Think of it like a visual diary entry. You’re not just making something pretty; you’re documenting a mood, a memory, or even your week.

Building a storyboard spread

Start with a spread in a mixed media sketchbook or a few loose sheets taped together on your table. Then:

• Paint loose acrylic backgrounds in related colors on each page or panel.
• Collage tickets, receipts, photos, or printed screenshots that relate to your story.
• Add titles, dates, or short phrases with acrylic markers or painted lettering.

Concrete example: “Weekend in Three Panels”

Here’s a real-world example of mixing acrylics and collage you can try:

Panel 1 – Anticipation

• Acrylic background in bright, energetic colors (yellows and oranges).
• Collaged text from a calendar page, the word “FRIDAY” torn from a magazine, and a coffee shop receipt.

Panel 2 – The Event

• Acrylic background in deeper, saturated colors.
• Collaged ticket stubs, a printed photo from your phone, and a tiny map snippet showing where you went.

Panel 3 – The Afterglow

• Softer acrylic colors, maybe blues and soft pinks.
• Collaged handwritten notes about how you felt, plus a few scraps of patterned paper that echo details from the earlier panels.

This is one of the best examples of mixing acrylics and collage for people who journal, scrapbook, or love storytelling. You’re using paint for mood, collage for facts and artifacts, and your own handwriting to tie it all together.

Concrete example: “Mood Tracker Pages”

Another modern example of mixing acrylics and collage in an art journal:

• Each day of the week gets a small rectangle painted in a specific color that matches your mood.
• Over each rectangle, you collage a tiny scrap from your day: a label, a piece of mail, a torn corner of a to-do list.
• At the end of the week, you have a colorful, textured record of how the week felt.

This approach is popular in 2024–2025 among artists who blend mental health journaling with creativity. While art journaling itself isn’t a replacement for professional care, it can be a helpful tool for reflection alongside guidance from health professionals. For broader information on mental health and self-care, resources from the National Institute of Mental Health can be a supportive starting point: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health.

More Real Examples of Mixing Acrylics and Collage You Can Steal

To give you even more ideas, here are additional examples of mixing acrylics and collage that build on the three main projects above. Think of these as quick prompts you can adapt to your style.

Travel map landscapes

Paint a simple landscape in acrylics—sky, land, maybe a river. Then collage map pieces into the land area: highways as rivers, city names as “towns” in your painting. This is a great example of mixing acrylics and collage where the paper choice adds instant meaning.

Botanical studies with layered labels

Paint loose flowers or leaves in acrylics. Collage seed packets, plant care tags, or pages from old gardening books into the background. The contrast between the painterly plants and the printed text makes the page feel rich and informative.

Music-inspired abstracts

Choose a favorite song. As you listen, paint an abstract acrylic background that matches the mood. Then collage sheet music, lyrics printed from your computer, or ticket stubs from concerts into the piece. This is another strong example of mixing acrylics and collage that connects directly to your personal experiences.

Minimalist neutrals with bold collage

If you prefer a calmer look, paint a mostly neutral acrylic background—whites, grays, soft browns. Then add just a few bold collage shapes in black, deep blue, or red. This contrast can feel very modern and works well for home decor pieces.

Each of these ideas is a real, practical example of how acrylics and collage can talk to each other on the same surface.

Simple Material Tips for Your Own Best Examples

If you want your own best examples of mixing acrylics and collage to hold up over time, a few material choices make a big difference.

• Use a decent weight surface: mixed media paper, watercolor paper, or primed wood. Thin paper buckles easily with wet acrylics and glue.
• Choose a flexible adhesive: acrylic matte medium or a collage-specific gel works better with acrylic paint than regular school glue.
• Work in layers: paint → collage → paint → collage. Let each layer dry so you don’t end up smearing.
• Seal your final piece with a thin coat of acrylic medium or varnish if you want extra protection.

If you ever start working with unusual materials (like old photos, fabric, or found objects), art conservation resources from museums and libraries can give you a sense of how different materials age together.

FAQ: Real-World Questions About Mixing Acrylics and Collage

What are some simple examples of mixing acrylics and collage for beginners?

Some of the easiest examples of mixing acrylics and collage include small abstract panels with painted backgrounds and torn magazine pieces, art journal pages with acrylic color blocks and collaged receipts, and portraits where the face is painted and the hair is built from patterned paper. Start small—postcard or 5x7 inch size—and treat each piece as a test, not a masterpiece.

Can I use regular glue with acrylics in collage?

You can, but it’s not always the best option. Regular school glue can dry brittle or cloudy and may not bond well with heavier papers. Acrylic matte medium or gel medium is usually a better choice because it’s designed to work with acrylic paint and stays flexible. Many university art departments and museum education pages recommend acrylic mediums for mixed media because they’re compatible with acrylic binders.

Do I paint first or collage first?

In most examples of mixing acrylics and collage, artists start with paint to establish big shapes and colors, then collage, then add more paint on top. That said, you can absolutely glue down a few interesting papers first and then paint around them. Think of it as a conversation between paint and paper, not a strict order.

What’s one advanced example of mixing acrylics and collage I can work toward?

A more advanced example of mixing acrylics and collage is a large portrait or multi-panel series that mixes painted figures, collaged text from personal letters, and symbolic imagery like maps or botanical drawings. You might create a three-panel piece about a family story, using acrylics for the people and collage for dates, locations, and key phrases.

If you take nothing else from these examples of mixing acrylics and collage: 3 fun examples, let it be this: you don’t need fancy materials or perfect drawing skills to start. You need a surface, some paint, some paper, and a willingness to see what happens when they overlap. The rest comes from practice—and a little bit of playful mess.