What is mixed media

Mixed media  is  artwork  that is created using  more than one medium in other words a combination of mediums assembled into one artwork.

Metal Blade by Dean McLeod, Mixed Media

Mixed media began with it's roots in, the art form, Collage (from French: to glue) with the   earliest examples of paper collage are the work of twelfth-century Japanese calligraphers, who prepared surfaces for their poems by gluing bits of paper and fabric to create a background for brushstrokes.
Artists in medieval times, beginning in the thirteenth century, often enhanced religious images with gemstones, elegant fibres, relics and precious metals.

Many interesting effects are achieved by modern day artists using mixed media such as photographs, edited digital images or objects such as glass, driftwood and even precious stones can be used in conjunction with traditional artist media, such as acrylics, watercolors and oil paints. In this manner, the different elements of the artwork become more flexible than with traditional artist media.

The surface materials used can be as varied as the mixed media, itself, however it is important that the layers are carefully assembled when creating a painted or photographed work using mixed media and allow enough drying time between the layers to ensure the final work will endure. Popular surface materials used are paper, canvas, foamcore and wood or fibreboard. It is important that the surface material is sturdy, to hold up over time so pliant surface materials such as paper are mounted onto a stronger backing material such as foamcore or board.